Suction-type cleaning device for submerged surfaces

Abstract

An improved suction-type cleaning device for cleaning submerged surfaces has a turbine rotatably mounted within a turbine chamber for moving the device. The device also includes an inlet nozzle and an outlet port, which are in communication with the turbine chamber and allow fluid and debris to flow along a fluid flow path therebetween, through the turbine chamber, which rotates the turbine. Baffles are arranged within the turbine chamber and cooperate with endplates of the turbine to restrict the flow of fluid through the fluid flow path. Additionally, the turbine includes a body with vanes, each having tips, and the endplates are sized and shaped such that their peripheral edges extend beyond the tips. The outlet end of the inlet nozzle is positioned proximate to the tips of the vanes and between the peripheral edges of the endplates, without interfering with the rotation of the turbine, thereby directing the flow of fluid more directly to the turbine. The outlet end of the inlet nozzle has a notched portion and an unnotched portion and is positioned proximate to the tips of the vanes such that the tips move past the unnotched portion first, whereby the turbine rotates more efficiently.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a suction-type cleaning device for cleaning submerged surfaces, and more particularly, to such a cleaning device having a rotatable turbine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Various kinds of suction-type cleaning devices have been developed for cleaning submerged surfaces, such as the bottom and side surfaces of swimming pools. Such cleaning devices generally include a housing with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A suction hose is connected to the fluid outlet for causing fluid containing unwanted debris, such as pool water, to flow into the inlet, through the interior of the housing, and out of the outlet, thereby removing the debris from the swimming pool.

[0003] The structure and operation of one kind of suction-type cleaning device are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,521,933, 4,536,908 and 5,105,496, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. In addition, a similar suction-type cleaning device is sold by Hayward Pool Products, Inc. under the trademark “NAVIGATOR”.

[0004] The suction-type cleaning devices described in the aforesaid patents are equipped with mechanisms for randomly moving the device along the submerged surface to be cleaned. For instance, within the housing of such a cleaning device, a primary turbine is mounted on pivotable supports in between the primary fluid inlet and the primary fluid outlet such that the flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet causes rotation of the primary turbine. In addition, the primary turbine is mounted eccentrically such that rotation of the primary turbine causes the supports to rock back and forth within the housing. The rocking of the supports, in turn, causes movement of the entire cleaning device along the surface to be cleaned.

[0005] The cleaning devices described in the foregoing U.S. patents also have a steering mechanism, including a secondary inlet, a secondary outlet and a secondary turbine mounted between the secondary inlet and outlet. The secondary turbine functions to “steer”, or change the direction of movement of, the cleaning device that is being moved by the rotation of the primary turbine.

[0006] Although self-mobilizing cleaning devices such as those described hereinabove have been commercially successful, it has been found that there is a tendency for the debris in the surrounding fluid (e.g., swimming pool water) to become lodged in the primary fluid inlet, which clogs the inlet and prevents the cleaning device from functioning properly. In addition, since the primary fluid flow pathway between the primary inlet and the primary outlet is unrestricted, debris passing through the primary turbine chamber can become lodged among moving components within the cleaning device and interfere with the operation of the cleaning device by preventing such moving components from moving as intended.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention overcomes the disadvantages and shortcomings discussed above by providing an improved suction-type cleaning device. More particularly, the improved suction-type cleaning device of the present invention includes a housing with a fluid inlet nozzle and a fluid outlet port, both of which are in communication with a turbine chamber positioned within the housing. A fluid flow pathway exists for the flow of fluid through from the fluid inlet nozzle, through the turbine chamber and to the fluid outlet port. A turbine, having a body mounted between two endplates, is positioned within the turbine chamber such that the flow of fluid along said fluid flow pathway causes the turbine to rotate. The vanes of the turbine each have a tip and the endplates each have a peripheral arcuate edge.

[0008] The improved suction-type cleaning device of the present invention also includes one or more baffles that are positioned within the turbine chamber, proximate to the turbine. The baffles are sized and shaped so as to restrict the flow of fluid along the fluid flow pathway and direct it toward the vanes of the turbine, whereby a majority of the flow of fluid is utilized to rotate the turbine. The baffles each have a free arcuate edge that complements the peripheral arcuate edge of a corresponding endplate of the turbine such that the baffles cooperate with the endplates to restrict the flow of fluid along the fluid flow pathway and direct it toward the vanes of the turbine. This arrangement permits the inner diameter of the inlet nozzle to be widened, up to approximately 1.0 inch, without losing a significant amount of the fluid flow force required to rotate the turbine.

