This application claims the benefit of Chinese Utility Model No. 202322776002.7, filed Oct. 16, 2023, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
The present disclosure relates to the technical field of pool cleaning devices, and more particularly to a pool cleaning device suitable for moving across the bottom of a pool to remove debris and other contaminants from the pool.
A pool cleaning device is typically used for cleaning the bottom of a pool, such as a swimming pool. When the pool cleaning device is in use, a power assembly causes wheels to run so as to clean dirt or other debris at the bottom of the pool. In traditional pool cleaning devices, a driving assembly in the form of an impeller is arranged inside the pool cleaning device, and a gear assembly driven by the driving assembly is provided to make the wheels run. However, the existing gear assembly is complex in structure and unstable in gear reversing, such that the wheels are prone to spinning in the same place, resulting in a reduced cleaning efficiency.
It is an objective of the present disclosure is to provide an improved pool cleaning device to remedy the deficiencies mentioned above. The pool cleaning device described herein may automatically and reliably realize reversing of the wheels of the pool cleaning device without causing the wheels to spin in the same place, so that the bottom of a pool can be efficiently cleaned in all directions.
To this end, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, a pool cleaning device is provided, including: a driving unit configured to drive the pool cleaning device; and a transmission unit including a gear assembly and a reversing assembly, the transmission unit being configured to be driven by the driving unit to switch between a first state (or configuration) and a second state (or configuration); wherein in the first state, the gear assembly is linked with the reversing assembly and is in a first position, and the pool cleaning device moves in a first direction in response to the first position; and in the second state, the gear assembly is linked with the reversing assembly and switched to a second position, and the pool cleaning device moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
It should be further appreciated that, in the embodiments described herein, the present disclosure may further include any one or more of the following optional forms.
In some optional forms, the gear assembly includes a first gear and a second gear that are coaxially arranged, the first gear engaging with a fourth gear via a third gear, the second gear engaging with a fifth gear, and the fourth gear and the fifth gear being coaxially arranged such that the pool cleaning device moves in the first direction and the second direction; wherein the gear assembly further includes an intermediate gear capable of moving between the first position and the second position to drive the first gear and the second gear.
In some optional forms, the intermediate gear is coaxially arranged between the first gear and the second gear, and includes first reversing teeth arranged toward the first gear, and second reversing teeth arranged toward the second gear, the first reversing teeth engaging with the first gear in the first position, and the second reversing teeth engaging with the second gear in the second position.
In some optional forms, the reversing assembly includes a reversing gear, a first reversing baffle and a second reversing baffle that are coaxially arranged, the reversing gear being rotated such that: the intermediate gear moves to be in the first position when the first reversing baffle engages with a first surface of the intermediate gear, and the intermediate gear moves to be in the second position when the second reversing baffle engages with a second surface of the intermediate gear opposite to the first surface.
In some optional forms, the reversing assembly includes a first reversing base plate and a second reversing base plate that are coaxially arranged and parallel to each other, the first reversing baffle being configured to extend from a periphery of the first reversing base plate and the second reversing baffle being configured to extend from a periphery of the second reversing base plate, such that the first reversing base plate and the second reversing base plate extend perpendicularly toward each other and are arranged in axial symmetry with respect to each other.
In some optional forms, the first reversing baffle and the second reversing baffle are each configured to include a guiding portion for guiding the intermediate gear and a retaining portion for retaining the intermediate gear.
In some optional forms, the gear assembly further includes a sixth gear engaging with the intermediate gear and a seventh gear engaging with the reversing gear, the sixth gear and the seventh gear being coaxially arranged.
In some optional forms, the driving unit includes an impeller and a driving housing for accommodating the impeller, the driving housing being provided with a water intake port and a water exhaust port which are respectively in fluid communication with a dirt suction port and an external connection port of the pool cleaning device.
In some optional forms, a filter chamber is arranged between the dirt suction port and the water intake port, and the filter chamber is provided with a first filter screen arranged adjacent to the dirt suction port.
In some optional forms, the filter chamber further includes a second filter screen arranged adjacent to the water intake port.
In some optional forms, the external connection port of the pool cleaning device is provided with an adapter to connect a water intake end of an external pump body, the adapter including a connecting sleeve, and the connecting sleeve being connected to the external connection port by a bearing, such that the connecting sleeve rotates relative to the external connection port.
In some optional forms, one end of the connecting sleeve is provided with a snap hook, the adapter further includes a connecting nut, the connecting nut being provided with a radially extending limiting portion, and rotation of the bearing is limited between the snap hook and the limiting portion.
In some optional forms, the connecting sleeve further includes a peripheral flange spaced apart from the snap hook, and rotation of the bearing is limited between the snap hook and the peripheral flange, and between the limiting portion and the peripheral flange.
