FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to fluid-powered motors for automatic swimming pool cleaners,
as described in the appended claims.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Commonly-owned
U.S. Patent No. 9,611,668 to van der Meijden, et al. describes components and aspects of certain automatic pool cleaners (APCs). Various
embodiments of these APCs may include one or more bladed scrubbers configured to rotate
about shafts oriented generally perpendicularly to a surface to be cleaned. Rotation
of the scrubbers may produce downforce biasing a cleaner toward the to-be-cleaned
surface. It also may create vortex action tending to induce debris-laden water to
flow toward an inlet of the cleaner for filtering. Blades of the APCs may be "semi-rigid"
as described in the van der Meijden patent so as to accommodate passage of large debris
into the inlet with minimal or no blockage.
[0004] Disclosed in the van der Meijden patent is that exemplary APCs may utilize a fluid-powered
motor of the type detailed in commonly-owned
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0119358 of van der Meijden, et al. The motor may include rotating blades or paddles configured to interact with water
flowing therethrough. As disclosed in the van der Meijden application, the paddles
may have distal edges which are "locally flexible to facilitate passage of debris."
[0005] Referenced in the van der Meijden application is
U.S. Patent No. 6,292,970 to Rief, et al. APCs of the Rief patent include a turbine housing defining a water-flow chamber in
which a rotor is positioned. Also included are a series of vanes pivotally connected
to the rotor. Water interacting with the vanes rotates the rotor in one direction
(clockwise as illustrated in the Rief patent), with the vanes pivoting when encountering
"debris of substantial size" to allow the debris to pass through the housing for collection.
SUMMARY
[0006] Automatic swimming pool cleaners (APCs) are detailed herein. The APCs may include
features designed to avoid, or reduce adverse effects of, clogging by debris. They
also may include easily-removable fluid-powered motors should clogging nevertheless
occur. The APCs may also include improvements to the motive assemblies to help facilitate
movement of the APCs around the liquid-containing bodies without interruption, such
as when a track of the motive assembly slips off course.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The specification makes reference to the following appended figures, in which use
of like reference numerals in different figures is intended to illustrate like or
analogous components.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary automatic swimming pool cleaners (APC)
of the present invention, shown with the cover in the open position.
FIG. 2 is a cut-away side view of components of the APC of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of portions of the APC of FIG. 1, shown with the
cover removed for clarity and with the upper portion in the open position.
FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the core of the APC of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3C is another top perspective view of portions of the APC of FIG. 1, shown with
the cover removed for clarity and with the upper portion in the open position.
FIG. 3D is a perspective view of the upper portion of the APC of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3E is a cut-away view illustrating how the core is retained within the APC of
FIG. 1 while the cover is in the closed position.
FIG. 3F is a perspective view of portions of the APC of FIG. 1, shown with the cover
removed for clarity, the upper portion in the open position and the core partially
removed.
FIGS. 4A-4C are partial, side views illustrating a seal of the APC of FIG. 1 in various
positions.
FIG. 5A is a perspective front view of a vane of the APC of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5B is a perspective side view of the vane of FIG. 5A.
FIG. 5C is a side view of the vane of FIG. 5A.
FIG. 5D is a partial, cut-away view of the vanes of FIG. 5A assembled in the APC of
FIG. 1.
FIG. 5E is a perspective, partial view of a vane of FIG. 5A assembled in the APC of
FIG. 1.
FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a pin of the APC of FIG. 1.
FIGS. 6B-6F are perspective, partial views of the pin of FIG. 6A assembled in the
APC of FIG. 1.
FIGS. 7A-7J conceptually detail various features of the vane of FIG. 5A.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another exemplary APC of the present invention, shown
with the cover in the closed position.
FIG. 9 is a side view of the APC of FIG. 8, shown with the cover in the closed position.
FIG. 10 is a perspective of the APC of FIG. 8, shown with the cover in the open position.
FIG. 11 is a perspective of the APC of FIG. 8, shown with the cover in the open position
and with the core removed.
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of components of the APC of FIG. 8.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the core of the APC of FIG. 8.
FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a pin of the APC of FIG. 8.
