WO2008102325A1 - A swimming pool cleaner wheel axle - Google Patents

A swimming pool cleaner wheel axle Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2008102325A1
WO2008102325A1 PCT/IB2008/050654 IB2008050654W WO2008102325A1 WO 2008102325 A1 WO2008102325 A1 WO 2008102325A1 IB 2008050654 W IB2008050654 W IB 2008050654W WO 2008102325 A1 WO2008102325 A1 WO 2008102325A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
axle
axles
swimming pool
pool cleaner
wheels
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2008/050654
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Carl Frederick Wilhelm Supra
Original Assignee
Schneider, Anja Barbara
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Schneider, Anja Barbara filed Critical Schneider, Anja Barbara
Publication of WO2008102325A1 publication Critical patent/WO2008102325A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H4/00—Swimming or splash baths or pools
    • E04H4/14—Parts, details or accessories not otherwise provided for
    • E04H4/16—Parts, details or accessories not otherwise provided for specially adapted for cleaning
    • E04H4/1654—Self-propelled cleaners

Definitions

  • the invention relates to axles used for swimming pool cleaners which have wheels.
  • Pool cleaners of this kind invariably have axles which are made of stainless steel. At least one pair of wheels is driven to advance the cleaner along a submerged surface.
  • the drive mechanism usually includes a turbine. This is driven by flow of water through the cleaner to or from a pump for the pool filtration system.
  • the cleaner is connected to the pump by a flexible hose in the usual manner.
  • the turbine is connected to the wheel axles through a combination of shafts and gears.
  • axles are usually machined to the required dimension. Gears and/or wheels are then secured to the axles as necessary.
  • the steel axles can be bent. This is particularly so if someone stands or accidentally jumps on a cleaner while it is in use.
  • a swimming pool cleaner wheel axle that is moulded to form from plastics material.
  • the invention further provides for the axle to be hollow; and for the axle to be injection moulded.
  • axle to have mounting formations for gears and/or wheels; for the mounting formations to be longitudinal splines; and for the ends of the axles to have wheel retaining formations.
  • axle to be reinforced by at least one metal rod provided therein; and for the axle to be moulded around the rod.
  • Figure 1 shows a perspective view of part of a swimming pool cleaner; and Figure 2 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of a rear axle of the pool cleaner.
  • a swimming pool cleaner (1 ) having four turbine driven wheels (2) is shown.
  • Front (3) and rear (4) axles connect the pairs of wheels (2) respectively.
  • the axles (3) and (4) are injection moulded from suitable thermosetting plastics material.
  • the axles (3) and (4) are made hollow, with a longitudinal bore resulting from the moulding process which is used. This involves moulding each axle (3) and (4) around a core that is removed once the plastics material has set to a suitable degree.
  • the bore is not shown in the drawings but will be appreciated by a suitably skilled person. It may extend the full length or part of the length of the axle (3) and (4).
  • axles to be made with a wall thickness within the recommended specifications for a particular moulding plastics material.
  • the optimum thickness is based on the setting characteristics of the material.
  • the slower cooling of material in the centre of a solid axle would compromise overall strength and resilience compared to a hollow moulded counterpart, made in accordance with this invention.
  • axles (3) and (4) may be made is the acetyl plastics material used in injection moulding. It has however been found that this material denatures to some degree in heated swimming pools. Other suitable materials with resistance to warmer water or for use in other conditions will be within the competence of a suitably skilled person. The material used will also preferably have some self-lubricating quality by virtue of a suitable additive.
  • the front axle (3) in Figure 1 is shown fitted with only one wheel.
  • the wheels (2) have a hollow spigot (5) through which the ends of the axles (3) and (4) extend.
  • Four grooves (not shown) in the spigot (5) correspond to outer splines (6) on the axle (3).
  • Each formation is provided as a head (7) which is formed by a circumferential groove
  • the wheel spigots (5) are split longitudinally at
  • a smooth journal (11 ) is provided spaced inwardly to each of the outer splines (6) of the axle (3) and (4) - see Figure 2.
  • Each journal portion (1 1 ) is received in a split sleeve bearing (12) which is secured to the pool cleaner body.
  • a side shaft (13) connects gears (14) on the front (3) and rear (4) axles. These gears (14) are similarly fitted onto the axles (3) and (4) respectively. This will be described for the rear axle (4) and with reference to Figure 2 where the parts can be seen more clearly.
  • This is conveniently provided as an annular flange (15).
  • In the area (16) between the journal (1 1 ) and flange (15) are four longitudinal inner splines. The inner and outer (6) splines are aligned with each other.
  • An axial passage (17) through the gear (14) has corresponding grooves (not shown).
  • the gear (14) is fitted onto the axle (4) and locates against the flange (15). Once fitted, the bearing (12) holds the gear (14) in place.
  • the gear bearings (18) and gear (19) are fitted to the rear axle (4) adjacent the other end in the same manner.
  • axles (3) and (4) described above are preferably, flexibly resilient to a degree sufficient to accommodate a load that would bend a pair of steel axles.
  • the bore may be fitted with a metal rod.
  • a pair of rods can be spaced apart to retain desirable resilience while adding support.
  • Such rods will preferably be made of stainless steel.
  • the accurately repeatable outer configuration of the axles (3) and (4) is maintained. It will also be understood that this can be achieved by having a moulded flexible sleeve which is fitted onto a rod for rigidity. Variations will be within the design competence of a suitably skilled person. These will include the variations necessary to adapt the axle for use with wheels of different pool cleaners.
  • axle may have portions with a square cross-section. Additional changes to the described features which remain within the scope of the current invention will also be appreciated by a person skilled in the art

