Patent Grant
11236523
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to swimming pool cleaners and, more particularly, to automatic swimming pool cleaners movable along all pool surfaces including a pool waterline or water surface for purposes of cleaning debris therefrom, associated apparatus for separating debris from a fluid stream traveling through the swimming pool cleaner, and apparatus for facilitating maintenance of a swimming pool cleaner and associated apparatus.
Swimming pools commonly require a significant amount of maintenance. Beyond the treatment and filtration of pool water, the bottom wall (the “floor”) and side walls of a pool (the floor and the side walls collectively, the “walls” of the pool) are scrubbed regularly. Additionally, leaves and other debris often times elude a pool filtration system and settle on the bottom of the pool, get stuck at the pool waterline, or float on the pool water surface.
Automated pool cleaning devices, e.g., swimming pool cleaners, have been developed to routinely navigate about the pool walls, cleaning as they go. A rotating cylindrical roller (formed of foam and/or provided with a brush) can be included on the bottom of the pool cleaner to scrub the pool walls, while a pump system continuously circulates water through a filter assembly of the pool cleaner capturing debris and any suspended particulate therein. The pool cleaner lengthens the life of the main pool filter (e.g., a sand, diatomaceous earth (D. E.), or cartridge filter) in fluid communication with the fluid circulation line of the swimming pool, and reduces the time between changes or backwash cycles of the main filter.
The pool cleaner's filter assembly often includes traditional filter elements, such as bags, mesh, baskets, etc., that are utilized to trap any debris and particulate removed from a pool surface by the cleaner. These traditional filter elements generally have limited surface area that can quickly become clogged or occluded by the debris and particulate that they are utilized to contain. As the filter elements become clogged the cleaner can start to operate improperly, for example, the cleaner may lose suction performance. Once the filter elements have become sufficiently clogged, or have been occluded to a point that cleaner performance has been reduced below a desired level, the filter elements have to be cleaned or replaced. This can often occur prior to the debris retention area of a pool cleaner being completely full. That is, the surface of the bag, mesh, or basket can become clogged prior to the debris retention volume thereof being filled to capacity. Further, to rinse or replace the filter elements, or empty the basket, a user will often have to directly handle the filter element and subsequently debris, and in the case of a basket, will have to open a lid of the cleaner to retrieve the basket from within the unit and spray the basket with water which may result in debris and water getting on them.
During cleaning, the pool cleaner will traverse the pool surfaces brushing or scrubbing the debris therefrom, often encountering obstacles, such as lights, drains, etc., along the way. These obstacles can cause the cleaner to get stuck for the duration of a cleaning period, resulting in the pool being only partially cleaned.
What is needed in the art is an automatic swimming pool cleaner that debris is easily cleaned from, enhances filtering operation, and/or traversal through the pool. These and other needs are addressed by the swimming pool cleaner of the present disclosure.
Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to swimming pool cleaners having improved filters and drive systems.
More particularly, an improved swimming pool cleaner is provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In some example embodiments, the swimming pool cleaner includes a hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly and/or a drive assembly having six driven brushed rollers.
In some example embodiments, the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly is interconnected with an intake of the pool cleaner and generally includes a fluid turbine subassembly and a canister subassembly. For example, the canister subassembly is connectable with the intake of the pool cleaner and includes a canister body having a tangential outlet to an inner chamber thereof, a filtering medium (which can be, for example, a coarsely perforated surface or mesh), a fine debris container, one or more cyclone containers, and a central outlet in fluidic communication with the tangential outlet. Continuing with discussion of example embodiments, the filtering medium is positioned within the canister, the one or more cyclone containers are positioned within the filtering medium, and the fine debris container is positioned below the one or more cyclone containers. The cyclone containers each include a body having a tangential inlet, a fine debris underflow nozzle, and an overflow opening. The fluid turbine subassembly is positioned within the canister subassembly and configured to permit acceleration of fluid through the central outlet of the canister subassembly and pulling of fluid through the entirety of the canister subassembly and the intake. A motor housing includes a pump motor operatively connected to an impeller for same. Fluid being pulled through the canister subassembly and intake enters the canister body at the tangential inlet forming a cyclonic flow (e.g., a first cyclonic flow) about a first axis within the canister body and between the canister body and the filtering medium. The example first cyclonic flow includes debris-laden fluid having small and large debris, with the large debris being separated from the flow through cyclonic action and contact with the canister body and the filtering medium. The separated large debris falls to a lower portion of the canister body where it is retained. A portion of the first cyclonic flow is pulled across the filtering medium and into one or more cyclones containers. Continuing with discussions of some example embodiments, the fluid (e.g., the now once-filtered debris-laden fluid) enters the one or more cyclone containers at the respective tangential inlet, forming a cyclonic flow (e.g., a second cyclonic flow) about a second axis within each cyclone container. The second cyclonic flow includes once-filtered debris laden fluid having small debris that is separated from the fluid through contact with the cyclone container body. The debris separated in the cyclone container body falls through the underflow nozzle of each cyclone container where it is captured by the fine debris container. The fluid is then pulled out from the overflow opening of the one or more cyclone containers and ejected from the canister subassembly through the central outlet by the fluid turbine subassembly.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the canister subassembly can include a vortex finder positioned within the overflow opening of each of the one or more cyclone containers that focuses slow-moving fluid so that it can be evacuated from each cyclone container.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the cyclone container body can be tapered or include a tapered end that reduces the radius of the second cyclonic flow to separate decreasingly smaller particles therefrom.
The swimming pool cleaner can include a latch for removably retaining the hydrocyclonic particle separator in connection with the motor housing, and the hydrocyclonic particle separator can include a quick-release latch for allowing easy opening of the canister subassembly. The canister body can include a lower portion and an upper portion engaged by a hinge. The latch includes a resiliently-flexible body and a slanted head having an engagement surface, while the hydrocyclonic particle separator includes a locking interface configured to be engaged by the engagement surface of the latch. The quick-release latch can include a body having a shaped head including a latching surface at one end, a user-engageable tab at an opposite end of the shaped head, a spring, and a pivot positioned between the shaped head and the user-engageable tab. The quick-release latch is mounted to a bracket on the upper portion of the canister body by the pivot, with the spring between the user-engageable tab and the canister body. The spring biases the quick-release latch into a first latched position where the latching surface of the shaped head is adjacent and in engagement with a ridge that extends radially from the lower portion of the canister body, preventing the upper and lower portions of the canister body from being separated. Pressing the user-engageable tab compresses the spring and moves the quick-release latch into a second released position where there is clearance between the latching surface of the shaped head and the ridge, allowing the upper and lower portions of the canister body to be separated through rotation about the hinge.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a pool cleaner is provided with six rollers for enhanced control when driven over surfaces, such as convex or concave surfaces with high local curvature, such as step edges, main drain covers, walls, and surfaces with low friction coefficients, for example. In preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, the motor housing, which can house a pump motor, houses a first drive motor and a second drive motor. In some embodiments, a first gear train operatively connects the first drive motor with a first roller set of three rollers, such that each one of the three rollers of the first roller set turn at the same rate as each other one thereof (first rate), and a second gear train operatively connects the second drive motor with a second set of three rollers, such that each one of the three rollers of the second roller set turn at the same rate as each other one thereof (the second rate). Depending upon the desired navigational outcome, for example, the first rate can be less than, greater than, and/or substantially equal to the second rate. Additionally and/or alternatively, the first set of rollers can rotate in a first direction, while the second roller set can rotate in a second direction opposite the first direction.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary pool cleaner is provided that includes a canister body, a filtering medium assembly and a cyclone block. The canister body includes an inner chamber within inner walls of the canister body. The filtering medium assembly can be disposed within the inner chamber of the canister body. The cyclone block can be disposed within the inner chamber of the canister body. In some embodiments, the cyclone block can be at least partially surrounded by the filtering medium assembly. The cyclone block includes a plurality of cyclone containers. A first cyclonic flow can be generated between the inner walls of the canister body and the filtering medium assembly. A second cyclonic flow can be generated within each of the plurality of cyclone containers.
In some embodiments, the canister body can define a cylindrical configuration. The canister body includes a tangential inlet. The filtering medium assembly includes a filtering medium support and a filtering medium. The filtering medium assembly can be configured and dimensioned to separate large debris particles from a fluid flow during the first cyclonic flow.
Each of the cyclone containers includes a cylindrical cyclone chamber with a tangential inlet and a debris underflow nozzle. The cyclone containers can be radially disposed around a central axis. In some embodiments, each of the cyclone containers includes a cylindrical top portion, a frustoconical bottom portion and a debris underflow nozzle at a distal end of the cyclone container. In some embodiments, the plurality of cyclone containers can include a first set of radially disposed cyclone containers and a second set of radially disposed cyclone containers positioned around the first set of radially disposed cyclone containers. Each of the plurality of cyclone containers can be configured and dimensioned to separate small debris particles from a fluid flow during the second cyclonic flow.
The pool cleaner includes a large debris container hingedly connected to a bottom edge of the canister body. The large debris container can include a dish including upwardly angled side walls. The pool cleaner includes a debris separator ring disposed between the filtering medium assembly and the large debris container. The debris separator ring includes a mesh ring configured and dimensioned to maintain large debris particles within the large debris container.
The pool cleaner includes a fine debris container disposed within the inner chamber of the canister body. In some embodiments, the fine debris container can include a rounded dish including a central hub. In some embodiments, the fine debris container includes a dish and a central radial extension protruding from a bottom surface of the fine debris container. The central radial extension can define an inner chamber configured and dimensioned to maintain small debris particles separated from a fluid flow during the second cyclonic flow. The central radial extension can be disposed against the dish of the large debris container. The central radial extension can maintain a separation between the small debris particles within the inner chamber and large debris particles collected in the large debris container. The pool cleaner can include a gasket disposed between the dish of the large debris container and the central radial extension. The gasket can maintain separation between the small debris particles within the inner chamber and the large debris particles collected in the large debris container. Positioning the large debris container in an open position relative to the canister body simultaneously empties the large debris container and the inner chamber of the fine debris container, thereby simultaneously removing the large and small debris particles from the pool cleaner.
The pool cleaner can include a ring of vortex finders. Each of the vortex finders can be positioned within respective cyclone containers of the plurality of cyclone containers. The ring of vortex finders can include a central portion and a plurality of perimeter flaps Each of the perimeter flaps can include a vortex finder. In some embodiments, a top surface of the central portion can be recessed relative to surfaces of the plurality of perimeter flaps. Each of the plurality of perimeter flaps can be hingedly connected to a polygonal perimeter of the central portion.
The pool cleaner includes a top cap disposed over the canister body. In some embodiments, the top cap includes a plurality of radially arched tubes defining a chamber extending to an outlet of the pool cleaner. In some embodiments, the top cap includes a plurality of rounded lobes defining a chamber extending to an outlet of the pool cleaner.
In some embodiments, the pool cleaner includes a drive assembly including one front roller, one rear roller, and two middle rollers. In some embodiments, the pool cleaner includes a drive assembly including two front rollers, two middle rollers, and two rear rollers.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary pool cleaner is provided that includes a drive assembly, a motor housing and a hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly. In some embodiments, the drive assembly can include one single front roller, one single rear roller, a first middle roller and a second middle roller. The first and second middle rollers can be disposed adjacent to each other. The motor housing can be mounted relative to the drive assembly. The motor housing includes a first drive motor and a second drive motor. The hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly can be mounted to the motor housing. The first drive motor can drive rotation of the one single front roller and the first middle roller. The second drive motor can drive rotation of the one single rear roller and the second middle roller. The first drive motor can drive the one single front roller and the first middle roller at the same rate. The second drive motor can drive the one single rear roller and the second middle roller at the same rate.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary pool cleaner is provided that includes a drive assembly, a motor housing and a hydrocyclonic particle separator. The drive assembly includes a first front roller, a second front roller, a first middle roller, a second middle roller, a first rear roller, and a second rear roller. The first and second front rollers can be disposed adjacent to each other. The first and second middle rollers can be disposed adjacent to each other. The first and second rear rollers can be disposed adjacent to each other. The motor housing can be mounted relative to the drive assembly. The motor housing includes a first drive motor and a second drive motor. The hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly can be mounted to the motor housing. The first drive motor can drive rotation of the first front roller, the first middle roller and the first rear roller. The second drive motor can drive rotation of the second front roller, the second middle roller and the second rear roller. The first drive motor can drive the first front roller, the first middle roller and the first rear roller at the same rate. The second drive motor can drive the second front roller, the second middle roller and the second rear roller at the same rate.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary pool cleaner is provided that includes a canister body, a filter medium, a cyclone block, a sleeve, a shaft, an impeller, a top cap, and a guard (e.g., diffuser). The canister body can include an inlet, a top, and a bottom that has a central opening. The canister body can also define an inner chamber that the filter medium and cyclone block can be disposed within. The cyclone block can include a plurality of cyclone containers and a central opening. In some embodiments, the canister body can be at least partially surrounded by the filter medium. The sleeve can have a first end and a second end, and can extend through the central opening of the cyclone block and be positioned within the cyclone block such that the second end of the sleeve is adjacent the central opening of the canister body. The shaft can include a first end and a second end, and extend through the sleeve with the first end of the shaft extending from the first end of the sleeve. The impeller can be engaged with the first end of the shaft. The top cap can include an outlet and can cover the cyclone block. The guard can be engaged with the top cap and cover the top cap outlet. A first cyclonic flow can be generated between the canister body and the filtering medium assembly. A second cyclonic flow can be generated within each of the plurality of cyclone containers.
In some embodiments of the disclosure, the canister body can defines a cylindrical configuration, while the inlet of the canister body can be a tangential inlet. The filter medium can include a plurality of embossments that form a plurality of pockets in the filter medium, and can be configured to separate large debris particles from a fluid flow during the first cyclonic flow.
Each of the cyclone containers can include a cylindrical cyclone chamber with a first tangential inlet and a debris underflow nozzle. In some embodiments of the disclosure, each of the cyclone containers include a second tangential inlet. The cyclone containers can be radially disposed around a central axis. Additionally, the cyclone containers can each include a cylindrical top portion, a frustoconical bottom portion, and a debris underflow nozzle at a distal end of the cyclone container.
In some embodiments of the disclosure, the plurality of cyclone containers can include a first set of radially disposed cyclone containers and a second set of radially disposed cyclone containers that are positioned around the first set of radially disposed cyclone containers. The cyclone containers can also be radially disposed around a first central axis with the cyclone containers of the second set of radially disposed cyclone containers each having a second central axis such that the central axis of each cyclone container of the second set of radially disposed cyclone containers is at an angle with respect to the first central axis. Each of the plurality of cyclone containers can be configured to separate small debris particles from a fluid flow during the second cyclonic flow.
The pool cleaner can include a large debris container hingedly connected to a bottom edge of the canister body. The pool cleaner can also includes a fine debris subassembly disposed within the inner chamber of the canister body. The fine debris subassembly can include a fine debris container having a dish and a central tubular extension. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the fine debris subassembly can also include a fine debris container top having a top circular plate and a central tubular extension extending from the top circular plate that is positioned within the central tubular extension of the fine debris container. An inner chamber can be defined between the central tubular extension of the fine debris container top and the central tubular extension of the fine debris container. The inner chamber can be configured and dimensioned to maintain small debris particles separated from a fluid flow during the second cyclonic flow.
The pool cleaner can include a gasket positioned within the inner chamber and engaged with the central tubular extension of the fine debris container top and the central tubular extension of the fine debris container. The gasket can maintain separation between the small debris particles within the inner chamber and the large debris particles collected in the large debris container. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the large debris container can be positioned in an open position to simultaneously empty the large debris container and the inner chamber of the fine debris container.
The pool cleaner can also include a ring of vortex finders with each of the vortex finders positioned within respective cyclone containers of the plurality of cyclone containers. The ring of vortex finders can include a central portion and a plurality of curved protrusions that each include a vortex finder. The central portion can be recessed relative to surfaces of the plurality of curved protrusions, and each of the plurality of curved protrusions can be hingedly connected to a polygonal perimeter of the central portion.
In some embodiments of the disclosure, the top cap can include a plurality of rounded lobes that define a chamber extending to the outlet. The top cap can also include a plurality of channels extending into the chamber that provide a fluid path into the chamber. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the guard (e.g., diffuser) is removably connected to the top cap.
In some embodiments of the disclosure, the shaft can be rotatably engaged with the sleeve while the sleeve can be engaged with the guard. The guard, sleeve, shaft, and impeller can be removable as a single unit.
The pool cleaner can also include a beauty cap that has a top opening. The beauty cap can be removably positioned over the top cap and the guard with the guard extending through the top opening of the beauty cap.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary pool cleaner is provided that includes a canister body, a filter medium, a cyclone block, a top cap, and an impeller subassembly. The canister body can include an inlet, a top, and a bottom that has a central opening. The canister body can also define an inner chamber that the filter medium and the cyclone block can be disposed within. The cyclone block can include a plurality of cyclone containers and a central opening. In some embodiments, the canister body can be at least partially surrounded by the filter medium. The top cap can include an outlet and can cover the cyclone block. The impeller subassembly can include a sleeve, a shaft, a retention ring, an impeller, and a guard. The sleeve can have a first end and a second end. The shaft can include a first end and a second end, and extend through the sleeve with the first end of the shaft extending from the first end of the sleeve. The shaft can be rotatable within the sleeve. The retention ring can be connected to the shaft to prevent the shaft from being removed through the central opening of the bottom of the canister body. The impeller can be engaged with the first end of the shaft. The guard can be secured to the sleeve and the top cap at the top cap outlet. A portion of the impeller subassembly can be positioned within the inner chamber of the canister body with the sleeve and shaft extending through the central opening of the cyclone block. A portion of the sleeve and shaft can be positioned within the cyclone block such that the second end of the sleeve is adjacent the central opening of the canister body. The guard can be disengaged from the top cap so that the impeller subassembly can be removed from the inner chamber of the canister body and the cyclone block as a single unit. A first cyclonic flow can be generated between the canister body and the filtering medium assembly. A second cyclonic flow can be generated within each of the plurality of cyclone containers.
In some embodiments of the disclosure, the guard can be a diffuser that includes a shroud that defines an inner chamber and the impeller can be positioned within the inner chamber and radially spaced from the shroud. The shroud can include an open end having a plurality of fins, and the impeller can be axially spaced from the fins.
The pool cleaner can include at least one bearing positioned about the shaft and between the shaft and the sleeve. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the shaft can slide axially within the at least one bearing. The shaft can include a first coupling member configured to engage a second coupling member of a motor, and can slide axially within the at least one bearing when it engages the second coupling member and absorb any impact forces. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the sleeve can include a plurality of mounting bosses and the guard can include a plurality of mounting protrusions that can be secured with the plurality of mounting bosses in order to secure the guard to the sleeve.
In some embodiments of the disclosure, the filter medium can be configured to separate large debris particles from a fluid flow during the first cyclonic flow, and each of the plurality of cyclone containers can be configured to separate small debris particles from a fluid flow during the second cyclonic flow.
Each of the cyclone containers can include a cylindrical cyclone chamber with a first tangential inlet and a debris underflow nozzle. In some embodiments of the disclosure, each of the cyclone containers include a second tangential inlet. The cyclone containers can be radially disposed around a central axis.
In some embodiments of the disclosure, the plurality of cyclone containers can include a first set of radially disposed cyclone containers and a second set of radially disposed cyclone containers that are positioned around the first set of radially disposed cyclone containers. The cyclone containers can also be radially disposed around a first central axis with the cyclone containers of the second set of radially disposed cyclone containers each having a second central axis such that the central axis of each cyclone container of the second set of radially disposed cyclone containers is at an angle with respect to the first central axis.
The pool cleaner can include a large debris container hingedly connected to a bottom edge of the canister body. The pool cleaner can also includes a fine debris subassembly disposed within the inner chamber of the canister body. The fine debris subassembly can include a fine debris container having a dish and a central tubular extension. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the fine debris subassembly can also include a fine debris container top having a top circular plate and a central tubular extension extending from the top circular plate that is positioned within the central tubular extension of the fine debris container. An inner chamber can be defined between the central tubular extension of the fine debris container top and the central tubular extension of the fine debris container. The inner chamber can be configured and dimensioned to maintain small debris particles separated from a fluid flow during the second cyclonic flow.
The pool cleaner can include a gasket positioned within the inner chamber and engaged with the central tubular extension of the fine debris container top and the central tubular extension of the fine debris container. The gasket can maintain separation between the small debris particles within the inner chamber and the large debris particles collected in the large debris container. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the large debris container can be positioned in an open position to simultaneously empty the large debris container and the inner chamber of the fine debris container.
The pool cleaner can also include a ring of vortex finders with each of the vortex finders positioned within respective cyclone containers of the plurality of cyclone containers.
In some embodiments of the disclosure, the top cap can include a plurality of rounded lobes that define a chamber extending to the outlet. The top cap can also include a plurality of channels extending into the chamber that provide a fluid path into the chamber. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the guard is removably connected to the top cap.
The pool cleaner can also include a beauty cap that has a central opening. The beauty cap can be removably positioned over the top cap and the guard with the guard extending through the central opening of the beauty cap.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary impeller subassembly for a pool cleaner is provided that includes a sleeve, a shaft, a retention ring, an impeller, and a guard. The sleeve can have a first end and a second end. The shaft can include a first end and a second end, and can be positioned within the sleeve with the first end of the shaft extending from the first end of the sleeve. The shaft can be rotatable within the sleeve. The impeller can be engaged with the first end of the shaft. The guard can be secured to the sleeve. The impeller subassembly can be removably engaged with debris container of a pool cleaner and can be removed from the debris container of the pool cleaner as a single unit.
In some embodiments of the disclosure, the guard is a diffuser that includes a shroud that defines an inner chamber and the impeller can be positioned within the inner chamber and radially spaced from the shroud. The shroud can include an open end having a plurality of ribs, and the impeller can be axially spaced from the fins.
The impeller subassembly can include at least one bearing positioned about the shaft and between the shaft and the sleeve. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the shaft can slide axially within the at least one bearing. The shaft can include a first coupling member configured to engage a second coupling member of a motor, and can slide axially within the at least one bearing when it engages the second coupling member and absorb any impact forces. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the sleeve can include a plurality of mounting bosses and the guard can include a plurality of mounting protrusions that can be secured with the plurality of mounting bosses in order to secure the guard to the sleeve.
In some embodiment of the disclosure, the impeller subassembly can be in combination with the pool cleaner.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary pool cleaner is provided that includes a canister body, a filter medium, a cyclone block, and a check valve. The canister body can include an inlet and define an inner chamber that the filter medium and the cyclone block can be disposed within. The cyclone block can include a plurality of cyclone containers. In some embodiments, the canister body can be at least partially surrounded by the filter medium. The check valve can be secured within the inlet and can include a frame, a medium, and a rigid rod. The medium can have a proximal end, a distal end, a body that extends between the proximal end and the distal end, and a pocket in the body that extends from the proximal end to the distal end. The proximal end of the medium can be secured to the frame. The rigid rod can be positioned within the pocket of the medium. The check valve can be positioned in two different positions, a first position and a second position. The check valve is positioned in the first position when fluid is flowing through the check valve in a first direction, and positioned in the second position when fluid is flowing through the check valve in a second direction. When in the first position, debris can flow through the check valve. When in the second position, debris is prevented from flowing through the check valve. A first cyclonic flow can be generated between the canister body and the filtering medium assembly. A second cyclonic flow can be generated within each of the plurality of cyclone containers.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the inlet of the canister body can include an inner latching shoulder and the frame can include a flexible locking tab. In such embodiments, the check valve can be removably secured within the inlet through engagement of the flexible locking tab with the inner latching shoulder and can be removed from the inlet by flexing the flexible locking tab to disengage the flexible locking tab and the inner latching shoulder.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, when the check valve is in the first position the rigid rod is substantially horizontal and does not obstruct the frame with the medium, while when the check valve is in the second position the rigid rod is substantially vertical adjacent the frame and obstructs the frame with the medium. The medium can be constructed of a flexible mesh material, and can be sewn around the frame or overmolded to the frame.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary check valve is provided that includes a frame, a medium, and a rigid rod. The medium can have a proximal end, a distal end, a body that extends between the proximal end and the distal end, and a pocket in the body that extends from the proximal end to the distal end. The proximal end of the medium can be secured to the frame. The rigid rod can be positioned within the pocket of the medium. The check valve can be positioned in two different positions, a first position and a second position. The check valve is positioned in the first position when fluid is flowing through the check valve in a first direction, and positioned in the second position when fluid is flowing through the check valve in a second direction. When in the first position, debris can flow through the check valve. When in the second position, debris is prevented from flowing through the check valve.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the check valve can include a flexible locking tab that is configured to releasably secure the check valve within an inlet of a hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, when the check valve is in the first position the rigid rod is substantially horizontal and does not obstruct the frame with the medium, while when the check valve is in the second position the rigid rod is substantially vertical adjacent the frame and obstructs the frame with the medium. The medium can be constructed of a flexible mesh material, and can be sewn around the frame or overmolded to the frame.
In some embodiment of the disclosure, the check valve can be in combination with the pool cleaner.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary filter medium is provided that includes a body and a first plurality of embossments formed in the body. The body can have a first side and a second side, and be formed of a filter material. The first plurality of embossments can form a first plurality of convexities extending from the first side of the body and a first plurality of concavities extending into the second side of the body. The first plurality of concavities and the first plurality of convexities can provide flow channels for water to flow through when debris is attached to the body.
