EP0989255A1 - Cleaning apparatus for swimming-pool - Google Patents

Abstract

The fluid to be cleaned is delivered into an inner space (5) at least partly enclosed by the housing (1) and through a filter (6) in order to separate a part (5') of the inner space exposed to dirt from one (5) which is cleaner. The fluid is then discharged through an outlet aperture (7). The filter locates tightly on a floor surface (8) of the inner space and on an underside (9) of a covering (10) arranged over the inner space. The filter is of the lamella type. The pump (4) is effectively connected via a shaft (12) with an electric motor (13) and together with it is arranged vertically in the inner space. The electric motor and the pump are arranged coaxially to and inside the cylindrical filter.

Description

The invention relates, according to the preamble of the independent Claim 1, a cleaning device, in particular for Cleaning of swimming pools, with a housing and with at least a suction opening arranged at the base of the housing, through which a pump to be cleaned Liquid in one of the housing at least partially enclosed interior, by an arrangement in this interior Filters - to separate a dirt-exposed Part of a clean part of the interior - and over one Outlet opening is eligible.

For cleaning large liquid containers, especially of swimming pools filled with water, it is known cleaning devices use to clean the pelvic floor and possibly carried out the pool walls can be. The device is operated, if one such is necessary at all, advantageously from outside the pool. Cleaning devices are also known, who are self-driving and either from controlled by an operator (e.g. as in EP-A-0 314 259), move randomly so that essentially the entire floor of the swimming pool is scanned (e.g. as in US 4,168,557). These cleaning devices point to locomotion underwater wheels on an electric motor are driven. It is also known to be through an external Pump also caused water flow to drive the Use cleaning device (e.g. as in EP-A-0 468 876). The cleaning device can also be equipped with sensors, which is caused by the mechanical contact with a Basin wall, change the direction of the cleaning device, so that an automatic and complete cleaning of the pelvic floor is reached (e.g. as in EP-A-0 483 470 by the same patent applicant).

In addition to the efficiency of a cleaning device, it is easy to service and especially easy cleaning or Interchangeability of the filter of great interest. So must e.g. in the case of those described in EP-A-0 314 259 and US 4,168,557 Devices - to remove the filter bag from the The bottom of the device. For removing the floor the cleaning device must be tilted or tilted to the side there is always a risk of damage the control or electrical cable leading to the device.

In the case of EP-A-0 468 876, on the one hand, there are no electrical cables available; the reason for this is the special drive, to which has already been pointed out. On the other hand, the side Pulling out a housing part described with the the filter is connected. This part of the housing is for cleaning open on two sides; but this means that - in contrast to the two cleaning devices described above (EP-A-0 314 259 and US 4,168,557) - part of the Device has inner surfaces that are exposed to dirt are and also need to be cleaned. For cleaning and especially for visual inspection of these inner surfaces but again the device has to be tilted to the side.

The vortex wheel acting as a pump in EP-A-0 483 470 is - in Contrary to all other devices cited - exposed to dirt and needs to be cleaned from time to time, which is also can be regarded as a disadvantage.

The object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning device, especially for cleaning swimming pools, propose in which the filter is replaced or all parts of the cleaning unit exposed to dirt cleaned can be lifted without the device being lifted or tilted are needed and in which no pump parts with dirty Come into contact with liquid.

This task is solved by a cleaning device, in particular for cleaning swimming pools, according to the characteristics of independent claim 1 is proposed. This Cleaning device comprises a housing and at least one the base of the housing arranged suction port, through which a liquid to be cleaned by means of a pump an interior at least partially enclosed by the housing, through a filter that can be arranged in this interior - for separating a dirt-exposed part from a clean one Part of the interior - and through an outlet opening is eligible and which is characterized in that the filter of a floor surface of the interior and one Bottom of a cover that can be arranged over the interior fits tightly. Preferred developments of the invention Cleaning device result from the dependent Claims.