FIGS. 14B is a partial, cross-sectional view of the core of FIG. 13 assembled with
the APC of FIG. 8.
FIG. 15 is a side perspective view of a portion of the track of the APC of FIG. 8.
FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of a portion of the track of the APC of FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0008] Avoiding clogging of APCs by large debris remains a considerable challenge to designers
of these devices. Thus, although both the van der Meijden and Rief patents identify
solutions to this challenge, developing additional solutions may be advantageous.
The present inventions seek to accomplish this in multiple innovative manners. The
inventions also include facilitating unclogging of APCs should clogging nevertheless
occur.
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary APC 10 incorporating aspects of the inventions. Cleaner
10 may be similar to APCs shown or described in the van der Meijden patent, although
such similarity is not necessary. Cleaner 10 may include at least body 14 and motive
assembly 18, with motive assembly 18 comprising (closed-loop) track 22 having external
and internal surfaces 26 and 30, respectively. Motive assembly 18 also may include
pulley or drive wheel 34 and undriven wheels 38 and 42. A motive assembly 18 typically
will be present at each of the left and right sides of cleaner 10.
[0010] As depicted, body 14 includes chamber 46 (
see FIG. 3A) accessible at least via opening 50. Additionally illustrated in FIG. 1 is
cover 54. Cover 54 preferably abuts opening 50 during operation of cleaner 10, closing
access to chamber 46 from above. By contrast, FIG. 1 shows cover 54 having been moved
relative to opening 50 so as to expose chamber 46 from above. In this position, cover
54 allows access to chamber 46 and to fluid-powered motor 58 positioned at least partially
therein.
[0011] Cover 54 may attach to body 14 in any appropriate manner. FIG. 1, for example, illustrates
cover 54 connecting to body 14 using a pin or hinges so that the cover 54 may pivot
to and from the open position shown in FIG. 1. When cover 54 pivots to the closed
position abutting opening 50., a latch, snaps, or any other suitable fasteners may
be used to retain the cover 54 in that position during operation of APC 10. Preferably
(although not necessarily), a user may simply push a button to unfasten cover 54 from
body 14 and thus allow cover 54 to pivot under manual or mechanical force. Persons
skilled in the art will recognize that other methods of causing movement of cover
54 manually, without using tools, may be employed instead.
[0012] At least some versions of cleaner 10 will connect, via at least one hose, to an inlet
of a pump of a water-circulation system of a swimming pool. These versions are known
as "suction-side" cleaners because of their connection to a pump inlet. When the system
is operating, the pump evacuates cleaner 10, drawing debris-laden water from the pool
through an inlet of body 14 into the hose for eventual travel to a filter to separate
and remove debris from the water. Alternatively, versions of cleaner 10 may be "pressure-side"
cleaners, connecting directly or indirectly to an outlet of such a pump. In these
APCs, pressurized water exiting the pump is used, employing the Venturi principle,
to create a low-pressure area configured to draw debris-laden water into the inlet
of body 14.
[0013] In either event, water drawn into body 14 additionally may operate fluid-powered
motor 58. In this respect, motor 58 may constitute a turbine resembling that of the
Rief patent. As shown in FIG. 2, motor 58 may include housing 62 defining interior
vacuum chamber 66 and having interior chamber wall 70, inlet port 74, and outlet port
78. Rotor 82 may be mounted within housing 62 on shaft 86 and configured to rotate
about an axis coincident with the shaft 86. Inlet port 74 preferably is near the inlet
of body 14 so that water entering that inlet may pass generally unobstructed to the
inlet port 74. Similarly, outlet port 78 preferably is, or is near, an outlet of cleaner
10 to which a hose may be connected directly or indirectly.
[0014] Extending radially from an outer circumference of rotor 82 are spokes 90. Seven such
spokes 90 are illustrated as so extending in FIG. 2, with spokes 90 being spaced uniformly
along the outer circumference. More or fewer spokes 90 may be employed, however, and
their spacing need not necessarily be uniform. Pivotally attached to each spoke 90
is a vane 94, with vanes 94 beneficially pivoting about axes parallel to that about
which rotor 82 rotates. Collectively, at least rotor 82, shaft 86, spokes 90, and
vanes 94 may be considered to constitute core 98 of motor 58. In some embodiments,
gears 100 (
see FIG. 3B) additionally may be part of core 98. Gears 100 may, directly or indirectly,
help drive the drive wheels 34.