The filter medium can include a second set of embossments formed in the body. The second set of embossments can form a second plurality of convexities extending from the second side of the body and a second plurality of concavities extending into the first side of the body. The first and second plurality of concavities and the first and second plurality of convexities can provide flow channels for water to flow through when debris is attached to the body. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the first and second plurality of embossments can be formed in the body such that the convexities of the first plurality of convexities of the first plurality of embossments are adjacent to the concavities of the second plurality of concavities of the second plurality of embossments, and the convexities of the second plurality of convexities of the second plurality of embossments are adjacent the concavities of the first plurality of concavities of the first plurality of embossments.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure the filter medium can be a fabric mesh, a plastic mesh, a molded mesh, a foam, or a coarse screening media. Additionally, the filter medium body can have an arcuate shape and can be configured to be connected to a support structure. The filter medium can also be in combination with the pool cleaner.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary pool cleaner is provided that includes a body, a hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly, and a handle. The body includes a chassis that has a first catch and a second catch. The hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly can be positioned on the chassis between the first catch and the second catch. The handle has a body, a first locking hook, and a second locking hook. The body of the handle can have a first end and a second end, with the first locking hook extending from the first end and the second locking hook extending from the second end. The handle can be rotatably engaged with the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly such that it can be rotated between an unlocked position and a locked position. When in the unlocked position, the first and second locking hooks are disengaged from the first and second catches and the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly can be removed from the chassis. When in the locked position the first and second locking hooks are engaged with the first and second catches and the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly is secured to the chassis.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first and second locking hooks can include a recess and an engagement surface, and a portion of the first and second catches can be positioned within the recesses and engage the engagement surfaces of the first and second locking hooks when the handle is positioned in the locked position. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the first and second catches can include a recess and an engagement surface, and a portion of the first and second locking hooks can be positioned within the recesses and engage the engagement surfaces of the first and second catches when the handle is positioned in the locked position.
The hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly can include a first engagement tab and a second engagement tab, and the handle can be rotatably engaged with the first and second engagement tabs. Additionally, the handle can include a first mounting boss and a second mounting boss, such that the first mounting boss can be rotatably engaged with the first engagement tab while the second mounting boss can be rotatably engaged with the second engagement tab. The first mounting boss can include a first channel, the second mounting boss can include a second channel, the first engagement tab can include a first protrusion, and the second engagement tab can include a second protrusion. When the handle is in the unlocked position the first protrusion can be positioned within the first channel and the second protrusion can be positioned within the second channel.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the handle can include a plurality of locking tabs and the hydrocylonic particle separator assembly can include a plurality of notches. The plurality of flexible locking tabs can be engaged with the plurality of notches when the handle is in the locked position.
The hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly can include a first pair of guide vanes separated by a first channel and a second pair of guide vanes separated by a second channel. The first channel can receive the first catch or the second catch and the second channel can receive the other of the first catch or the second catch in order to position the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly on the chassis.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary pool cleaner is provided that includes a body and a hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly. The body includes a chassis that has a first catch and a second catch. The hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly includes a canister body, a filter medium, a cyclone block, a first engagement tab, a second engagement tab, and a handle. The hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly can be positioned on the chassis. The canister body can include an inlet and define an inner chamber that the filter medium and the cyclone block can be disposed within. The cyclone block can include a plurality of cyclone containers. In some embodiments, the canister body can be at least partially surrounded by the filter medium. The handle has a body, a first locking hook, and a second locking hook. The body of the handle can have a first end and a second end, with the first locking hook extending from the first end and the second locking hook extending from the second end. The handle can be rotatably engaged with the first and second engagement tabs of the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly such that it can be rotated between an unlocked position and a locked position. When in the unlocked position, the first and second locking hooks are disengaged from the first and second catches and the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly can be removed from the chassis. When in the locked position the first and second locking hooks are engaged with the first and second catches and the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly is secured to the chassis.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first and second locking hooks can include a recess and an engagement surface, and a portion of the first and second catches can be positioned within the recesses and engage the engagement surfaces of the first and second locking hooks when the handle is positioned in the locked position. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the first and second catches can include a recess and an engagement surface, and a portion of the first and second locking hooks can be positioned within the recesses and engage the engagement surfaces of the first and second catches when the handle is positioned in the locked position.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the handle can include a first mounting boss and a second mounting boss, such that the first mounting boss can be rotatably engaged with the first engagement tab while the second mounting boss can be rotatably engaged with the second engagement tab. The first mounting boss can include a first channel, the second mounting boss can include a second channel, the first engagement tab can include a first protrusion, and the second engagement tab can include a second protrusion. When the handle is in the unlocked position the first protrusion can be positioned within the first channel and the second protrusion can be positioned within the second channel.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the handle can include a plurality of locking tabs and the hydrocylonic particle separator assembly can include a plurality of notches. The plurality of flexible locking tabs can be engaged with the plurality of notches when the handle is in the locked position.
The hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly can include a first pair of guide vanes separated by a first channel and a second pair of guide vanes separated by a second channel. The first channel can receive the first catch or the second catch and the second channel can receive the other of the first catch or the second catch in order to position the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly on the chassis.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary pool cleaner is provided that includes a chassis, a hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly mounted to the chassis, a first roller set, a second roller set, a first roller drive gear train, a second roller drive gear train, a first roller drive gear box, a second roller drive gear box, and a motor box. The chassis can have a motor box housing, a first drive gear box housing, and a second drive gear box housing. The first roller drive gear train can be in mechanical communication with the first roller set, and the second roller drive gear train can be in mechanical communication with the second roller set. The first roller drive gear box can include a housing and a first gear stack secured within the housing. The first roller drive gear box can also be removably mounted within the first drive gear box housing and in mechanical communication with the first roller drive gear train. The second roller drive gear box can include a housing and a second gear stack secured within the housing. The second roller drive gear box can be removably mounted within the second drive gear box housing and in mechanical communication with the second roller drive gear train. The motor box can include a first drive motor and a second drive motor. The motor box can be mounted within the motor box housing with the first drive motor in mechanical communication with the first gear stack and the second drive motor in mechanical communication with the second gear stack.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first and second drive gear box housings can include sidewalls, and the first and second first and second roller drive gear boxes can include sidewalls that match the sidewalls of the first and second drive gear box housings in order to align the first and second roller drive gear boxes when they are positioned within the first and second drive gear box housings. The first and second drive gear box housings can also include a plurality of mounts, while the first and second first and second roller drive gear boxes include a plurality of mounting tabs that align with the mounts, which positions the first and second roller drive gear boxes within the first and second drive gear box housings.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first and second roller drive gear boxes can include a removable lid that is secured to the housing, and the first and gear stacks are accessible when the lid is removed from the housing.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the housing can include an opening and the first roller drive gear train can include a first drive gear. In such embodiments, a gear of the first gear stack can extend out from the opening in the housing and drive rotation of the first drive gear of the first roller drive gear train, and a gear of the second gear stack can extend out from the opening in the housing and drive rotation of a second drive gear of the second roller drive gear train.
The pool cleaner can include a first axle and a second axle. The first axle can be engaged and rotate with the first drive gear and the gear of the first gear stack, which drive rotation of the first axle. The second axle can be engaged and rotate with the second drive gear and the gear of the second gear stack, which drives rotation of the second axle.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first roller set can include a first front roller, a first middle roller, and a first rear roller. The first drive motor can drive the first front roller, the first middle roller, and the first rear roller at the same rate. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second roller set includes a second front roller, a second middle roller, and a second rear roller. The second drive motor can drive the second front roller, the second middle roller, and the second rear roller at the same rate.
In other embodiments of the present disclosure, first roller set includes a first front roller, a first middle roller, and a first rear roller, while the second roller set includes a second front roller, a second middle roller, and a second rear roller; and the first and second front rollers are disposed adjacent to each other, the first and second middle rollers are disposed adjacent to each other, and the first and second rear rollers are disposed adjacent to each other.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first drive motor drives the first front roller, the first middle roller, and the first rear roller at a first rate, and the second drive motor drives the second front roller, the second middle roller, and the second rear roller at a second rate that is different than the first rate to cause the pool cleaner to turn. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the first drive motor drives the first front roller, the first middle roller, and the first rear roller in a first rotational direction, and the second drive motor drives the second front roller, the second middle roller, and the second rear roller in a second rotational direction that is different than the first rotational direction to cause the pool cleaner to turn.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary pool cleaner is provided that includes a chassis, a first roller, and a roller latch. The chassis has an enclosure wall that defines a roller housing, and at least one latch receiver that includes an arcuate slot having an opening and a track. The first roller has a first side including a mounting boss, and a second side. The first roller is positioned within the roller housing and is rotatably mounted to the chassis at the second side. The roller latch has a body, at least one mounting protrusion, and a rider. The body of the roller latch includes a first side, a second side, and an arcuate transverse surface extending between the first side and the second side. The mounting protrusion extends laterally from one of the first and second sides of the body and includes a rotational axis. The rider includes a neck and a head, and extends from the arcuate transverse surface of the body. The rider can be generally arcuate in shape. The mounting boss can be rotatably engaged with the mounting protrusion so that the roller latch can be rotated about the rotational axis into a latched position where the neck is positioned within the track and the roller latch is secured to the at least one latch receiver. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, when the roller latch is rotated into the latched position the head passes through the opening and the neck passes through the track.
The pool cleaner can also include a fastener, while the roller latch can include a locking tab and the latch receiver can include a mounting boss. When the roller latch is in the latched position the fastener can engage the locking tab and the mounting boss to secure the roller latch in the latched position.
The pool cleaner can also include a second roller that has a first side including a mounting boss, and a second side. The first roller is positioned within the roller housing and is rotatably mounted to the chassis at the second side. The roller latch can include a second mounting protrusion that extends laterally from one of the first and second sides of the body, and the mounting boss of the second roller can be rotatably engaged with the second mounting protrusion. The second roller can be positioned adjacent the first roller in the roller housing.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the roller latch can include a second mounting protrusion extending laterally from one of the first and second sides of the body, and the latch receiver can include a mount. The second mounting protrusion can be positioned within the mount.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary roller latch for a pool cleaner is provided that includes a body, at least one mounting protrusion, and a rider. The body of the roller latch includes a first side, a second side, and an arcuate transverse surface extending between the first side and the second side. The mounting protrusion extends laterally from one of the first and second sides of the body and includes a rotational axis. The rider includes a neck and a head, and extends from the arcuate transverse surface of the body. The rider can be generally arcuate in shape. The mounting protrusion can be rotatably engaged with a mounting boss of roller so that the roller latch can be rotated about the rotational axis into a latched position. The rider can engage a slot of a latch receiver as the body is rotated about the rotational axis to secure the roller latch to the latch receiver in a latched position. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, when the roller latch is rotated into the latched position the head passes through an opening and the neck passes through a track.
The roller latch can include a locking tab that can be engaged with a mounting boss of the latch receiver by a fastener.
The roller latch can include a second mounting protrusion that extends laterally from one of the first and second sides of the body. The second mounting protrusion can be engaged with a mounting boss of a second roller mount of the latch receiver.
In some embodiment of the disclosure, the roller latch can be in combination with the pool cleaner.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary roller assembly for a pool cleaner is provided that includes a first cage half and a second cage half. The first cage half includes a bottom portion defining a first mating surface. The bottom portion includes a first tab including a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end including a snap engaging end. The bottom portion includes a protrusion extending from an inner surface of the first cage half. The second cage half includes a bottom portion defining a second mating surface configured to mate against the first mating surface. The bottom portion includes a second tab including a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end including a snap engaging end. During assembly, the snap engaging end of the first tab interlocks against the proximal end of the second tab, the snap engaging end of the second tab interlocks against the proximal end of the first tab, and the protrusion engages an inner surface of the second cage half. Engagement of the protrusion with the inner surface of the second cage half limits disengagement of the first and second tabs during impact to the roller assembly.
The first cage half and the second cage half each include a top portion defining a substantially curved surface. The top portions can include a plurality of openings extending therethrough. In some embodiments, the snap engaging end of the first tab can be oriented substantially inwardly towards a central longitudinal axis of the first cage half. In some embodiments, the snap engaging end of the second tab can be oriented substantially outwardly away from a central longitudinal axis of the second cage half. During assembly, the first tab can be positioned over and mates against the second tab.
The first tab and the protrusion can be disposed on a first connecting edge of the bottom portion of the first cage half. The second tab can be disposed on a complementary first connecting edge of the bottom portion of the second cage half. The first cage half includes a second connecting edge and the second cage half includes a complementary second connecting edge. The second connecting edge of the first cage half includes two spaced protrusions extending from the inner surface of the first cage half. The complementary second connecting edge of the second cage half includes a protrusion extending from the inner surface of the second cage half. During assembly, the protrusion of the second cage half is received between the two spaced protrusions of the first cage half, the protrusion of the second cage half engages the inner surface of the first cage half, and the two spaced protrusions of the first cage half engage the inner surface of the second cage half.
The first cage half and the second cage half each include first and second side surfaces. The first side surface of the second cage half includes a third tab with a snap engaging end. The first side surface of the first cage half includes a slot configured to receive at least a portion of the third tab of the second cage half. The snap engaging end of the third tab can interlock against an edge of the slot. The first side surfaces of the first and second cage halves mate to form a mounting boss. The second side surfaces of the first and second cage halves mate such that the second side surfaces are configured to receive a roller mount (e.g., a gear).
In some embodiment of the disclosure, the roller assembly can be in combination with the pool cleaner.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary method of assembling a roller is provided. The method includes providing a first cage half including a bottom portion defining a first mating surface. The bottom portion includes a first tab including a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end including a snap engaging end, and a protrusion extending from an inner surface of the first cage half. The method includes providing a second cage half including a bottom portion defining a second mating surface configured to mate against the first mating surface. The bottom portion includes a second tab including a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end including a snap engaging end. The method includes interlocking the snap engaging end of the first tab against the proximal end of the second tab. The method includes interlocking the snap engaging end of the second tab against the proximal end of the first tab. The method includes engaging an inner surface of the second cage half with the protrusion of the first cage half.
The method includes positioning and mating the first tab against the second tab. The first tab and the protrusion are disposed on a first connecting edge of the bottom portion of the first cage half, and the second tab is disposed on a complementary first connecting edge of the bottom portion of the second cage half. The first cage half includes a second connecting edge and the second cage half includes a complementary second connecting edge. The second connecting edge of the first cage half includes two spaced protrusions extending from the inner surface of the first cage half. The complementary second connecting edge of the second cage half includes a protrusion extending from the inner surface of the second cage half. The method includes positioning the protrusion of the second cage half between the two spaced protrusions of the first cage half. The method includes engaging the inner surface of the first cage half with the protrusion of the second cage half. The method includes comprising engaging the inner surface of the second cage half with the two spaced protrusions of the first cage half.
The first cage half and the second cage half each include first and second side surfaces. The first side surface of the second cage half includes a third tab with a snap engaging end, and the first side surface of the first cage half includes a slot configured to receive at least a portion of the third tab of the second cage half. The method includes interlocking the snap engaging end of the third tab against an edge of the slot. The method includes mating the first side surfaces of the first and second cage halves to form a mounting boss.
The method includes providing a roller cover including a first end and a second end. The first end includes one or more openings configured to receive the first tab and the protrusion of the first cage half, and the second end includes one or more openings configured to receive the second tab of the second cage half. The method includes passing the first tab and the protrusion of the first cage half through the one or more openings of the first end of the roller cover. The method includes passing the second tab of the second cage half through the one or more openings of the second end of the roller cover. The method includes rolling the first and second halves toward each other such that top surfaces of the first and second cage halves mate with the roller cover.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary roller assembly for a pool cleaner is provided that includes a first cage half, a second cage half, and a roller cover. The first cage half includes a bottom portion defining a first mating surface. The bottom portion includes a first tab including a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end including a snap engaging end, and a protrusion extending from an inner surface of the first cage half. The second cage half includes a bottom portion defining a second mating surface configured to mate against the first mating surface. The bottom portion includes a second tab including a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end including a snap engaging end. The roller cover includes a first end and a second end. The first end includes one or more openings configured to receive the first tab and the protrusion of the first cage half, and the second end includes one or more openings configured to receive the second tab of the second cage half.
During assembly, the first tab and the protrusion of the first cage half are passed through the one or more openings of the first end of the roller cover, the second tab of the second cage half is passed through the one or more openings of the second end of the roller cover, and the first and second cage halves are rolled toward each other such that top surfaces of the first and second cage halves mate with the roller cover. Further, during assembly, the snap engaging end of the first tab interlocks against the proximal end of the second tab, the snap engaging end of the second tab interlocks against the proximal end of the first tab, and the protrusion engages an inner surface of the second cage half.
In some embodiments, the roller cover can define a planar, flexible body extending between the first and second ends. The roller cover includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface is configured to mate against the top surfaces of the first and second cage halves. The outer surface includes a plurality of traction elements (e.g., flaps, or the like) extending therefrom.
In some embodiment of the disclosure, the roller assembly can be in combination with the pool cleaner.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary roller assembly is provided that includes a first cage half and a second cage half. The first cage half includes a first connecting edge and a second connecting edge having two spaced protrusions extending from an inner surface of the first cage half. The second cage half includes a first connecting edge and a second connecting edge having a protrusion extending from an inner surface of the second cage half. During assembly, the protrusion of the second cage half is received between the two spaced protrusions of the first cage half, the protrusion of the second cage half engages the inner surface of the first cage half, the two spaced protrusions of the first cage half engage the inner surface of the second cage half, and the first connecting edge is secured to the second connecting edge.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary pool cleaner is provided that includes a chassis, a motor box, a pump motor, and a debris container. The chassis has a motor box housing, and the motor box is mounted within the motor box housing. The pump motor, which can be a brushless DC outer rotor motor, is positioned within the motor box and has a rotor including a first coupling member that extends out from the motor box. The debris container has a rotatable shaft that has a first end and a second end, and an impeller mounted to the first end of the rotatable shaft. The second end of the rotatable shaft can include a second coupling member that can receive the first coupling member of the pump motor. The debris container is mounted on the chassis with the first coupling member engaged with the second coupling member, and the pump motor drives rotation of the rotatable shaft through engagement of the first coupling member with the second member.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure the first coupling member is an external spline member and the second coupling member is an internal spline member, while in other embodiments, the first coupling member is a first blender coupler and the second coupling member is a second blender coupler. The debris container can also include a sleeve that surrounds the rotatable shaft, and the pump motor can include a guide fillet. The sleeve can engage the guide fillet to center the rotatable shaft with the pump motor.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary pool cleaner is provided that includes a chassis, a motor box, a pump motor, and a debris container. The chassis has a motor box housing, and the motor box is mounted within the motor box housing. The pump motor, which can be a brushless DC outer rotor motor, is positioned within the motor box and has a rotor including a first magnetic member that extends out from the motor box. The debris container has a rotatable shaft that has a first end and a second end, and an impeller mounted to the first end of the rotatable shaft. The second end of the rotatable shaft can include a second magnetic member that can magnetically couple to the first magnetic member of the pump motor. The debris container is mounted on the chassis with the first magnetic member engaged with the second magnetic member, and the pump motor drives rotation of the rotatable shaft through engagement of the first magnetic member with the second magnetic member.
The debris container can also includes a sleeve that surrounds the rotatable shaft, and the pump motor can include a guide fillet. The sleeve can engage the guide fillet to center the rotatable shaft with the pump motor.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary pool cleaner is provided that includes a chassis, a motor box, a stator, and a debris container. The chassis has a motor box housing, and the motor box is mounted within the motor box housing. The stator is positioned within the motor box and includes a plurality of electromagnets. The debris container has a rotatable shaft that has a first end and a second end, and an impeller mounted to the first end of the rotatable shaft. The second end of the rotatable shaft can include a casing having a plurality of permanent magnets. The casing can be placed over or inside the stator. The debris container is mounted on the chassis with the stator positioned within the casing of the rotatable shaft, and the stator drives rotation of the rotatable shaft through electromechanical interaction between the plurality of electromagnets of the stator with the plurality of permanent magnets of the casing. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the casing can extend from a bottom of the debris container and can be positioned within the motor box when the debris container is mounted on the chassis.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary pool cleaner is provided that includes a chassis, a motor box, an inductive coupling transmitter circuit, and a debris container. The chassis has a motor box housing, and the motor box is mounted within the motor box housing. The inductive coupling transmitter circuit is positioned within the motor box. The debris container has a pump motor, a rotatable shaft that has a first end and a second end, and an impeller mounted to the first end of the rotatable shaft. The pump motor, which can be a brushless DC outer rotor motor, has an inductive coupling receiver circuit and rotatably drives the rotatable shaft. The debris container is mounted on the chassis with the inductive coupling receiver circuit positioned adjacent the inductive coupling transmitter circuit. The inductive coupling receiver circuit receives electrical power from the inductive coupling transmitter circuit and provides the pump motor with electrical power to drive rotation of the rotatable shaft. The debris container can also include a sleeve that the pump motor and rotatable shaft can be positioned within.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary pool cleaner is provided that includes a chassis, a motor box, a power circuit, and debris container. The chassis has a motor box housing, and the motor box is mounted within the motor box housing. The power circuit is positioned within the motor box and includes a plurality of pins, e.g., spring-loaded pogo pins, that extend out from the motor box. The debris container has a pump motor, a rotatable shaft that has a first end and a second end, and an impeller mounted to the first end of the rotatable shaft. The pump motor, which can be a brushless DC outer rotor motor, has a contact plate and rotatably drives the rotatable shaft. The debris container is mounted on the chassis with the contact plate engaging the pins. The contact plate receives electrical power from the pins and provides the pump motor with electrical power to drive rotation of the rotatable shaft. The debris container can also include a sleeve that the pump motor and rotatable shaft can be positioned within.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a power supply for a pool cleaner is provided that includes a housing, a user interface, a low-power user interface printed circuit board, and a potted power converter board assembly. The low-power user interface printed circuit board is in electrical communication with the user interface. The potted power converter board assembly includes a tray, a high-power printed circuit board, an AC power input connector, a female power and communication output port, and a potting compound. The high-power printed circuit board is positioned within the tray and includes a plurality of electrical components and low-power user interface wires. The AC power input connector is in electrical communication with the high-power printed circuit board and provides a power input to the high-power printed circuit board. The female power and communication output port is in electrical communication with the high-power printed circuit board and provides power output from the high-power printed circuit board. The potting compound is positioned within the tray and surrounds the high-power circuit board and the electrical components, thus isolating the high-power circuit board and the electrical components. The low-power user interface wires extend out from the potting compound and are connected to the low-power user interface printed circuit board. The low-power user interface wires provide power to the low-power user interface printed circuit board.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the housing can include a front housing and a rear housing, and the low-power user interface printed circuit board and the potted power converter board assembly can be positioned between the front housing and the rear housing. The low-power user interface printed circuit board can be mounted to the front housing, and the potted power converter board assembly can include a plurality of stops extending between the tray and the front housing that restrict flexion of the low-power user interface printed circuit board. Furthermore, the potted power converter board assembly can include a plurality of mounting brackets while the rear housing can include a plurality of mounting bosses. The potted power converter board assembly can be retained by the rear housing through engagement of the plurality of mounting brackets with the plurality of mounting bosses of the rear housing.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the high-power printed circuit board can include a first side, a second side, and a heat sink, which can be a folded sheet metal heat sink. The plurality of electrical components can be mounted to the first side while the heat sink can be mounted to the second side.
The user interface can be mounted to the housing with the connector extending through a connector opening in the housing so that it can connect to the low-power user interface printed circuit board. A graphic overlay including a plurality of semi-transparent indicia can be positioned over the user interface.
The power supply can include low-power fan wires and a fan. The low-power fan wires can be connected to the high-power printed circuit board, extend out from the potting compound, and be connected to the fan in order to provide low-power to the fan. The fan is positioned adjacent the potting compound and cools the potted power converter board assembly through forced convection. The housing can include a fan opening with the fan positioned within the fan opening. The fan can be secured in place by a fan cover that is removably connected to the housing and covers the fan opening.
The tray can include a port opening while the female power and communication output port includes a barrier that can be positioned within the port opening to prevent potting compound from leaking out from the tray.
The user interface printed circuit board can include a plurality of light-emitting diodes, and the housing can include a plurality of openings that allow the light-emitting diodes to be viewed from the exterior of the housing. The power supply can also include a light baffle that includes a plurality of apertures. The light baffle can be positioned over the user interface printed circuit board with the light-emitting diodes positioned within the apertures, such that the light baffle prevents cross-talk between the light-emitting diodes.
The housing can include, among other things, a recessed handle and a plurality of vents on the sides of the housing that are positioned to vent hot air away from the handle.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the electrical components of the high-power printed circuit board can form a contoured landscape, and the contoured tray can include a plurality of contours that define a plurality of interior recesses. The contours of the tray can match the contoured landscape formed by the electrical components of the high-power printed circuit board, so that when the high-power printed circuit board is positioned within the tray the electrical components are positioned within the interior recesses of the contoured tray. A substantially uniform space, which is filled with potting compound, can be formed between the plurality of electrical components and the plurality of contours of the tray. The substantially uniform space can provide substantially unified strain during thermal expansion of the potting compound.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the high-power printed circuit board limits the power provided to the low-power printed circuit board. For example, the high-power printed circuit board can include a positive temperature coefficient thermistor can limit the power provided to the low-power printed circuit board to less than or equal to a predefined wattage.
The power supply can also include a control cable that extends from a pool cleaner and is connected to the female power and communication output port, and which provides power and control commands to the pool cleaner. The high-power printed circuit board can also include a thermistor that provides a measurement of the temperature of the high-power printed circuit board, and the pool cleaner can adjust its operation based on the temperature of the high-power printed circuit board. For example, the pool cleaner can reduce the power drawn from the power supply if the temperature monitored by the thermistor is greater than a threshold, or disable operating modes thereof if the temperature monitored by the thermistor is greater than a threshold.
The user interface can include a first button, a second button, and a third button. The first button can be a power button, the second button can be a schedule select button, and the third button can be a mode select button. A factory reset can be performed by pressing and holding the first button, the second button, and the third button for a predetermined period of time. A WiFi connection of the power supply can be reset by pressing and holding at least two of the first, second, and third buttons simultaneously for a predetermined period of time. The power button of the user interface can be pressed to toggle the power supply between a power state and a standby state. The power button can also be pressed and held for a predetermined period of time to start or shut-down a pool cleaner connected to the power supply. The schedule select button of the user interface can be pressed to scroll through schedule settings. The schedule select button can also be pressed and held for a predetermined period of time to dim the user interface. The mode select button of the user interface can be pressed to scroll through a plurality of pool cleaner modes. The mode select button can also be pressed and held for a predetermined period of time to brighten the user interface.
