Cleaning implement for swimming pools

• US 4,154,680 A
• Filed: 06/27/1977
• Issued: 05/15/1979
• Est. Priority Date: 06/28/1976
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Schenk A.G. Sommer
• Original Assignee: Schenk A.G. Sommer
• Inventors: Sommer, Peter
• Primary Examiner(s): Adee, John
• Application Number:
  US05/810,385
• Time in Patent Office: 687 Days
• Field of Search: 210/169, 210/241, 210/242 R, 210/413, 15/1.7
• US Class Current: 210/167.16
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 4/1654 Self-propelled cleaners

Abstract

An apparatus or implement for underwater cleaning of swimming pool bottoms and/or walls having a chassis with traction drive and a suction pump mounted on the chassis. A suction nozzle is connected to the suction side of the pump, for drawing in settled particles. A filter is connected to the pressure side of the pump for catching the particles. A controlled diving cell which is floodable and clearable in a controlled manner is arranged on the chassis for varying the buoyancy of the apparatus sufficiently to raise and lower it in the water. A brush with a particular bristle configuration may be mounted in the suction nozzle.

Claims

1. An apparatus for underwater cleaning of swimming pool bottoms and/or walls, comprising

a chassis with traction drive means for moving said chassis;

a first suction pump mounted on said chassis, said first pump having a suction side and a pressure side;

a suction nozzle coupled to said suction side of said first pump for drawing in settled particles on the pool walls or bottom;

a filter connected to said pressure side of said first pump for catching the particles;

at least one controlled diving cell mounted on said chassis; and

means coupled to said cell for flooding and clearing said cell in a controlled manner, whereby said chassis may be selectively raised and lowered in the water easily without any assisting equipment.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one uncontrolled diving cell mounted on said chassis.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said means comprises a second pump coupled to said cell for flooding and clearing said cell, said second pump having a drive shaft coupled to said first pump.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said suction nozzle has a suction slit and a rotatable brush roller mounted in said suction nozzle adjacent said slit;

a hydraulic motor is mounted on said suction nozzle;

said second pump having means to drive hydraulic motor and said hydraulic motor having means to rotate said brush roller.

5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said cell is in the form of a bell which is open at its bottom.

6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said drive means comprises a controlled endless belt traction drive.

7. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an air vent hose is connected to said cell, said hose having a stop check valve therein.

8. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said cell is arranged sidewise with its major axis oriented parallel to the direction of motion of said traction drive means.

9. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said suction nozzle has a suction slit, and a brush mounted on said suction nozzle adjacent to and in front of said slit and arranged along the length of said slit;

said brush having interleaved bristled parts and bristle-free parts.

10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said bristled parts are arranged in a row, are sloped so that adjacent bristled parts overlap in a direction perpendicular to the length of said slit, and are interspaced with said bristle-free to form through-current canals between said bristled parts.

11. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said suction nozzle has a front wall, said brush being fastened to said front wall with a flattened collar.

12. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said suction nozzle has a suction slit and support means on each end of said slit.

13. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said support means comprise adjustable rollers.

14. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said support means comprise adjustable skids.

15. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said suction nozzle is coupled to said first pump by a pivot joint, said pivot joint being enclosed by an elastic jacket.

16. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said suction nozzle has a suction slit and a pipe coupling arranged bove said slit;

said pipe coupling having means adapted to be inserted into said suction nozzle for closing said slit.

17. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said suction nozzle has a suction slit and bumper means mounted over each end of said slit.