A swimming pool cleaning device for automatically cleaning a submerged surface includes a forwardly inclined housing forming a flow passage including a flow control valve. A flexible planar disc extends around an inlet to the flow passage for engaging the surface to be cleaned. The flexible planar member includes slits extending from the peripheral edge inward toward the central opening to form a pedal-like segmented flange for splaying of each segment in response to travel of the cleaner over an irregularly contoured surface and facilitate an effective frictional contact with the surface. A steering mechanism driven by fluid flow through the housing causes the housing to rotate about the planar disc.

Submerged surface pool cleaning device

A pool cleaner (10) is provided powered by a suction source by connecting the pool cleaner (10) via a vacuum hose (14) to the suction side of a pool water filtration system (12). The pool cleaner (10) comprises a housing (28) carried on wheels (16) for rolling movement along a submerged pool surface (44). A debris intake nozzle (50) is formed at a lower end (42) of the housing (28) in close proximity with the pool surface (44), and communicates through a turbine chamber (52) in the housing (28) to the vacuum hose (14) for water-borne vacuuming of debris from the pool surface (44). Water drawn through the turbine chamber (52) rotatably drives a turbine (68) which is turn powers a drive train to rotatably drive the cleaner wheels (16) together with a downward force fan (84) for improved wheel traction. In addition, the drive train operates a timer cam (146) for periodically actuating a reverse clutch assembly (98) to drive at least one of the cleaner wheels (16) in reverse.

Suction powered pool cleaner

Advantageous apparatus, are provided for facilitating maintenance of a automated pool cleaning device. More particularly, an improved automated pool cleaning device is provided, according to the present disclosure. The device, generally, includes a facially accessible quick-release roller assembly, a bucket-type filter assembly, and a windowed top access lid assembly. The improved roller assembly and filter assembly are easily accessible for maintenance purposes. Furthermore, the windowed lid assembly provides visual feedback as to when the filter assembly needs to be cleaned.

Apparatus for facilitating maintenance of a pool cleaning device

An automatic swimming pool cleaner comprises a body (18) and a wheeled undercarriage (42) for the body. The undercarriage comprises a first submerged surface (14) engaging section (50) and a normally leading second section (52). The second section is pivotable in elevation (α) relative to the first section. The pivotable second section enables the cleaner to negotiate sharp corners between a floor (14) and a wall (16) of the pool and further lengths a wheelbase provided by the first section during reverse motion of the cleaner. A surface engaging brake (81) on the second section facilitates change of direction during reverse motion of the cleaner.

Undercarriage for automatic pool cleaner

An automatic pool cleaner has a plurality of components, some of which have a density greater than water, giving the cleaner an overall negative buoyancy. The cleaner has a buoyant element which is adjustable in position relative to the center of gravity of the cleaner. Adjusting the position of the buoyant element changes the probable motion path of the cleaner on the pool floor and on the walls to allow the cleaner to execute a variety of motion paths to clean various parts of the pool. The adjustable element may be slidably positioned by a handle extending through a slot in the housing or be slidable on a slide band attached to the housing, which may be pivotable, translatable and rotatable, providing an additional range of position alternatives. A selected position is held by a detent or other holding mechanism. The adjustable element permits the cleaner to be adapted to clean various pool shapes and surfaces.

Pool cleaning device with adjustable buoyant element

Automatic swimming pool cleaning systems are disclosed. The systems include an automatic swimming pool cleaner (10) incorporating one or more curved wipers (30) protruding from its lower surface. The wipers (30) and flat bottom (34) of the cleaner (10) induce a vortex as fluid flows to its central inlet (50) entraining debris in the flow. A fluted throat (102A) surrounding the inlet (50) additionally assists the interior of the base of the cleaner (10) in retaining debris when opened for cleaning, additionally providing an improved flow path for enhanced debris pick-up. Also disclosed is a valve (200) useful for controlling and indicating the rate of fluid flow to a cleaner (10). Included within the valve (200) is a plunger (203) attached to a spring (202), with the spring force opposing fluid flow through the valve (200). Flow sufficient to overcome the spring force compresses the spring (202), however thereby moving the plunger (203) within the tube (201) and providing a dynamic indication of the rate of fluid flow. A diffuser (206) and fluid release ports (204A) permit the valve (200) to be adjusted to achieve a desired flow rate.

Automatic swimming pool cleaners and associated components

Discs for devices such as automatic swimming pool cleaners are disclosed. The discs incorporate one or more flutes, or raised areas, extending generally radially from adjacent their central portions to their peripheries. The peripheries themselves, moreover, may include upturned areas (lips) between flutes, and both the discs and footpad may include ramped segments facilitating movement over obstacles extending from swimming pool surfaces.

James D. Scott

Papers

Automatic swimming pool cleaners and associated components

Fluted swimming pool cleaner discs