In some embodiment of the disclosure, the power supply can be in combination with the pool cleaner.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a power supply for a pool cleaner is provided that includes a housing, a user interface including a connector, a low-power user interface printed circuit board, and a potted power converter board assembly. The low-power user interface printed circuit board has a microprocessor, a power converter board connector, and a user interface port. The user interface connector of the user interface is connected to the user interface port of the low-power user interface printed circuit board to communicate therewith. The potted power converter board assembly includes a high-power printed circuit board, a contoured tray, an AC power input connector, a female power and communication output port, and a potting compound. The high-power printed circuit board is positioned within the contoured tray and includes a plurality of electrical components that form a contoured landscape, and low-power user interface wires. The contoured tray includes a plurality of contours that define a plurality of interior recesses. The contours of the contoured tray match the contoured landscape formed by the electrical components of the high-power printed circuit board, so that when the high-power printed circuit board is positioned within the tray the electrical components are positioned within the interior recesses of the contoured tray. The AC power input connector is in electrical communication with the high-power printed circuit board and provides a power input to the high-power printed circuit board. The female power and communication output port is in electrical communication with the high-power printed circuit board and provides power output from the high-power printed circuit board and control from the low power user interface printed circuit board. The potting compound is positioned within the tray and surrounds the high-power circuit board and the electrical components, thus isolating the high-power circuit board and the electrical components. The low-power user interface wires extend out from the potting compound and can be connected to the power converter board connector. The low-power user interface printed circuit board and the potted power converter board assembly are positioned within the housing.
A substantially uniform space, which is filled with potting compound, can be formed between the plurality of electrical components and the plurality of contours of the contoured tray. The substantially uniform space can provide substantially unified strain during thermal expansion of the potting compound.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the housing can include a front housing and a rear housing, and the low-power user interface printed circuit board and the potted power converter board assembly can be positioned between the front housing and the rear housing. The low-power user interface printed circuit board can be mounted to the front housing, and the potted power converter board assembly can include a plurality of stops extending between the tray and the front housing that restriction flexion of the low-power user interface printed circuit board. Furthermore, the potted power converter board assembly can include a plurality of mounting brackets while the rear housing can include a plurality of mounting bosses. The potted power converter board assembly can be retained by the rear housing through engagement of the plurality of mounting brackets with the plurality of mounting bosses of the rear housing.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the high-power printed circuit board can include a first side, a second side, and a heat sink, which can be a folded sheet metal heat sink. The plurality of electrical components can be mounted to the first side while the heat sink can be mounted to the second side.
The user interface can be mounted to the housing with the connector extending through a connector opening in the housing so that it can connect to the user interface port of the low-power user interface printed circuit board. A graphic overlay including a plurality of semi-transparent indicia can be positioned over the user interface.
The power supply can include low-power fan wires and a fan. The low-power fan wires can be connected to the high-power printed circuit board, extend out from the potting compound, and be connected to the fan in order to provide low-power to the fan. The fan is positioned adjacent the potting compound and cools the potted power converter board assembly through forced convection. The housing can include a fan opening with the fan positioned within the fan opening. The fan can be secured in place by a fan cover that is removably connected to the housing and covers the fan opening.
The tray can include a port opening while the female power and communication output port includes a barrier that can be positioned within the port opening to prevent potting compound from leaking out from the tray.
The user interface printed circuit board can include a plurality of light-emitting diodes, and the housing can include a plurality of openings that allow the light-emitting diodes to be viewed from the exterior of the housing. The power supply can also include a light baffle that includes a plurality of apertures. The light baffle can be positioned over the user interface printed circuit board with the light-emitting diodes positioned within the apertures, such that the light baffle prevents cross-talk between the light-emitting diodes.
The housing can include, among other things, a recessed handle and a plurality of vents on sides of the housing that are positioned to vent hot air away from the handle.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the high-power printed circuit board limits the power provided to the low-power printed circuit board. For example, the high-power printed circuit board can include a positive temperature coefficient thermistor can limit the power provided to the low-power printed circuit board to less than or equal to a predefined wattage.
The power supply can also include a control cable that extends from a pool cleaner and is connected to the female power and communication output port, and which provides power and control commands to the pool cleaner. The high-power printed circuit board can also include a thermistor that provides a measurement of the temperature of the high-power printed circuit board, and the pool cleaner can adjust its operation based on the temperature of the high-power printed circuit board. For example, the pool cleaner can draw less power if the temperature monitored by the thermistor is greater than a threshold, or disable operating modes thereof if the temperature monitored by the thermistor is greater than a threshold.
The user interface can include a first button, a second button, and a third button. The first button can be a power button, the second button can be a schedule select button, and the third button can be a mode select button. A factory reset can be performed by pressing and holding the first button, the second button, and the third button for a predetermined period of time. A WiFi connection of the power supply can be reset by pressing and holding at least two of the first, second, and third buttons simultaneously for a predetermined period of time. The power button of the user interface can be pressed to toggle the power supply between a power state and a standby state. The power button can also be pressed and held for a predetermined period of time to start or shut-down a pool cleaner connected to the power supply. The schedule select button of the user interface can be pressed to scroll through schedule settings. The schedule select button can also be pressed and held for a predetermined period of time to dim the user interface. The mode select button of the user interface can be pressed to scroll through a plurality of pool cleaner modes. The mode select button can also be pressed and held for a predetermined period of time to brighten the user interface.
In some embodiment of the disclosure, the power supply can be in combination with the pool cleaner.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a power supply for a pool cleaner is provided that includes a housing, a high-power printed circuit board positioned within the housing, and a kickstand. The housing defines an internal chamber, and includes a rear wall that has at least one kickstand engagement. The at least one kickstand engagement includes a lower abutment and an upper abutment, with the lower abutment having a stop. The kickstand includes at least one leg having a first end and a second end. An engagement surface is positioned at the second end of the leg, and a locking protrusion extends from the leg at a position between the first end and the second end. The locking protrusion includes a body and an extension extending from the body. The locking protrusion is removably positioned within the lower abutment and can rotate within the lower abutment in order to rotatably secure the kickstand to the housing. The kickstand is rotatable between a closed position and an open position. When the kickstand is in the open position the extension engages the stop and the engagement surface engages the upper abutment to prevent further rotation of the kickstand.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the lower abutment includes a first curved support, a second curved support, and a channel between the first and second curved supports. The locking protrusion can be positioned between the first and second curved supports with the extension positioned within the channel. When the kickstand is rotated from the closed position to the open position the extension is rotated across the channel to engage the stop. Additionally, the first and second curved supports can each include a sidewall and the locking protrusion can be positioned between the sidewalls with the sidewalls preventing lateral movement of the kickstand.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the lower abutment includes a protrusion that engages the body of the locking protrusion in order to secure the locking protrusion within the lower abutment. The rear wall of the housing can include a window and the at least one kickstand engagement can extend into the internal chamber of the housing. The window can be positioned adjacent the at least one kickstand engagement and provide access to the at least one kickstand engagement. The upper abutment can include a curved body that has an attachment end and an open end, and defines an engagement chamber. The curved body can be connected to the rear wall at the attachment end. In such embodiments, when the kickstand is in the open position the engagement surface is positioned within the engagement chamber and engages the curved body of the upper abutment. The curved body can also engage the locking protrusion body in order to further secure the locking protrusion within the lower abutment. The curved body can include an angled stop positioned within the engagement chamber. The engagement surface can engage the angled stop when the kickstand is in the open position.
In some embodiment of the disclosure, the power supply can be in combination with the pool cleaner.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a power supply for a pool cleaner is provided that includes a housing and a kickstand. The housing defines an internal chamber, and includes a rear wall that has at least one kickstand engagement. The at least one kickstand engagement includes a lower abutment and an upper abutment, with the lower abutment having a stop. The kickstand includes at least one leg having a first end and a second end. An engagement surface is positioned at the second end of the leg, and a locking protrusion extends from the leg at a position between the first end and the second end. The locking protrusion includes a body and an extension extending from the body. The locking protrusion is removably positioned within the lower abutment and can rotate within the lower abutment in order to rotatably secure the kickstand to the housing. The kickstand is rotatable between a closed position and an open position. When the kickstand is in the open position the extension engages the stop and the engagement surface engages the upper abutment to prevent further rotation of the kickstand.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the lower abutment includes a first curved support, a second curved support, and a channel between the first and second curved supports. The locking protrusion can be positioned between the first and second curved supports with the extension positioned within the channel. When the kickstand is rotated from the closed position to the open position the extension is rotated across the channel to engage the stop. Additionally, the first and second curved supports can each include a sidewall and the locking protrusion can be positioned between the sidewalls with the sidewalls preventing lateral movement of the kickstand.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the lower abutment includes a protrusion that engages the body of the locking protrusion in order to secure the locking protrusion within the lower abutment. The rear wall of the housing can include a window and the at least one kickstand engagement can extend into the internal chamber of the housing. The window can be positioned adjacent the at least one kickstand engagement and provide access to the at least one kickstand engagement. The upper abutment can include a curved body that has an attachment end and an open end, and defines an engagement chamber. The curved body can be connected to the rear wall at the attachment end. In such embodiments, when the kickstand is in the open position the engagement surface is positioned within the engagement chamber and engages the curved body of the upper abutment. The curved body can also engage the locking protrusion body in order to further secure the locking protrusion within the lower abutment. The curved body can include an angled stop positioned within the engagement chamber. The engagement surface can engage the angled stop when the kickstand is in the open position.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a pool cleaner caddy for supporting a pool cleaner and a power supply is provided that includes a base, first and second wheel assemblies connected to the base, a stem, and a handle assembly. The base has a front cleaner support, a center cleaner support, a stem locking bracket, and a channel that includes first and second angled locking tabs. The front cleaner support and the center cleaner support engage and support a pool cleaner with wheels of the pool cleaner not in engagement with the base. The stem is removably mounted to the base with a first portion secured within the channel by the first and second locking tabs, and a second portion secured to the stem locking bracket by a first releasable mounting means. The handle assembly includes a mount, and is removably secured to the stem such that the mount is engaged with the stem by a second releasable mounting means. The first and second releasable mounting means can be depressible. For example, the first and second releasable mounting means can be a button-snap connector. The stem can be snapped into the channel and the stem locking bracket.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the stem can include a lower stem portion and an upper stem portion. The upper stem portion can be removably secured to the lower stem portion by a third releasable mounting means. The lower stem portion can be secured to the stem locking bracket and the handle assembly mount can be secured to the upper stem portion.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first, second, and third releasable mounting means can be depressed to disengage the lower section of the lower stem portion from the stem locking bracket, the lower section of the upper stem portion from the upper section of the lower stem portion, and the mount from the upper section of the upper stem portion.
The pool cleaner caddy can also include a fastener, e.g., a ribbed fastener, while the stem portion can include a through-hole and the base can include a transverse opening. The fastener can extend through the through-hole and the transverse opening to secure the stem to the base.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first and second wheel assemblies can be removable from the base. The base can include a first outer wall, a first inner wall, a first wheel chamber between the first outer wall and the first inner wall, a second outer wall, a second inner wall, and a second wheel chamber between the second outer wall and the second inner wall. The first wheel assembly can be secured to the first inner wall and the first outer wall, and the second wheel assembly can be secured to the second inner wall and the second outer wall. Additionally, the first wheel assembly can include a first wheel, a first axle, a first axle receiver, and a first screw, and the second wheel assembly can include a second wheel, a second axle, a second axle receiver, and a second screw. The first wheel can be positioned within the first wheel chamber, the first axle can be secured to the first outer wall and engage the first wheel, the first axle receiver can be secured to the first inner wall, and the first screw can secure the first axle receiver to the first axle. The second wheel can be positioned within the second wheel chamber, the second axle can be secured to the second outer wall and engage the second wheel, the second axle receiver can be secured to the second inner wall, and the second screw can secure the second axle receiver to the second axle.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first outer wall includes a first outer mounting boss that has at least one angled channel while the first axle includes at least one angled thread. The first axle can extend through the first outer mounting boss with the at least one angled thread engaged the at least one angled channel. Similarly, the second outer wall can include a second outer mounting boss that has at least one angled channel while the second axle can include at least one angled thread. The second axle can extend through the second outer mounting boss with the at least one angled thread engaged with the at least one angled channel.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first inner wall can include a first keyed opening that has at least one inward extension, the first axle receiver can include at least one radial extension, the second inner wall can include a second keyed opening having at least one inward extension, and the second axle receiver can include at least one radial extension. The first axle receiver can be positioned within the first keyed opening with at least one radial extension overlapping the at least one inward extension to secure the first axle receiver to the first inner wall. The second axle receiver can be positioned within the second keyed opening with at least one radial extension overlapping the at least one inward extension to secure the second axle receiver to the second inner wall.
The base can also include a catch that can engage a pool cleaner wheel and prevent the pool cleaner from falling off of the caddy.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the handle assembly defines a power supply housing that can house a power supply. The handle assembly can include a front shell and a rear shell that can be mated to form the handle assembly. The front shell can include a front tray and the rear shell can include a recess that receives the front tray. The handle assembly can also include a rear support wall that, along with the front tray, secures a power supply to the handle assembly. The rear support wall can include at least one flexible locking tab that can engage the power supply and retain the power supply with the handle assembly. The handle assembly can also include a cable housing that can receive and support a power supply cable.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, handle assembly mount includes an internal key and the stem includes a key-slot. The internal key can engage the key-slot to position the handle assembly on the stem.
In some embodiment of the disclosure, the pool cleaner caddy can be in combination with the pool cleaner.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a kit for a pool cleaner caddy used to support a pool cleaner is provided that includes a base, first and second wheel assemblies that are removably securable to the base, a stem, and a handle assembly. The base has a front cleaner support, a center cleaner support, a stem locking bracket, and a channel that includes first and second angled locking tabs. The front cleaner support and the center cleaner support can engage and support a pool cleaner with wheels of the pool cleaner not in engagement with the base. The stem can be removably mountable to the base with a first portion being removably securable within the channel by the first and second locking tabs, and a second portion being removably securable to the stem locking bracket by a first releasable mounting means. The handle assembly includes a mount, and can be removably securable to the stem such that the mount is engaged with the stem by a second releasable mounting means. The first and second releasable mounting means can be depressible. For example, the first and second releasable mounting means can be button-snap connector. In some aspects, the stem can be snapped into the channel and the stem locking bracket.
The kit for a pool cleaner caddy can also include a fastener, e.g., a ribbed fastener, while the stem can include a through-hole and the base can include a transverse opening. The fastener can be positioned in the through-hole and the transverse opening to secure the stem to the base.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the stem can include a lower stem portion and an upper stem portion. The upper stem portion can be removably securable to the lower stem portion by a third releasable mounting means. The lower stem portion can be securable to the stem locking bracket and the handle assembly mount can be securable to the upper stem portion.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the base can include a first outer wall, a first inner wall, a first wheel chamber between the first outer wall and the first inner wall, a second outer wall, a second inner wall, and a second wheel chamber between the second outer wall and the second inner wall. The first wheel assembly can be securable to the first inner wall and the first outer wall, and the second wheel assembly can be securable to the second inner wall and the second outer wall. Additionally, the first wheel assembly can include a first wheel, a first axle, a first axle receiver, and a first screw, and the second wheel assembly can include a second wheel, a second axle, a second axle receiver, and a second screw. The first wheel can be positionable within the first wheel chamber, the first axle can be securable to the first outer wall and engage the wheel, the first axle receiver can be securable to the first inner wall, and the first screw can be utilized to secure the first axle receiver to the first axle. The second wheel can be positionable within the second wheel chamber, the second axle can be securable to the second outer wall and engage the second wheel, the second axle receiver can be securable to the second inner wall, and the second screw can be utilized to secure the second axle receiver to the second axle.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first outer wall includes a first outer mounting boss that has at least one angled channel while the first axle includes at least one angled thread. The at least one angled thread of the first axle can be engageable with the at least one angled channel of the first outer mounting boss. Similarly, the second outer wall can include a second outer mounting boss that has at least one angled channel while the second axle can include at least one angled thread. The at least one angled thread of the second axle can be engageable with the at least one angled channel of the second outer mounting boss.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first inner wall can include a first keyed opening that has at least one inward extension, the first axle receiver can include at least one radial extension, the second inner wall can include a second keyed opening having at least one inward extension, and the second axle receiver can include at least one radial extension. The first axle receiver can be positionable within the first keyed opening with at least one radial extension overlapping the at least one inward extension to secure the first axle receiver to the first inner wall. The second axle receiver can be positionable within the second keyed opening with at least one radial extension overlapping the at least one inward extension to secure the second axle receiver to the second inner wall.
The base can also include a catch that can engage a pool cleaner wheel and prevent the pool cleaner from falling off of the caddy.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the handle assembly defines a power supply housing that can house a power supply. The handle assembly can include a front shell and a rear shell that can be mated to form the handle assembly. The front shell can include a front tray and the rear shell can include a recess that can receive the front tray. The handle assembly can also include a rear support wall that, along with the front tray, can secure a power supply to the handle assembly. The rear support wall can include at least one flexible locking tab that can engage the power supply and retain the power supply with the handle assembly. The handle assembly can also include a cable housing that can receive and support a power supply cable.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, handle assembly mount includes an internal key and the stem includes a key-slot. The internal key can engage the key-slot to position the handle assembly on the stem.
In some embodiment of the disclosure, the kit for a pool cleaner can be in combination with the pool cleaner.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a pool cleaner caddy is provided that includes a base, a first wheel assembly, and a second wheel assembly. The base has a first outer mounting boss and a second outer mounting boss. Each of the first and second outer mounting bosses have at least one angled channel. The first wheel assembly includes a first wheel, a first axle that has at least one left-handed angled thread, a first axle receiver, and a first screw. The second wheel assembly includes a second wheel, a second axle that has at least one left-handed angled thread, a second axle receiver, and a second screw. The first axle extends through the first outer mounting boss and the first wheel with the at least one left-handed angled thread engaged with the at least one angled channel of the first outer mounting boss. The first axle receiver is secured to the base and at least partially receives the first axle. The first screw secures the first axle receiver to the first axle. The second axle extends through the second outer mounting boss and the second wheel with the at least one left-handed angled thread engaged with the at least one angled channel of the second outer mounting boss. The second axle receiver is secured to the base and at least partially receives the second axle. The second screw secures the second axle receiver to the second axle.
The first screw can extend through the first axle receiver and threadedly engage a distal end of the first axle to cause the at least one left-handed angled thread of the first axle to further engage the at least one angled channel of the first outer mounting boss. Similarly, the second screw can extend through the second axle receiver and threadedly engage a distal end of the second axle to cause the at least one left-handed angled thread of the second axle to further engage the at least one angled channel of the second outer mounting boss.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the base includes a first keyed opening that has at least one inward extension and a second keyed opening that has at least one inward extension. The first axle receiver can include at least one radial extension and the second axle receiver can also include at least one radial extension. The first axle receiver can be positioned within the first keyed opening with at least one radial extension overlapping the at least one inward extension to further secure the first axle receiver to the base, and the second axle receiver can be positioned within the second keyed opening with at least one radial extension overlapping the at least one inward extension to further secure the second axle receiver to the base.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first axle can include a distal end having a notch, the second axle can include a distal end having a notch, the first axle receiver can include a locking assembly, and the second axle receiver can include a locking assembly. The notch of the first axle receiver can lock with the locking assembly of the first axle receiver to secure the first axle to the first axle receiver, and the notch of the second axle receiver can lock with the locking assembly of the second axle receiver to secure the second axle to the second axle receiver. The locking assemblies can include a ramped protrusion, a block protrusion, and an indentation between the ramped protrusion and the block protrusion. The first and second axle receivers can each include an inner chamber and the locking assemblies can be positioned within the inner chambers.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the base can additionally includes a first outer wall having the first outer mounting boss, a first inner wall, a first wheel chamber between the first outer wall and the first inner wall, a second outer wall having the second outer mounting boss, a second inner wall, and a second wheel chamber between the second outer wall and the second inner wall. The first wheel can be positioned within the first wheel chamber, the first axle receiver can be secured to the first inner wall, the second wheel can be positioned within the second wheel chamber, and the second axle receiver can be secured to the second inner wall.
In some embodiment of the disclosure, the pool cleaner caddy can be in combination with the pool cleaner.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a caddy is provided that includes a base and at least one wheel assembly. The base has an outer mounting boss that has at least one angled channel. The wheel assembly includes a wheel, an axle that has at least one left-handed angled thread, an axle receiver, and a screw. The axle extends through the outer mounting boss and the wheel with the at least one left-handed angled thread engaged with the at least one angled channel of the outer mounting boss. The axle receiver is secured to the base and at least partially receives the axle. The screw secures the axle receiver to the axle.
The screw can extend through the axle receiver and threadedly engage a distal end of the axle to cause the at least one left-handed angled thread of the axle to further engage the at least one angled channel of the outer mounting boss.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the base includes a keyed opening that has at least one inward extension, and the axle receiver can include at least one radial extension. The axle receiver can be positioned within the keyed opening with at least one radial extension overlapping the at least one inward extension to further secure the axle receiver to the base.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the axle can include a distal end having a notch and the first axle receiver can include a locking assembly. The notch of the axle receiver can lock with the locking assembly of the axle receiver to secure the axle to the first axle receiver. The locking assembly can include a ramped protrusion, a block protrusion, and an indentation between the ramped protrusion and the block protrusion. The axle receivers can include an inner chamber and the locking assembly can be positioned within the inner chamber.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the base can additionally include an outer wall having the outer mounting boss, an inner wall, and a wheel chamber between the outer wall and the inner wall. The wheel can be positioned within the wheel chamber and the axle receiver can be secured to the inner wall. In some embodiment of the disclosure, the pool cleaner caddy can be in combination with the pool cleaner.
Additional features, functions and benefits of the disclosed swimming pool cleaner and methods in connection therewith will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, particularly when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, reference is made to the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
According to the present disclosure, advantageous apparatus are provided for facilitating maintenance of pool or spa, as well as for facilitating maintenance of a pool or spa cleaning device. More particularly, the present disclosure includes, but is not limited to, discussion of a pool cleaner including a hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly, a quick-release latch for the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly, and a pool cleaner having six rollers.
With initial reference to
A front support mount 132 extends from a front portion of the motor housing 124, and includes front roller mounts 134. Two of the brushed rollers 128e, 128f are connected with the front roller mounts 134, and are rotatable therewith. The intake 126 includes a body 136 having a rear support mount 138 extending therefrom. The intake 126 is interconnected with the motor housing 124 by an engagement means 139 (see
Although electric sources are contemplated, other power sources are also contemplated. For example, the power source can be positive water pressure, as in what is commonly referred to in the pool industry as a “pressure cleaner.” As another example, the power source can be negative water pressure, as in what is commonly referred to in the pool industry as a “suction cleaner.” Any power source and/or combinations thereof are contemplated.
The intake 126 further includes an inlet opening 142 (see
The motor housing 124 further includes a mounting boss 152 and a front latch 154, both extending from a top of the motor housing 124. As shown in
As referenced previously, the canister body 166 includes upper and lower portions 168, 170, which are engaged to one another by a hinge 182 and releasably secured to one another by a release means 184 (e.g., a quick-release latch 184) (see, e.g.,
The fine debris container 172 includes a central hub 200 surrounded by a dish 202 extending radially from the central hub 200. The dish 202 generally has an upwardly-curving shape such that it catches any debris that falls into the dish 202 and can form a static area where falling debris can land. The central hub 200 includes a top opening 204, a top mounting shoulder 205, and a bottom mount 206. A chamber 208 extends between the top opening 204 and the bottom mount 206. The chamber 208 is configured to receive the fluid turbine assembly 124 and the mounting boss 152, which extend through the bottom mount 206 and into the chamber 208. The fine debris container 172 is positioned within the inner chamber 186 of the canister body 166 with the bottom mount 206 of the fine debris container 172 engaging the mounting ridge 198 of the canister body 166.
The cyclone manifold 176 includes a discoid body 210 connected with an upper mounting rim 212 and a lower rim 214 by a plurality of supports 216 and a flow director 218. The upper mounting rim 212, lower rim 214, and the plurality of supports 216 form a plurality of windows 220 that allow fluid to flow from the exterior of the cyclone manifold 176 to the interior thereof. The discoid body 210 includes a central opening 222, a plurality of cyclone container mounts 224, a mounting ring 226 about the central opening 222, and an annular sealing ring 227 about the periphery thereof. The cyclone manifold 176 is positioned over the fine debris container 172 with the mounting rim 226 of the discoid body 210 engaging the top mounting shoulder 205 of the fine debris container's central hub 200 and the annular sealing ring 227 encircling and in engagement with an upper portion of the dish 202. The filtering medium 174 is mounted to the cyclone manifold 176 and extends about the perimeter of the cyclone manifold 176 covering the plurality of windows 220. Accordingly, fluid flowing from the exterior of the cyclone manifold 176 to the interior flows across the filtering medium 174 and the windows 220. The filtering medium 174 is sized such that debris of a first size, e.g., larger debris, cannot pass through the filtering medium 174. Instead, the larger debris contacts the filtering medium 174, or the interior wall of the canister body 166, and is knocked down out of the fluid flow and does not enter the interior of the cyclone manifold 176.
The ring of cyclone containers 178 includes a plurality of individual cyclone containers 228, e.g., ten cyclone containers. It should be noted that for clarity of
The top cap 180 includes a top plate 242 and a plurality of arched tubes 244, e.g., ten. Each of the plurality of arched tubes 244 extends through the top plate 242 and arch from a radially outward portion of the top plate 242 to a radially central portion where they converge to form a first tubular wall 246 defining an outlet 248. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the plurality of arched tubes 244 can be replaced with a single open area that is not segmented by arched tubes. Reference is now made to
When the top cap 180 is mounted to the cyclone manifold 176, the tubular chamber 256 of the top cap 180 is positioned adjacent the finger guard 160 of the fluid turbine subassembly 122 so that the fluid flowing through the tubular chamber 256 is directed into the finger guard 160. As shown at least in
When the top cap 180, ring of cyclone containers 178, cyclone manifold 176, filtering medium 174, fine debris container 172, and canister body 166 are interconnected they are placed over the fluid turbine assembly 124 and the mounting boss 152 with the inner cylindrical wall 264 of the finger guard 160 abutting the first tubular wall 246 of the top cap 180. Additionally, the inlet 190 of the canister intake 188 is positioned adjacent the outlet opening 144 of the intake 126, with a sealing rim 272 extending radially from the inlet 190 engaged with the channel 150 that encircles the intake outlet 126.