[0009] The inlet nozzle has an outlet end positioned proximate to the turbine and which has a notched portion and an unnotched portion. Furthermore, the inlet nozzle is positioned such that, when the turbine is rotating, the tips of the vanes each move past the notched potion of the outlet end prior to moving past the unnotched portion, whereby more efficient rotation of the turbine is achieved.

[0010] In addition, the endplates are each sized and shaped such that their peripheral arcuate edges extend beyond the tips of the vanes of the turbine. The outlet end of the inlet nozzle is positioned proximate to the tips of the vanes of the turbine and between the peripheral edges of the endplates, without interfering with rotation of the turbine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a base portion of a cleaning device constructed in accordance with the present invention and equipped with a combined access cover and inlet nozzle component, a lower body, a mid-body and a baffle;

[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an assembly of the combined access cover and inlet nozzle and the lower body shown in FIG. 1;

[0014] FIG. 3 is an assembled perspective view of the base portion of the cleaning device shown in FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 4 is an inverted perspective view of a cover of the cleaning device shown in FIG. 1;

[0016] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the assembled base portion of the cleaning device shown in FIG. 3;

[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective partial cross-sectional view of the cleaning device in accordance with the present invention, including a cross-section of the assembled base portion shown in FIG. 5 taken along line A-A and looking in the direction of the arrows, but showing the combined access cover and inlet nozzle intact;

[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective partial cross-sectional view of a conventional cleaning device;

[0019] FIG. 8 is perspective view of the combined access cover and inlet nozzle component of the cleaning device shown in FIG. 1;

[0020] FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the combined access cover and inlet nozzle component shown in FIG. 8; and

[0021] FIG. 10 is a right side elevational view of the combined access cover and inlet nozzle component shown in FIG. 8, a turbine of the cleaning device being shown in phantom.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

[0022] While the improvements of the present invention can be used with many different kinds of cleaning devices, they are especially suitable for use with suction-type cleaning devices that are designed for cleaning submerged surfaces and which have movement mechanisms that utilize one or more rotatable turbines. Such suction-type cleaning devices are, for example, described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,521,933, 4,536,908 and 5,105,496. Accordingly, the following description provides a discussion of the present invention as applied to a suction-type cleaning device having a basic construction and operation that is similar to those of the devices disclosed in the foregoing U.S. patents, it being understood that the present invention may also be used with other types of cleaning devices. Furthermore, it is noted that the cleaning devices disclosed in the foregoing U.S. patents typically have a motion mechanism, including a primary turbine mounted in a primary fluid flow path, as well as a steering mechanism which includes a secondary turbine mounted in a secondary fluid flow path. The present invention is suitable for use in connection with either the motion mechanism or the steering mechanism, or both.

[0023] Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, there is shown a suction-type cleaning device 10 constructed in accordance with the present invention. More particularly, the cleaning device 10, which is adapted to remove debris and particulates (e.g., dirt, leaves, twigs, acorns, etc.) from a submerged surface such as the bottom of a swimming pool, includes a lower body 12, a mid-body 14 (see FIGS. 1-3, 5 and 6) and an upper body 16 (see FIGS. 4 and 6). The lower body 12, the mid-body 14 and the upper body 16 are assembled together to form a housing 17 (see FIG. 6 for a cross-sectional view of the aforesaid housing 17).

[0024] As shown most clearly in FIG. 1, the mid-body 14 has a cutout opening 18 therethrough and a rectangular wall 20 extending from the interior surface thereof and which surrounds the cutout opening 18. As shown in FIG. 4, the upper body 16 has a rectangular wall 22 that extends from the interior surface thereof and which defines an enclosed area 24 therein. The rectangular walls 20, 22 are sized and shaped such that, when the mid-body 14 and the upper body 16 are assembled together (see FIG. 6), the rectangular walls 20, 22 cooperate with one another to form a turbine chamber 26 therebetween (see FIGS. 3, 4 and 6).

