Turbine drive apparatus and method suited for suction powered swimming pool cleaner
US7293314B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 24, 2006 |
| Grant date | Nov 13, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 24, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE04H4/1636
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method and apparatus for enabling a pool cleaner to travel through a water pool to collect dirt and other debris from the water and/or pool containment wall. The cleaner defines a suction passageway having an inlet open to pool water and an outlet adapted to be coupled via a flexible hose to the suction side of an electrically driven pump. A resulting suction flow, from the inlet to the pump, functions to (1) carry dirt and other debris to a filter and (2) to drive a turbine for propelling the cleaner. In accordance with the invention, the suction passageway inlet includes an orifice defining a physical flow area A1 and configured to create an “effective” flow area A2 smaller than A1, downstream from the orifice. The small effective flow area A2 creates a water flow of sufficient velocity to efficiently drive the turbine whereas the larger physical flow area A1 permits debris to pass more readily.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.