[0015] Housing 62 may be formed of more than one part. FIG. 1 illustrates upper portion
102 of an exemplary housing 62 being attached to, or otherwise configured to move
with, cover 54, while lower portion 106 (
see FIG. 3F) remains positioned within chamber 46 of body 14. In this manner, the simple
act of opening cover 54 exposes core 98. This result is particularly useful when debris
has impeded or obstructed operation of motor 58, as exposing core 98 may facilitate
removal of that debris.
[0016] Equally as significant, core 98 may be configured within chamber 46 so that it is
manually removable as a unit for cleaning, maintenance, repair, replacement, troubleshooting,
or otherwise. Hence, merely by opening cover 54, core 98 is both exposed and available
for removal from cleaner 10. Especially valuable is that no tool is required for any
of these actions--manual manipulation of the components is sufficient.
[0017] FIGS. 3A-F illustrate and describe additional features of motor 58 and its interaction
with,
e.g., body 14. FIGS. 3A and C-F depict upper portion 102, which may form an upper fluid
boundary during normal operation of cleaner 10. When cover 54 is latched, upper portion
102 also holds motor 58 in position within lower portion 106, which may form a lower
fluid boundary during operation of the APC 10.
[0018] FIGS. 2 and 4A-C depict seal 110 which may be present within interior vacuum chamber
66 of motor 58. The existence of seal 110 helps bias water flow from inlet port 74
toward the right side of vacuum chamber 66 (as shown in FIG. 2) and promotes efficiency
of engine operation. Generally, therefore, debris-laden water flows, and rotor 82
rotates, generally counterclockwise in FIG. 2.
[0019] Unlike conventional rigid seals, seal 110 is flexible in nature. In particular, seal
110 may flex downward in FIG. 2 if necessary to allow passage of debris. Thus, seal
110 aids motor 58 in avoiding seizures by allowing debris to re-circulate within vacuum
chamber 66.
[0020] FIG. 4A shows a vane 94 in a normal sealed position against seal 110. Water pressure
across the vane 94. helps retain this sealed relationship, and housing 62 may include
rigid retention features 114 (
see FIG. 4B) preventing seal 110 from extending upward in FIG. 2 beyond a particular
point. By contrast, seal 110 may flex downward to accommodate extension of vane 94
(
see FIG. 4B) as well as to allow passage of debris (
see FIG. 4C). After debris passes, seal 110 may return to its normal position, as shown
in FIG. 4A.
[0021] FIGS. 5A-E depict structural features of a vane 94. Vane 94 may include a proximal
portion 116 into which an elongated hole 118 is formed so as to receive a connector
such as pin 222 (
see FIG. 6A). In this manner, vane 94 may connect to a corresponding spoke 90. Vane 94
also may include a distal portion 126 having an edge 130 as well as side edges 131
and 132. By tapering edges 131 and 132, the likelihood that debris will be trapped
between a vane 94 and interior chamber wall 70 may be reduced without increasing leakage
between the vane 94 and the wall 70.
[0022] Shown in FIG. 5D is that edge 130 may comprise leading portion 134 and lagging portion
138. Preferably, leading portion 134 is configured so as to be perpendicular to the
direction of motion of its vane 94, while lagging portion 138 has an angled surface.
The perpendicular nature of leading portion 134 facilitates its moving debris while
not channeling the debris toward any gap between components. The angled surface of
lagging portion 138, by contrast, aids debris located between components to move out
of any such gap.
[0023] FIGS. 6A-F illustrate pin 222. As especially visible in FIG. 6A, pin 222 may comprise
a generally-straight first section 226 and a generally-curved second section 230.
First section 226 is sized and shaped so as to be received by hole 118 of a vane 94
and forms an axis about which vane 94 can pivot. Second section 230 bears against
surface protrusion 234 of rotor 82 (
see, e.g., FIGS. 6C and 6F), being retained in that position by rise 236 of rotor 82. Thus,
to attach a vane 94, one may insert first section 226 into hole 118, deform second
section 230 so that it may pass over rise 236, and then allow second section 230 to
relax so that it bears against surface protrusion 234.