In some optional forms, an inner wall of the external connection port is provided with a step, and rotation of the bearing is limited between the snap hook and the step, and between the limiting portion and the peripheral flange.
According to another embodiment of the disclosure, alternative or complimentary with the preceding ones, a pool cleaning device includes a driving unit configured to drive the pool cleaning device, a gear assembly configured to be driven by the driving unit, and a reversing assembly linked with the gear assembly. The gear assembly is switchable between a first position, in which the pool cleaning device moves in a first direction, and a second position, in which the pool cleaning device moves in a second direction opposite the first direction.
In some optional forms, the driving unit comprises an impeller and a driving housing for accommodating the impeller, the driving housing being provided with a water intake port and a water exhaust port which are in fluid communication with a dirt suction port and an external connection port of the pool cleaning device.
In some optional forms, a filter chamber is arranged between the dirt suction port and the water intake port, and the filter chamber is provided with a first filter screen arranged adjacent to the dirt suction port.
In some optional forms, an external connection port of the pool cleaning device is provided with an adapter to connect a water intake end of an external pump body, the adapter comprising a connecting sleeve, and the connecting sleeve being connected to the external connection port by a bearing, such that the connecting sleeve rotates relative to the external connection port.
According to yet another embodiment of the disclosure, alternative or complimentary with the preceding ones, a pool cleaning device, includes a driving unit configured to drive the pool cleaning device, a gear assembly, and a reversing assembly. The gear assembly comprises a first gear, a second gear coaxially arranged with the first gear, and an intermediate gear to drive the first gear and the second gear. The reversing assembly is linked with the gear assembly and includes a reversing gear, a first reversing baffle, and a second reversing baffle coaxially arranged with the first reversing baffle. The intermediate gear is translatable between a first position and a second position such that, in the first position, the first reversing baffle engages with a first surface of the intermediate gear, and, in the second position, the second reversing baffle engages with a second surface of the intermediate gear opposite to the first surface.
In some optional forms, the driving unit comprises an impeller and a driving housing for accommodating the impeller, the driving housing being provided with a water intake port and a water exhaust port which are in fluid communication with a dirt suction port and an external connection port of the pool cleaning device.
According to the present disclosure, preferably, the pool cleaning device may be automatically and reliably reversed by means of the gear assembly and the reversing assembly to avoid spinning in the same place, thereby improving the cleaning efficiency. In addition, by a simple structural design, the transmission unit having both the gear assembly and the reversing assembly may be convenient to operate, and low in cost, which also provides more possibilities for diversification of product modeling.
Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be understood from the following embodiments described in detail herein and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent the same or similar components.
Elements in the figures are shown for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to exact scale. It can be understood that these accompanying drawings are not only intended to explain and illustrate the present disclosure and description, but also contribute to the scope of the present disclosure.
The implementation and application of embodiments of a pool cleaning device will be discussed in detail below. However, it will be understood that the embodiments discussed and illustrated herein illustratively describe various embodiments, implementation, and application of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
As provided herein, the term “inner” refers to the direction toward the inside of an entire pool cleaning device, and “outer” refers to the direction toward the outside of the whole pool cleaning device.
As provided herein, the terms “first”, “second”, etc. cannot be used to limit the order and the number of assemblies unless otherwise stated.
As described herein, existing pool cleaning devices are complex in structure, and cannot stably achieve the reversing function. In particular, the wheels of traditional pool cleaning devices are prone to spinning in the same place, resulting in a reduced cleaning efficiency. The present disclosure aims to provide a pool cleaning device in which the structure is simple and reversing of a transmission unit can be automatically and reliably realized. Based on this concept, a pool cleaning device having a gear assembly and a reversing assembly is provided to switch the transmission unit between a first state (or configuration) and a second state (or configuration) by linkage of the gear assembly and the reversing assembly, so that the pool cleaning device moves in different directions in response to switching of the transmission unit between the first state and the second state.
As further depicted in
Referring now to
Referring still to
In the embodiments described herein, it should be appreciated that the first filter screen 172 and/or the second filter screen 173 may include any filtering component configured to trap debris removed from the bottom of the pool while allowing for the flow of water through the filtering component. For example, the first filter screen 172 and/or second filter screen 173 may include a mesh filter (e.g., steel or plastic mesh), a cartridge filter (e.g., pleated polyester cartridge, etc.), a sponge or foam filter, a sediment filter, an activated carbon filter, or any other similar type of filtering component without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
It should be understood that the contour of the external housing structure and the shape and layout of the internal space of the pool cleaning device can be designed in various ways according to actual needs, which are all included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the external housing structure may be designed to provide enhanced hydrodynamic efficiency, such that the contour of the external housing structure includes a streamlined, smooth, and/or rounded shape that minimizes drag as the pool cleaning device moves through water. In these embodiments, the internal space within the external housing structure may be configured to maximize space utilization. For example, the various internal components (e.g., filter chamber 171, driving unit 400, etc.) may be positioned along a central axis of the pool cleaning device in order to provide a balanced weight distribution that enhances the stability of the pool cleaning device during operation.