Fig. 1

einen Vertikalschnitt durch ein erfindungsgemässes Reinigungsgerät, gemäss einer ersten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 2

einen Vertikalschnitt durch ein erfindungsgemässes Reinigungsgerät, gemäss einer zweiten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 3

einen Grundriss entsprechend Fig. 2.

Fig. 4

einen vergrösserten Vertikalschnitt durch eine Ansaugöffnung, wobei in

Fig. 4A

eine Kombination Einsatzblech mit Einsatzmembrane; und in

Fig. 4B

eine Kombination Einsatzkübel mit Einsatzmembrane gezeigt ist.

The invention, as characterized in the claims, is illustrated below with the aid of schematic drawings. These figures are only to be understood as an illustration of the invention and are in no way intended to limit the scope of protection. Show it:

Fig. 1

a vertical section through a cleaning device according to the invention, according to a first embodiment;

Fig. 2

a vertical section through a cleaning device according to the invention, according to a second embodiment;

Fig. 3

a floor plan corresponding to FIG. 2nd

Fig. 4

an enlarged vertical section through a suction opening, wherein in

Figure 4A

a combination of insert plate with insert membrane; and in

Figure 4B

a combination insert bucket with insert membrane is shown.

Figure 1 shows a vertical section through an inventive Cleaning device, according to a first embodiment. The cleaning device has a housing 1 with a base 2 on which at least one suction opening 3 is arranged. The liquid to be transported is pump 4, which outside the housing 1 in the swimming pool or outside the same is arranged, sucked. This liquid, which for simplicity's sake than water depending on the degree of pollution Swimming pool inorganic material such as dust, sand, stones and the like and often also biological material such as Plant, animal remains and algae or other small organisms. The water passes through the suction opening or the suction openings 3 in an interior 5, which at least partially is surrounded by the housing 1, and is through a filter 6, which is arranged in this interior, sucked. Before the water passes through the filter 6, it is called dirty water, hereinafter referred to as filter water. The filter water passes through at least one outlet opening 7, which preferably within a cover 10 and substantially centric is arranged above the interior from the interior of the housing 1. This cover 10 thus closes at least part of the interior 5. The filter 6 is preferred as a lamellar filter and having a cylindrical shape formed and touches the surface 8 of the interior floor and on the other hand the bottom 9 of the interior cover 10. This touch is such that practically no water from the dirt-exposed part 5 'of the interior 5 get into the clean part 5 '' of it can. In order to improve this contact and thus the seal, can one sealing element, e.g. in the form of sealing lips, on the contact surfaces of the filter 6 with the corresponding Surfaces 8, 9 or even those touched by the filter Regions of the surfaces 8, 9 may be provided. Will that Device with the pump 4 via a suction line 11, which the cover 10 attached or connected to this can, connected, in an at least partially with water filled swimming pool and pump 4 started, this creates a clean part 5 '' of the interior 5 Vacuum. This negative pressure causes a flow in the interior of the device, which is shown schematically by the two Arrows 25 is shown. Within the filter 6 clean part 5 '' of the interior 5 can - for Boost or accelerate the water flow or flow deflector 24 is additionally arranged to deflect them his. This first embodiment has no drive mechanisms to move the cleaning device on and is therefore by hand or with an additional locomotive while cleaning a swimming pool moved around, so essentially the whole pool - preferably floor and walls - can be cleaned.

Figure 2 shows a vertical section through an inventive Cleaning device, according to a second embodiment. All of the first and second embodiments common Parts of the cleaning device have the same reference numerals provided and are not listed again here. In contrast to the first embodiment is here the pump 4 'inside the housing 1 and in the clean Part 5 '' of the interior 5 arranged. The pump 4 'is via an axis 12 with an electric motor 13 which is close to the Floor surface 8 of the interior 5 is arranged, operatively connected and arranged vertically together with this in the interior 5. The electric motor 13 and the pump 4 'are coaxial to and within the cylindrical shape Filters 6 arranged. The outlet openings 7 are essentially arranged vertically above the pump 4 '. If the device is in an at least partially filled with water Swimming pool set and the pump 4 'started, this creates a negative pressure in the clean part 5 ″ of the interior 5. This negative pressure causes a flow in the interior of the device, which is shown schematically by the two arrows 25 is shown. Within the clean, limited by the filter 6 Part 5 '' of the interior 5 can - for reinforcement or to accelerate the water flow or to redirect it - In addition, flow guide 24 may be arranged.