[0025] With reference in particular to FIGS. 4 and 6, the upper body 16 also has two planar baffles 28, 30 extending from the interior surface of the upper body 16 within the enclosed area 24 defined by the rectangular wall 22. The planar baffles 28, 30 have free arcuate edges 32, 34, respectively, for purposes to be described hereinafter. An outlet port 36 is also provided in the upper body 16. The outlet port 36 is positioned between the planar baffles 28, 30 and communicates with the turbine chamber 26 (see FIG. 6). A vacuum source such as a flexible hose connected at one end to a pump (not shown) can be connected to the outlet port 36 to provide suction to the cleaning device 10.

[0026] With reference now to FIGS. 1, 2 and 8-10, the cleaning device 10 also includes an inlet nozzle 38 mounted on an access cover 40. An access opening 42 is provided on the underside of the lower body 12 and communicates with the turbine chamber 26 (see FIG. 1). The access cover 40 is removably mounted onto the underside of the lower body 12 such that it substantially covers the access opening 42 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). Because the access cover 40 is removably mounted to the lower body 12, it facilitates access to the interior of the housing 17 of the cleaning device 10, through the access opening 42, for the removal of debris which may lodge and accumulate among moving components within the housing 17. When the access cover 40 is mounted onto the lower body 12, the inlet nozzle 38 is positioned such that it is in communication with the turbine chamber 26 (see FIG. 6), whereby fluid surrounding the cleaning device 10 may enter and pass through the turbine chamber 26 to the outlet port 36. Preferably, the inner diameter of the inlet nozzle 38 is approximately 1.0 inch. Alternatively, the inlet nozzle 38 can be provided having an inner diameter of another suitable dimension.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 8-10, the inlet nozzle 38 has a notch cutout 44 at its upper edge 46 that has been found to produce surprising and/or unexpected results, as described in further detail hereinafter. The height of the notch cutout 44 is preferably approximately 0.25 inches and its width is preferably approximately 0.5 inches. Furthermore, two partial planar baffles 48, 50 are affixed to the access cover 40 such that the partial baffle 48 is positioned on one side of the inlet nozzle 38 and the partial baffle 50 is positioned on the other side of the inlet nozzle 38 (see FIGS. 8-10). The partial planar baffles 48, 50 have free arcuate edges 52, 54, respectively, for purposes to be described hereinafter.

[0028] The cleaning device 10 also includes a turbine 56, shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 6, which is positioned within the turbine chamber 26, as will be explained hereinafter. The turbine 56 has a body 58 equipped with a plurality of arcuate vanes 60, the tips 62 of which determine the outer diameter of the body 58. The body 58 is mounted between a pair of circular endplates 64, 66 which are each sized and shaped such that their outer diameters are slightly larger than the outer diameter of the body 58. More particularly, as can be seen in FIGS. 1, 3 and 6, the peripheral edge 68, 70 of each of the circular endplates 64, 66 extends slightly beyond the tips 62 of the vanes 60 (see FIGS. 1, 3 and 6) for purposes and benefits to be clarified hereinafter. Preferably, the peripheral edge 68, 70 of each of the circular endplates 64, 66 extends beyond the tips 62 of the vanes 60 by approximately 0.15 inches.

[0029] The turbine 56 also has a turbine shaft 72 that extends centrally through the body 58 and the circular endplates 64, 66, thereby defining the axis of rotation of the turbine 56. In addition, an eccentric 74, 76 is provided at each end of the turbine shaft 72, for a purpose which will also become clear hereinafter.

[0030] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, two inverted A-shaped supports 78, 80 are pivotably attached to the lower body 12 (see FIG. 6) by the ends of a shaft 82 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The inverted A-shaped supports 78, 80 are spaced apart from one another. Furthermore, the inverted A-shaped supports 78, 80 have a pair of fork-like extensions 84, 86 and a pair of fork-like extensions 88, 90, respectively, that extend through the cutout opening 18 of the mid-body 14 when the lower body 12 and mid-body 14 are assembled with one another (see FIG. 3). Support disks 92, 94, 96, 98 are attached to the remote ends of the fork-like extensions 84, 86, 88, 90, respectively.