In other embodiments, the external housing structure may include a compact, low-profile configuration that may allow for the pool cleaning device to maneuver within corners and beneath obstacles present in a pool, such as a pool ladder or pool steps. In these embodiments, the internal components of the pool cleaning device may be layered vertically within the external housing structure, such that the overall height of the pool cleaning device may be minimized while accommodating each of the internal components described hereinabove.
Furthermore, in some embodiments, the external housing structure may have an angled and/or wedge-shaped contour, such that a portion of the pool cleaning device it tilted downwards towards the bottom (e.g., bottom surface) of the pool. In these embodiments, the contour of the external housing structure may enhance the ability of the cleaning brushes 200 to make close contact with the bottom of the pool, thereby ensuring more effective removal of debris. In the embodiments described herein, the water intake port 450 and suction port 160 may positioned near the front of the external housing structure (e.g., adjacent the angled and/or wedge-shaped portion) to ensure that debris is captured after being dislodged by the cleaning brushes. Such a layout may prioritize debris capture efficiency and direct filtered water flow to a rear portion of the device.
As noted hereinabove should be appreciated that the embodiments described herein are illustrative in nature, and the external housing structure and internal components may have any arrangement without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in embodiments, the external housing structure and internal components may be further configured to provide ergonomic user handling, enhanced traction, modular component access, or any other similar configuration as may be determined based on the specifications of various users.
Referring still to
Turning now to
First, referring to
The gear assembly 510 may further include an intermediate gear 516. The intermediate gear 516 may move between a first intermediate gear position and a second intermediate gear position to drive the first gear 511 and the second gear 512, and the first gear 511 and the second gear 512 may, in turn, drive the fourth gear 514 and the fifth gear 515 to rotate in different (e.g., opposite) directions. In some embodiments, as shown in
To enable movement of the intermediate gear 516 between the first intermediate gear position and the second intermediate gear position, in some embodiments, the reversing assembly 520 may include a reversing gear 521, a first reversing baffle 522 and a second reversing baffle 523, with the first reversing baffle 522 and the second reversing baffle 523 being coaxially arranged. In these embodiments, the reversing gear 521 may be rotated such that the intermediate gear 516 moves to be in the first intermediate gear position when the first reversing baffle 522 engages with a first surface 516c of the intermediate gear 516, and the intermediate gear 516 moves to be in the second intermediate gear position when the second reversing baffle 523 engages with a second surface 516d of the intermediate gear 516 opposite to the first surface 516c. For example, according to the embodiment shown in
In some embodiments (e.g., as depicted in
In some embodiments, as shown in
When the transmission unit is in the first state, as shown in
In contrast, when the transmission unit is in the second state, as shown in
In view of the foregoing, it should be appreciated that the pool cleaning device described herein may automatically realize a constant change in the direction of movement (e.g., between the first direction and the second direction). When the pool cleaning device is connected to an external pump body by means of a pipeline, for example, a corrugated pipe, the corrugated pipe may be knotted, which affects the use. Therefore, in the embodiment shown in
In some embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, the connecting sleeve 610 may further include a peripheral flange 612 spaced apart from the snap hook 611, so that the bearing 630 can be limited between the snap hook 611 and the peripheral flange 612, and between the limiting portion 621 and the peripheral flange.
In some embodiments, an inner wall of the external connection port 140 may be provided with a step 141, so that rotation of the bearing 630 can be limited between the snap hook 611 and the step 141, and between the limiting portion 621 and the peripheral flange 612.
Owing to the design of the present disclosure, the pool cleaning device can automatically and reliably change a path under the synergistic action of the gear assembly and the reversing assembly in the transmission unit, thereby realizing a constant change of the direction of movement at the bottom of the pool, so that the pool cleaning device may not spin in the same place, and the bottom of the pool can be cleaned in all directions with a high cleaning efficiency. In addition, the adapter is designed to prevent the corrugated pipe from getting knotted while the pool cleaning device changes the direction of movement, making the process of use safer and more effective.
It should be understood that the embodiments as shown in the drawings only show the optional shapes, sizes and arrangements of optional components of the pool cleaning device according to the present disclosure, which are merely illustrative but not restrictive, and other shapes, sizes and arrangements may be employed without departing from the idea and scope of the present disclosure.
The technical contents and technical features of the present disclosure are disclosed above, but it can be understood that those skilled in the art would have made various variations and improvements to the concepts disclosed above under the creative idea of the present disclosure, and all the variations and improvements fall into the scope of protection of the present disclosure. The descriptions of the above embodiments are illustrative but not restrictive, and the scope of protection of the present disclosure is determined by the claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 202322776002.7 | Oct 2023 | CN | national |