Smart Card" gespeichert und dieser Speicher Teil der Steuerung oder in diese einsetzbar ist; in diesem Fall ist die Anordnung von Energiespeichern, wie Batterien und dergleichen im Gehäuse von Vorteil. Auf diese Weise ist das Reinigungsgerät vollständig autonom und kann zur selbständigen Reinigung eines Flüssigkeitsbehälters, insbesondere eines Schwimmbeckens, eingesetzt werden.The dirty water enters through the suction opening or the suction openings 3 into the dirt-exposed part 5 'of the interior 5, which is at least partially surrounded by the housing 1, and is drawn through a filter 6 which is arranged in this interior. The filter water sweeps past the flow conductors 24, is conveyed further by the pump 4 ′ or its propeller and passes through at least one outlet opening 7, which is preferably arranged within a cover 10 and essentially centrally above the interior, from the interior 5 of the Housing 1 out. This cover 10 thus closes at least part of the interior 5. The filter 6 is preferably designed and arranged as a lamella filter according to the first embodiment. In contrast to the first embodiment, one or more motors (cf. FIG. 3) are provided in this second embodiment, which serve to drive the wheels 15 or their axes 16, 16 '. At least one motor 14, 14 'is preferably provided for driving the running wheels 15 for moving the cleaning device, two running wheels 15 each being arranged on an axis 16, 16' and each axis 15, 15 'being assigned its own motor 2, 2' is. A controller 22 is preferably arranged outside the cleaning device and connected to the cleaning device via a control line 23, so that, for example, an operator located outside the swimming pool or an automatic system, which can be connected to a computer or has built-in intelligence, control the cleaning device can. In the case of built-in intelligence, it can also be provided that the control is located within the housing and that the local conditions are in an electronic memory, such as a so-called

Smart Card "and this memory is part of the controller or can be inserted into it; in this case, the arrangement of energy stores, such as batteries and the like, is advantageous. In this way, the cleaning device is completely autonomous and can be used for the independent cleaning of a liquid container, especially a swimming pool.

Deviating from the two embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 according to a third embodiment (not shown) a pump directly on or in the immediate vicinity Arranged near the cover 10 outside the interior 5. A motor drive can be provided.

Other embodiments, for example an external Pump 4 (see FIG. 1) and a motor drive with rollers 15 (see FIG. 2) or the one internal pump 4 '(see FIG. 2) and do not include a motor drive with rollers 15 (see FIG. 1), are also part of the present invention, as well as any combination of pump arrangements, Mode of transportation and control.

For more intensive cleaning of the surface, which both Floor as well as the walls of a swimming pool, are optional in all three described embodiments brushes 26 and / or brush rollers 20 known per se used. These brushes or brush rollers can both alongside as well as sideways in the area of the base 2 of the housing or inside or in the area of the edge of the housing also - deviating from the illustration in Fig. 2 outside of the housing.