[0031] With reference now to FIGS. 1, 3 and 5, the turbine 56 is mounted within the turbine chamber 26 in between the inlet nozzle 38 and the outlet port 36 (see FIG. 6), as follows. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the turbine 56 is journalled to oppositely positioned wall segments 20a, 20b of the mid-body 14 and to oppositely positioned wall segments 22a, 22b of the upper body 16, respectively, by bearings 100, 102, respectively, provided on the remote ends of the turbine shaft 72. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, the eccentrics 74, 76 on the turbine shaft 72 of the turbine 56 are received and supported between the disks 92, 94 and the disks 96, 98, respectively, of the fork-like extensions 84, 86 and the fork-like extensions 88, 90, respectively.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, two partial planar baffles 104, 106 extend from the lower body 12 between the inverted A-shaped supports 78, 80. These partial planar baffles 104, 106 have free arcuate edges 108, 110, respectively. When the access cover 40 is mounted to the underside of the lower body 12 (see FIG. 2), the partial planar baffle 48 of the access cover 40 aligns with the partial planar baffle 104 such that a single, substantially continuous planar baffle is formed. The free arcuate edges 52, 108 of these partial baffles 48, 104, respectively, are sized and shaped to conform to the arcuate peripheral edge 68 of the circular endplate 64 of the turbine 56. Similarly, the partial planar baffle 50 on the access cover 40 aligns with the partial planar baffle 106 of the lower body 12 such that a single, substantially continuous planar baffle is formed. Furthermore, the free arcuate edges 54, 110 of these partial baffles 50, 106, respectively, are sized and shaped to conform to the arcuate peripheral edge 70 of the circular endplate 66 of the turbine 56. It is noted that the free arcuate edges 32, 34 of the planar baffles 28, 30, respectively, of the upper body 16 are sized and shaped to conform to the arcuate peripheral edges 68, 70, respectively, of the circular endplates 64, 66, respectively, of the turbine 56.

[0033] When the lower body 12, the mid-body 14 and the upper body 16 are assembled, with the access cover 40 and turbine 56 mounted as described hereinabove (see FIGS. 3 and 6), a fluid flow path is defined within the turbine chamber 26 by the partial planar baffles 48, 50 of the access cover 40, the partial planar baffles 104, 106 of the lower body 12, the two circular endplates 64, 66 of the turbine 56, and the two planar baffles 28, 30 of the upper body 16. More specifically, the partial baffle 104 of the lower body 12, the partial baffle 48 of the access cover 40, the circular endplate 64 of the turbine 56 and the baffle 28 of the upper body 16 cooperate to form a first barrier to transverse fluid flow which is positioned on one side of the turbine body 58. Similarly, the partial baffle 106 of the lower body 12, the partial baffle 50 of the access cover 40, the circular endplate 66 of the turbine 56 and the baffle 30 of the upper body 16 cooperate to form a second barrier to transverse fluid flow which is positioned on the opposite side of the turbine body 58. The fluid flow path (designated by arrow F in FIG. 6), thus, lies between the first and second fluid flow barriers.

[0034] Furthermore, as is apparent from FIG. 6, when suction is applied to the outlet port 36, fluid (such as pool water) moves through the fluid flow path indicated by arrow F in FIG. 6. More particularly, fluid is drawn into the inlet nozzle 38, along with any debris carried in the fluid, and is directed through the fluid flow path (F) formed by the six baffles 28, 30, 48, 50, 104, 106 and two circular endplates 64, 66 within the turbine chamber 26. Furthermore, it is noted that the inlet nozzle 38 is sized and shaped such that its upper edge 46 is arcuate and is interposed, or positioned, between the peripheral edges 68, 70 of the circular endplates 64, 66 of the turbine 56, without interfering with the tips 62 of the vanes 60 as they move past the inlet nozzle 38 while the turbine 56 rotates. The foregoing arrangement causes the fluid to flow more directly against the vanes 60 of the turbine 56, which results in more efficient use of the fluid flow force to rotate the turbine 56. In addition, with the fluid flow being restricted as described above, the inlet nozzle 38 may have a widened inner diameter (e.g., approximately 1.0 inch) without significant loss of fluid flow force. The fluid then flows out of the cleaning device 10 through the outlet port 36. As described in detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,521,933, 4,536,908 and 5,105,496, when the turbine 56 rotates, the arrangement of the eccentrics 74, 76, the turbine shaft 72, and the inverted A-shaped supports 78, 80 causes the inverted A-shaped supports 78, 80 to rock, which, in turn, causes the cleaning device 10 to move in the direction indicated by the arrow M in FIG. 6. As discussed in detail hereinafter, due to the above-discussed structure, the cleaning device 10 of the present invention operates more efficiently to retain and apply the fluid flow force along the fluid flow path to rotate the turbine 56 than the cleaning devices of the prior art.