[0024] No adhesive hence need be used to retain pin 222 in appropriate position. Likewise,
no other component of cleaner 10 need be deformed to allow placement of the pin 222.
Accordingly, in use, pin 222 may function as a pivot axis for a corresponding vane
94 while restricting any translation of the vane 94. Moreover, the attachment process
is reversible if necessary at least in part by re-deforming pin 222 and passing it
back over rise 236.
[0025] FIGS. 7A-J conceptually detail additional features of vanes 94. Whenever an APC includes
gaps (around hinges between components, for example), debris may settle in or be forced
into the gaps and potentially impede proper exercise of hinges or other moveable components.
Historically, gaps sizes have been fixed prior to manufacturing production components:
if made too large, more debris may settle in them; if made smaller, increased fabrication
precision, leading to increased manufacturing costs, may occur.
[0026] Accordingly, the present invention seeks to provide dynamic gap sizing that may both
increase and decrease during operation of cleaner 10. FIGS. 7A-J illustrate this concept,
with FIG. 7A showing vane 94 in a sealed position with respect to spoke 90. FIGS.
7B-C illustrate vane 94 separating slightly from spoke 90, allowing release of accumulated
debris. FIGS. 7D-E depict vane 94 returning to its sealed position relative to spoke
90. Similar functionality is illustrated in FIGS. 7F-I. FIG. 7J, finally, illustrates
core 98 with vanes 94 in various positions.
[0027] FIG. 8 illustrates another exemplary APC 1000 incorporating aspects of the inventions.
Cleaner 1000 may be similar to APC 10 shown in the previous figures, although such
similarity is not necessary. Cleaner 1000 may include at least body 1014 and motive
assembly 1018, with motive assembly 1018 comprising (closed-loop) track 1022 having
external and internal surfaces 1026 and 1030, respectively. Motive assembly 1018 also
may include pulley or drive wheel 1034 and undriven wheels 1038 and 1042. Drive wheel
1034 may include an oversized outer flange 1036 that helps retain track 1022 in position
and prevent it from slipping laterally off the motive assembly 1018. More specifically,
outer flange 1036 may be configured so it extends beyond external surface 1026 of
track 1022 to serve as a stop against which track 1022 can abut, restricting lateral
movement of track 1022. A motive assembly 1018 typically will be present at each of
the left and right sides of cleaner 1000.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 15, track 1022 includes tread 1023 on external surface 1026 and
teeth 1028 on internal surface 1030. The pattern of tread 1023 is such that tread
1023 is in-line with each tooth 1028. In this way, an axis 1037 of each tooth 1 028
intersects at least a portion of tread 1023. This tooth 1028 to tread 1023 alignment
leaves thin sections 1024 (corresponding to gaps between the teeth 1028 and gaps between
the tread 1023), allowing track 1022 to remain flexible. Moreover, as shown in FIG.
16, track 1022 includes bridges 1032 that link the tread 1023. These bridges 1032
help prevent track 1022 from stretching. Moreover, the vertical position of each bridge
1032 alternates between each tread 1023, such that adjacent bridges 1032 are vertically
offset from one another. Offsetting bridges 1032 further helps track 1022 remain flexible.
[0029] As depicted, for example in FIG. 10, body 1014 includes chamber 1046 accessible at
least via opening 1050. Additionally illustrated in FIGS. 8-10 is cover 1054. Cover
1054 preferably abuts opening 1050 during operation of cleaner 1000, closing access
to chamber 1046 from above. By contrast, FIG. 10 shows cover 1054 having been moved
relative to opening 1050 into an open position so as to expose chamber 1046 from above.
In this position, cover 1054 allows access to chamber 1046 and to fluid-powered motor
1058 positioned at least partially therein.
[0030] As with cover 54, cover 1054 may attach to body 1014 in any appropriate manner, including
those described with respect to the cleaner 10 of FIG. 1. Cleaner 1000 also includes
a handle 1060, which can help facilitate carrying and manually moving cleaner 1000.