Figure 4A shows an enlarged vertical section through a Intake opening, a combination of insert plate 18 with Insert membrane 17 is shown. The insert plate lies directly on the floor surface 8 of the interior 5, or its dirt-exposed part 5 'and covers this part of the floor surface 8 of the interior essentially. Optional provided sealing elements (not shown) between Bottom surface 8 and insert plate 18 can additionally prevent that dirty water from the suction openings 3 directly can penetrate into the clean part 5 '' of the interior. On the insert plate 18 is an insert membrane 17, which covers the suction holes 3. If - by operating a pump 4, 4 'in the interior 5, a negative pressure arises, which becomes elastic deformable membrane, which, for example, from Rubber is made in the area of the suction openings 3 after bent up. The intake openings are now open. As soon as the vacuum disappears because e.g. the pump 4, 4 'turned off insert membrane 17 immediately lies down again on the suction openings 3 and closes them; the insert membrane thus acts like a one-way valve or check valve, which is probably dirty water in the interior lets in, but prevents the same from flowing out. This achieves a significant amount Dirt, e.g. when the pump is turned off, this is uncontrolled Cleaning device leaves and with it the swimming pool or its Environment contaminated. But with that the water which after switching off the pump 4, 4 'in the cleaning device located, can be removed in a controlled manner are in the area of the clean part 5 '' of the interior one or more drain openings 30 provided. Vice versa as with the intake openings 3 is located at the drain opening (s) 30 each act as a flap 31 membrane piece, which the outside of the base 2 of the housing is arranged. This diaphragm piece 31 is sucked in during pump operation, so that all drain openings are closed. As soon as the negative pressure in the interior 5 subsides, all Membrane flaps 31 by the weight of the interior water is pressed on, whereupon the water flows off. The fact that the drain openings 30 in the bottom area the clean part 5 '' of the interior are provided, Only water leaves the interior through the filter kicked and therefore cleaned; the dirt becomes effectively retained in the dirt-exposed part 5 'of the interior.

Figure 4B shows an enlarged vertical section through a Intake opening, a combination of insert plate 18 with Insert bucket 19 is shown. How the insert plate 18 in Fig. 4A, the insert bucket 19 lies here directly on the floor surface 8 of the interior 5, or its dirt-exposed Part 5 'and fills the dirt-exposed part of the interior essentially from. Optional sealing elements (not shown) between floor surface 8 and Insert bucket 19 can also prevent dirty water from the suction openings 3 directly into the clean part 5 '' of the interior can penetrate. On the insert bucket 19 there is an insert membrane 17 which covers the suction holes 3 and correspondingly as described in Fig. 4a as a one-way valve works. There can also be corresponding drain openings 30 with membrane flaps 31 may be provided.

For mutual stabilization and to simplify the Cleaning the device (see below) shows the insert plate 18 or the insert bucket 19 preferably clamps 32, which the inserted lamella filter 6 with the insert plate or the insert bucket and connect the insert membrane 17 between lamella filter and insert plate or insert bucket grasp or pinch.

The use of a lamella filter has the advantage that - if the slats are aligned essentially horizontally are - small particles, which experience has shown to be the largest Make up part of the dirt retained by the filter, lie on or between the slats as on trays remain and - when cleaning the device later - together can be lifted from the interior with the filter. On Lamellar filter with essentially vertically arranged lamellas on the other hand has the advantage that it is simple can be brought into a cylindrical shape because of the fins run practically parallel to the cylinder axis and because of the bend on the cylinder surface, simply the gaps between the slats - depending on the number of slats - be slightly compressed or stretched. It has shown, that even with essentially vertical slats most of what is retained by the filter Dirt is deposited in the spaces between the slats and also by lifting the filter out of the cleaning device can be removed.

The device is cleaned as follows:

By switching off the pump 4, 4 ', the device becomes inoperative set and e.g. with a rope from the swimming pool drawn. Thereby the filter room or; the interior 5 over that already described, on the housing base 2 arranged drain openings 30 in the clean part 5 '' of the interior.

The interior 5 or the filter space is removed by removing the Cover 10 made accessible.

The lamella filter 6 is essentially vertically upwards pulled out of the filter chamber. If an insert plate 18 or an insert bucket 19 was used, these inserts be lifted out together with the lamella filter.

