AU702602B2 - Automatic swimming pool cleaners and associated components - Google Patents

Description

S F Ref: 374444D1

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

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a ta a..

e Name and Address of Applicant: Actual Inventor(s): Address for Service: Invention Title: Sweepy International S.A.

Route de la Saune Fonsegrives Commune de Quint F-31130 Balma

FRANCE

William T. Clark, James D. Scott; II, Graham M. Barton, Chris A. Rice and Shawn M. McLaughlin Spruson Ferguson, Patent Attorneys Level 33 St Martins Tower, 31 Market Street Sydney, New South Wales, 2000, Australia Automatic Swimming Pool Cleaners and Associated Components The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:- 5845 I AUTOMATIC SWIMMING POOL CLEANERS AND ASSOCIATED COMPONENTS FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to automatic swimming pool cleaners and to valves and other components of or associated with such cleaners BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION U.S. Patent No. 4,835,809 to Roumagnac, incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference, discloses various embodiments of an automatic device for cleaning swimming pools. The device includes a brush attached either to the lower edge or the bottom of its body to contact surfaces of the swimming pool and displace debris positioned there. According to the Roumagnac patent, the brush may be arched and of "substantially the same 15 shape and length of the lower edge" of the body, for example, or "in the form of a circular cordon attached to the periphery of the bottom." Also included in the body of the device is an aspiration orifice, which may be annular, as shown in Figure 5 of the Roumagnac patent, or "in the form of a narrow arched window" of Figure 3.

20 European Patent Application No. 0357810 discloses a valve for use with fluid hoses on suction type swimming pool cleaners. The valve comprises a chamber with inlets defined therein. The inlets may be partially or completely occluded by a closure member. The position of the closure member is controlled by the flow of fluid through the chamber. If fluid is flowing through the chamber, the closure member is forced into a position which occludes the inlets If the fluid flow is reduced or interrupted, a spring urges the closure member such that the inlets are either not or only partiall occluded. Because the chamber is positioned so as to always be subme'..''! whenever the inlets are not occluded fluid may flow into the chamber throughi the inlets. If the flow of fluid through the system is interrupted because, for instance, the pool cleaner floats to the surface of the pool, fluid continues to enter the system via the inlets, thus preventing damage to the suction pump However, the valve does not provide a means for manually positioning the I I closure member to allow selective control of the flow rate of fluid therethrough, which may be desirable for controlling the operation of automatic pool cleaners.

European Patent Application No. 0380421 discloses a manually operated flow regulation device. The device comprises a chamber having a first opening. The first opening may be partially or completely occluded by a closure member which is mounted concentrically about the chamber. The closure member defines a second opening which, when the member is rotated about the chamber, cooperates with the first opening variably to occlude the outlet. However, the device does not provide a means for quantifying the rate of flow therethrough. Thus, the proper setting of the device to allow optimal functioning of an automatic pool cleaner must be determined through trial and error.

European Patent Application No. 0543387 discloses an automatic pool cleaner which has curvilinear projections extending from the base. The projections impart a whirling motion to create a vortex in) the fluid entering the cleaner. Although not 15 explicitly stated, the purpose of creating a vortex presumably is to improve the likelihood that debris on the pool bottom is drawn into the cleaner. However, the projections are not arranged such that all the fluid passing under the cleaner and thus, the debris associated therewith, necessarily are entrained in the vortex.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 20 It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved assembly for controlling fluid flow.

There is disclosed herein an assembly for controlling fluid flow comprising: 2 IN AAB1iI0jul9)xr('\ I _I C a. a first tube defining an exterior surface, an inlet and an outlet for the fluid and at least one bypass port in which at least a portion of the first tube is at least partially transparent; b. a spring positioned within the first tube; c. a plunger positioned within the assembly such that at least a portion of the plunger is visible through the at least partially transparent portion of the first tube, in which the plunger is adapted to compress the spring when a first portion of the fluid flows through the first tube; d. a second tube defining an interior surface and connected to and circumscribing at least a portion of the first tube, the volume between the interior surface of the second tube and the exterior surface of the first tube circumscribed by the second tube providing a path through which a second portion of the fluid may flow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A preferred form of the present invention will now be described by way of 15 example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a cleaner of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the cleaner of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the lower section of the body of the cleaner of FIG. 1.

20 FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a wiper designed to be included as part of the cleaner of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A is a side elevational view of a connector forming part of the wiper of SFIG. 4.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaner of FIG. 1.

