AUTOMATIC SWIMMING POOL CLEANER WITH PUMP FLOW OPTIMIZATION

Abstract

A pool cleaner for a swimming pool or spa includes a pump with a flow outlet for directing a flow of water from the pump. The flow outlet includes a plurality of flow guides defining flow paths for the water, and, in some cases, the plurality of flow guides may guide the flow of water along a non-linear path. In certain cases, a height of the plurality of flow guides is less than a height of the flow outlet.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/454,045, filed on Mar. 22, 2023, and entitled AUTOMATIC SWIMMING POOL CLEANER WITH PUMP FLOW OPTIMIZATION, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to systems and apparatuses for cleaning water-containing vessels such as swimming pools and spas and more particularly, although not necessarily exclusively, to automatic swimming pool cleaners (APCs).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Numerous cleaning devices capable of autonomous movement within swimming pools and spas currently exist. The most common of these devices are APCs, which often are either hydraulic or robotic in type. Hydraulic cleaners vary water flow for movement, while robotic cleaners typically employ electric motors to cause motion. Hydraulic APCs, furthermore, subdivide into “pressure-side” and “suction-side” cleaners, with pressure-side cleaners being fluidly connected to outputs of pumps of pool water circulation systems and suction-side cleaners being fluidly connected to inputs of such pumps. For battery-powered APCs, pump consumption may represent up to 80% of the total drawn capacity from the battery, thereby requiring batteries to be large and/or reducing the amount of time available between charges of the battery.

SUMMARY

Embodiments covered by this patent are defined by the claims below, not this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of various embodiments and introduces some of the concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent, any or all drawings, and each claim.

According to certain embodiments, a flow outlet for an APC includes a plurality of flow guides. In some cases, at least one flow guide of the plurality of flow guides includes a first end and a second end, and at least a portion of the second end is circumferentially offset from the first end.

According to various embodiments, a flow outlet for an APC includes a plurality of flow guides, and at least one flow guide of the plurality of flow guides includes a first side and a second side. In various embodiments, the first side includes a non-linear curvature.

According to some embodiments, a flow outlet for an APC includes plurality of flow guides, and a profile of at least one flow guide of the plurality of flow guides is tapered in a radial direction.

According to various embodiments, a flow outlet for an APC includes a plurality of flow guides, a a thickness of at least one flow guide of the plurality of flow guides is tapered in a height direction of the flow guide.

According to certain embodiments, a flow outlet for an APC includes a plurality of flow guides, and the plurality of flow guides are configured to guide a flow of water along a non-linear path.

According to some embodiments, a flow outlet for an APC includes a plurality of flow guides, and a height of at least flow guide of the flow guides is less than a height of the flow outlet.

Various implementations described herein can include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which cannot necessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all such systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within the present disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The specification makes reference to the following appended figure, in which use of like reference numerals is intended to illustrate like or analogous components.

FIGS. 1A-C illustrates a pool cleaner with a flow outlet according to embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the flow outlet of FIGS. 1A-C.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the flow outlet of FIGS. 1A-C.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the flow outlet of FIGS. 1A-C.

FIG. 5 is another sectional view of the flow outlet of FIGS. 1A-C.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Described herein are systems and methods for optimizing pump flow of APCs, which in turn reduces energy consumption of the pump of the APCs. The reduced energy consumption of the pump using the systems and methods described herein may allow for reduced power supply size compared to traditional approaches, and/or for a given power supply size may allow for extended usage before recharging is required. The systems and methods described herein reducing electrical consumption by the pump may provide an APC that is more environmentally friendly and with a better carbon footprint. In one non-limiting example, the systems and methods described herein may reduce the pump motor consumption by more than 5%, such as by 10% or more. Various other benefits and advantages may be realized with the systems and methods provided herein, and the aforementioned advantages should not be considered limiting.

FIGS. 1-AC illustrate an example of an APC 10 for performing various operations within a pool or spa. The APC 10 generally includes a body 12, one or more motive elements 14, and one or more cleaning devices (including, but not limited to, a scrubber brush 16). A pump 18 having a pump motor 20, impeller 22, and flow outlet 24 may be included with the APC 10. In use, the pump motor 20 rotates the impeller 22, which induces a flow of fluid (e.g., water of the pool or spa) through the APC 10 and towards and/or through the flow outlet 24. A motor, filter, on-board power source (e.g., battery) and/or various other features may be provided on or within the APC 10 as desired. Other non-limiting examples of APCs 12 may include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,316,534, 9,488,154, 10,718,127, 8,578,538, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014/0303810, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

In certain embodiments, the pump 18 may include one or more features that optimize pump flow, thereby reducing the power consumption of the pump motor 20. Reducing the power consumption of the pump motor 20 in turn may allow for extended usage of the batteries or other power sources of the APC 10 and/or may allow for a battery or power source with a reduced size to be included with the APC 10, thereby reducing the weight of the APC 10.