If no such inserts 18, 19 are provided, it is recommended a more frequent visual check to see whether the person exposed to dirt Part 5 'of the interior 5 is so dirty is that the lamella filter 6 has no or almost can no longer absorb additional dirt. A Cover 10, which is transparent material, such as transparent Plastic and the like, comprises or made therefrom this optical monitoring is made considerably easier.

In general, a transparent cover has the advantage that in a simple manner and also during operation of the cleaning device the degree of contamination of the filter 6 determined can be.

The inserts, which are held together, for example, via terminals 32 and e.g. from the filter 6 on this latched insert plate 18 or insert bucket 19 and the Insert membrane 17, slide together out of the filter space, whereby coarse dirt is prevented in these falls behind. The use of a bucket 19 prevented also that dirty water in direct contact with the inner wall of the interior 5 can occur. As a result of that (Except for cover 10) no internal components of the housing 1 come into contact with dirty water cleaning the cleaning device is also simplified.

Any fine contaminants can, especially if only an insert membrane 17 and a filter 6 (i.e. neither Insert plate 18 or insert bucket 19) are used by above with cleaning water from the interior 5 i.e. the filter and pump room through the suction 3 and discharge openings 30 be washed out.

By inserting an insert membrane 17, possibly also from an insert plate 18 or insert bucket 19 and the cleaning device is a clean or cleaned filter 6 immediately ready for the next use without it would ever have been tilted sideways or even turned over have to.

Preferably, in a cleaning device, each axis 15 15 'assigned its own motor 2, 2'. But it can also a common motor can be provided for both axes. The Form the housing 1 of the cleaning device as a self-supporting Plastic chassis has proven itself. Particularly preferred however, the plastic chassis is one piece is trained because it means production and above all assembly is considerably simplified.

Claims (18)

Cleaning device, in particular for cleaning swimming pools, with a housing (1) and with at least one suction opening (3) arranged on the base (2) of the housing, through which a liquid to be cleaned is pumped into a pump by means of a pump (4, 4 ') interior (5) at least partially enclosed by the housing (1), by a filter (6) which can be arranged in this interior - for separating a part (5 ') exposed to dirt from a clean part (5'') of the interior - and via an outlet opening ( 7) can be conveyed, characterized in that the filter (6) lies against a bottom surface (8) of the interior (5) and an underside (9) of a cover (10) which can be arranged above the interior. Cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the filter (6) is designed as a lamella filter. Cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a suction line (11) can be connected to the cover (10), which leads to a pump (4) arranged outside the cleaning device. Cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pump (4 ') is operatively connected to an electric motor (13) via an axis (12) and is arranged vertically together with the latter in the interior (5). Cleaning device according to claim 4, characterized in that the electric motor (13) is arranged near the bottom surface (8) of the interior (5). Cleaning device according to claim 1, 2, 4 or 5, characterized in that the electric motor (13) and the pump (4 ') are arranged coaxially with and within the filter (6) having a cylindrical shape. Cleaning device according to claim 1, 2, 4, 5 or 6, characterized in that the outlet opening (7) is arranged in a substantially vertical direction above the pump (4 '). Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet opening (7) is arranged in the cover (10) of the interior (5). Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one motor (14, 14 ') is provided for driving impellers (15) for the movement of the cleaning device. Cleaning device according to claim 9, characterized in that two impellers (15) are arranged on an axis (16, 16 '). Cleaning device according to claim 9, characterized in that each axis (15, 15 ') is assigned its own motor (2, 2'). Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (1) is designed as a self-supporting plastic chassis. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plastic chassis is formed in one piece. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an insert membrane (17), which serves as a check valve for the suction opening (3), is also provided. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an insert plate (18) substantially covering the dirt-exposed part (8 ') of the floor surface (8) of the interior is also provided. Cleaning device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that an insert bucket (19) substantially filling the dirt-exposed part (5 ') of the interior (5) is also provided. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (10) comprises transparent material. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in addition drain openings (30) with membrane flaps (31) are arranged in the bottom region of the clean part (5 '') of the interior.

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