3 [N-\113L,1401398 'TMc' 1111~ 11 I -Ae FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a fluted throat that may he included as part of the cleaner of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a partially-sectioned and -schematicized representation of a valve assembly forming part of the present invention and which may, if desired, be used in connection with the cleaner of FIG. I.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the valve assembly of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIGS. 1-2 illustrate automatic swimming pool cleaner 10 of the present invention. Cleaner 10 includes body 14, comprising upper section 18 and lower section 22, which sections are fitted together in use.

Shown in FIGS. 1-2 attached to lower section 22 about its periphery 24 are casters 26, while wipers 30 protrude from the bottom 34 of lower section 22.

Connected to upper section 18 of body 14 is a hydro-injector 38 as described and illustrated in the Roumagnac patent. In use, cleaner 10 moves about a swimming pool or other vessel to be cleaned like the device of the Roumagnac patent.

FIGS. 3-5 detail the preferred placement of wipers 30 in cleaner 10. As detailed in FIGS. 3 and 5, lower section 18 include multiple openings 42 arranged in concentric circles 46 (shown as dotted lines) about *central inlet 50. Selected sets of openings 42 define curves 54 (also shown as dotted lines), the preferred shape ef wipers 30 in use. With wipers 30 so positioned on bottom 34 of lower section 22, all (or substantially all) radii 58 centered at central inlet 50 cross at least one wiper Wipers 30 thus spiral inward toward central inlet 50. causing water or other fluid encountering them to flow in the form of a vortex about central inlet 50 when cleaner 10 operates. Cooperating with the flat bottom 34 of lower section 22. wipers 30 function to accelerate fluid flow toward central inlet 50, increasing the likelihood that debris entrained in the flow will remain suspended therein until entering the interior 62 of body 14.

Wipers 30 additionally effectively block fluid and debris from entering central inlet 50 without having been captured by the vortex.

Detailed in FIG. 4 is the nominal structure of wiper 30. Wiper may be molded or otherwise formed of a flexible material such as plastic or rubber and comprise blade 66 and integrally-formed connectors 70. Each connector 70 of the type shown in FIG. 4 includes an elongated segment 74 terminating in flange assembly 78. Segment 74 has a diameter less than that of openings 42, facilitating its insertion therein, while flange assembly 78 includes flange 82 having a diameter greater than that of openings 42.

Because wiper 30 is formed of compressible material, however, both segment 74 and flange 82 may be pulled through openings 42 into the S' interior 62 of body 14, after which flange 82 expands to lock wiper 30 in position. FIG. 5 illustrates wipers 30 as connected to lower section 22, with segment 74 and flange 82 protruding into interior 62.

15 Also shown in FIG. 5 is filter 86, which in some embodiments is a screen spanning lower section 22 within the interior 62 of body 14.

Alternatively, filter 86 may be as described in the Roumagnac patent. In either event, filter 86 is designed to obstruct debris entrained in fluid entering central inlet 50 and retain the debris within interior 62. If desired, filter 86 .20 may be fitted into or otherwise attached to lower section 22 or upper section 18 or, as illustrated in FIG. 5, placed on ledge 90 of the lower section 22 and retained using spring 94 extending from hydro-injector 38. Pins 98 connect casters 26 about the periphery 24 of lower section 22. Not encumbering upper section 18 with casters 26 facilitates removal of filter 86 from body 14, as the filter 86 becomes accessible merely by removing the unencumbered upper section 18.

Throat 102 of lower section 22 defines central inlet 50. It additionally bounds the portion of interior 62 defined by lower section 22, reducing the possibility that debris settling therein can exit through central inlet 50 when hydro-injector 38 is not functioning. FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative throat 102A for cleaner 10. Unlike throat 102. throat 102A is r Ir fluted, providing an improved flow path for enhanced debris pick-up and forming an additional barrier to debris exiting interior 62 through central inlet 50 when not desired.

FIGS. 7-8 disclose valve 200 which may be used to indicate and control the flow rate of fluid passing therethrough. Valve 200 includes tube 201 or other assembly, within which spring 202 and plunger 203 are positioned, as well as nozzle 204. Further shown in FIGS. 7-8 are nut 205, to which nozzle 204 attaches, diffuser 206, and fluid line 207 such as a corrugated hose. Included as part of nozzle 204 are one or more bypass ports 204A for diverting fluid into diffuser 206. Nozzle 204 also contains threaded section 209, which engages corresponding threaded section 210 of nut 205.

Although valve 200 may be used in connection with cleaner 10 and an :associated pump, it is not so limited and may be employed with other automatic swimming pool cleaning systems or used separately in any suitable fluid lines.

In use, fluid flows into valve 200 in the direction of arrow **208. Passing through nozzle 204, the fluid flow opposes the force of spring 202, causing the spring 202 to compress and attached plunger 203 to move.