Cleaner 1000 further includes scrub brushes 1044 for scrubbing the bottom of the swimming
pool or other liquid-containing body. Any number of scrub brushes 1044 may be included
and they make take any suitable form.
[0031] Like cleaner 10, cleaner 1000 may be configured as a suction-side cleaner or a pressure-side
cleaner. In either case, water drawn into body 1014 additionally may operate fluid-powered
motor 1058. As shown in FIG. 12, motor 1058 may include housing 1062 defining interior
vacuum chamber 1066 and having interior chamber wall 1070, inlet port 1074, and outlet
port 1078. Rotor 1082 may be mounted within housing 1062 on shaft 1086 and configured
to rotate about an axis coincident with the shaft 1086. Inlet port 1074 preferably
is near the inlet of body 1014 so that water entering that inlet may pass generally
unobstructed to the inlet port 1074. Similarly, outlet port 1078 preferably is, or
is near, an outlet of cleaner 1000 to which a hose may be connected directly or indirectly.
[0032] Extending radially from an outer circumference of rotor 1082 are spokes 1090. Seven
such spokes 1090 are illustrated as so extending in FIG. 12, with spokes 1090 being
spaced uniformly along the outer circumference. More or fewer spokes 1090 may be employed,
however, and their spacing need not necessarily be uniform. Pivotally attached to
each spoke 90 is a vane 1094, with vanes 1094 pivoting about axes parallel to that
about which rotor 1082 rotates. Collectively, at least rotor 1082, shaft 1086, spokes
1090, and vanes 1094 may be considered to constitute core 1098 (
see FIGS. 11 and 13) of motor 1058. In some embodiments, gears 1100 (
see FIG. 13) additionally may be part of core 1098. Gears 1100 may, directly or indirectly,
help drive the drive wheels 1034.
[0033] Like housing 62, housing 1062 may be formed of more than one part if desired, although
it need not be. Also like core 98, core 1098 may be configured within chamber 1046
so that it is manually removable as a unit, as shown in FIG. 11, for cleaning, maintenance,
repair, replacement, troubleshooting, or otherwise. Hence, merely by opening cover
1054, core 1098 can be removed without obstruction from cleaner 1000 without requiring
use of a tool, as shown in FIG. 11.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 13, some or all of vanes 1094 of core 1098 may include a domed portion
1102 so a face of vane 1094 is convex. In some cases, domed portion 1102 extends from
a distal end to a proximal end of each vane 1094 to substantially cover face of vane
1094. As the motor 1058 turns (for example, in a counterclockwise direction relative
to FIG. 12), debris that does not exit through outlet port 1078 may nest in cavity
1104 (
see FIG. 12) created between housing 1062 and domed portion 1102 of vane 1094. This cavity
1104 allows the debris to circulate through the motor 1058 again without causing the
motor 1058 to stall. As shown in FIG. 12, cleaner 1000 may not have a seal such as
seal 110 described with respect to cleaner 10.
[0035] FIG. 14A illustrates pin 1222, which may comprise generally-straight first section
1226 and generally-straight second section 1230 separated by angle 1232. First section
1226 is sized and shaped so as to be received by a hole (such as hole 118 of vane
94) within vane 1094 and form an axis about which vane 1094 can pivot. Pin 1222 is
trapped from lateral movement, as shown in the cross-sectional view of core 1098 in
FIG. 14B, by the mating parts around it. No adhesive hence need be used to retain
pin 1222 in appropriate position. Likewise, no other component of cleaner 1000 need
be deformed to allow placement of the pin 1222. Accordingly, in use pin 1222 may function
as a pivot axis for a corresponding vane 1094 while restricting any translation of
the vane 1094. Although applicant has described devices and techniques for use principally
with swimming pools, persons skilled in the relevant field will recognize that the
present invention may be employed in connection with other objects and in other manners.
Finally, references to "pools" and "swimming pools" herein may also refer to spas
or other water containing vessels used for recreation or therapy and for which cleaning
is needed or desired.
[0036] The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating, explaining, and describing
embodiments of the present invention. Modifications and adaptations to these embodiments,
including combinations of various features, will be apparent to those skilled in the
art and may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, all within
the scope of the appended claims.