Further, the canister subassembly 121 is secured to the motor housing 124 through the engagement of the front latch 154 with the canister body 166. Reference is made to
The hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 120 can include a plurality of sealing members 274, e.g., O-rings, disposed between adjacent parts to create a fluid-tight seal therebetween. For example, sealing members 274 can be positioned in the channel 150 of the intake 126, in the mounting ridge 198 of the canister body 166, between the annular sealing ring 227 of the cyclone manifold 176 and the dish 202 of the fine debris container 172, between the top plate 242 and the overflow opening 234 of each cyclone body 232, between the top plate 242 and the upper mounting rim 212 of the cyclone manifold 176, between the upper mounting rim 212 of the cyclone manifold 176 and the canister body 166, between the mounting flange 270 of the mounting boss 152 and the central hub 200 of the fine debris container 172, between the grommet 158 and the mounting boss 152, and within the locking interface 276. The sealing members 274 form a generally fluid-tight seal between the various components of the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 120 as well as between the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 120, the motor housing 124, and the intake 126.
When the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 120 is fully assembled and attached to the motor housing 124 and intake 126, a plurality of different chambers and flow paths are formed.
Turning now to a description of the flow paths through the cleaner 100,
The second flow path F2 starts at the end of the first flow path F1, e.g., at the tangential outlet 192, entering the inner chamber 186 of the canister body 166 at the tangential outlet 192. The second flow path F2 enters the inner chamber 186 at a tangent to the canister body 166, the inner chamber 186, and the first chamber C1 and is partially directed by the flow director 218 of the cyclone manifold 176 to flow along the inner wall of the canister body 166. The combination of the tangential entrance of the second flow path F2 and the flow director 218 results in the generation of a cyclonic/rotational flow within the first chamber C1 that circles about a central axis A1 of the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 120. The cyclonic flow of the second flow path F2 within the first chamber C1 results in large debris particles DL, e.g., debris having an aggregate size (e.g., each dimension) of up to about 1.25 inches, for example, such as, sticks, leaves, grass, coarse sand, fine sand, stones, pebbles, insects, small animals, etc., striking the interior surface of the canister body 166 and the filtering medium 174 and losing velocity, resulting in the large debris particles DL falling to the bottom of the canister body 166 where they are collected and stored until the canister subassembly 121 is removed from the cleaner 100 and emptied.
A third flow path F3 extends radially inward from the second flow path F2, flowing across the filtering medium 174 and the windows 220 of the cyclone manifold 176 into the second chamber C2. Fluid and smaller debris DS are contained in the third flow path F3, but the larger debris DL has been separated out. Accordingly, the fluid in the third flow path F3 is once-filtered fluid. The third flow path F3 connects with a fourth flow path F4 at the tangential inlet 238 to each individual cyclone container 228.
The fourth flow path F4 enters each individual cyclone container 228 at the respective tangential inlet 238 where it proceeds to the respective cyclone chamber 232, e.g., third chamber C3. The placement of the individual cyclone container's tangential inlet 238, e.g., at a tangent to the respective cyclone chamber 232, results in the fourth flow path F4 being a cyclonic/rotational flow within each cyclone chamber 232 about a secondary axis A2 of each individual cyclone container 228. The fourth flow path F4 rotates within each individual cyclone container 228 to separate smaller debris DS, e.g., debris having an aggregate size (e.g., each dimension) of up to about 0.080 inches, for example, such as, coarse sand, fine sand, silt, dirt, insects, etc., based on the ratio of the smaller debris' DS centripetal force to fluid resistance from the fluid stream of the fourth flow path F4. More specifically, the fourth flow path F4 travels along the interior wall of the respective cyclone container body 230 and travels downward along the cyclone container body 230 toward the debris underflow nozzle 236 where the cyclone container body 230 beings to taper. As the fourth flow path F4 travels toward the tapered end of the cyclone container body 230, the rotational radius of the fourth flow path F4 is reduced. As the rotational radius of the fourth flow path F4 is reduced, the larger and denser particles of the smaller debris particles DS within the fourth flow path F4 have too much inertia to follow the continually reducing rotational radius of the fourth flow path F4 causing the smaller debris particles DS to contact the cyclone container body 230 and fall to the bottom where the small debris particles DS falls through the respective debris underflow nozzle 236 and into the fourth chamber C4 where it is collected and stored by the fine debris container 172 until the canister subassembly 121 is removed from the cleaner 100 and emptied. The fine debris container 172 can include holes or slots in the dish 202 thereof that allow the small debris particles DS to fall into the lower portion 170 of the canister body 166 or fall out from the fine debris container 172 when the canister body 166 is opened. The result of the above description is that smaller and smaller debris is separated from the fluid flowing in the fourth flow path F4 as the fourth flow path F4 proceeds down the tapered portion of the cyclone container body 230 forming an inner vortex. Additionally, as the fluid within the fourth flow path F4 reaches the bottom of the tapered portion of the cyclone container body 230, and the inner vortex, it slows down causing the fluid therein to be pulled upward through the respective vortex finder 250 as twice-filtered fluid and enter the fifth chamber C5 where it merges with the fifth flow path F5.
The fifth flow path F5 connects with the fourth flow path F4 at the opening 252 to each vortex finder 250 where twice-filtered fluid enters the fifth chamber C5. The fifth flow path F5 extends from the opening 252 of each vortex finder 250, across each inner chamber 245, into and across the tubular chamber 256, across the plurality of fins 268 of the finger guard 160, underneath the inner cylindrical wall 264, through the center of the inner cylindrical wall 264, out from the finger guard 160, through the diffuser 162, through the center of the first annular wall 246 of the top cap 180, and exits through the central outlet 248 of the top cap 180. That is, the fifth flow path F5 completely traverses the fifth chamber C5.
Accordingly, the larger cyclonic/rotational flow of the second flow path F2 flows about the central axis A1, while the smaller cyclonic/rotational flows of the fourth flow path F4 are formed and flow about the secondary axis A2 of each individual cyclone container 228, thus resulting in a plurality of smaller cyclonic/rotational flows within a larger cyclonic/rotational flow.
The flow of fluid through the cleaner 100, e.g., the five flow paths F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, is generated by the impeller 156 that is driven by the third motor (not shown) and positioned inline with the central outlet 248 of the top cap 180. The impeller 156 functions to discharge fluid through the central outlet 248 of the top cap 180, thus pulling fluid in reverse sequence through the cleaner 100. More specifically, the impeller 156 accelerates fluid through the central outlet 248 resulting in fluid being pulled sequentially through the fifth flow path F5, the fourth flow path F4, the third flow path F3, the second flow path F2, and then the first flow path F1 where the debris-laden fluid enters the cleaner 100 at the intake 126 through a suction effect generated at the inlet opening 142 of the intake 126.
As such, debris-laden fluid flowing through the cleaner 100 is filtered twice by particle separation due to the cyclones generated in the first chamber C1 and the third chamber C4. Utilizing the cyclonic flows within the cleaner 100 to separate the particles and drop the particles out of the flow path results in the retention of suction performance throughout the cleaner, as there is no opportunity for the debris particles to clog the filtering elements. This allows for optimum fluid flow performance through entire cleaning cycles, longer cleaner run times between debris removal, and the collection of more debris before needing to empty the canister subassembly 121. As is known in the art, the outward flow of clean fluid results in an opposing force, which, as is also known in the art, can be relied upon in navigation of the pool cleaner for the purpose of forcing a pool cleaner downward against the floor when the pool cleaner is traversing the floor and sideways against a wall, when the pool cleaner is traversing a wall of the pool.
Turning now to the release means 184 for disengaging the upper and lower portions 168, 170 of the canister body 166 (e.g., quick-release latch),
As can be seen in
One of ordinary skill in the art should appreciate that the release means 184 could be any suitable means for engaging the upper and lower portions 168, 170 of the canister body 166. For example, the release means 184 could be a mating component arrangement, a sliding spring latch, a rotatable spring latch, or any other known latching assemblies.
In operation, to empty the canister body 166 a user would first disconnect the canister subassembly 121 from the motor housing 124 by pressing forward against the front latch 154, as shown in
In other aspects of the present disclosure, the canister subassembly 121 can be provided with a handle to facilitate handling thereof by a user.
Further discussion shall now be had with respect to example embodiments of a drive system 110. As discussed above with reference to
In the disclosure of the embodiments of
Referring to
Although electric sources are contemplated, other power sources are also contemplated. For example, the power source can be positive water pressure, as in what is commonly referred to in the pool industry as a “pressure cleaner.” As another example, the power source can negative water pressure, as in what is commonly referred to in the pool industry as a “suction cleaner.” Any power source and/or combinations thereof are contemplated.
The first rate and the second rate can be the same or different, depending on the circumstances. For example, where the cleaner desires to move in a straight trajectory, the first rate and the second rate may generally be the same, except whether the pool cleaner detects that other relevant parameters are unequal, such as uneven traction, in which case the first rate and the second rate may be different for a straight trajectory. Where it is desired for the pool cleaner to turn, for example, the first rate and the second rate may be different. Additionally and/or alternatively, the first set of rollers (rollers 128a, 128c, and 128e) can rotate in a first direction, while the second roller set (rollers 128b, 128d, and 128f) can rotate in a second direction opposite the first direction.
With reference to
The hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 400 includes a canister subassembly and a fluid turbine subassembly. In particular, the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 400 includes a guard (which can be a diffuser 402 e.g., a stator), a top cap 404, an impeller 406, an impeller skirt 408, an impeller retaining ring 466, a ring 410 of vortex finders 412, a vortex finder gasket 678, a shaft 414, and a ball bearing 416 disposed around the shaft 414. The hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 400 further includes a cyclone block 418 with a plurality of circumferentially disposed cyclone containers 420, a first gasket 422, a second gasket 424, a filtering assembly 426 including a filtering medium support 428 and a filtering medium 430, and a fine debris container top 432, and a fine debris container 434. The hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 400 further includes an O-ring 436, a debris separator ring 438, a canister body 440, a gasket 442, a large debris container 444 that defines the bottom of the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 400, and a gasket 468 disposed between the large debris container 444 and the fine debris container 434.
The canister body 440 includes an inlet 446 that tangentially introduces fluid into the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 400. The canister body 440 further includes a locking assembly 448, the locking assembly 448 including a snap plate 450 disposed on the canister body 440, a snap spring 452, a slide cover 454 and screws 456. The locking assembly 448 can interlock with a complementary extension 458 protruding from a top edge 460 of the large debris container 444. The large debris container 444 includes a hinge 462 connected to a complementary hinge at a bottom edge 464 of the canister body 440. The large debris container 444 can thereby pivot at the hinge 462 between an open and a closed position, and the locking assembly 448 can be used to lock the large debris container 444 relative to the canister body 440 to maintain the large debris container 444 in a closed position.
The impeller 406 can engaged with the shaft 414 such that rotation of the shaft 414 simultaneously rotates the impeller 406. The shaft 414 can engage the third motor (not shown), which can be positioned within the mounting boss 152 of the motor housing 124 (see, e.g.,
With additional reference to
The gasket 442 separates the perimeter of the bottom edge 464 of the canister body 440 from the top edge 460 of the large debris container 444. With reference to
The curved extension 502 bends downward and away from the vertical portion 498. The vertical portion 498 includes a perpendicular protrusion 504 extending from an inner surface 506. The horizontal portion 500 includes a perpendicular protrusion 508 extending from an inner surface 510. In some embodiments, the perpendicular protrusion 508 can be located at the distal end of the horizontal portion 500. The perpendicular protrusions 504, 508 form a channel 512 therebetween.
The channel 512 can be configured and dimensioned to receive the bottom edge 464 of the canister body 440. In some embodiments, the perpendicular protrusions 504, 508 create a friction fit between the gasket 442 and the canister body 440, thereby ensuring continued attachment of the gasket 442 relative to the canister body 440. The radius 514 of curvature of the curved extension 502 can be selected to be substantially complementary to the upwardly angled side walls 484 of the large debris container 444. Thus, when the large debris container 444 is positioned in a closed position, the gasket 442 can mate against the upwardly angled side walls 484 of the large debris container 444 to create a water-tight seal between the large debris container 444 and the canister body 440.
The debris separator ring 438 can be in the form of a cylindrical mesh ring including a central opening 490, and defining an outer circumferential edge 492 and an inner circumferential edge 494. The outer circumferential edge 492 can define a cross-sectional width dimensioned smaller than a cross-sectional width of the inner circumferential edge 494. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional width can gradually taper and increase in dimension from the outer circumferential edge 492 to the inner circumferential edge 494. A portion of the debris separator ring 438 extending radially from the outer circumferential edge 492 towards the inner circumferential edge 494 can include a plurality of radial apertures 496 (e.g., one or more rows of apertures 496) formed therein. In some embodiments, the apertures 496 can extend substantially halfway from the outer circumferential edge 492 to the inner circumferential edge 494.
In the assembled configuration of the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 400, the debris separator ring 438 can be disposed spaced upward relative to the bottom edge 464 of the canister body and, therefore, spaced upward relative to the large debris container 444 (see, e.g.,
With additional reference to
The fine debris container 434 includes a vertical circumferential flange 536 extending from the outer perimeter 518 of the dish 516. The vertical circumferential flange 536 includes a first horizontal lip 538 extending perpendicularly from a top surface 540 of the vertical circumferential flange 536. The vertical circumferential flange 536 includes a second horizontal lip 542 extending parallel to the first horizontal lip 538 and disposed between the first horizontal lip 538 and the outer perimeter 518. During assembly, the O-ring 436 can be positioned between the first and second horizontal lips 538, 542 to maintain a water-tight seal between the fine debris container 434 and the fine debris container top 432.
The inner surface 544 of the dish 516 includes a plurality of upwardly extending bulbs 546. The bulbs 546 can be radially formed on the inner surface 544. In some embodiments, the fine debris container 434 includes a first row of bulbs 546 radially disposed relative to the central vertical axis 522 near the outer perimeter 518 of the dish 516, and further includes a second row of bulbs 546 radially disposed relative to the central vertical axis 522 near the inner perimeter 520 of the dish 516. Each of the bulbs 546 near the outer perimeter 518 can define a first height relative to the inner surface 544, and each of the bulbs 546 near the inner perimeter 520 can define a second height relative to the inner surface 544, the first height being dimensioned smaller than the second height. Each of the bulbs 546 includes a radial wall 548, a top surface 550 and an opening 552 formed in the top surface 550. Each of the bulbs 546 further includes a cavity 554 formed within the radial wall 548 and connected with the opening 552, the cavity 554 extending to the outer surface 556 of dish 516.
With additional reference to
The outer perimeter wall 558 can extend downwardly from the top surface 562 to form an enclosed cavity 572 between the outer perimeter wall 558 and the central radial extension 564. The top surface 562 includes a circumferential polygonal edge 574 from which a plurality of plates 576 extend. The plates 576 can be angled downwardly relative to a central portion 578 of the top surface 562 (and a central vertical axis 580) and form the perimeter of the fine debris container top 432. The central portion 578 of the top surface 562 includes a plurality of radial openings 582 formed therein and circumferentially disposed relative to the central vertical axis 580. Each of the plates 576 includes an opening 584 formed therein. The openings 582, 584 can be configured and dimensioned to receive the distal ends of the respective cyclone containers 420.
With reference to
As shown in
It should be understood that when the large debris container 444 is unlatched from the canister body 440 and is in the open position, large debris from the large debris container 444 and fine debris from the cavity or chamber formed between the central radial extensions 526, 564 can be simultaneously emptied. In particular, opening the large debris container 444 releases the seal formed between the gasket 468 and the distal ends 534, 570 of the central radial extensions 526, 564, allowing the fine debris to be simultaneously emptied from the canister body 440.
With additional reference to
As noted above, the filtering assembly 426 includes the filtering medium support 428 and the filtering medium 430. The filtering medium support 428 includes a support body 586 defining a frustoconical configuration. The support body 586 includes a top circumferential frame 588 and a bottom circumferential frame 590. A diameter of the top circumferential frame 588 can be dimensioned greater than a diameter of the bottom circumferential frame 590. The support body 586 further includes a plurality of windows 592 formed between the top and bottom circumferential frames 588, 590. In some embodiments, the windows 592 can be dimensioned substantially similarly relative to each other. In some embodiments, one section of the support body 586 can include a plurality of vertical slit windows 594 that are dimensioned smaller than the windows 592. During assembly, the vertical slit windows 594 can be positioned to face the tangential outlet 472 of the canister body 440. The vertical slit windows 594 provide structural support to the filtering assembly 426 against fluid flow entering the canister body 440 through the tangential outlet 472. In some embodiments, the support body 586 can include a circumferential wall 596 extending downwardly from the bottom circumferential frame 590. The diameter of the circumferential wall 596 can be dimensioned such that during assembly, the circumferential wall 596 mates with the debris separator ring 438.
The filtering medium 430 (e.g., a mesh, filter, polymesh, or the like) can be received by the support body 586 such that the filtering medium 430 covers each of the windows 492 and the vertical slit windows 594. In particular, the filtering medium 430 extends the perimeter wall of the filtering assembly 426. As will be discussed in greater detail below, in a first cyclonic separation stage, the filtering assembly 426 can filter out a first debris size, e.g., large debris, from the fluid flow with the large debris dropping into the large debris container 444. In particular, the large debris contacts the filtering medium 430, or the interior wall of the canister body 440, and is knocked down out of the fluid flow and does not enter the interior of the filtering assembly 426. The fluid flow with at least some fine debris can continue through the filtering assembly 426 and into the cyclone block 418.
With additional reference to
Each of the cyclone containers 420 of the first set of cyclone containers 624 can extend substantially parallel to the central vertical axis 622. Each of the cyclone containers 420 of the second set of cyclone containers 626 can extend in an angled manner relative to the central vertical axis 622 (e.g., angled with a bottom of the cyclone container 626 in the direction of the central vertical axis 622). In particular, a central axis A1 of each of the cyclone containers 420 of the first set of cyclone containers 624 can be substantially parallel to the central vertical axis 622, while a central axis A2 of each of the cyclone containers 420 of the second set of cyclone containers 626 can be angled relative to the central vertical axis 622. In particular, a cylindrical top portion 638 of each of the second set of cyclone containers 626 can be disposed further from the central vertical axis 622 than a debris underflow nozzle 634.
It should be understood that the description of a single cyclone container 420 holds true for all of the cyclone containers 420 that make up the ring of cyclone containers 420 (i.e., the cyclone block 418), unless noted otherwise. Each cyclone container 420 includes a circular tapered container body 628 that defines a cyclone chamber 630 and includes an overflow opening 632, a debris underflow nozzle 634, and a tangential inlet 636 generally positioned on a radially inward portion of each cyclone container 420. Each cyclone container 420 generally includes a cylindrical top portion 638 and a frustoconical bottom portion 640 that tapers downward to the debris underflow nozzle 634. The frustoconical bottom portion 640 aids in maintaining a centrifugal acceleration of the fluid flow as the fluid travels downward along the interior of the frustoconical bottom portion 640 in the direction of the debris underflow nozzle 634. In some embodiments, the tangential inlet 636 of every other cyclone container 420 of the second set of cyclone containers 626 can be in fluid communication with the tangential inlet 636 of a respective cyclone container 420 of the first set of cyclone containers 624 via a passage 642. As will be discussed in greater detail below, fluid passing through the filtering assembly 426 enters the inner chamber 470 of the canister body 440 around the frustoconical bottom portions 640 of the cyclone containers 420 and travels upward into the respective tangential inlets 636 of the cyclone containers 420. Therefore, fluid enters each of the cyclone chambers 630 of the first and second set of cyclone containers 624, 626 substantially simultaneously and forms individual cyclones within the cyclone containers 420. A concentric, dual-cyclone configuration within the cyclone block 418 is thereby formed.
Each of the frustoconical bottom portions 640 can be configured and dimensioned to be partially received within the radial openings 582, 584 of the fine debris container top 432 such that fine debris filtered by the cyclone containers 420 falls through the debris underflow nozzle 634 and into the fine debris container 434. Thus, the fine debris container top 432 maintains the debris underflow nozzles 634 suspended over or spaced from the dish 516 of the fine debris container 434. Accordingly, debris falls out of the debris-laden water within each individual cyclone container 420, e.g., due to contact with the wall of the cyclone container body 628, and falls through the debris underflow nozzle 634 and into the fine debris container 434. During assembly, as shown in
The shaft 414 includes a proximal end 642 and a distal end 644. The proximal end 642 can include a tip 646 configured to mate with a complementary opening 648 of the impeller 406. Thus, rotation of the shaft 414 simultaneously drives rotation of the impeller 406. The tip 646 allows the impeller 406 to be removably attached to the shaft 414. The distal end 644 includes a female member 650 configured to mate with a male member of the third motor (e.g., a spline coupling, or the like). The third motor can thereby drive rotation of the shaft 414. The shaft 414 can pass through the central openings of the components of the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 400 with the distal end 644 being positioned over the central hub 480 of the large debris container 444. The male member of the third motor can pass through the opening 468 of the central hub 480 and engages the female member 650 to rotate the shaft 414 within the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 400.
With additional reference to
The ring body 652 includes a central opening 662, a first set of vortex finders 664 radially disposed around the central opening 662, and a second set of vortex finders 666 radially disposed around the first set of vortex finders 664. The central opening 662 can be formed in a central hub 668 that is raised relative to the recessed central portion 654. Each of the vortex finders 412 of the first set of vortex finders 664 can extend substantially parallel to a central vertical axis 670. Each of the vortex finders 412 of the second set of vortex finders 666 can be angled relative to the central vertical axis 670. In particular, the angle of the second set of vortex finders 666 can be substantially equal to the angle of the cyclone containers 420 of the second set of cyclone containers 626. In some embodiments, the perimeter flaps 658 can be hingedly connected to the angled wall sections 660 such that the angle of each vortex finder 412 can be individually adjusted relative to the central vertical axis 670. During assembly, the vortex finders 412 of the first set of vortex finders 664 can be positioned at least partially into the cyclone containers 420 of the first set of cyclone containers 624, and the vortex finders 412 of the second set of vortex finders 666 can be positioned at least partially into the cyclone containers 420 of the second set of cyclone containers 626.
Each of the vortex finders 412 includes a planar top surface 672 and a cylindrical extension 674 protruding downwardly from the planar top surface 672. Each cylindrical extension 674 includes a uniform channel 676 passing therethrough. When positioned within the respective cyclone containers 420, the vortex finders 412 assist in generating a vortex within the cyclone containers 420 such that debris of a second size (e.g., fine debris) hits the inner walls of the cyclone container 420 and travels downwardly through the frustoconical bottom portion 640, through the debris underflow nozzle 634 and into the fine debris container 434.
With additional reference to
The top cap 404 includes a top plate 690 with a plurality of rounded lobes 692 extending from the perimeter of the top plate 690. The number of rounded lobes 692 can equal the number of cyclone containers 420 in the second set of cyclone containers 624 and the number of vortex finders 412 in the second set of vortex finders 666. Each of the rounded lobes 692 extends through the top plate 690 and converges at a central cavity 694 within the top cap 404. The cavity 694 forms a tubular wall 696 defining an outlet 698 of the top cap 404. The tubular wall 696 can extend upwardly relative to the surface of the top plate 690. The diffuser 402 can be positioned over the outlet 698 to promote suction of fluid out of the cavity 694. In some embodiments, the top cap 404 can include a handle 405 extending from the top cap 404 to allow for removal of the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 400 from the motor housing (see, e.g.,
When assembled, each of the rounded lobes 692 is positioned over the respective vortex finder 412 and cyclone container 420 such that fluid can exit the cyclone container 420 through the respective vortex finder 412, travels into the cavity 694, and out of the outlet 698. Thus, individual fluid cyclonic flows within the cyclone block 418 can merge within the cavity 694 prior to being expelled from the outlet 698. The top cap 404 can be secured to the cyclone block 418 by a plurality of screws or bolts. A plurality of screws of bolts can similarly be used to secure the fine debris container top 432, the fine debris container 434 and the canister body 440. The large debris container 444 can be placed in a closed position by positioning the large debris container 444 against the gasket 442, and the extension 458 of the large debris container 444 can be engaged with the locking assembly 448. In particular, the extension 458 can be flexed outwardly to position the large debris container 444 against the gasket 442, and released to allow a curved hook of the extension 458 to engage a protrusion of the locking assembly 448. The slide cover 454 can be positioned over the snap plate 450 to maintain engagement of the extension 458 with the locking assembly 448.
With reference to
The drive assembly 702 includes a motor housing 706, an intake 708, six brushed rollers 710a-f, a first roller drive 712 and a second roller drive 714. The first and second roller drives 712, 714 are positioned on opposite sides of the motor housing 706. Each of the roller drives 712, 714 is respectively in operative communication with a first and second motor (not shown) positioned within the motor housing 706. A first roller set (rollers 710a, 710c, 710e) is in mechanical communication with the first roller drive 712, which is in communication with the first drive motor so that each of the rollers of the first roller set (e.g., rollers 710a, 710c, 710e) turn in the same direction and independently from a second roller set (rollers 710b, 710d, 710f). In some embodiments, each of the rollers of the first roller set (rollers 710a, 710c, 710e) can be independently spun relative to each other. The second roller set (rollers 710b, 710d, 710f) is in mechanical communication with the second roller drive 714, which is in communication with the second drive motor, so each of the rollers of the second roller set (e.g., rollers 710b, 710d, 710f) turn in the same direction and independently from the first roller set (rollers 710a, 710c, 710e). In some embodiments, the rollers of the first roller set can turn at the same rate, and the rollers of the second roller set can turn at the same rate. For purposes of turning the pool cleaner 700, the first set of rollers can be driven to turn in a single direction and the second set of rollers can be driven to turn in an opposing direction, thereby generating a moment for turning the pool cleaner 700. Each of the rollers 710a-f can be mounted to roller mounts 716a-d of the motor housing 706. Each of the roller drives 712, 714 includes a first drive train 734, 736 disposed underneath the motor housing 706 and a second drive train 738, 740 disposed on the respective sides of the frame of the pool cleaner 700. In some embodiments, one or more split bearings 739 can be used in combination with the first and second drive trains 734, 736, 738, 740.