[0035] For reference, FIG. 7 provides a cross-sectional view (similar to that of FIG. 6 showing the cleaning device 10 of the present invention) of a cleaning device 112 that is constructed in accordance with the prior art, such as the cleaners disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,521,933, 4,536,908 and 5,105,496. It can be seen from FIG. 7 that the cleaning device 112 has a turbine 114 rotatably mounted within a turbine chamber 116 and, furthermore, that the fluid flow path (see arrow F′ in FIG. 7) through the turbine chamber 116 is unrestricted. The unrestricted flow of fluid through the fluid flow path F′ allows debris carried in the fluid to migrate to, and lodge among, the interior parts of the prior art cleaning device 112, which can hence interfere with the operation and efficiency of the cleaning device 112.

[0036] The cleaning device 10 of the present invention, on the other hand, includes baffles 28, 30, 48, 50, 104, 106, which, along with the circular endplates 64, 66 of the turbine 56, form physical barriers to fluid flow as described hereinabove. The result is that fluid entering the inlet nozzle 38 of the cleaning device 10 of the present invention is channeled more directly along the fluid flow pathway (F), past the turbine 56 and out of the outlet port 36, whereby more of the fluid flow force is retained along the fluid flow path F and applied to the turbine 56 and the debris carried in the fluid is inhibited from lodging among the interior parts of the cleaning device 10. Furthermore, as mentioned previously, the presence of the baffles 28, 30, 48, 50, 104, 106 and their cooperation with the circular endplates 64, 66 of the turbine 56 to restrict the flow of fluid through the fluid flow path (F) allows the inner diameter of the fluid inlet nozzle 38 to be enlarged, preferably to approximately 1.0 inch, so that debris in the flowing fluid is less likely to clog the inlet while still allowing a greater volume of fluid to enter the turbine chamber 26 and rotate the turbine 56, without significant loss of fluid flow force.

[0037] In addition, as can be noted from a comparison of FIGS. 6 and 7, the inlet nozzle 38 of the cleaning device 10 of the present invention is extended such that, its upper edge 46 is much closer to the turbine 56 and the vanes 60. This configuration also serves to deliver fluid flow that is exiting from the inlet nozzle 38 more directly to the turbine 56 of the cleaning device 10 of the present invention, such that a greater portion of the fluid flow force is applied to the vanes 60, thereby more efficiently rotating the turbine 56 than in the prior art cleaning device 112.

[0038] It is further noted that, as discussed hereinabove, in the cleaning device 10 of the present invention, the peripheral edge 68,70 of each of the circular endplates 64, 66 of the turbine 56 extends slightly beyond the tips 62 of the vanes 60 (see FIGS. 1, 3 and 6), such that, as described hereinabove, the upper edge 46 of the inlet nozzle 38 can be positioned in between the peripheral edges 68, 70 of the circular endplates 64, 66 of the turbine 56, without interfering with the passage of the tips 62 of the vanes 60 as the turbine 56 rotates. In addition, the arcuate shape of the upper edge 46 of the inlet nozzle 38 permits the inlet nozzle 38 to be placed very close to the vanes 60 of the turbine 56 without impeding the movement of the tips 62 of the vanes 60 while the turbine 56 rotates. Thus, the configuration of the vanes 60 and endplates 64, 66 of the turbine 56 of the cleaning device 10 of the present invention results in more efficient retention and application of the fluid flow force directly to the vanes 60 to rotate the turbine 56 than in the prior art cleaning device 112.