1. A fluid-powered motor (58; 1058) for an automatic swimming pool cleaner (10; 1000),
the fluid-powered motor (58; 1058) comprising:
a core (98; 1098) including a rotor (82; 1082);
at least one spoke (90; 1090) extending from the rotor (82; 1082);
a vane (94; 1094) moveably attached to the at least one spoke (90; 1090),
characterized in that the fluid-powered motor further comprises:
a pin (222; 1222) connecting the vane (94; 1094) to the at least one spoke (90; 1090),
wherein the vane (94; 1094) is rotatable about an axis of the pin (222; 1222).
2. The fluid-powered motor (58) of claim 1, further comprising a seal (110), wherein
the seal (110) is (i) configured to move from a sealed position in a first direction
to create space for passage of debris between the seal (110) and the vane (94) and
(ii) prevented from moving from the sealed position in a second direction opposite
the first direction.
3. The fluid-powered motor (58) of claim 1, wherein the vane (94) comprises at least
one side portion (126) with a tapered edge (131, 132).
4. The fluid-powered motor (58) of claim 1, wherein a proximal portion (116) of the vane
(94) is connected to the at least one spoke (90) and wherein the vane (94) comprises
a distal portion, the distal portion comprising:
a leading portion (134) perpendicular to a direction of motion of the vane (94); and
a lagging portion (138) having an angled surface.
5. The fluid-powered motor (58; 1058) of claim 1, wherein the pin (222; 1222) comprises
a generally straight first section (226; 1226) and a generally-curved second section
(230; 1230).
6. The fluid-powered motor (1058) of claim 1, wherein the vane (1094) comprises a domed
portion (1102).
7. The fluid-powered motor (1058) of claim 6, wherein the domed portion (1102) extends
across a face of the vane (1094) from a distal end to a proximal end of the face.
8. The fluid-powered motor (58) of claim 1, wherein the vane (94) is connected to the
at least one spoke (90) in a manner permitting a gap to form between the vane (94)
and the at least one spoke (90) at first times during operation and for the vane (94)
and the at least one spoke (90) to seal against each other at second times during
operation.
9. The fluid-powered motor (58; 1058) of claim 1, wherein the core (98; 1098) is removable
from a body (14; 1014) of the automatic swimming pool cleaner (10; 1000) as a module
without using any tool.
1. Fluidgetriebener Motor (58; 1058) für eine automatische Swimmingpool-Reinigungseinrichtung
(10; 1000), wobei der fluidgetriebene Motor (58; 1058) umfasst:
einen Kern (98; 1098), welcher einen Rotor (82; 1082) umfasst;
wenigstens eine Speiche (90; 1090), welche sich von dem Rotor (82; 1082) erstreckt;
eine Schaufel (94; 1094), welche beweglich an der wenigstens einen Speiche (90; 1090)
angebracht ist,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der fluidgetriebene Motor ferner umfasst:
einen Stift (222; 1222), welcher die Schaufel (94; 1094) mit der wenigstens einen
Speiche (90; 1090) verbindet,
wobei die Schaufel (94; 1094) um eine Achse des Stifts (222; 1222) drehbar ist.
2. Fluidgetriebener Motor (58) nach Anspruch 1, ferner umfassend eine Dichtung (110),
wobei die Dichtung (110) (i) dazu eingerichtet ist, sich von einer abgedichteten Position
in einer ersten Richtung zu bewegen, um Raum für einen Durchlass von Schmutz zwischen
der Dichtung (110) und der Schaufel (94) zu schaffen, und (ii) daran gehindert ist,
sich von der abgedichteten Position in einer zu der ersten Richtung entgegengesetzten
zweiten Richtung zu bewegen.
3. Fluidgetriebener Motor (58) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Schaufel (94) wenigstens einen
Seitenabschnitt (126) mit einem verjüngten Rand (131, 132) umfasst.
4. Fluidgetriebener Motor (58) nach Anspruch 1, wobei ein proximaler Abschnitt (116)
der Schaufel (94) mit der wenigstens einen Speiche (90) verbunden ist und wobei die
Schaufel (94) einen distalen Abschnitt umfasst, wobei der distale Abschnitt umfasst:
einen vorderen Abschnitt (134), welcher senkrecht zu einer Bewegungsrichtung der Schaufel
(94) ist; und
einen nacheilenden Abschnitt (138), welcher eine abgewinkelte Fläche aufweist.