In some embodiments, one or more features of the flow outlet 24 may provide improved pump flow. As best illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the flow outlet 24 generally includes a housing 26 and a plurality of flow guides 28 for guiding water as it flows through the flow outlet 24 and exits the pump 18. As best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5, a gap 29 is defined between adjacent flow guides 28, and water may flow through the gap 29 in use. In certain embodiments, the flow outlet 24 may be a monolithic or single component part; however, in other embodiments, the flow outlet 24 may be constructed from multiple parts.

The housing 26 generally includes a first end 30 and a second end 32. A height 21 of the housing 26 is the distance from the first end 30 to the second end 32. As best illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the flow guides 28 may be more proximate to one end than the other end (e.g., closer to the second end 32 in FIGS. 4 and 5), although they need not in other embodiments. The flow guides 28 may extend radially outwards from a central axis 13 of the housing 26. A hub 34 may extend along the central axis, although it need not in other embodiments.

Each flow guide 28 generally includes a first end 36, a second end 38, a first side 40, and a second side 42. The first ends 36 of the flow guides 28 may be more proximate to the first end 30 of the housing 26, and the second ends 38 of the flow guides 28 may be more proximate to the second end 32 of the housing 26. In certain embodiments, a height 43 of the flow guides 28 (e.g., in the direction from the first end 36 to the second end 38) may be less than the height 21 of the housing 26 (e.g., in the direction from the first end 30 to the second end 32). Optionally, the height 43 of the flow guides 29 may be less than about half the height 21 of the housing 26. In certain embodiments, the height 43 of the flow guides 28 may be reduced compared to traditional flow guides, and such a reduction in height may allow for the flow outlet 24 to have a reduced height. As a non-limiting example, while a traditional flow outlet may have a height of 49 mm, the flow outlet 24 described herein may have a height of about 40 mm. Such a reduction in height may provide a more efficient flow of water through the pump 18, thereby reducing the current drawn by the pump motor 20.

Additionally, or alternatively, to the reduced height of the flow guides 28, the flow guides 28 may have shapes or profiles promoting improved pump flow. In some embodiments, the flow guides 28 may have a shape or profile that guides the flow of water along a non-linear path.

In various embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 2, at least a portion of the first end 36 of a particular flow guide 28 may be circumferentially offset from the second end 38 of the flow guide 28. In some embodiments, a radially outermost portion 31 of the first end 26 may be the most circumferentially offset portion compared to the second end 38 (represented by arrows 33 in FIG. 2). In such embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 2, the particular flow guide 28 may have a tapered profile in the radial direction (e.g., the flow guides 28 may taper in width towards the hub 34).

In certain embodiments, and as best illustrated in FIG. 4, a thickness of a particular flow guide 28 may be tapered along a height of the flow guide 28. As a non-limiting example, the first end 36 of the flow guide 28 may define a minimum thickness of the flow guide 28 and the second end 38 of the flow guide 28 may define a maximum thickness of the flow guide 28. In other embodiments, the thickness may be tapered in the opposite direction, e.g., the first end 36 may define the maximum thickness and the second end 38 may define the minimum thickness. In other embodiments, the thickness need not be tapered, and the flow guide 28 may have other profiles.

In some embodiments, the first side 40 and/or the second side 42 may be angled along the height of the flow guide 28 (e.g., in the direction from the first end 36 to the second end 38). In certain embodiments, the first side 40 and/or the second side 42 may have a non-linear curvature. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2-5, and as best illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first side 40 has a non-linear curvature between the first end 36 and the second end 38. In various embodiments, the flow guides 28 may have an inverted helix shape for guiding the flow of water. In certain embodiments, the impeller side of the flow outlet 24 may include the flow guides 28 having the curved or otherwise shaped profile.

Optionally, one or more protrusions 41 may be provided between adjacent flow guides 28. When included, the protrusions 41 may further direct and/or control the flow of water through the flow outlet 24.

The aforementioned features may be provided in various combinations or sub-combinations as desired, and a flow outlet 24 according to the invention need not include all of the aforementioned features. Moreover, in further embodiments, additional features may be included with the flow outlet 24 and/or other portions of the pump 18 to further improve pump flow.

Exemplary concepts or combinations of features of the invention may include:

• • A. A flow outlet for an APC, the flow outlet comprising a plurality of flow guides, wherein at least one flow guide of the plurality of flow guides having a first end and a second end, and wherein at least a portion of the second end is circumferentially offset from the first end.
  • B. The flow outlet according to any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein each flow guide of the plurality of flow guides comprises a first end and a second end, wherein at least a portion of the second end is circumferentially offset from the first end.
  • C. A flow outlet for an APC, the flow outlet comprising a plurality of flow guides, wherein at least one flow guide of the plurality of flow guides having a first side and a second side, and wherein the first side comprises a non-linear curvature.
  • D. The flow outlet according to any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein each flow guide of the plurality of flow guides comprises the first side and the second side and with the first side comprising a non-linear curvature.
  • E. A flow outlet for an APC, the flow outlet comprising a plurality of flow guides, wherein a profile of at least one flow guide of the plurality of flow guides is tapered in a radial direction.
  • F. The flow outlet according to any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein each flow guide of the plurality of flow guides comprises a profile tapered in the radial direction.
  • G. A flow outlet for an APC, the flow outlet comprising a plurality of flow guides, wherein a thickness of at least one flow guide of the plurality of flow guides is tapered in a height direction of the flow guide.
  • H. The flow outlet according to any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein each flow guide of the plurality of flow guides comprises a thickness tapered in the height direction.
  • I. A flow outlet for an APC, the flow outlet comprising a plurality of flow guides, wherein the plurality of flow guides are configured to guide a flow of water along a non-linear path.
  • J. A flow outlet for an APC, the flow outlet comprising a plurality of flow guides, wherein a height of at least one flow guide of the flow guides is less than a height of the flow outlet.
  • K. The flow outlet according to any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein each flow guide of the plurality of flow guides has a height less than the height of the flow outlet
  • L. The flow outlet according to any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the height of each flow guide of the flow guides is less than half the height of the flow outlet.
  • M. The flow outlet according to any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the plurality of flow guides extend radially outwards from a hub of the flow outlet.
  • N. The flow outlet according to any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the flow outlet is a single or monolithic component.
  • O. The flow outlet according to any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein a height of the hub is less than a height of the flow outlet.
  • P. The flow outlet according to any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the plurality of guides define non-linear flow paths through the flow outlet.
  • Q. The flow outlet according to any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the plurality of flow guides are within a housing of the flow outlet.
  • R. An APC for a swimming pool or spa, the APC comprising a pump, the pump comprising the flow outlet according to any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the flow outlet is configured to direct a flow of water from the pump.

These examples are not intended to be mutually exclusive, exhaustive, or restrictive in any way, and the invention is not limited to these example embodiments but rather encompasses all possible modifications and variations within the scope of any claims ultimately drafted and issued in connection with the invention (and their equivalents). For avoidance of doubt, any combination of features not physically impossible or expressly identified as non-combinable herein may be within the scope of the invention. Further, although applicant has described devices and techniques for use principally with APCs, persons skilled in the relevant field will recognize that the present invention conceivably could 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, training, or therapy and for which cleaning of debris is needed or desired.

The subject matter of embodiments of the present disclosure is described here with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described. Directional references such as “up,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “lateral,” “longitudinal,” “front,” and “back,” among others, are intended to refer to the orientation as illustrated and described in the figure (or figures) to which the components and directions are referencing.

The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, or gradients thereof, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention, and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

The above-described aspects are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims that follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the described embodiments, nor the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A flow outlet for a pool cleaner, the flow outlet comprising a plurality of flow guides, wherein at least one flow guide of the plurality of flow guides having a first side and a second side, and wherein the first side comprises a non-linear curvature.

2. The flow outlet of claim 1, wherein at least one flow guide of the plurality of flow guides comprises a first end and a second end, and wherein at least a portion of the second end is circumferentially offset from the first end.

3. The flow outlet of claim 1, wherein a profile of at least one flow guide of the plurality of flow guides is tapered in a radial direction.

4. The flow outlet of claim 1, wherein a thickness of at least one flow guide of the plurality of flow guides is tapered in a height direction of the flow guide.

5. The flow outlet of claim 1, wherein a height of each flow guide of the plurality of flow guides is less than a height of the flow outlet.

6. The flow outlet of claim 1, further comprising a hub, and wherein the plurality of flow guides extend radially outwards from the hub of the flow outlet.

7. The flow outlet of claim 6, wherein a height of the hub is less than a height of the flow outlet.

8. The flow outlet of claim 1, wherein the plurality of guides define non-linear flow paths through the flow outlet.

9. A pool cleaner for a swimming pool or spa, the pool cleaner comprising a pump, the pump comprising the flow outlet of claim 1, wherein the flow outlet is configured to direct a flow of water from the pump.

10. A flow outlet for a pool cleaner, the flow outlet comprising a plurality of flow guides, wherein the plurality of flow guides are configured to guide a flow of water along a non-linear path.

11. The flow outlet of claim 10, wherein a height of each flow guide of the flow guides is less than a height of the flow outlet.

12. The flow outlet of claim 10, wherein the plurality of flow guides are within a housing of the flow outlet.

13. The flow outlet of claim 10, further comprising a hub, and wherein the plurality of flow guides extend radially outwards from the hub of the flow outlet.

14. The flow outlet of claim 10, wherein a side of at least one of the plurality of flow guides comprises a non-linear curvature, or wherein a first end of at least one of the plurality of flow guides is circumferentially offset from a first end of the at least one of the plurality of flow guides.

15. A flow outlet for a pool cleaner, the flow outlet comprising a plurality of flow guides, wherein a height of each flow guide of the flow guides is less than a height of the flow outlet.

16. The flow outlet of claim 15, wherein the height of each flow guide of the flow guides is less than half the height of the flow outlet.

17. The flow outlet of claim 15, wherein the plurality of flow guides extend radially outwards from a hub of the flow outlet.

18. The flow outlet of claim 15, wherein the flow outlet is a monolithic component.

19. The flow outlet of claim 15, wherein the plurality of guides define non-linear flow paths through the flow outlet.

20. A pool cleaner for a swimming pool or spa, the pool cleaner comprising a pump, the pump comprising the flow outlet of claim 15, wherein the flow outlet is configured to direct a flow of water from the pump.