[0039] As noted previously, the notch cutout 44 of the inlet nozzle 38 of the present invention has produced surprising and unexpected results. Without limiting the structure and function of the notch cutout 44, it is believed that the notch cutout 44 functions as follows to improve the rotation of the turbine 56, in comparison to an unnotched inlet nozzle (not shown). Initially, it is believed that positioning an inlet nozzle 38 without such a notch cutout 44 impedes rotation of the turbine 56 due to the presence of a film of fluid that collects and is carried about the circumference of the tips 62 of the vanes 60 of the turbine 56 while rotating. More particularly, as the tips 62 of the vanes 60 approach and pass by an inlet nozzle having an unnotched upper edge (not shown), the film of fluid will contact the unnotched upper edge, thereby creating a drag and slowing the rotation of the turbine 56. Thus, the presence of the notch cutout 44 on the upper edge 46 of the inlet nozzle 38 provides a passage through which the film of fluid on the vanes 60 of the turbine 56 can pass without creating the aforementioned drag.

[0040] It will be understood that the embodiment described herein is merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make many variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. In a suction-type cleaning device for cleaning submerged surfaces including a housing having a fluid inlet nozzle, a fluid outlet port, and a turbine chamber within said housing, said fluid inlet nozzle and said fluid outlet port each being in communication with said turbine chamber such that a fluid flow pathway is created for the flow of fluid through said turbine chamber from said fluid inlet nozzle to said fluid outlet port; and a turbine having a first endplate and a second endplate, each with a peripheral arcuate edge, and a body with a plurality of vanes and being mounted between said first and second endplates, each of said vanes having a tip, and said turbine being positioned within said turbine chamber such that the flow of fluid along said fluid flow pathway impacts said plurality of vanes thereby causing said turbine to rotate; the improvement comprising:

at least one baffle positioned within said turbine chamber proximate to said turbine, said at least one baffle being sized and shaped so as to restrict the flow of fluid along said fluid flow pathway and direct it toward said vanes of said turbine, whereby a majority of the flow of fluid is utilized to rotate said turbine.

2. The improved suction-type cleaning device of claim 1, wherein said at least one baffle includes a plurality of baffles.

3. The improved suction-type cleaning device of claim 2, wherein each of said baffles includes a free arcuate edge which complements at least a portion of said peripheral edge of a corresponding one of said first and second endplates of said turbine, said plurality of baffles cooperating with said first and second endplates to restrict the flow of fluid along said fluid flow pathway and direct it toward said vanes of said turbine.

4. The improved suction-type cleaning device of claim 1, wherein said inlet nozzle includes an outlet end having a notched portion and an unnotched portion, and said inlet nozzle is positioned such that, when said turbine is rotating, each of said tips of said vanes moves past said notched potion of said outlet end prior to moving past said unnotched portion of said outlet end, whereby more efficient rotation of said turbine is achieved.

5 The improved suction-type cleaning device of claim 4, wherein said at least one baffle includes a plurality of baffles and each of said baffles includes a free arcuate edge which complements at least a portion of said peripheral edge of a corresponding one of said first and second endplates of said turbine, said plurality of baffles cooperating with said first and second endplates to restrict the flow of fluid along said fluid flow pathway and direct it toward said vanes of said turbine.

6. The improved suction-type cleaning device of claim 1, wherein each of said first and second endplates is sized and shaped such that said peripheral arcuate edge thereof extends beyond said tips of said vanes, and said fluid inlet nozzle includes an outlet end which is positioned proximate to said tips of said vanes of said turbine and between said peripheral edges of said first and second endplates.

7. The improved suction-type cleaning device of claim 6, wherein said at least one baffle includes a plurality of baffles and each of said baffles includes a free arcuate edge which complements at least a portion of said peripheral edge of a corresponding one of said first and second endplates of said turbine, said plurality of baffles cooperating with said first and second endplates to restrict the flow of fluid along said fluid flow pathway and direct it toward said vanes of said turbine.

8. The improved suction-type cleaning device of claim 6, wherein said outlet end of said inlet nozzle includes a notched portion and an unnotched portion, and said inlet nozzle is positioned such that, when said turbine is rotating, each of said tips of said vanes moves past said notched potion of said outlet end prior to moving past said unnotched portion of said outlet end, whereby more efficient rotation of said turbine is achieved.