If tube 201 is partly or wholly transparent, the position of plunger 203 within the tube 201 may provide an indication external of the tube 201 of the rate of fluid flow through valve 200. Calibration using known equations for fluid and spring forces can permit the position of plunger 203 within tube 201 to .e i evidence the flow rate of the fluid through the valve 200. The fluid continues to flow through exit adaptor 211 (when present) to fluid line 207, travelling to, for example, cleaner Nozzle 204, ports 204A, and nut 205 permit the fluid flow through valve 200 to be adjusted. Tightening nut 205 decreases the effective size of ports 204A. reducing the rate at which fluid is capable of exiting valve 200 through the ports 204A. By contrast, loosening nut 205 increases the effective size of ports 204A, permitting fluid to flow through ports 204A into diffuser 206 at a greater rate. The location of plunger 203 within tube

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201 may be observed after each incremental change in the relative positions of nozzle 204 and nut 205, moreover, until the desired flow rate through valve 200 is achieved.

Fluid flowing through ports 204A enters diffuser 206, a tube or other analogous structure, that surrounds a portion of fluid line 207. In the embodiment of valve 200 shown in FIGS. 7-8, fluid line 207 is a corrugated hose, whose corrugations cooperate with diffuser 206 to decrease the velocity and pressure of the fluid within the diffuser 206. Although the corrugations are believed to facilitate the decrease in fluid velocity and pressure, fluid line 207 need not be a corrugated hose for diffuser 206 to operate, however.

Furthermore, if corrugations are desired, they may be supplied by other structures such as exit adaptor 211.

Other embodiments of valve 200 may be fully automatic. In such cases ports 204A may be omitted from nozzle 204 and placed instead in 15 tube 201. Movement of plunger 203 within tube 201 then will determine the effective area of ports 204A through which fluid may exit valve 200 through S diffuser 206. With appropriate modifications valve 200 is also suitable for indicating and controlling the flow of fluid by suction into, for example, a pump. There, however, ports 204A would function to increase (rather than decrease) flow through valve 200, and diffuser 206 would serve as a vortex inhibitor instead of diffusing velocity and pressure.

The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating, a explaining, and describing embodiments of the present invention.

Modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

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Claims (6)

1. An assembly for controlling fluid flow comprising: a. a first tube defining an exterior surface, an inlet and an outlet for the fluid and at least one bypass port in which at least a portion of the first tube is at least partially transparent; b. a spring positioned within the first tube; c. a plunger positioned within the assembly such that at least a portion of the plunger is visible through the at least partially transparent portion of the first tube, in which the plunger is adapted to compress the spring when a first portion of the fluid flows through the first tube; d. a second tube defining an interior surface and connected to and circumscribing at least a portion of the first tube, the volume between the interior surface of the second tube and the exterior surface of the first tube circumscribed by the second tube providing a path through which a second portion of the fluid may flow. 15

2. An assembly according to claim 1 for use with automatic swimming 1: pool cleaner, further comprising means for connecting the first tube to the automatic swimming pool cleaner.

3. An assembly according to claim 2 in which the connecting means comprises a corrugated hose having an exterior surface, a portion of which corrugated 20 hose is circumscribed by the second tube, the volume between the interior surface of the second tube and the exterior surface of the corrugated hose circumscribed by the second tube continuing the path through which the second portion of the fluid flows.

4. An assembly according to claim 1 further comprising means, affixed to the first tube, for selectively and variably controlling the magnitude of the second portion of the fluid flow.

5. An assembly for controlling fluid flow, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated

6 March, 1998 Sweepy International S.A. Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person SPRUSON FERGUSON 8 IN i.niii ioivm rc v Automatic Swimming Pool Cleaners and Associated Components Abstract An assembly (200) for controlling fluid flow has a first tube (201, 209) defining an exterior surface, an inlet and an outlet for the fluid and at least one bypass port (204A) in which at least a portion of the first tube (201, 209) is at least partially transparent. A spring (202) is positioned within the first tube (201. 209) and a plunger (203) is positioned within the assembly (200) such that at least a portion of the plunger (203) is visible through the at least partially transparent portion of the first tube (201, 209). The plunger (203) is adapted to compress the spring (202) when a first portion of the fluid flows through the first tube (201, 209). A second tube (206) defines an interior surface and is connected to and circumscribes at least a portion of the first tube (201, 209). The volume between the interior surface of the second tube (206) and the exterior surface of the first tube (201, 209) circumscribed by the second tube (206) provides a path through which a second portion of the fluid may flow. .e N 1I11LIOI 1198:WW I I I I