The intake 708 includes a body 718 extending the width of the pool cleaner 700 between the rollers 710c, d and the rollers 710e, f. The intake 708 includes an inlet opening 720 and an outlet opening 722 defined by the body 718. A channel 724 extends between the inlet opening 720 and the outlet opening 722. A rim 726 extends about the perimeter of the outlet opening 722 and is configured and dimensioned to cooperate with inlet 446 of the canister body 440.
The motor housing 706 includes a motor shaft 728 with a male member 730 that engages the female member 650 of the shaft 414. In particular, the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 400 can be mounted over the male member 730 of the motor shaft 728 such that engagement between the motor shaft 728 and the shaft 414 occurs. The motor shaft 728 can thereby drive the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 400. A locking interface 732 on the motor housing 706 can detachably interlock relative to a bottom surface of the large debris container 444 to interlock the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 400 with the motor housing 706. For example, the bottom surface of the large debris container 444 can include a concave portion 445 configured and dimensioned to receive the locking interface 732 of the motor housing 706.
With reference to
A first roller set (rollers 744a, 744b) is in mechanical communication with the first roller drive 746, which is in communication with the first drive motor so that each of the rollers of the first roller set (e.g., rollers 744a, 744b) turn in the same direction and independently from a second roller set (rollers 744c, 744d). In some embodiments, each of the rollers of the first roller set (744a, 744b) can be independently spun relative to each other. The second roller set (rollers 744c, 744d) is in mechanical communication with the second roller drive 748, which is in communication with the second drive motor, so each of the rollers of the second roller set (e.g., 744c, 744d) turn in the same direction and independently from the first roller set (744a, 744b). In some embodiments, the rollers of the first roller set can turn at the same rate, and the rollers of the second roller set can turn at the same rate.
During operation, turning capability can be provided by the moment created by the middle split rollers 744b, 744c. In particular, rotation of the rollers 744b, 744c in their opposing respective directions creates a moment for rotating the pool cleaner 742. Each of the rollers 744a-d can be mounted to roller mounts 750a-d of the motor housing 706. Each of the roller drives 746, 748 includes a first drive train 734, 736 disposed underneath the motor housing 706 and a second drive train 752, 754 disposed on the respective sides of the frame of the pool cleaner 742.
When the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 400 is fully assembled and attached to the motor housing 706 and intake 708, a plurality of different chambers and flow paths are formed.
A first chamber C1 is generally formed at the interior of the canister body 440 and as a portion of the inner chamber 470 of the canister body 440. The first chamber C1 is generally delineated as being between the inside of the canister body 440, the outside of the filtering assembly 426, and the outside of the fine debris container 434. The first chamber C1 receives debris-laden water having large and small debris contained therein. Flow of the debris-laden water within the first chamber C1 is discussed in greater detail below. A second chamber C2 is generally formed at the interior of the large debris container 444. The second chamber C2 receives and retains large debris filtered from the water. The third chamber C3 is generally formed between the outer surfaces of the cyclone containers 420 of the cyclone block 418, and is generally delineated as being between the inside of the filtering assembly 426, the outer surfaces of the cyclone containers 420, the ring body 652 of the ring 410 of vortex finders 412, and the fine debris container top 432. The third chamber C3 receives once-filtered debris-laden water from the first chamber C1, e.g., water that has small debris contained therein with the large debris filtered out and retained in the second chamber C2.
Fourth and fifth chambers C4, C5 are generally formed within each of the cyclone containers 420 of the first and second set of cyclone containers 624, 626. In particular, the fourth chamber C4 is formed within the cyclone containers 420 of the second set of cyclone containers 626 and the fifth chamber C4 is formed within the cyclone containers 420 of the first set of cyclone containers 624. As will be discussed in greater detail below, once-filtered debris-laden water can enter the fourth and fifth chambers C4, C5 substantially simultaneously. The fourth and fifth chambers C4, C5 are generally delineated as being within the inner chambers 470 of the cyclone containers 420 between the interior of a cyclone container 440 and a vortex finder 412. The fourth and fifth chambers C4, C5 receive the once-filtered debris-laden water from the third chamber C3.
A sixth chamber C6 is generally formed at the interior of the fine debris container 434, and is generally delineated as being between the central radial extension 526 of the fine debris container 434, the central radial extension 564 of the fine debris container top 432, and the gasket 468. The sixth chamber C6 is a static flow area that receives small debris that is separated out from the once-filtered debris-laden water that passes through the fourth and fifth chambers C4, C5. The once-filtered debris-laden water is filtered a second time in the fourth and fifth chambers C4, C5, where small debris “falls out” from the water and passes through the debris underflow nozzles 634 of each respective individual cyclone container 420 and into the sixth chamber C6.
The seventh chamber C7 extends from the uniform channel 676 of each vortex finder 412 to the central outlet 698 of the top cap 404. The seventh chamber C7 is generally delineated by the interior of the plurality of vortex finders 412, the interior chamber of each rounded lobe 692, the central outlet 698, the parabolically-shaped outer surface of the impeller skirt 408, and the top of the diffuser 402. Accordingly, the seventh chamber C7 is a lobed chamber that originates at the channel 676 of each individual vortex finder 412 and extends to the central outlet 698 of the top cap 404, with the impeller 406, impeller skirt 408 and diffuser 402 being positioned in the seventh chamber C7. The seventh chamber C7 receives the twice-filtered water, e.g., water having minimal debris therein, from the fourth and fifth chambers C4, C5, and expels the filtered water from the central outlet 698.
Turning now to a description of the flow paths through the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 400,
The second flow path F2 starts at the end of the first flow path F1, e.g., at the tangential outlet 472, entering the inner chamber 470 of the canister body 440 at the tangential outlet 472. The second flow path F2 enters the inner chamber 470 at a tangent to the canister body 440, the inner chamber 470, and the first chamber C1 and is directed to flow between the inner wall of the canister body 440 and the filtering assembly 426. The tangential entrance of the second flow path F2 results in the generation of a cyclonic/rotational flow within the first chamber C1 that circles about a central axis A2 of the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 400. The cyclonic flow of the second flow path F2 within the first chamber C1 results in large debris particles DL, e.g., debris having an aggregate size (e.g., each dimension) of up to about 1.25 inches, for example, such as, sticks, leaves, grass, coarse sand, fine sand, stones, pebbles, insects, small animals, etc., striking the interior surface of the canister body 440 and the filtering assembly 426 and losing velocity, resulting in the large debris particles DL falling to the bottom of the canister body 440 and into the large debris container 444 (e.g., the second chamber C2) where they are collected and stored until the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 400 is removed from the pool cleaner and emptied.
A third flow path F3 extends radially inward from the second flow path F2, flowing across the filtering medium 430 of the filtering assembly 426 into the third chamber C3. Fluid and smaller debris DS are contained in the third flow path F3, but the larger debris DL has been separated out. Accordingly, the fluid in the third flow path F3 is once-filtered fluid. The third flow path F3 enters the third chamber C3 around the outer surface of the frustoconical bottom portions 640 of the cyclone containers 420 and rises upward in the direction of the cylindrical top portions 638 of the cyclone containers 420. As the fluid of the third flow path F3 reaches the tangential inlet 636 of each of the cyclone containers 420, the third flow path F3 connects with fourth and fifth flow paths F4, F5. In particular, the third flow path F3 enters each of the cyclone containers 420 of the first and second set of cyclone containers 624, 626 substantially simultaneously as fluid rises to the level of the tangential inlets 636.
The fourth flow path F4 enters each individual cyclone container 420 of the second set of cyclone containers 626 at the respective tangential inlet 636 where it proceeds to the respective cyclone chamber 630, e.g., the fourth chamber C4. Substantially simultaneously to the fourth flow path F4 entering the cyclone containers 420 of the second set of cyclone containers 626, the fifth flow path F5 enters each individual cyclone container 420 of the first set of cyclone containers 624 at the respective tangential inlet 636 where it proceeds to the respective cyclone chamber 630, e.g., the fifth chamber C5. The placement of the individual cyclone container's tangential inlet 636, e.g., at a tangent to the respective cyclone chamber 630, results in the fourth and fifth flow paths F4, F5 being a cyclonic/rotational flow within each cyclone chamber 630. The fourth and fifth flow paths F4, F5 rotate within each individual cyclone container 440 of the respective second and first set of cyclone containers 626, 624 to separate smaller debris DS, e.g., debris having an aggregate size (e.g., each dimension) of up to about 0.080 inches, for example, such as, coarse sand, fine sand, silt, dirt, insects, etc., based on the ratio of the smaller debris' DS centripetal force to fluid resistance from the fluid stream of the fourth and fifth flow paths F4, F5. More specifically, the fourth and fifth flow paths F4, F5 travel along the interior wall of the respective cyclone container 420, travels downward along the cyclone container 420 through the frustoconical bottom portion 640 where the cyclone container 420 tapers, and toward the debris underflow nozzle 634.
As the fourth and fifth flow paths F4, F5 travel along the frustoconical bottom portion 640, the rotational radius of the fourth and fifth flow paths F4, F5 is reduced. As the rotational radius of the fourth and fifth flow paths F4, F5 is reduced, the larger and denser particles of the smaller debris particles DS within the fourth and fifth flow paths F4, F5 have too much inertia to follow the continually reducing rotational radius of the fourth and fifth flow paths F4, F5 causing the smaller debris particles DS to contact the inner surface of the cyclone container 420 and fall to the bottom where the small debris particles DS fall through the respective debris underflow nozzles 634 and onto the tapered fine debris container 434. The tapered configuration of the fine debris container 434 causes the small debris particles DS to slide downward and into the sixth chamber C6 where the small debris particles DS are collected and stored by the fine debris container 434 until the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 400 is removed from the pool cleaner and emptied. Thus, the small debris particles DS separated from the water in both the first and second set of cyclone containers 624, 626 is collected in the same fine debris container 434 until the pool cleaner is emptied.
The result of the above description is that smaller and smaller debris is separated from the fluid flowing in the fourth and fifth flow paths F4, F5 as these flow paths proceed down the frustoconical bottom portions 640 of the respective cyclone containers 420 forming an inner vortex. Additionally, as the fluid within the fourth and fifth flow paths F4, F5 reaches the bottom of the frustoconical bottom portions 640 and the inner vortex, it slows down causing the fluid therein to be pulled upward through the respective vortex finders 412 as twice-filtered fluid. The twice-filtered fluid enters the seventh chamber C7 where it merges with the sixth flow path F6.
The sixth flow path F6 connects with the fourth and fifth flow paths F4, F5 at the top of the channel 676 of each vortex finder 412 where twice-filtered water enters the seventh chamber C7. The sixth flow path F6 extends from the channel 676 of each vortex finder 412, across each inner lobe 692 of the top cap 404, into the tubular outlet 698, and through the diffuser 402 to exit the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 400. That is, the sixth flow path F6 completely traverses the seventh chamber C7.
Accordingly, the larger cyclonic/rotational flow travels about the central axis A2, while the smaller cyclonic/rotational flows are formed and flow about the secondary central axes of the individual cyclone containers 420 of the cyclone block 418, resulting in a plurality of smaller cyclonic/rotational flows within a larger cyclonic/rotational flow. In particular, the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 400 includes three levels of cyclonic/rotational flow—around the filtering assembly 426, within the second set of cyclone containers 626, and within the first set of cyclone containers 624.
As such, debris-laden fluid flowing through the pool cleaner is filtered twice by particle separation due to the generated cyclones. Utilizing the cyclonic flows within the pool cleaner to separate the particles and drop the particles out of the flow path results in the retention of suction performance throughout the cleaner, as there is no opportunity for the debris particles to clog the filtering elements. This allows for optimum fluid flow performance through entire cleaning cycles, longer cleaner run times between debris removal, and the collection of more debris before needing to empty the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 400. As is known in the art, the outward flow of clean fluid results in an opposing force, which, as is also known in the art, can be relied upon in navigation of the pool cleaner for the purpose of forcing a pool cleaner downward against the floor when the pool cleaner is traversing the floor and sideways against a wall, when the pool cleaner is traversing a wall of the pool.
With reference to
The wheels 818a-818f are grouped into a first wheel set (e.g., wheels 818a, 818c, 818e) and a second wheel set (e.g., 818b, 818d, 818f). Similarly, the rollers 820a-820f are grouped into a first roller set (e.g., rollers 820a, 820c, 820e) and a second roller set (e.g., 820b, 820d, 820f). Each of the roller sets are in mechanical communication with a respective drive, which is discussed in greater detail in connection with
As shown in
With reference to
As shown in
The canister body 856 further includes a locking assembly 874 that can be substantially similar to the locking assembly 448 shown in
The large debris container 858 includes a hinge 892 connected to a complementary hinge 894 (see
With additional reference to
With additional reference to
The fine debris subassembly 844 generally includes a fine debris container 926, a fine debris container top 928, a fine debris gasket 930, and an annular gasket 978, as shown in
The dish 932 includes an inner surface 946 that includes a plurality of upwardly extending bulbs 948. The bulbs 948 can be radially formed on the inner surface 946. In some embodiments, the fine debris container 844 includes a first row of bulbs 948 radially disposed relative to the central vertical axis 938 near the outer perimeter 934 of the dish 932, and further includes a second row of bulbs 948 radially disposed relative to the central vertical axis 938 near the inner perimeter 936 of the dish 932. Each of the bulbs 948 near the outer perimeter 934 can define a first height relative to the inner surface 946, and each of the bulbs 948 near the inner perimeter 936 can define a second height relative to the inner surface 946, the first height being dimensioned smaller than the second height. Each of the bulbs 948 includes a radial wall 950, a top surface 952 and an opening 954 formed in the top surface 952. Each of the bulbs 948 further includes a cavity 956 formed within the radial wall 950 and connected with the opening 954, the cavity 956 extending to an outer surface 958 of the dish 932.
The fine debris container top 928 includes a top circular plate 960, a substantially circular outer perimeter wall 962, and a central opening 964 formed in the top circular plate 960. The fine debris container top 928 includes a central tubular extension 966 protruding from an inner surface 968 of the top circular plate 960 and about the central opening 964. The central tubular extension 966 includes an interior cavity 970 that connects with the central opening 964. In some aspects, the wall that forms the central tubular extension 966 can taper gradually such that the thickness of the wall is greater near the inner surface 968 than the thickness of the radial wall at a distal end 972 of the central tubular extension 966.
The outer perimeter wall 962 can extend downwardly from the top circular plate 960 spaced radially inward from an outer edge 974 of the top circular plate 960. Placement of the outer perimeter wall 962 forms a mounting surface 976 at the outer edge 974 of the top circular plate 960. A gasket 978 can be placed between the mounting surface 976 and the outer perimeter wall 962 of the fine debris container top 928, and the outer perimeter 934 of the fine debris container 926 to form a watertight seal between the fine debris container 926 and the fine debris container top 928. The top circular plate 960 includes a plurality of radially spaced openings 980 formed therein and circumferentially disposed relative to the central vertical axis 938. In some embodiments, a first row of openings 980 can be radially disposed relative to the central vertical axis 938 near the outer edge 974 of the top circular plate 960, and a second row of openings 980 can be radially disposed relative to the central vertical axis 938 closer to the central opening 964. The openings 980 can be configured and dimensioned to receive the distal ends of a portion of the cyclone block subassembly 848, discussed in greater detail below.
As shown in
When assembled, the central tubular extension 966 of the fine debris container top 928 can be positioned concentrically within the central tubular extension 940 of the fine debris container 926. The distal end 972 of the central tubular extension 966 and the distal end 944 of the central radial extension 940 can be positioned against the second gasket 862 that is positioned at the central opening 864 of the large debris container 858 to create a water-tight seal therebetween. The fine debris container 926 can be secured with the fine debris container top by a plurality of screws or bolts that extend through the bulbs 948. As will be discussed in greater detail below, fine debris filtered from the fluid flow during a second cyclonic filtering stage can be deposited in the cavity or chamber formed between the central tubular extensions 940, 966 and the second gasket 862.
It should be understood that when the large debris container 858 is unlatched from the canister body 856 and is in the open position, large debris from the large debris container 858 and fine debris from the cavity or chamber formed between the central tubular extensions 940, 966 can be simultaneously emptied. In particular, opening the large debris container 858 releases the seal formed between the second gasket 862 and the distal ends 944, 972 of the central tubular extensions 940, 966, allowing the fine debris to be simultaneously emptied from the canister body 856.
The filter medium 846 can have a rigid substrate or can be generally a frustoconical shell that can be a mesh, filter, polymesh, or the like. While the filter medium 846 is shown as a solid component herein, this is simply done for ease of illustration, and it should be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art that the filter medium 846 includes a number of open spaces extending therethrough and is configured to allow water to flow across it. The filter medium 846 is mounted to the fine debris subassembly 844 and the cyclone block subassembly 848, and extends about the perimeter of the fine debris subassembly 844 and the cyclone block subassembly 848. Accordingly, fluid flowing from the exterior of the cyclone block subassembly 848 to the interior flows across the filter medium 846. The filter medium 846 is sized such that debris of a first size, e.g., larger debris, cannot pass through the filtering medium 846. As will be discussed in greater detail below, in a first cyclonic separation stage, the filter medium 846 can filter out a first debris size, e.g., large debris, from the fluid flow with the large debris dropping into the large debris container 858. In particular, the large debris contacts the filter medium 846, or the interior wall of the canister body 856, and is knocked down out of the fluid flow and does not enter the interior of the filtering medium 846. The fluid flow with at least some fine debris can continue through the filtering medium 846 and into the cyclone block subassembly 848. The filter medium 846 can be single filter component mounted to the fine debris subassembly 844 and the cyclone block subassembly 848, or it can be an assembly in accordance with the filtering assembly 426 discussed in connection with
As illustrated in
Each of the cyclone containers 1012 of the first set of cyclone containers 1016 can extend substantially parallel to the central vertical axis 1014. Each of the cyclone containers 1012 of the second set of cyclone containers 1018 can extend in an angled manner relative to the central vertical axis 1014 (e.g., angled with a bottom of the cyclone container 1018 in the direction of the central vertical axis 1014). In particular, a central axis A1 of each of the cyclone containers 1012 of the first set of cyclone containers 1016 can be substantially parallel to the central vertical axis 1014, while a central axis A2 of each of the cyclone containers 1012 of the second set of cyclone containers 1018 can be angled relative to the central vertical axis 1014. Further, a cylindrical top portion 1020 of each of the second set of cyclone containers 1018 can be disposed further from the central vertical axis 1014 than a debris underflow nozzle 1022.
It should be understood that the description of a single cyclone container 1012 holds true for all of the cyclone containers 1012 that make up the first and second rings of cyclone containers 1016, 1018 (i.e., those included in the cyclone block 1000), unless noted otherwise. Each cyclone container 1012 includes a circular tapered container body 1024 that defines a cyclone chamber 1026 and includes an overflow opening 1028, a debris underflow nozzle 1022, and one or more tangential inlets 1030 generally positioned on a radially outward portion of each first set of cyclone containers 1016 and a radially inward portion of each second set of cyclone containers 1018. Each cyclone container 1012 generally includes the cylindrical top portion 1020 and a frustoconical bottom portion 1032 that tapers downward to the debris underflow nozzle 1022. The frustoconical bottom portion 1032 aids in maintaining a centrifugal acceleration of the fluid flow as the fluid travels downward along the interior of the frustoconical bottom portion 1032 in the direction of the debris underflow nozzle 1022. In some embodiments, the tangential inlets 1030 of each cyclone container 1012 of the first set of cyclone containers 1016 can be in fluid communication with the tangential inlets 1030 of an adjacent cyclone container 1012 of the first set of cyclone containers 1016 via a passage 1034. As will be discussed in greater detail below, fluid passing through the filter medium 846 enters the inner chamber 896 of the canister body 856 flows around the frustoconical bottom portions 1032 of the cyclone containers 1012 and travels upward into the respective tangential inlets 1030 of the cyclone containers 1012. Therefore, fluid enters each of the cyclone chambers 1026 of the first and second set of cyclone containers 1016, 1018 substantially simultaneously and forms individual cyclones within the cyclone containers 1012. A concentric, dual-cyclone configuration within the cyclone block 990 is thereby formed.
Each of the frustoconical bottom portions 1032 can be configured and dimensioned to be partially received within the radially spaced openings 980, 986 of the fine debris container top 928 and the fine debris gasket 930 such that fine debris filtered by the cyclone containers 1012 falls through the debris underflow nozzle 1022 and into the fine debris container 926. Thus, the fine debris container top 928 maintains the debris underflow nozzles 1022 suspended over or spaced from the dish 932 of the fine debris container 928. Accordingly, debris falls out of the debris-laden water within each individual cyclone container 1012, e.g., due to contact with the wall of the cyclone container body 1024, and falls through the debris underflow nozzle 1022 and into the fine debris container 926. When assembled, as shown in
The cyclone block 990 additionally includes a plurality of bayonet-lock protrusions 1036 extending radially from the sidewall 1006. The bayonet-lock protrusions 1036 can be inserted into and twisted into engagement with the bayonet-lock recesses 911 of the canister body 856 in order to secure the cyclone block 990 to the canister body 856.
As referenced above, the cyclone block subassembly 848 includes a vortex finder ring 994 and a vortex finder ring gasket 996. The vortex finder ring 994 can be substantially similar in construction to the ring 410 illustrated in
The ring body 1038 includes a central opening 1048, a first set of vortex finders 1050 radially disposed around the central opening 1048, and a second set of vortex finders 1052 radially disposed around the first set of vortex finders 1050. Each of the first set of vortex finders 1050 can extend substantially parallel to a central vertical axis. Each of the second set of vortex finders 1052 can be angled relative to the central vertical axis. In particular, the angle of the second set of vortex finders 1052 can be substantially equal to the angle of the cyclone containers 1012 of the second set of cyclone containers 1018. In some embodiments, the perimeter flaps 1044 can be hingedly connected to the angled wall sections 1046 such that the angle of each vortex finder 1052 can be individually adjusted relative to the central vertical axis. During assembly, the first set of vortex finders 1050 can be positioned at least partially into the cyclone containers 1012 of the first set of cyclone containers 1016, and the second set of vortex finders 1052 can be positioned at least partially into the cyclone containers 1012 of the second set of cyclone containers 1018.
Each of the vortex finders 1050, 1052 includes a cylindrical extension 1054, with the cylindrical extensions 1054 of the first set of vortex finders 1050 protruding downwardly from the central portion 1040 of the ring body 1038 and the cylindrical extensions 1054 of the second set of vortex finders 1052 protruding downwardly from the respective perimeter flap 1044. Each cylindrical extension 1054 includes a uniform channel 1056 passing therethrough. When the cylindrical extensions 1054 are positioned within the respective cyclone containers 1012, the vortex finders 1050, 1052 assist in generating a vortex within the cyclone containers 1012 such that debris of a second size (e.g., fine debris) hits the inner walls of the cyclone container 1012 and travels downwardly through the frustoconical bottom portion 1032, through the debris underflow nozzle 1022 and into the fine debris container 926.
The vortex finder gasket 996 can be substantially disc-shaped and includes a gasket body 1058. The gasket body 1058 includes a central opening 1060, a first set of openings 1062 radially disposed around the central opening 1060, and a second set of openings 1064 radially disposed around the first set of openings 1062. The positions of the first and second set of openings 1062, 1064 can correspond to the vortex finders 1050, 1052 of the vortex finder ring 994. During assembly, the respective vortex finders 1050, 1052 can be inserted through the openings 1062, 1064 such that the vortex finder gasket 996 is disposed against the bottom surface of the ring body 1038. The gasket body 1058 includes a plurality of curved protrusions 1066 adjacent to the second set of openings 1064 that substantially match the configuration of the perimeter flaps 1044 of the vortex finder ring 994. The curved protrusions 1066 define the perimeter edge of the vortex finder gasket 996.
The top cap 998 includes a top plate 1068 with a plurality of holes 1069 and rounded lobes 1070 extending from the perimeter of the top plate 1068, and an outlet 1072 at the center of the top plate 1068. The number of rounded lobes 1070 can equal the number of cyclone containers 1012 in the second set of cyclone containers 1018 and the number of vortex finders in the second set of vortex finders 1052. Each of the rounded lobes 1070 extends to the top plate 1068 and converge at a central cavity 1074 (see
When assembled, the top cap 998 is positioned over all of the vortex finders 1050, 1052 and the cyclone containers 1018 such that fluid can exit the cyclone containers 1018 through the respective vortex finder 1050, 1052, travel into the cavity 1074, out of the outlet 1072, and through the guard 1076. Thus, individual fluid cyclonic flows within the cyclone block 990 can merge within the cavity 1074 prior to being expelled from the outlet 1072. The top cap 998 can be secured to the guard 1076, which in turn can be secured to the cyclone block 990 by a plurality of screws or bolts.
As illustrated in
The sleeve 1080 includes a tubular body 1108 having a first end 1110 and a second end 1112, and a mounting plate 1114 extending radially from the first end 1110 of the tubular body 1108. The tubular body 1108 is generally hollow and defines an inner cavity 1116. The interior of the tubular body 1108 includes a lower shoulder 1118 and an upper shoulder 1120. The first and second ball bearings 1084, 1086 can be plastic ball bearings and are positioned within the inner cavity 1116 of the tubular body 1108 with the first ball bearing 1084 seated against the lower shoulder 1118 and the second ball bearing 1086 seating against the upper shoulder 1120. The lower and upper shoulders 1118, 1120 prevent the ball bearings 1084, 1086 from unwanted axial movement. Alternatively, the impeller subassembly 850 can include a single ball bearing. The mounting plate 1114 includes three radially spaced hollow mounting bosses 1122. The mounting bosses 1122 are configured to engage mounting protrusions 1124 of the guard 1076.