9. The improved suction-type cleaning device of claim 8, wherein said at least one baffle includes a plurality of baffles and each of said baffles includes a free arcuate edge which complements at least a portion of said peripheral edge of a corresponding one of said first and second endplates of said turbine, said plurality of baffles cooperating with said first and second endplates to restrict the flow of fluid along said fluid flow pathway and direct it toward said vanes of said turbine.

10. In a suction-type cleaning device for cleaning submerged surfaces including a housing having a fluid inlet nozzle, a fluid outlet port, and a turbine chamber within said housing, said fluid inlet nozzle and said fluid outlet port each being in communication with said turbine chamber such that a fluid flow pathway is created for the flow of fluid through said turbine chamber from said fluid inlet nozzle to said fluid outlet port; and a turbine having a first endplate and a second endplate, each with a peripheral arcuate edge, and a body with a plurality of vanes mounted between said first and second endplates, each of said vanes having a tip, and said turbine being positioned within said turbine chamber such that the flow of fluid along said fluid flow pathway impacts said plurality of vanes thereby causing said turbine to rotate; the improvement wherein:

each of said first and second endplates is sized and shaped such that said peripheral arcuate edge thereof extends beyond said tips of said vanes.

11. The improved suction-type cleaning device of claim 10, wherein said fluid inlet nozzle includes an outlet end which is positioned proximate to said tips of said vanes of said turbine and between said peripheral edges of said first and second endplates without interfering with rotation of said turbine.

12. In an inlet nozzle for a suction-type cleaning device for cleaning submerged surfaces, said cleaning device including a turbine chamber and a turbine rotatably mounted therein, said turbine including a body with a plurality of vanes each having a tip and said inlet nozzle being in communication with said turbine chamber and being positioned such that an outlet end thereof is proximate to the tips of the vanes, the improvement wherein:

said outlet end of said inlet nozzle includes a notched portion and an unnotched portion, and

said inlet nozzle is positioned such that, when said turbine is rotating, each of said tips of said vanes moves past said notched portion of said outlet end prior to moving past said unnotched portion of said outlet end, whereby more efficient rotation of said turbine is achieved.

13. In a suction-type cleaning device for cleaning submerged surfaces including a housing having a fluid inlet nozzle, a fluid outlet port, and a turbine chamber within said housing, said fluid inlet nozzle and said fluid outlet port each being in communication with said turbine chamber such that a fluid flow pathway is created for the flow of fluid through said turbine chamber from said fluid inlet nozzle to said fluid outlet port; and a turbine having a first endplate and a second endplate, each with a peripheral arcuate edge, and a body with a plurality of vanes mounted between said first and second endplates, each of said vanes having a tip, and said turbine being positioned within said turbine chamber such that the flow of fluid along said fluid flow pathway impacts said plurality of vanes thereby causing said turbine to rotate; the improvement comprising:

a least one baffle positioned within said turbine chamber proximate to said turbine, said at least one baffle being sized and shaped so as to restrict the flow of fluid along said fluid flow pathway and direct it toward said vanes of said turbine, whereby a majority of the flow of fluid is utilized to rotate said turbine,

each of said first and second endplates being sized and shaped such that said peripheral arcuate edge thereof extends beyond said tips of said vanes,

said outlet end of said inlet nozzle including a notched portion and an unnotched portion, and

said inlet nozzle being positioned such that, when said turbine is rotating, each of said tips of said vanes moves past said notched potion of said outlet end prior to moving past said unnotched portion of said outlet end, whereby more efficient rotation of said turbine is achieved.

14. The improved suction-type cleaning device of claim 13, wherein said fluid inlet nozzle includes an outlet end which is positioned proximate to said tips of said vanes of said turbine and between said peripheral edges of said first and second endplates.

15. The improved suction-type cleaning device of claim 13, wherein said at least one baffle includes a plurality of baffles.

16. The improved suction-type cleaning device of claim 15, wherein each of said baffles includes a free arcuate edge which complements at least a portion of said peripheral edge of a corresponding one of said first and second endplates of said turbine, said plurality of baffles cooperating with said first and second endplates to restrict the flow of fluid along said fluid flow pathway and direct it toward said vanes of said turbine.