5. Fluidgetriebener Motor (58; 1058) nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Stift (222; 1222) einen
im Allgemeinen geraden ersten Teil (226; 1226) und einen im Allgemeinen gekrümmten
zweiten Teil (230; 1230) umfasst.
6. Fluidgetriebener Motor (1058) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Schaufel (1094) einen gewölbten
Abschnitt (1102) umfasst.
7. Fluidgetriebener Motor (1058) nach Anspruch 6, wobei sich der gewölbte Abschnitt (1102)
über eine Fläche der Schaufel (1094) von einem distalen Ende zu einem proximalen Ende
der Fläche erstreckt.
8. Fluidgetriebener Motor (58) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Schaufel (94) in einer Weise
mit der wenigstens einen Speiche (90) verbunden ist, welche erlaubt, dass zu ersten
Zeiten während eines Betriebs ein Spalt zwischen der Schaufel (94) und der wenigstens
einen Speiche (90) gebildet ist und zu zweiten Zeiten während eines Betriebs die Schaufel
(94) und die wenigstens eine Speiche (90) gegeneinander abgedichtet sind.
9. Fluidgetriebener Motor (58; 1058) nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Kern (98; 1098) von einem
Körper (14; 1014) der automatischen Swimmingpool-Reinigungseinrichtung (10; 1000)
als ein Modul entfernbar ist, ohne jegliches Werkzeug zu verwenden.
1. Moteur hydraulique (58; 1058) pour un nettoyeur automatique de piscine (10; 1000),
le moteur hydraulique (58; 1058) comprenant:
un noyau (98; 1098) incluant un rotor (82; 1082);
au moins un bras (90; 1090) s'étendant depuis le rotor (82; 1082);
une palette (94; 1094) fixée de façon mobile au au moins un bras (90; 1090),
caractérisé en ce que le moteur hydraulique comprend en outre:
une broche (222; 1222) reliant la palette (94; 1094) au au moins un bras (90; 1090),
dans lequel la palette (94; 1094) peut tourner autour d'un axe de la broche (222;
1222).
2. Moteur hydraulique (58) selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre un joint (110),
dans lequel le joint (110) est (i) configuré pour se déplacer d'une position étanche
dans une première direction pour créer un espace pour le passage de débris entre le
joint (110) et la palette (94) et (ii) empêché de se déplacer de la position étanche
dans une seconde direction opposée à la première direction.
3. Moteur hydraulique (58) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la palette (94) comprend
au moins une partie latérale (126) avec un bord effilé (131, 132).
4. Moteur hydraulique (58) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel une partie proximale
(116) de la palette (94) est reliée au au moins un bras (90) et dans lequel la palette
(94) comprend une partie distale, la partie distale comprenant:
une partie avant (134) perpendiculaire à une direction de mouvement de la palette
(94); et
une partie arrière (138) ayant une surface inclinée.
5. Moteur hydraulique (58; 1058) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la broche (222;
1222) comprend une première section (226; 1226) généralement droite et une seconde
section (230; 1230) généralement incurvée.
6. Moteur hydraulique (1058) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la palette (1094)
comprend une partie en forme de dôme (1102).
7. Moteur hydraulique (1058) selon la revendication 6, dans lequel la partie en forme
de dôme (1102) s'étend sur une face de la palette (1094) d'une extrémité distale à
une extrémité proximale de la face.
8. Moteur hydraulique (58) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la palette (94) est
reliée au au moins un bras (90) d'une manière permettant à un espace de se former
entre la palette (94) et le au moins un bras (90) dans un premier temps pendant le
fonctionnement et pour que la palette (94) et le au moins un bras (90) forment une
étanchéité l'un contre l'autre dans un second temps pendant le fonctionnement.
9. Moteur hydraulique (58; 1058) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le noyau (98;
1098) peut être retiré d'un corps (14; 1014) du nettoyeur automatique de piscine (10;
1000) sous forme d'un module sans utiliser aucun outil.