The guard 1076 includes a shroud 1126 and an annular flange 1128 extending radially from the shroud 1126. The plurality of mounting protrusion 1124 extend perpendicularly from the annular flange 1128 and are spaced and configured to engage the mounting bosses 1122 of the sleeve 1080, thus securing the guard 1076 and the sleeve 1080 together. The shroud 1126 generally defines an inner chamber 1030 that has a bottom opening 1132 (e.g., at the center of the annular flange 1128) and a top opening 1134 that are in fluidic communication. When the impeller subassembly 850 is fully assembled, the impeller 1082 is positioned within the inner chamber 1030 of the guard 1076. The top opening 1134 of the guard 1076 also includes a plurality of ribs 1136 and a central hub 1138 that prevent a user from inserting their fingers into the guard 1076 during operation. The ribs 1136 can be radial fins or guards, annular fins or guards, embossments, a screen, a mesh, etc. The guard 1076 also includes a plurality of holes 1140 in the annular flange 1128. A standard fastener, e.g., bolt or screw, can be inserted through the holes 1140 of the guard 1076 and the holes 1069 of the top cap 998 to secure the guard 1076 to the top cap 998 during installation.
Notably, the example impeller subassembly 850 is a singular unit that contains very few components and can be removed and replaced without disassembling the entire hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 804. As shown in
To install the impeller subassembly 850, a user would take the fully assembled impeller assembly and insert the sleeve 1080 through the outlet 1072 of the top cap 998, the central opening 1048 of the vortex finder ring 994, the central opening 1060 of the vortex finder gasket 996, the central opening 1002 of the cyclone block 990, the central opening 984 of the fine debris gasket 930, the central opening 964 of the fine debris container top 928, and the central opening 864 of the large debris container 858. The user would then align the holes 1140 of the guard 1076 with holes 1069 of the top cap 998 and insert a fastener, e.g., a screw or a bolt, through the holes 1140, 1069 to secure the diffuser 1078 to the top cap 998 and thus securing the impeller subassembly 850 to the cyclone block subassembly 848. When the impeller subassembly 850 is engaged with the cyclone block subassembly 848, the mounting plate 1114 of the sleeve 1080 rests against and engages the central portion 1040 of the vortex finder ring 994. Furthermore, when the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 804 is placed on a cleaner body 802, a male member of the pump motor can pass through the second end 1112 of the sleeve 1080 to engage the female member 1102 to rotate the shaft 1078 and thus the impeller 1082 within the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 804.
Additionally, the second end 1112 of the sleeve 1080 can also function as the initial impact/engagement point with the pump motor which can have a tapered edge itself. That is, when the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 804 is positioned on a cleaner body 802, the second end 1112 of the sleeve 1080 can engage the tapered edge of the pump motor prior to the male member of the drive motor engaging the female member 1102 of the shaft 1078 in order to center the shaft 1078 of the pump motor male member before being locked into place, which maintains the shaft 1078 and pump motor male member in alignment without using the shaft 1078 itself for the alignment. Thus, in some embodiments, the sleeve 1080 can absorb any shock or loading forces from installation of the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 804, e.g., if it were to be dropped or misaligned by a user during installation. This eliminates force loading of the shaft 1078 that would have been subsequently transferred to the bearings 1084, 1086 and potentially caused them to prematurely fail. Furthermore, the shaft 1078 of the impeller subassembly 850 is capable of sliding along its central axis within the bearings 1084, 1086 and the sleeve 1080 when it is installed. For example, if the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 804 were to be dropped onto the pool cleaner body 802 during installation, the pump motor male member may forcefully contact the female member 1102 of the shaft 1078, causing the shaft 1078 to slide toward the first end 1110 of the sleeve 1080. By configuring the impeller subassembly 850 in such a way that the shaft 1078 can slide axially, the shaft 1078 and the impeller 1082 will transfer the force to the bottom of the guard 1076 and together are capable of absorbing a portion of the force instead of transferring the force to the bearings 1084, 1086, which if done could cause the bearings 1084, 1086 to prematurely fail. The retention ring 1088 prevents the shaft 1078 from sliding too far in the direction toward the second end 1112 of the sleeve 1080. Additionally and/or alternatively, the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 804 or the pool cleaner body 802 can be equipped with leaf springs, dampeners, or skid plates to control the rate of insertion of the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 804 on to the pool cleaner body 802.
The beauty cap 852 is a removable skin that allows a user to customize their pool cleaner 800, and specifically their hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 804, as well as provide additional functionality. The beauty cap 852 includes a body 1142 with a plurality of rounded lobes 1144 extending about the perimeter of the body 1142 and a top opening 1146. The shape and configuration of the body 1142 and rounded lobes 1144 of the beauty cap 852 are in substantial alignment with the shape and configuration of the rounded lobes 1070 and top plate 1068 of the top cap 998. Particularly, the beauty cap 852 is placed over the guard 1076 and the top cap 998 and secured to the top cap 998 with the guard 1076 extending through the top opening 1146. The beauty cap 852 can additionally include notches 1148 for engaging a portion of the handle 854, which is discussed in greater detail below. Additionally, the beauty cap 852 includes channels 1150 that allow water to flow to the interior and provide water to the bypass holes 1075 of the top cap 998.
The frame 1158 also includes a plurality of locking tabs 1172 on an interior portion thereof. The locking tabs 1172 are sized and configured to releasably engage the notches 1148 of the beauty cap 852 in order to lock the handle 854 in a closed position. The first and second locking hooks 1154, 1156 extend generally perpendicularly and downward from the first and second ends 1160, 1162 of the frame 1158, respectively. The first and second locking hooks 1154, 1156 are generally elongate structures that each include a recess 1174, 1176 at the end that forms an engagement surface 1178, 1180. Each recess 1174, 1176 of the first and second locking hooks 1154, 1156 is configured to receive one of the catches 838 of the pool cleaner body 802 in order to interconnect the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 804 with the pool cleaner body 802. Interaction of the first and second locking hooks 1154, 1156 with the structural locking hooks 868 is discussed in greater detail in connection with
When the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 804 is fully assembled and attached to the pool cleaner body 802, a plurality of different chambers and flow paths are formed.
A first chamber C1 is generally formed at the interior of the canister body 856 and as a portion of the inner chamber 896 of the canister body 856. The first chamber C1 is generally delineated as being between the inside of the canister body 856, the outside of the filter medium 846, and the outside of the fine debris container 926. The first chamber C1 receives debris-laden water having large and small debris contained therein. Flow of the debris-laden water within the first chamber C1 is discussed in greater detail below. A second chamber C2 is generally formed at the interior of the large debris container 858. The second chamber C2 receives and retains large debris filtered from the water. The third chamber C3 is generally formed between the outer surfaces of the cyclone containers 1012 of the cyclone block 990, and is generally delineated as being between the inside of the filter medium 846, the outer surfaces of the cyclone containers 1012, the ring body 1038 of the vortex finder ring 994, and the fine debris container top 928. The third chamber C3 receives once-filtered debris-laden water from the first chamber C1, e.g., water that has small debris contained therein with the large debris filtered out and retained in the second chamber C2.
Fourth and fifth chambers C4, C5 are generally formed within each of the cyclone containers 1012 of the first and second set of cyclone containers 1016, 1018. In particular, the fourth chamber C4 is formed within the cyclone containers 1012 of the second set of cyclone containers 1016 and the fifth chamber C5 is formed within the cyclone containers 1012 of the first set of cyclone containers 1018. As will be discussed in greater detail below, once-filtered debris-laden water can enter the fourth and fifth chambers C4, C5 substantially simultaneously. The fourth and fifth chambers C4, C5 are generally delineated as being within the cyclone chambers 1026 of the cyclone containers 1012 between the interior of a cyclone container 1012 and a vortex finder of the first and second sets of vortex finders 1050, 1052. The fourth and fifth chambers C4, C5 receive the once-filtered debris-laden water from the third chamber C3.
A sixth chamber C6 is generally formed at the interior of the fine debris container 926, and is generally delineated as being between the central tubular extension 940 of the fine debris container 926, the central tubular extension 966 of the fine debris container top 928, and the second gasket 862. The sixth chamber C6 is a static flow area that receives small debris that is separated out from the once-filtered debris-laden water that passes through the fourth and fifth chambers C4, C5. The once-filtered debris-laden water is filtered a second time in the fourth and fifth chambers C4, C5, where small debris “falls out” from the water and passes through the debris underflow nozzles 1022 of each respective individual cyclone container 1012 and into the sixth chamber C6.
The seventh chamber C7 extends from the uniform channel 1056 of each cylindrical extension 1054 of the first and second sets of vortex finders 1050, 1052 to the to opening 1134 of the guard 1076. The seventh chamber C7 is generally delineated by the interior of the plurality of cylindrical extensions 1054 of the first and second sets of vortex finders 1050, 1052, the interior chamber of each rounded lobe 1070, the ring body 1038, the mounting plate 1114 of the sleeve 1080, and the guard 1076. Accordingly, the seventh chamber C7 is a lobed chamber that originates at the channel 1056 of each cylindrical extension 1054 and extends to the opening 1134 of the guard 1076, with the impeller 1082, ribs 1136, and central hub 1138 being positioned in the seventh chamber C7. The seventh chamber C7 receives the twice-filtered water, e.g., water having minimal debris therein, from the fourth and fifth chambers C4, C5, and expels the filtered water from the opening 1134.
Turning now to a description of the flow paths through the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 804,
The second flow path F2 starts at the end of the first flow path F1, e.g., at the tangential outlet 904, entering the cyclone chamber 1026 of the canister body 856 at the tangential outlet 904. The second flow path F2 enters the cyclone chamber 1026 at a tangent to the canister body 856, the cyclone chamber 1026, and the first chamber C1 and is directed to flow between the inner wall of the canister body 856 and the filter medium 846. The tangential entrance of the second flow path F2 results in the generation of a cyclonic/rotational flow within the first chamber C1 that circles about a central axis A2 of the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 804. The cyclonic flow of the second flow path F2 within the first chamber C1 results in large debris particles DL, e.g., debris having an aggregate size (e.g., each dimension) of up to about 1.25 inches, for example, such as, sticks, leaves, grass, coarse sand, fine sand, stones, pebbles, insects, small animals, etc., striking the interior surface of the canister body 856 and the filter medium 846 and losing velocity, resulting in the large debris particles DL falling to the bottom of the canister body 856 and into the large debris container 858 (e.g., the second chamber C2) where they are collected and stored until the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 904 is removed from the pool cleaner and emptied.
A third flow path F3 extends radially inward from the second flow path F2, flowing across the filter medium 846 into the third chamber C3. Fluid and smaller debris DS are contained in the third flow path F3, but the larger debris DL has been separated out. Accordingly, the fluid in the third flow path F3 is once-filtered fluid. The third flow path F3 enters the third chamber C3 around the outer surface of the frustoconical bottom portions 1032 of the cyclone containers 1012 and rises upward in the direction of the cylindrical top portions 1020 of the cyclone containers 1012. As the fluid of the third flow path F3 reaches the tangential inlet 1030 of each of the cyclone containers 1012, the third flow path F3 connects with fourth and fifth flow paths F4, F5. In particular, the third flow path F3 enters each of the cyclone containers 1012 of the first and second set of cyclone containers 1016, 1018 substantially simultaneously as fluid rises to the level of the tangential inlets 1030.
The fourth flow path F4 enters each individual cyclone container 1012 of the second set of cyclone containers 1018 at the respective tangential inlet 1030 where it proceeds to the respective cyclone chamber 1026, e.g., the fourth chamber C4. Substantially simultaneously to the fourth flow path F4 entering the cyclone containers 1012 of the second set of cyclone containers 1018, the fifth flow path F5 enters each individual cyclone container 1012 of the first set of cyclone containers 1016 at the respective tangential inlet 1030 where it proceeds to the respective cyclone chamber 1026, e.g., the fifth chamber C5. The placement of the individual cyclone container's tangential inlet 1030, e.g., at a tangent to the respective cyclone chamber 1026, results in the fourth and fifth flow paths F4, F5 being a cyclonic/rotational flow within each cyclone chamber 1026. The fourth and fifth flow paths F4, F5 rotate within each individual cyclone container 1012 of the respective second and first set of cyclone containers 1016, 1018 to separate smaller debris DS, e.g., debris having an aggregate size (e.g., each dimension) of up to about 0.080 inches, for example, such as, coarse sand, fine sand, silt, dirt, insects, etc., based on the ratio of the smaller debris' DS centripetal force to fluid resistance from the fluid stream of the fourth and fifth flow paths F4, F5. More specifically, the fourth and fifth flow paths F4, F5 travel along the interior wall of the respective cyclone container 1012, travels downward along the cyclone container 1012 through the frustoconical bottom portion 1032 where the cyclone container 1012 tapers, and toward the debris underflow nozzle 1022.
As the fourth and fifth flow paths F4, F5 travel along the frustoconical bottom portion 1032, the rotational radius of the fourth and fifth flow paths F4, F5 is reduced. As the rotational radius of the fourth and fifth flow paths F4, F5 is reduced, the larger and denser particles of the smaller debris particles DS within the fourth and fifth flow paths F4, F5 have too much inertia to follow the continually reducing rotational radius of the fourth and fifth flow paths F4, F5 causing the smaller debris particles DS to contact the inner surface of the cyclone container 1012 and fall to the bottom where the small debris particles DS fall through the respective debris underflow nozzles 1022 and onto the tapered fine debris container 926. The tapered configuration of the fine debris container 926 causes the small debris particles DS to slide downward and into the sixth chamber C6 where the small debris particles DS are collected and stored by the fine debris container 926 until the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 804 is removed from the pool cleaner and emptied. Thus, the small debris particles DS separated from the water in both the first and second set of cyclone containers 1016, 1018 is collected in the same fine debris container 926 until the pool cleaner is emptied.
The result of the above description is that smaller and smaller debris is separated from the fluid flowing in the fourth and fifth flow paths F4, F5 as these flow paths proceed down the frustoconical bottom portions 1032 of the respective cyclone containers 1012 forming an inner vortex. Additionally, as the fluid within the fourth and fifth flow paths F4, F5 reaches the bottom of the frustoconical bottom portions 1032 and the inner vortex, it slows down and the rotation of the vortex flow is reversed, e.g., from a counter-clockwise flow on the outside to a clockwise flow on the inside, causing the fluid therein to be pulled upward (e.g., in a clockwise flow) through the respective cylindrical extensions 1054 of the first and second sets of vortex finders 1050, 1052 as twice-filtered fluid. The twice-filtered fluid enters the seventh chamber C7 where it merges with the sixth flow path F6.
The sixth flow path F6 connects with the fourth and fifth flow paths F4, F5 at the top of the channel 1056 of each vortex finder cylindrical extension 1054 where twice-filtered water enters the seventh chamber C7. The sixth flow path F6 extends from the channel 1056 of each cylindrical extension 1054, across each rounded lobe 1070 of the top cap 998, and through the guard 1076 to exit the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 804. That is, the sixth flow path F6 completely traverses the seventh chamber C7.
Accordingly, the larger cyclonic/rotational flow travels about the central axis A3, while the smaller cyclonic/rotational flows are formed and flow about the secondary central axes of the individual cyclone containers 1012 of the cyclone block 990, resulting in a plurality of smaller cyclonic/rotational flows within a larger cyclonic/rotational flow. In particular, the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 804 includes three levels of cyclonic/rotational flow—around the filter medium 846, within the second set of cyclone containers 1016, and within the first set of cyclone containers 1018.
As such, debris-laden fluid flowing through the pool cleaner is filtered twice by particle separation due to the generated cyclones. Utilizing the cyclonic flows within the pool cleaner to separate the particles and drop the particles out of the flow path results in the retention of suction performance throughout the cleaner, as, in preferred embodiments, there is minimized opportunity (if any) for the smaller debris particles to clog the filtering elements. This allows for optimum fluid flow performance through entire cleaning cycles, longer cleaner run times between debris removal, and the collection of more debris before needing to empty the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 804. As is known in the art, the outward flow of clean fluid results in an opposing force, which, as is also known in the art, can be relied upon in navigation of the pool cleaner for the purpose of forcing a pool cleaner downward against the floor when the pool cleaner is traversing the floor and sideways against a wall, when the pool cleaner is traversing a wall of the pool.
Regarding the second gasket 862,
To lock and unlock the handle 854, the handle 854 can be rotated about the engagement tabs 1010a, 1010b of the cyclone block 990. Rotation of the handle 854 causes the attached locking hooks 1154, 1156 to rotate as well. When the handle 854 is positioned in a vertical up position, the locking hooks 1154, 1156 are in a horizontal position in which they are unlocked. When the handle 854 is positioned in a horizontal down position, e.g., when it is positioned adjacent the beauty cap 852 as shown in
When the handle 854 is in the locked position it is also secured to the beauty cap 852, as shown in
The check valve 866 is removably positionable within the intake channel 906 of the canister body inlet 868, as shown in
During operation, the check valve 866 operates to prevent debris from exiting the inlet 868 due to backflow through the inlet 868. During normal operation, water, along with any debris, flows through the check valve 866 from the proximal end 2042 to the distal end 2044 and enters the hydrocylonic particle separator assembly 804 to be filtered. The pressure resulting from this normal direction of flow causes the rigid rod 2032 to be maintained in a horizontal position at the top of the medium 2030, thus allowing for debris to pass through the check valve 866. However, there are times where the hydrocylonic particle separator assembly 804 may experience a rush of backflow through the inlet 868 and the check valve 866. For example, when a user turns the pool cleaner 800 off or disconnects the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 804 from the cleaner body 802, water may flow out from the inlet 868. Without the check valve 866, debris that was originally trapped in the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 804 would be pulled out of the inlet 868 along with the backflow of water. However, the check valve 866 prevents this from happening. When there is a backflow of water through the inlet 868 and the check valve 866, the pressure from the water will cause the medium 2030 to fold in on itself and thus pull the rigid rod 2032 to a generally vertical position where the entirety thereof is substantially adjacent the frame 2034. The positioning of the rigid rod 2032 adjacent the frame 2034 will cause the medium 2030 to cover the proximal end 2042 thereof and prevent debris from exiting the proximal end 2042 of the medium 2030, but allow water to exit the check valve 866. Accordingly, the check valve 866 prevents debris from exiting the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 804 when there is a backflow rush of water. In some embodiments, the check valve 866 can be a check valve that regulates the amount of fluid flow passing through the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 804.
The filter medium 846a can be an individual component that is mounted to the fine debris subassembly 844 and the cyclone block subassembly 848, and extends about the perimeter of the fine debris subassembly 844 and the cyclone block subassembly 848. Alternatively, the filter medium 846a can be mounted to a support structure such as support 428 of
Turning to
The motor box 840 is positioned in the motor box housing 2075 of the chassis 806, while the first and second roller drive gear boxes 2070a, 2070b are positioned on opposite sides of the motor box 840 in the first and second drive gear box housing 2076a, 2076b, respectively. Each of the first and second roller drive gear boxes 2070a, 2070b is respectively in operative communication with a first and second motor (not shown) positioned within the motor box 840. The first and second roller drive gear trains 2072a, 2072b are positioned on opposite sides of the chassis 806 and in mechanical communication with the first and second roller drive gear boxes 2070a, 2070b, respectively. A first set of rollers (rollers 820a, 820c, 820e) are in mechanical communication with the first roller drive gear train 2072a, which is in mechanical communication with the first roller drive gear box 2070a so that each of the rollers of the first roller set (e.g., rollers 820a, 820c, 820e) turn in the same direction and independently from a second set of rollers (rollers 820b, 820d, 820f). In some embodiments, each of the rollers of the first roller set (rollers 820a, 820c, 820e) can be independently spun relative to each other. The second set of rollers (rollers 820b, 820d, 820f) are in mechanical communication with the second roller drive gear train 2072b, which is in mechanical communication with the second roller drive gear box 2070b so that each of the rollers of the second roller set (e.g., rollers 820b, 820d, 820f) turn in the same direction and independently from the first set of rollers (rollers 820a, 820c, 820e). In some embodiments, the rollers 820a, 820c, 820e of the first roller set can turn at the same rate, and the rollers of the second roller set 820b, 820d, 820f can turn at the same rate, while in other embodiments the rollers 820a, 820c, 820e of the first roller set can turn at a different rate 820b, 820d, 820f than the rollers of the second roller set. For the purposes of turning the pool cleaner 800, the first set of rollers can be driven to turn in a single direction and the second set of rollers can be driven to turn in an opposing direction, thereby generating a moment for turning the pool cleaner 800. Each of the rollers 820a-820f can be mounted to roller mounts 833 at their exterior, and to roller latches 832 at their interior.
The first and second roller drive gear trains 2072a, 2072b are substantially identical in construction, but placed on opposite sides of the chassis 806. Accordingly, it should be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art that any description of the first roller drive gear train 2072a will hold true for the second roller drive gear train 2072b. The first roller drive gear train 2072a generally consists of three drive gear assemblies 2090 and an idler gear assembly 2092.
The drive gear assemblies 2090 include a drive gear 2094, an exterior bushing half 2096, an interior bushing half 2098, and a roller mount 833. The chassis 806 includes three openings 2100 in each of the first and second sidewalls 2074a, 2074b for engagement of the small gear assemblies 2090 with the chassis 806. Particularly, for each small gear assembly 2090, the interior bushing half 2098 is paired with an exterior bushing half 2096, and the pair is connected and placed within an opening 2100 with the exterior bushing half 2096 positioned at an exterior portion of the respective chassis sidewall 2074a, 2074b and each interior bushing half 2098 positioned at an interior portion of the respective chassis sidewall 2074a, 2074b. The openings 2100 can also be keyed, with the interior and exterior bushing halves 2096, 2098 having a matching key to prevent rotation of the bushing halves 2096, 2098 within the opening 2100. Alternatively, the interior and exterior bushing halves 2096, 2098 can be formed as a single component instead of two separate pieces. When configured as a single component, the bushing can be pushed into the opening 2100 from the outside of the chassis 806 causing it to snap into place and secure to the chassis 806. The bushing can then be disengaged from the chassis 806 from the inside of the chassis 806 by a removal tool, e.g., a flathead screwdriver. The roller mount 833 extends through the bushing halves 2074a, 2074b and can engage a respective roller 820a-820f at a first end and the drive gear 2094 at a second end. The roller mount 833 is engaged with the drive gear 2094 so that rotation of the drive gear 2094 is transferred to the roller mount 833, which in turn rotates the roller 820a-820f that it is engaged with. Accordingly, the roller mounts 833 ride on the interior and exterior bushing halves 2096, 2098, and not the chassis sidewalls 2074a, 2074b. The roller drive gear trains 2072a, 2072b can be covered by the left and right covers 808a, 808b.
The idler gear assemblies 2092 include an idler gear 2102, an exterior bushing 2104, and an interior bushing 2106. The chassis 806 includes a keyed opening 2108 in each of the first and second sidewalls 2074a, 2074b that is positioned between two of the openings 2100 for the drive gear assemblies 2090. For each idler gear assembly 2092, the exterior bushing 2104 is paired with an interior bushing 2106. The interior bushing 2106 is connected to and extends through the keyed opening 2108, and is positioned at an interior portion of the respective chassis sidewall 2074a, 2074b. The exterior bushing 2104 is positioned at an exterior portion of the respective chassis sidewall 2074a, 2074b, extends through the center of the idler gear 2102, and is connected with the keyed opening 2108 and the interior bushing 2106. Accordingly, the idler gear 2102 is positioned between the exterior bushing 2104 and the chassis sidewall 2074a, 2074b such that the idler gear 2102 rides on the exterior bushing 2104. Additionally, the keyed opening 2108 can have two different key arrangements such that the exterior bushing 2104 is configured to engage the first key arrangement and the interior bushing 2106 is configured to engage the second key arrangement. In some embodiments, the key arrangements can be asymmetrical such that the exterior bushing 2104 and the interior bushing 2106 can only engage the key arrangements in a single configuration. Furthermore, the idler gear 2102 can include a plurality of slots, e.g., four, on an interior opening thereof while the exterior bushing 2104 can include a similar slot that permits debris to fall out when the slots of the idler gear 2102 are adjacent the slot of the exterior bushing 2104. The idler gear assembly 2092 is positioned between and engagement with two drive gear assemblies 2094. For the first roller drive gear train 2072a, the first roller drive gear box 2070a is in engagement with the third drive gear assembly 2094 and one of the two drive gear assemblies 2094 that the idler gear assembly 2092 is engaged with. For the second roller drive gear train 2072b, the second roller drive gear box 2070b is in engagement with the third drive gear assembly 2094 and one of the two drive gear assemblies 2094 that the idler gear assembly 2092 is engaged with.
The first and second roller drive gear trains 2072a, 2072b are driven by the first and second roller drive gear boxes 2070a, 2070b, respectively.
The drive gear 2128 includes a toothed outer diameter 2136 and a central opening 2138 that includes a plurality of notches 2140. The axle 2130 includes a tubular central hub 2142 that includes a plurality of external ridges 2144. The tubular central hub 2142 is configured to be inserted into the central opening 2138 of the drive gear 2128 with the external ridges 2144 engaging the notches 2140 of the drive gear 2128 so that rotation of the axle 2130 is transferred to the drive gear 2128. The tubular central hub 2142 of the axle 2130 is also configured to mechanically engage the small diameter gear 2126b of the fourth double gear 2126, e.g., through interior teeth (not shown), such that it is rotationally driven thereby. The tubular central hub 2142 rests in the distal opening 2134 of the housing 2110.
The housing 2110 also includes arcuate sidewalls 2145 that are configured to match the arcuate walls 2146 of the drive gear box housing 2076a of the chassis 806 (see
The first and second drive gear boxes 2070a, 2070b are modular assemblies that contain the gear stack 2112 that transfers rotation from the drive motors to the first and second roller drive gear trains 2072a, 2072b in order to rotate the rollers 820a-820f, as discussed above. The first and second drive gear boxes 2070a, 2070b can be attached to the respective drive gear box housing 2076a, 2076b, and removed therefrom in order to be replaced or serviced. This can be done simply by unscrewing the fasteners that secure the drive gear box 2070a, 2070b to the drive gear box housing 2076a, 2076b of the chassis 806, and removing the drive gear box 2070a, 2070b from the drive gear box housing 2076a, 2076b. The removed drive gear box 2070a, 2070b can then be serviced, e.g., cleaned or have double gears 2120, 2122, 2124, 2126 replaced, or a new drive gear box 2070a, 2070b can be installed in place of the removed drive gear box 2070a, 2070b. By providing the first and second drive gear boxes 2070a, 2070b as removable modular assemblies, a user is able to extend the life of the drive motors and their pool cleaner since they will be able to replace the drive gear boxes 2070a, 2070b when needed instead of replacing the entire pool cleaner 800. This also results in a cost savings.
As shown in
For the first and fourth roller wells 2152, 2158, which house two rollers (e.g., rollers 820a and 820b, or rollers 820e and 820f) each, the roller latch 832 engages the mounting boss 2230 of both rollers (e.g., rollers 820a, 820b). Particularly, the first mounting protrusion 2198 engages the inner cavity 2232 of the first roller 820a and the second mounting protrusion 2200 engages the inner cavity 2232 of the second roller 820a. This allows the two rollers (e.g., rollers 820a and 820b, or rollers 820e and 820f) to rotate about the roller latch 832. The other side of the roller 820a, 820b, 820e, 820f can be mounted to the chassis 806 with a roller mount 833 (see
For the second and fourth roller wells 2154, 2156, which house one roller (e.g., roller 820c or roller 820d) each, the roller latch 832 engages the mounting boss 2230 of that roller (e.g., roller 820c or roller 820d) and the mount 2169, 2175 of the respective roller well 2154, 2156. Particularly, the first mounting protrusion 2198 engages the inner cavity 2232 of the roller (e.g., roller 820c or roller 820d) while the second mounting protrusion 2198 is secured in the mount 2169, 2175. This allows the roller (e.g., roller 820c or rollers 820d) to rotate about the roller latch 832. The other side of the roller 820c, 820d can be mounted to the chassis 806 with a roller mount 833 (see
As discussed above, the pool cleaner 800 includes rollers 820a-f, each of which is formed as an assembly referred to herein as roller assembly 820.
The first cage half 2236 includes first and second side surfaces 2256, 2258 on opposing sides of the body 2244. The first side surface 2256 includes a central, semicircular hole 2260 raised from the side surface 2256 to form the mounting boss 2230. When the first side surfaces 2256 of the first and second cage halves 2236, 2238 are mated together, the semicircular hole 2260 and a complementary semicircular hole of the second cage half 2238 form the inner cavity 2232 leading into cavity 2260. The inner surface of the hole 2260 includes a supporting rib 2268 connected to the inner surface 2270 of the first cage half 2236. The supporting rib 2268 extends substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis 2242.
The first side surface 2256 includes a slot 2262 extending substantially perpendicularly from the bottom portion 2248 a partial distance towards the top portion 2246. The slot 2262 is disposed adjacent and offset from the hole 2260. The first side surface 2256 includes an opening 2264 extending substantially perpendicularly to the slot 2262 and extending into the cavity 2250. The intersection between the slot 2262 and opening 2264 forms an edge 2266 on the outer side of the first side surface 2256. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the slot 2262 and edge 2266 form a snap fit interlocking mechanism for providing part of the engagement between the first and second cage halves 2236, 2238.
The second side surface 2258 includes a bore 2272 extending from the top portion 2246 towards the bottom portion 2248. The bore 2272 is tapered such that the diameter of the bore 2272 is greater at the top portion 2246 than at a bottom surface 2274 of the bore 2272. At least a portion of the bore 2272 can be open to the outer edge of the second side surface 2258 such that the bore 2272 is not fully enclosed on all sides. A central opening 2276 extends through the bottom surface 2274 of the bore 2272 and has a diameter dimensioned smaller than the diameter of the bore 2272 at the bottom surface 2274.
The second side surface 2258 includes a cutout 2278 (e.g., a substantially rectangular cutout) extending from the bottom portion 2248 towards the top portion 2246 to offset the bottom surface 2274 of the bore 2272 from a plane defined by the bottom portion 2248. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the cutout 2278 is configured and dimensioned to receive and mate with a complementary extension of the second cage half 2238. The opening 2276 can receive a fastening element (e.g., a screw or bolt) to secure the first and second cage halves 2236, 2238 at the second side surface 2258. The inner surface 2270 includes a supporting rib 2277 connected to the outer wall of the bore 2272 and extending substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis 2242 in the direction of the supporting rib 2268.
The bottom portion 2248 includes a first connecting edge 2280 and a second connecting edge 2282 on opposing sides of the first cage half 2236. The connecting edges 2280, 2282 are substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the bottom portion 2248 of the side surfaces 2256, 2258. The first connecting edge 2280 includes tabs 2284 (e.g., first tabs) spaced from each other and extending away from the bottom portion 2248. Each tab 2284 includes an outer surface 2286 that substantially follows the curvature of the top portion 2246, and an inner surface 2288 that is substantially linear or planar. Each tab 2284 includes a proximal end 2290 and a distal end 2292. The distal end 2292 includes a snap engaging end formed by a tapered inner surface 2294 and an edge 2296. The edge 2296 faces inwardly (e.g., in the direction of the central longitudinal axis 2242).
The first connecting edge 2280 further includes fingers or protrusions 2298 extending from the inner surface 2270 of the first cage half 2236 and away from the bottom portion 2248. Because the protrusions 2298 extend from the inner surface 2270, each protrusion 2298 is inwardly offset from the tabs 2284. Each protrusion 2298 can be disposed spaced from but adjacent to each of the tabs 2284. Each protrusion 2298 includes an outer surface 2300 defining a convex surface and an inner surface 2302 that is substantially linear or planar. The endpoint 2304 of the protrusion 2298 defines a rounded surface to ensure smooth introduction into and mating against the inner surface of the second cage half 2238.
The first connecting edge 2280 includes engagement posts 2306 extending perpendicularly from the inner surface 2270 of the first cage half 2236 immediately adjacent to the first connecting edge 2280. Each engagement post 2306 includes a linear extension 2308 and a perpendicular edge 2310 extending from the distal end of the linear extension 2308. The edge 2310 can extend inwardly towards the top portion 2246. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the engagement posts 2306 can be introduced into openings of the roller cover 2240 to maintain engagement of the roller cover 2240 with the first cage half 2236.
The second connecting edge 2282 includes spaced one or more pairs of fingers or protrusions 2312, 2314 extending from the inner surface 2270 of the first cage half 2236 and away from the bottom portion 2248. Each protrusion 2312, 2314 can be substantially similar to the protrusions 2298, and also includes a curved outer surface 2316, a substantially linear or planar inner surface 2318, and a rounded endpoint 2320. The protrusions 2312, 2314 can be spaced directly on opposite sides of a groove 2322 formed in the inner surface 2270. As will be discussed in greater detail below, each groove 2322 can be configured and dimensioned to at least partially receive the outer surface of a complementary finger or protrusion extending from the second connecting edge of the second cage half 2238.
The bottom portion 2328 defines a substantially flat surface along the perimeter of the bottom portion 2328, and includes a hollow inner cavity 2330 within the perimeter of the bottom portion 2328. The flat surface of the perimeter of the bottom portion 2328 defines a mating surface configured to mate or be positioned adjacent to the mating bottom portion 2248 of the first cage half 2236. Similar to the first cage half 2236, the second cage half 2238 includes a plurality of openings 2332 of different sizes extending from the top portion 2326 into the inner cavity 2330, and separated by ribs 2334.
The second cage half 2238 includes first and second side surfaces 2336, 2338 on opposing sides of the body 2324. The first side surface 2336 includes a central, semicircular hole 2340 raised from the side surface 2336 to form the mounting boss 2230. When the first side surfaces 2256, 2336 of the first and second cage halves 2236, 2238 are mated together, the semicircular holes 2260, 2340 form the inner cavity 2232 leading into the cavity 2330. The inner surface of the hole 2340 includes a supporting rib 2342 connected to the inner surface 2343 of the second cage half 2238. The supporting rib 2342 extends substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis 2242.
The first side surface 2336 includes a tab 2344 extending from the bottom portion 2328 and away from the top portion 2326. The tab 2344 includes a substantially linear extension 2346 and a snap engaging end 2348 at the distal end of the linear extension 2346. The snap engaging end 2348 includes a tapered outer surface 2350 and an edge 2352. The side walls of the tab 2344 can be tapered to assist with insertion of the tab 2344 into the slot 2262 of the first cage half 2236. In particular, during engagement of the first side surfaces 2256, 2336, the tab 2344 can be inserted into the slot 2262 until the edge 2352 snaps into the opening 2264 and around the edge 2266. The tab 2344 and slot 2262 thereby provide for a snap fit engagement between the first and second cage halves 2236, 2238.
The second side surface 2338 includes an extension 2354 protruding from the bottom portion 2328. The second side surface 2338 includes a bore 2356 extending from the top portion 2326 towards the bottom portion 2328 and into the extension 2354. The bore 2356 can be tapered such that the diameter of the bore 2356 is greater at the top portion 2326 than at a bottom surface 2358 of the bore 2356. At least a portion of the bore 2356 can be open to the outer edge of the second side surface 2338 such that the bore 2356 is not fully enclosed on all sides. The bore 2356 includes grooves 2360, 2362 on opposing sides of the bore 2356 and positioned adjacent to the outer wall of the second side surface 2338. The grooves 2360, 2362 also extend from the top portion 2326 to the bottom surface 2358. The grooves 2360, 2362 provide a guided passage for insertion of the roller mount 833.
A central opening 2364 extends through the bottom surface 2358 of the bore 2356 and has a diameter dimensioned smaller than the diameter of the bore 2356 at the bottom surface 2358. During assembly, the extension 2354 can be mated with the cutout 2278 of the first cage half 2236 until the openings 2276, 2364 are aligned and positioned adjacent to each other. The fastening element (e.g., a screw or bolt) can be passed through the openings 2276, 2364 and into the roller mount 833 to secure the first and second cage halves 2236, 2238 at the second side surfaces 2258, 2338.
The bottom portion 2328 includes a first connecting edge 2366 and a second connecting edge 2368 on opposing sides of the second cage half 2238 configured to mate with first and second connecting edges 2280, 2282 of the first cage half 2236, respectively. The connecting edges 2366, 2368 are substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the bottom portion 2328 of the side surfaces 2336, 2338. The first connecting edge 2366 includes tabs 2370 (e.g., second tabs) spaced from each other and extending away from the bottom portion 2328. Each tab 2370 can be inwardly offset from the plane defined by the first connecting edge 2366 (e.g., the outer surface of the second cage half 2238) towards the central longitudinal axis 2242. Rounded flanges 2372, 2374 connect each tab 2370 to the first connecting edge 2366.
Each tab 2370 can be substantially similar to the tabs 2284, except that the snap engaging end is directed outwardly in the opposing direction. In particular, each tab 2370 includes an outer surface 2376 and an inner surface 2378 that are substantially linear or planar. Each tab 2370 includes a proximal end 2380 and a distal end 2382. The distal end 2382 includes a snap engaging end formed by a tapered outer surface 2384 and an edge 2386. The edge 2386 faces outwardly (e.g., in the direction away from the central longitudinal axis 2242). The first connecting edge 2366 includes shoulders or grooves 2388 formed at the edge of the first connecting edge 2366 and extending along the inner surface 2343. The grooves 2388 are disposed adjacent to the tabs 2370. Each groove 2388 can be configured and dimensioned to at least partially receive the outer surface 2300 of the protrusions 2298 of the first cage half 2236.
The first connecting edge 2366 includes engagement posts 2390 extending perpendicularly from the inner surface 2343 of the second cage half 2238 immediately adjacent to the first connecting edge 2366. Each engagement post 2390 includes a linear extension 2392 and a perpendicular edge 2394 extending from the distal end of the linear extension 2392. The edge 2394 can extend inwardly towards the top portion 2326. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the engagement posts 2390 can be introduced into openings of the roller cover 2240 to maintain engagement of the roller cover 2240 with the second cage half 2238.
The second connecting edge 2368 includes fingers or protrusions 2396 (substantially similar to the protrusions 2312, 2314) extending from the inner surface 2343 of the second cage half 2238 and away from the bottom portion 2328. Each protrusion 2396 includes a curved outer surface 2398, a substantially linear or planar inner surface 2400, and a rounded endpoint 2402. The second connecting edge 2368 includes a groove 2404, 2406 formed in the inner surface 2343 immediately adjacent to and on opposite sides of each protrusion 2396. Each groove 2404, 2406 can be configured and dimensioned to at least partially receive the outer surface 2316 of the respective protrusions 2312, 2314 extending from the second connecting edge 2282 of the first cage half 2236.
After engagement of the second connecting edges 2282, 2368, the first connecting edges 2280, 2366 can be engaged as shown in
To ensure that the first and second cage halves 2236, 2238 do not disengage from each other during impact to the cage assembly 2234, the protrusions 2298 of the first cage half 2236 engage the inner surface 2343 of the second cage half 2238. In particular, as the tab 2284 slides over and engages the outer surface of the second cage half 2238, the outer surface 2300 of the protrusion 2298 slides into the groove 2388 formed in the inner surface 2343 of the second cage half 2238. The tab 2284 and protrusion 2298 therefore engage the first connecting edge 2366 of the second cage half 2238 from both the outer and inner surface 2343. If the cage assembly 2234 is impacted during use, the protrusion 2298 prevents the tab 2284 from lifting upwardly away from the tab 2370, thereby preventing disengagement between the tabs 2284, 2370. Thus, secure engagement of the first and second cage halves 2236, 2238 is maintained.
The tabs 2284, 2370 can be disengaged manually by flexing the tabs 2284, 2370 away from each other and pivoting the first connecting edges 2280, 2366 away from each other. As noted above, during engagement of the first and second cage halves 2236, 2238, the tab 2344 of the second cage half 2238 snaps into and engages the opening 2264 of the first cage half 2236 to prevent separation of the first side surfaces 2256, 2336. In some embodiments, weights can be inserted into the inner cavity 2250, 2330 between the first and second cage halves 2236, 2238 to control or customize the weight of the swimming pool cleaner 800. The weights can be greater in size than the openings 2254, 2332 such that the weights are maintained within the inner cavity 2250, 2330 while allowing a user to visualize the number of weights in the cage assembly 2234. In one embodiment, the weights can be used to adjust the buoyancy of the swimming pool cleaner 800. In some embodiments, the first and second cage halves 2236, 2238 can be sonic welded, clamped, or can include a living hinge therebetween.
The first end 2414 includes a first set of spaced openings 2422 (e.g., substantially square openings) adjacent to the edge of the first end 2414. The openings 2422 can be configured and dimensioned to receive therethrough engagement posts 2306 of the first cage half 2236. The first end 2414 includes a second set of spaced openings 2424 offset further from the edge of the first end 2414 than the openings 2422. Each of the openings 2424 can be positioned substantially between the openings 2422, and is configured and dimensioned to receive therethrough the tabs 2284 and protrusions 2298 of the first cage half 2236.
Similar to the first end 2414, the second end 2416 includes a first set of spaced openings 2426 (e.g., substantially square openings) adjacent to the edge of the second end 2416. The openings 2426 can be configured and dimensioned to receive therethrough engagement posts 2390 of the second cage half 2238. The second end 2416 includes a second set of spaced openings 2428 offset further from the edge of the second end 2416. Each of the openings 2428 can be positioned substantially between the openings 2426, and is configured and dimensioned to receive therethrough the tabs 2370 of the second cage half 2238.
The side edge 2418 can include two cutouts 2430, 2432. The cutout 2430 can be configured and dimensioned complementary to the outer surface of extension 2354 of the second cage half 2238 such that when the roller cover 2240 is rolled over the second cage half 2238, the edges of the cutout 2430 slide over and around the extension 2354. The cutout 2432 can be configured and dimensioned complementary to the outer surface of structure forming the bore 2272 of the first cage half 2236 such that when the roller cover 2240 is rolled over the first cage half 2236, the edges of the cutout 2432 slide over and around the structure forming the bore 2272. The side edge 2420 can be substantially linear (e.g., without cutouts).
The outer surface 2410 of the roller cover 2240 can include a plurality of traction elements 2434 extending therefrom. In some embodiments, the traction elements 2434 can be substantially similar in size and/or shape. In some embodiments, the traction elements 2434 adjacent to the side edges 2418, 2420 can include chamfered corners 2436 to ensure that the roller 820 passes objects in the swimming pool without catching on edges of the objects. In some embodiments, the traction elements 2434 can be of different sizes. In some embodiments, the traction elements 2434 can be in the form of, tapered linear extensions, bristles, or the like. the inner surface 2414 can be substantially flat or planar with no extensions.
Continued rolling of the first and second cage halves 2236, 2238 first interlocks the second connecting edges 2282, 2368, and subsequently interlocks the first connecting edges 2280, 2366 similar to
The roller mount 833 includes a geared section 2454 that extends from the substantially cylindrical extension 2442 and through the exterior and interior bushing halves 2096, 2098. The geared section 2454 includes a cylindrical body 2456 with linear protrusions 2458 extending parallel to the central longitudinal axis 2242. The distal end 2440 includes a central bore 2460 (e.g., a threaded bore) extending partially into the roller mount 833 along the central longitudinal axis 2242. The geared section 2454 can engage with a complementary opening within components configured to rotate the roller 820, and a fastener can be introduced into the central bore 2460 to maintain engagement of the roller mount 833 with such components.
During assembly, after the roller cover 2240 has been rolled over the first and second cage halves 2236, 2238, and the first and second cage halves 2236, 2238 have been interlocked relative to each other, the roller mount 833 can be engaged with the second side surfaces 2258, 2338 of the first and second halves 2236, 2238. In particular, as shown in
The user interface PCB 2538 includes a microcontroller 2566, a power converter board connector 2568, and a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 2570. The power converter board connector 2568 allows the user interface PCB 2538 to be in communication with, and receive power from a power printed circuit board (“PCB”) 2578 (see
The light baffle 2536 is positioned over the LEDs 2570 of the user interface PCB 2538 and includes a plurality of apertures 2572 that are arranged to match the arrangement of the LEDs 2570 on the user interface PCB 2538 and the arrangement of the light openings 2560 of the user interface recess 2558. The light baffle 2536 reduces cross talk between the LEDs 2570, and can be made of santoprene. Accordingly, the LEDs 2570 can shine through the apertures 2572 of the light baffle 2536 and the light openings 2560 of the user interface recess 2558 and illuminate the graphic overlay 2546. The light baffle 2536 additionally includes vents.
A user can engage the user interface 2516 and actuate the first, second, and third buttons 2552a, 2552b, 2552c to perform a variety of functions. The first button 2552a can be a power button such that a user can press the first button 2552a to toggle between a powered state and a standby state. Additionally, a user can press and hold the first button 2552a for a predetermined period of time, e.g., three seconds, to start the pool cleaner 100, 700, 800 or shut the pool cleaner 100, 700, 800 off. The second button 2552b can be a schedule select button such that a user can press the second button 2552b to scroll through schedule settings, e.g., single cycle, continuous cycle, etc. Additionally, a user can press and hold the second button 2552b for a predetermined period of time, e.g., two seconds, to dim the LEDs 2570 of the user interface 2516. The third button 2552c can be a mode select button such that a user can press the third button 2552c to scroll through the different pool cleaner 100, 700, 800 modes of operation, e.g., bottom mode, wall climb mode, etc. Additionally, a user can press and hold the third button 2552c for a predetermined period of time, e.g., two seconds, to brighten the LEDs 2570 of the user interface 2516. The user interface 2516 has additional functionality whereby a user can press and hold all three buttons 2552a, 2552b, 2552c for a predetermined period of time, e.g., ten seconds, to perform a factory reset. Additionally, the user can press and hold two of the first, second, and third buttons 2552a, 2552b, 2552c, e.g., the second and third buttons 2552b, 2552c, for a predetermined period of time, e.g., ten seconds, to reset the WiFi connection of the power supply 2512. The various symbols on the graphic overlay 2546 can be illuminated based on the schedule that is being ran and the mode that the pool cleaner 100, 700, 800 is operating in. Additionally, the user interface 2516 can include indicia on the graphic overlay 2546 that inform a user that the hydrocyclonic particle separator assembly 804 is full and needs to be emptied.
Turning back to
Turning now to
The potted power converter board assembly 2540 includes a contoured tray 2576, a power printed circuit board (PCB) 2578, a heat sink 2580, the female power and communication output port 2522, the AC power input connector 2524, and potting compound 2582 (see
The female power and communication output port 2522 is interconnected with the power PCB 2578 and includes an overmolded barrier 2604 that is configured to be secured in the port opening 2590 and functions as a dam during potting. The AC power input connector 2524 is configured to be inserted into the connector opening 2588 and in electrical communication with the power PCB 2578. The AC power input connector 2524 can be an IEC C14 female connector. The heat sink 2580 includes a plurality of mounting tabs 2606 and is secured to a second side 2608 of the power PCB 2578 opposite the first side 2602 where the electronic components 2600 are mounted, and transfers heat away from the power PCB 2578. The heat sink 2580 can be a folded sheet metal heat sink.
As referenced above, the power PCB 2578 is secured in the contoured tray 2576 by the potting compound 2582, as shown in
The power PCB 2578 can also include a secondary low power output. The secondary low power output can include an internal power limit in the form of a positive temperature coefficient (“PTC”) thermistor that limits the outside power to the user interface PCB 2538 and drawn from the power PCB 2578. Particularly, the PTC thermistor increases its resistance as its temperature increases and thus limits the power of the user interface PCB 2538. For example, the PTC thermistor can be used to limit the secondary power to a predefined wattage (e.g., to less than or equal to 15 watts).
The gasket 2597 includes an annular body 2597a that defines a central opening 2597b. The male AC connector 2529 can be inserted into the opening 2597b so that the male AC connector 2529 can be connected to the AC power input connector 2524 with the gasket 2597 surrounding the male AC connector 2529. Once the male AC connector 2529 is inserted into the opening 2597b, the first and second cord cover halves 2593, 2595 can be connected around the male AC connector 2529 and the conduit 2528, and the male AC connector 2529 can be inserted into the AC power input connector 2524. The gasket 2597 can then be seated in the bases 2593a, 2595a of the first and second cord cover halves 2593, 2595. The first and second cord cover halves 2593, 2595 can then be secured to, for example, an extended portion of the AC power input connector 2524 that is configured to receive the fasteners 2599. Specifically, the fasteners 2599 can extend through the plurality of mounting brackets 2593d, 2595d of the first and second cord cover halves 2593, 2595, which are overlapped, and engage the extended portion of the AC power input connector 2524, which can have, for example, complementary threaded holes. Alternatively, instead of the AC power input connector 2524 being extended, the contoured tray 2576 or the rear housing 2520 can be configured to have the first and second cord cover halves 2593, 2595 secured thereto. When the first and second cord cover halves 2593, 2595 are secured to the extended portion of the AC power input connector 2524 by the fasteners 2599, the gasket 2597 is in engagement with a face of the AC power input connector 2524, and is compressed between the face of the AC power input connector 2524 and the bases 2593a, 2595a of the first and second cord cover halves 2593, 2595. Continued tightening of the fasteners 2599 will further compress the gasket 2597. The gasket 2597 will be compressed between the AC power input connector 2524, the bases 2593a, 2595a, and the male AC connector 2529, thus generating a water-tight seal that prevents water from entering the AC power input connector 2524.
The potted power converter board assembly 2540 is secured between the front housing 2514 and the rear housing 2520.
The sidewall 2616 includes first and second cutouts 2636, 2638. The first cutout 2636 is configured to receive the female power and communication output port 2522 of the potted power converter board assembly 2540 while the second cutout 2638 is configured to receive the AC power input connector 2524 of the potted power converter board assembly 2540 when the potted power converter board assembly 2540 is secured between the front housing 2514 and the rear housing 2520. In this regard, the rear housing 2520 can be secured to the front housing 2514 by a plurality of fasteners 2544 (see
The rear housing 2520 also includes a plurality of top vents 2640 and a plurality of bottom drain holes 2642. The top vents 2640 are positioned generally in the sidewall 2616 and on opposite sides of the handle recess 2622 that vent air from the power supply 2512. Particularly, the top vents 2640 are positioned such that they vent air away from the handle recess 2622, and thus away from a user's hand. The drain holes 2642 are generally positioned at a bottom of the rear housing 2520 and allow water to drain from the power supply 2512.
The lower abutment 2644 includes first and second curved supports 2648a, 2648b that are positioned on opposite sides of a channel 2650, a stop 2652 extending between the first and second curved supports 2648a, 2648b, and a protrusion 2654 extending upwardly adjacent the channel 2650 and between the first and second curved supports 2648a, 2648b. The first and second curved supports 2648a, 2648b each include a curved portion 2656a, 2656b and a sidewall 2658a, 2658b on the opposite side of the channel 2650. The first and second curved supports 2648a, 2648b extend inward from the rear wall 2614, e.g., into the inner chamber 2618, and the respective curved portions 2656a, 2656b are approximately one-quarter circle curves. The lower abutment 2644 generally defines a support chamber 2660.
The upper abutment 2646 includes a curved body 2662 that curves from an attachment end 2664 to an open end 2666. The curved body 2662 is connected to the rear wall 2614 at the attached end 2664 and curves inward from the rear wall 2614, e.g., into the inner chamber 2618, and back toward to the first kickstand engagement opening 2628a. The curved body 2662 defines an engagement chamber 2668 and includes an angled stop 2670 extending from the curved body 2662 into the engagement chamber 2658.
To engage the kickstand 2530 with the rear housing 2520, a user simply inserts the locking protrusions 2680 of the kickstand 2530 into the first and second kickstand engagement openings 2628a, 2628b and applies pressure causing the locking protrusions 2680 to engage the kickstand engagements 2630. The curved body 2662 engages the protrusion 2654 of the lower abutment 2644 and the open end 2666 of the upper abutment 2646, which causes the curved body 2662 of the upper abutment 2646 to compress and allow the curved body 2662 to enter the support chamber 2660 of the lower abutment 2644. Once the curved body 2662 is positioned within the support chamber 2660, the curved body 2662 decompresses and returns to its original position and engages a top portion of the curved body 2662 to retain the curved body 2662 within the support chamber 2660 and in engagement with the lower abutment 2644, as shown in
Once the kickstand 2530 is secured to the rear housing 2520 and the locking protrusions 2680 are engaged with the kickstand engagements 2630, the kickstand 2530 can be rotated into an open position whereby it is rotated about the locking protrusions 2680, which rotate within the lower abutments 2644. When in an open position, the kickstand 2530 is prevented from opening too far by the kickstand engagements 2630. Specifically, as the kickstand 2530 rotates about the locking protrusions 2680, the angled extension 2688 will rotate across the channel 2650 until it contacts the stop 2652 of the lower abutment 2644 while the engagement surface 2682 of the kickstand 2530 rotates through the engagement chamber 2668 of the upper abutment 2644 until it contacts the angled stop 2670 of the upper abutment 2644. Engagement of the angled extension 2688 with the stop 2652 prevents the locking protrusions 2680 from rotating further. However, continued pressure on the kickstand 2530 in the open direction will result in the engagement surface 2682 of the kickstand 2530 to apply additional pressure against the angled stop 2670. This additional pressure against the angled stop 2670 is transferred through the angled stop 2670 and into the curved body 2662 of the upper abutment 2644, which causes the curved body 2662 to flex. Specifically, curved body 2662 flexes such that the open end 2666 is pressed into contact with a top portion of the body 2684 of the locking protrusion 2680, which acts to further secure the locking protrusions 2680 within the kickstand engagements 2630. This engagement ensures that when the kickstand 2530 is in an open position and the power supply 2512 is resting on the kickstand 2530, the kickstand 2530 will not become detached due to additional force on the kickstand 2530, e.g., a downward force on the power supply 2512.
The fan 2532 can be removed and replaced by simply removing the fasteners 2692, removing the fan cover 2534, and removing the fan 2532 from the rear housing 2520. The fan low-power wires 2612 can be cut and connected to a replacement fan, which can be inserted into the fan opening 2626 and secured in place by the fan cover 2534. By using forced convection cooling instead of simply relying on heat dissipation through heatsinks, the overall package size of the power supply 2512 can be reduced.
The left bottom wall 2736 is positioned adjacent the left side wall 2730 and extends from the rear wall 2728 to the front curved wall 2734. The right bottom wall 2742 is positioned adjacent the right side wall 2732 and extends from the rear wall 2728 to the front curved wall 2734. A left catch 2756 extends upward from the left bottom wall 2736 and the left side wall 2730, while a right catch 2758 extends upward from the right bottom wall 2742 and the right side wall 2732. The left and right catches 27562758 are curved protrusions that are each configured to engage a wheel of a pool cleaner, e.g., the pool cleaners 100, 700, 800 of the present disclosure, positioned on the pool cleaner caddy 2708 to prevent the pool cleaner from falling off of the pool cleaner caddy 2708. For example, if the pool cleaner caddy 2708 were to be tilted too far forward, the left and right catches 2756 would catch on the wheels, e.g., the rear wheels, of the pool cleaner and prevent the pool cleaner from falling off of the pool cleaner caddy 2708 and being potentially damaged. The first and second center bottom walls 2738, 2740 are positioned on opposite sides of the channel 2746 and extend from the rear wall 2728 to the front curved wall 2734.
The base 2710 additionally includes a left bottom opening 2760 formed between the left bottom wall 2736 and the first center bottom wall 2738, a right bottom opening 2762 formed between the right bottom wall 2742 and the second center bottom wall 2740, and a center bottom opening 2764 formed between the first and second center bottom walls 2738, 2740. The front curved wall 2734 also includes a front opening 2766. The left bottom opening 2760, the right bottom opening 2762, the center bottom opening 2764, and the front opening 2766 allow for water to be drawn from the base 2710.
A center cleaner support 2768 extends between the first and second center bottom walls 2738, 2740 and across the center bottom opening 2764. The center cleaner support 2768 includes an elongated rectangular base 2770 having a top surface 2772 and a bottom surface 2774, and an angled protrusion 2776 extending from the top surface 2772 of the rectangular base 2770. The elongated rectangular base 2770 also includes a semi-circular recess 2778 in the bottom surface 2774 thereof. The angled protrusion 2776 can be sized and configured to be inserted into and close an inlet bottom of a pool cleaner, e.g., the inlet bottom 822 of the pool cleaner 800 (see
The base 2770 additionally includes a stem locking bracket 2790 positioned at the front end 2782 of the center bottom opening 2764. The stem locking bracket 2790 includes a body 2792 extending between the first and second center bottom walls 2738, 2740, a center arch 2794 that curves upwards from the body 2792 and defines a channel 2796, and angled transitions 2797a, 2797b connecting the center arch 2794 and the body 2792. The center arch 2794 and the channel 2796 are configured to receive a portion of the lower stem portion 2714. The center arch 2794 also includes a transverse opening 2798 extending across the center arch 2794, which is utilized to lock the lower stem portion 2714 in place, which is discussed in greater detail below.
Also included on the base 2710 are a left side wheel housing 2800 and a right side wheel housing 2802. The left side wheel housing 2800 is positioned adjacent the left side wall 2730, while the right side wheel housing 2802 is positioned adjacent the right side wall 2732. The left side wheel housing 2800 includes an outer wall 2804, an inner wall 2806 spaced from the outer wall 2804, and a wheel chamber 2808 between the outer wall 2804 and the inner wall 2806. Similarly, the right side wheel housing 2802 includes and outer wall 2810, and inner wall 2812 spaced from the outer wall 2810, and a wheel chamber 2814 between the outer wall 2810 and the inner wall 2812. The wheel chambers 2808, 2814 are sized and configured to each receive one of the wheels 2720. The outer walls 2804, 2810 each include an outer mounting boss 2816, 2818, respectively, while the inner walls 2806, 2806 each include a keyed opening 2820, 2822 (see, e.g.,
The user then inserts the axle receiver 2724 into the keyed opening 2820 of the inner wall 2806 so that the first and second middle radial extensions 2862, 2864 are inserted through the keyed opening 2820 and the first and second upper radial extensions 2858, 2860 are adjacent the inner wall 2806 (see
As the user tightens the screw 2726, the axle 2722 and the axle receiver 2724 are drawn together. This additionally causes the notches 2852, 2854 of the axle receiver 2724 to engage the locking assemblies 2876, 2878 of the axle receiver 2724. Particularly, each of the notches 2852, 2854 are rotated along one of the ramped protrusions 2882 and then seated in an indentation 2886 against one of the block protrusions 2884. This causes the distal end 2840 of the axle 2722 to wedge against the interior of the cylindrical body 2856 (e.g., with the inner chamber 2868) of the axle receiver 2724, further securing the axle 2722 and the axle receiver 2724. Additionally, since the first and second angled threads 2848, 2850 of the axle 2722 are angled in the same rotational direction that the screw 2726 is rotated it, e.g., the first and second angled threads 2848, 2850 are left-handed threads while the screw 2726 includes right-handed threads, tightening of the screw 2726 causes the first and second angled threads 2848, 2850 to more tightly engage the first and second angled channels 2830, 2832. When the screw 2726 is fully engaged it is positioned within the annular boss 2866 of the axle receiver 2724.
Furthermore, the first wheel assembly 2712a is configured and designed such that if the outer wall 2804 of the left side wheel housing 2800 were to be deflected inward it could not be deflected enough to disengage the first and second angled threads 2848, 2850 from the first and second angled channels 2830, 2832. Particularly, as shown in
It should be understood that the description provided above in connection with the first wheel assembly 2712a holds true for the second wheel assembly 2712b since the first and second wheel assemblies 2712a, 2712b have substantially similar constructions, but on opposite sides of the base 2710.
The upper stem portion 2716 includes a kinked body 2934 having a lower section 2936, a middle section 2938, and an upper section 2940, and a third snap lock 2942 (e.g., a button snap). The kinked body 2934 is a hollow tubular component that extends from an enlarged first end 2944 to a second end 2946. The lower section 2936 includes a through-hole 2948 that is positioned at, and extends through, the enlarged first end 2944. The upper section 2940 includes a through-hole 2950 that is positioned offset from the second end 2946, and a key-slot 2952 positioned at the second end 2946. The third snap lock 2942 can include first and second outward protrusions 2954a, 2954b that can be engaged with and extend out from the through-hole 2950 when the third snap lock 2942 is positioned within the second end 2946 of the kinked body 2934. The third snap lock 2942 is identical in construction to the first and second snap locks 2916, 2918, and can be compressed by applying pressure to the outward protrusions 2954a, 2954b. Upon release of the pressure, the third snap lock 2942 will return to its original position with the outward protrusions 2954a, 2954b extending out from the through-hole 2950. The enlarged first end 2944 of the upper stem portion 2716 is sized and configured to be placed over the second end 2922 of the lower stem portion 2714, e.g., the second end 2922 of the lower stem portion 2714 is inserted into the enlarged first end 2944 of the upper stem portion 2716, to engage and depress the first and second protrusions 2932a, 2932b of the second snap lock 2918. When second end 2922 of the lower stem portion 2714 is inserted into the enlarged first end 2944 of the upper stem portion 2716 and the first and second protrusions 2932a, 2932b are depressed, the through hole 2948 of the enlarged first end 2944 can be aligned with the first and second protrusions 2932a, 2932b. Upon alignment, the second snap lock 2918 will snap back to its original position and the first and second protrusions 2932a, 2932b will extend out from both the through-hole 2926 of the lower stem portion 2714 and the through hole 2948 of the enlarged first end 2944 of the upper stem portion 2716, thus securing the lower stem portion 2714 and the upper stem portion 2716 together.
The rear shell 2958 includes a rear bottom support half 2978, first and second rear side support halves 2980, 2982, a rear top handle half 2984, a rear base 2986, a second rear support wall 2988, and a mount 2990. The first and second rear side supports halves 2980, 2982 extend upwardly from opposite sides of the rear bottom support half 2978 and connect with the rear top handle half 2984, which is tilted slightly forward from the first and second rear side support halves 2980, 2982. The rear bottom support half 2978, first and second rear side support halves 2980, 2982, and rear top handle half 2984 define a window 2992 and are configured to engage the front bottom support half 2962, first and second front side support halves 2964, 2966, and front top handle half 2968, respectively, to form a complete frame with the two windows 2974, 2992 aligned.
The rear base 2986 extends rearward from the rear bottom support half 2978 and includes a left tray 2994, a right tray 2996, a left sidewall 2998, a right sidewall 3000, and a recess 3002 formed between the left tray 2994 and the right tray 2996. The recess 3002 is sized and configured to receive the front tray 2970 of the front shell 2956, which when connected can form a single surface between the left tray 2994 and right tray 2996 of the rear base 2986 and the front tray 2970 of the front shell 2956. A rear tray 3004 extends rearward from the rear base 2986, and the second rear support wall 2988 extends upward from the end of the rear tray 3004 spaced from the rear base 2986. The mount 2990 extends from the rear base 2986 generally downward and rearward. The mount 2990 is a generally tubular hollow extension that includes a through-hole 3006 and can also include an internal key 3008 that is configured to mate with clearance to the key-slot 2952. The mount 2990 is sized and configured to have the second end 2946 of the upper stem portion 2716 inserted therein and to engage and depress the first and second protrusions 2954a, 2954b of the third snap lock 2942. When the second end 2946 of the upper stem portion 2716 and the first and second protrusions 2954a, 2954b are depressed, the internal key 3008 can be aligned with and inserted into the key-slot 2952 while the through-hole 3006 of the mount 2990 can be aligned with the first and second protrusions 2954a, 2954b. Upon alignment, the third snap lock 2942 will snap back to its original position and the first and second protrusions 2954a, 2954b will extend out from both the through-hole 2948 of the upper stem portion 2716 and the through hole 3006 of the mount 2990 of the handle assembly 2718, thus securing the handle assembly 2718 and the upper stem portion 2716 together. Additionally, engagement of the internal key 3008 with the key-slot 2952 ensures that the handle assembly 2718 is engaged with the handle assembly 2718 in the proper configuration.
As user can interconnect the front shell 2956 and the rear shell 2958 by inserting the front tray 2970 into the recess 3002 and engaging the front bottom support half 2962, first and second front side support halves 2964, 2966, and front top handle half 2968 with the rear bottom support half 2978, first and second rear side support halves 2980, 2982, and rear top handle half 2984, respectively. The front shell 2956 and the rear shell 2958 can then secured to one another by the screws 2960. When assembled, the handle assembly 2718 defines a power supply housing 3010 and a cable housing 3012. The power supply housing 3010 is sized and configured to receive and hold a power supply, e.g., the power supply 2512 of the present disclosure. When the power supply 2512 is inserted into the power supply housing 3010, it is retained in place by the front tray 2970, the left sidewall 2998, the right sidewall 3000, the rear support wall 2972, and first and second flanges 3014, 3016 that extend rearward from the first and second side support halves 2964, 2966. Additionally, the first and second flexible locking tabs 2976a, 2976b engage the first and second abutments 2634a, 2634b of the power supply 2512 to further retain the power supply 2512 to the handle assembly 2718. The handle assembly 2718 is configured such that if the pool cleaner caddy 2708 were to fall over and land on the handle assembly 2718, the handle assembly 2718 would make contact with the ground first and absorb the majority of the impact instead of the power supply 2512. Additionally, the first and second flexible locking tabs 2976a, 2976b would retain the power supply 2512 unless a sufficient amount of force resulted from the fall, in which case the first and second abutments 2634a, 2634b of the power supply 2512 would depress the flexible locking tabs 2976a, 2976b and allow the power supply 2512 to slide out from the handle assembly 2718 in a controlled fashion to reduce impact and potential damage. The cable housing 3012 is configured to receive a pool cleaner power cable, e.g., the power and control cable 2089 of the pool cleaner 800 of the present disclosure, and allow the power cable to be hanged on the rear tray 3004.
Once the first end 2920 is secured to the stem locking bracket 2790, the user can then secure the middle section 2912 within the channel 2746 of the angled extension 2744. To do so, the user simply aligns the middle section 2912 with the channel 2746 and applies pressure until the middle section 2912 overcomes the first and second angled locking tabs 2752, 2754 and is seated in the channel 2746. The first and second angled locking tabs 2752, 2754 secure the middle section 2912 in the channel 2746.
Once the lower stem portion 2714 is connected to the base 2710, the user can connect the upper stem portion 2716 thereto.
Once the upper stem portion 2716 is connected to the lower stem portion 2714, the user can connect the handle assembly 2718 to the upper stem portion 2716.
When the handle assembly 2718 is secured to the upper stem portion 2716, the pool cleaner caddy 2708 is fully constructed and can be utilized by placing the pool cleaner 800 on the base 2710, placing the power and control cable 2089 in the cable housing 3012 of the handle assembly 2718, and placing the supply 2512 in the power supply housing 3010 of the handle assembly 2718. A user can grab the handle assembly 2718 to wheel the pool cleaner caddy 2708, and associated pool cleaner 800 and power supply 2512, to a desired location. The user can also view the power supply 2512 through the windows 2974, 2992 of the handle assembly 2718. When fully constructed, the pool cleaner caddy 2708 is configured so that the upper section 2914 of the lower stem portion 2714 forms an angle β with the base 2710 (see
It will be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure described herein are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make many variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and the scope of the disclosure. All such variations and modifications, including those discussed above, are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.
This application is a continuation application of, and claims the benefit of priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/886,508, filed on Feb. 1, 2018, which is a continuation of, and claims the benefit of priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/592,398, filed on May 11, 2017, which is a continuation-in-part of, and claims the benefit of priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/006,869, filed on Jan. 26, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/107,565, filed on Jan. 26, 2015. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/886,508 is also a continuation-in-part of, and claims the benefit of priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/006,869, filed on Jan. 26, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/107,565, filed on Jan. 26, 2015. All of the aforementioned applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
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| Notice of Allowance dated Jul. 31, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/886,556 (7 pages). |
| Office Action dated Dec. 10, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/886,556 (5 pages). |
| Notice of Allowance dated Mar. 25, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/886,556 (8 pages). |
| Office Action dated Sep. 3, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/886,556 (10 pages). |
| Notice of Allowance dated Apr. 3, 2020, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/886,556 (7 pages). |
| Office Action dated Apr. 9, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/882,508 (9 pages). |
| Notice of Allowance dated Aug. 14, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/882,508 (5 pages). |
| Notice of Allowance dated Apr. 30, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/887,549 (8 pages). |
| Notice of Allowance dated Aug. 6, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/887,549 (5 pages). |
| Notice of Allowance dated Nov. 9, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/887,549 (5 pages). |
| PCT Invitation to Pay Additional Fees dated Mar. 23, 2016, issued in connection with Int'l Appl. No. PCT/US16/14914 (2 pages). |
| International Search Report and Written Opinion dated Jun. 17, 2016, issued in connection with Int'l Appl. No. PCT/US16/14914 (13 pages). |
| PCT Invitation to Pay Additional Fees dated Jul. 24, 2017, issued in connection with Int'l Appl. No. PCT/US17/32131 (4 pages). |
| International Search Report and Written Opinion dated Sep. 28, 2017, issued in connection with Int'l Appl. No. PCT/US17/32131 (20 pages). |
| Extended European Search Report dated Aug. 24, 2018, issued in connection with European U.S. Appl. No. 16/743,956.1 (8 pages). |
| Examination Report dated Nov. 20, 2018, issued in connection with Australian Patent Application No. 2018241051 (2 pages). |
| Examination Report dated Nov. 21, 2018, issued in connection with Australian Patent Application No. 2016211669 (3 pages). |
| Canadian Office Action dated Dec. 11, 2018, issued in connection with Canadian Patent Application No. 2,973,369 (4 pages). |
| Examination Report dated Dec. 17, 2018, issued in connection with Australian Patent Application No. 2018250536 (3 pages). |
| Examination Report dated Dec. 17, 2018, issued in connection with Australian Patent Application No. 2018250537 (4 pages). |
| Examination Report dated Dec. 19, 2018, issued in connection with Australian Patent Application No. 2018251811 (7 pages). |
| Canadian Office Action dated Feb. 28, 2019, issued in connection with Canadian Patent Application No. 3,030,120 (5 pages). |
| Extended European Search Report dated Mar. 29, 2019, issued in connection with European Patent Application No. 18206750.4 (10 pages). |
| Extended European Search Report dated May 20, 2019, issued in connection with European Patent Application No. 17909098.0 (8 pages). |
| Extended European Search Report dated Jun. 11, 2019, issued in connection with European Patent Application No. 19154274.5 (8 pages). |
| Extended European Search Report dated Jul. 23, 2019, issued in connection with European Patent Application No. 19158680.9 (8 pages). |
| European Office Action dated Jul. 29, 2019, issued in connection with European Patent Application No. 16743956.1 (5 pages). |
| Examination Report dated Sep. 27, 2019, issued in connection with Australian Patent Application No. 2017407987 (4 pages). |
| Extended European Search Report dated Oct. 9, 2019, issued in connection with European Patent Application No. 19156255.2 (8 pages). |
| European Office Action dated Jul. 10, 2020, issued in connection with European Patent Application No. 19158680.9 (5 pages). |
| Examination Report dated Oct. 16, 2020, issued in connection with Australian Patent Application No. 2019268086 (3 pages). |
| Examination Report dated Jan. 22, 2021, issued in connection with Australian Patent Application No. 2020200076 (3 pages). |
| Examination Report dated Mar. 17, 2021, issued in connection with Australian Patent Application No. 2020201338 (5 pages). |
| AquaBot Advertisement, Pool & Spa News (Oct. 2009) (2 pages and coversheet). |
| Brock Catalog (dated 2005) (8 pages and coversheet). |
| Caratti Catalog (dated 2007) (8 pages and coversheet). |
| Mariner 3S Navigator, Cleaner shown at archive.org, link for Apr. 4, 2007, http://web.archive.org/web/20070404093845/http:/www.mariner-3s.com/mariner_en/produkte/navigator/navigator.php (2 pages and coversheet). |
| Hexagone Cleaners (more than one year prior to Sep. 16, 2008) (8 pages and coversheet). |
| Digital Image of Aquabot Cleaner (more than one year prior to Sep. 16, 2008) (1 page and coversheet). |
| Digital Image of Merlin Cleaner (more than one year prior to Sep. 16, 2008) (1 page and coversheet). |
| Digital Image of Pool Rover Cleaner (more than one year prior to Sep. 16, 2008) (1 page and coversheet). |
| Digital Image of Squirrel Cleaner (more than one year prior to Sep. 16, 2008) (1 page and coversheet). |
| Digital Image of Dolphin Cleaner (more than one year prior to Sep. 16, 2008) (1 page and coversheet). |
| Dolphin 2×2 Robot Pool Cleaner Operating Instructions (more than one year prior to Sep. 16, 2008) (8 pages and coversheet). |
| Dolphin Cleaner photos and Information sheet (Cleaner seen at a show circa Oct. 2009) (5 pages and coversheet). |
| Dolphin D×2 Hybrid Advertisement (dated 2009) (2 pages and coversheet). |
| DX3 and DX4 Cleaners and Related Manuals (more than one year prior to Sep. 16, 2008) (17 pages and coversheet). |
| Hayward Tiger Shark Series Owner's Manual (more than one year prior to Nov. 2, 2009) (16 pages and coversheet). |
| Tiger Shark Owner's Manual (Mar. 2007) (16 pages and coversheet). |
| TigerShark Owner's Manual: All models—TigerShark, Plus, 2, 2 Plus & QC, Dec. 2004 (18 pages). |
| Picture Sheet Showing Multiple Commercial Cleaners (more than one year prior to Sep. 16, 2008) (1 page and coversheet). |
| Picture Sheet Showing Multiple Double-Wide Cleaners (more than one year prior to Sep. 16, 2008) (1 page and coversheet). |
| Smartpool Nitro Cleaner Manual (more than one year prior to Sep. 16, 2008) (56 pages and coversheet). |
| Polaris 9300 and Vortex 3 Cleaners (manuals dated Copyright 2010 and V3 cleaner seen at a show circa Oct. 2009) (125 pages and coversheet). |
| Wave Cleaner and related manuals (cleaner seen at show circa Oct./Nov. 2008) (25 pages and coversheet). |
| YouTube Video of Mopper Cleaner, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8NAUWHOQCk&feature=BFa&list=ULopZLfx71W4Po, e.g., attached screen shots (45 pages and coversheet). |
| Photo of Zodiac Pool Cleaner, www.zodiacpoolsystems.com (1 page and coversheet). |
| Zodiac Cybernaut Manual (dated Sep. 3, 2006) (6 pages and coversheet). |
| Zodiac Baracuda MX 8 Pool Cleaner Owner's Manual (2011) (32 pages). |
| Office Action dated Apr. 6, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/006,869 (14 pages). |
| Notice of Allowance dated Aug. 18, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/006,869 (7 pages). |
| Notice of Allowance dated Sep. 5, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/006,869 (7 pages). |
| Notice of Allowance dated Jan. 17, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/006,869 (7 pages). |
| Notice of Allowance dated Jul. 21, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/592,364 (8 pages). |
| Notice of Allowance dated Nov. 6, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/592,364 (5 pages). |
| Office Action dated Jun. 7, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/592,398 (8 pages). |
| Interview Summary dated Sep. 5, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/592,398 (3 pages). |
| Notice of Allowance dated Oct. 17, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/592,398 (10 pages). |
| Notice of Allowance dated Jun. 13, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/592,244 (10 pages). |
| Notice of Allowance dated Oct. 19, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/592,244 (7 pages). |
| Office Action dated Aug. 8, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/592,377 (8 pages). |
| Interview Summary dated Nov. 6, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/592,377 (3 pages). |
| Notice of Allowance dated Dec. 1, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/592,377 (7 pages). |
| Office Action dated Jun. 11, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/592,254 (11 pages). |
| Notice of Allowance dated Mar. 5, 2019, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/592,254 (9 pages). |
| Office Action dated May 24, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/592,266 (8 pages). |
| Notice of Abandonment dated Dec. 10, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/592,266 (2 pages). |
| Office Action dated May 21, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/592,285 (5 pages). |
| Interview Summary dated Jul. 12, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/592,285 (3 pages). |
| Notice of Allowance dated Nov. 14, 2018, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/592,285 (10 pages). |
| Office Action dated Jul. 6, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/592,384 (9 pages). |
| Interview Summary dated Sep. 18, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/592,384 (3 pages). |
| Notice of Allowance dated Oct. 17, 2017, issued in connection with U.S. Appl. No. 15/592,384 (5 pages). |
| Canadian Office Action dated Mar. 29, 2021, issued in connection with Canadian Patent Application No. 3,080,383 (3 pages). |
| Canadian Office Action dated Apr. 8, 2021, issued in connection with Canadian Patent Application No. 3,073,752 (4 pages). |
| European Office Action dated Aug. 30, 2021, issued in connection with European Patent Application No. 17909098.0 (3 pages). |
| Examination Report dated Dec. 1, 2021, issued in connection with Australian Patent Application No. 2020201338 (3 pages). |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20200181930 A1 | Jun 2020 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62107565 | Jan 2015 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15886508 | Feb 2018 | US |
| Child | 16786765 | US | |
| Parent | 15592398 | May 2017 | US |
| Child | 15886508 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15006869 | Jan 2016 | US |
| Child | 15592398 | US | |
| Parent | 15006869 | Jan 2016 | US |
| Child | 15886508 | US |