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • General Details Of Gearings (AREA)

Abstract

The invention provides a swimming pool cleaner wheel axle that is injection moulded to form from plastics material. The axle has mounting formations for gears and/or wheels. These formations are conveniently longitudinal splines, suitably located along the length of the axle. The ends of the axles will also have wheel retaining formations. In one embodiment, the axle will be hollow and it may be reinforced by at least one metal rod provided therein.

Description

A SWIMMING POOL CLEANER WHEEL AXLE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to axles used for swimming pool cleaners which have wheels.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Pool cleaners of this kind invariably have axles which are made of stainless steel. At least one pair of wheels is driven to advance the cleaner along a submerged surface. The drive mechanism usually includes a turbine. This is driven by flow of water through the cleaner to or from a pump for the pool filtration system. The cleaner is connected to the pump by a flexible hose in the usual manner. The turbine is connected to the wheel axles through a combination of shafts and gears.
The axles are usually machined to the required dimension. Gears and/or wheels are then secured to the axles as necessary. The steel axles can be bent. This is particularly so if someone stands or accidentally jumps on a cleaner while it is in use.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of this invention to provide a swimming pool cleaner wheel axle which has advantages in manufacture and in use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with this invention there is provided a swimming pool cleaner wheel axle that is moulded to form from plastics material.
The invention further provides for the axle to be hollow; and for the axle to be injection moulded.
Further features of the invention provide for the axle to have mounting formations for gears and/or wheels; for the mounting formations to be longitudinal splines; and for the ends of the axles to have wheel retaining formations.
Further features of the invention provide for the axle to be reinforced by at least one metal rod provided therein; and for the axle to be moulded around the rod.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of part of a swimming pool cleaner; and Figure 2 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of a rear axle of the pool cleaner. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to the drawings, a swimming pool cleaner (1 ) having four turbine driven wheels (2) is shown. Front (3) and rear (4) axles connect the pairs of wheels (2) respectively.
The axles (3) and (4) are injection moulded from suitable thermosetting plastics material. The axles (3) and (4) are made hollow, with a longitudinal bore resulting from the moulding process which is used. This involves moulding each axle (3) and (4) around a core that is removed once the plastics material has set to a suitable degree. The bore is not shown in the drawings but will be appreciated by a suitably skilled person. It may extend the full length or part of the length of the axle (3) and (4).
The configuration described enables the axles to be made with a wall thickness within the recommended specifications for a particular moulding plastics material. The optimum thickness is based on the setting characteristics of the material. The slower cooling of material in the centre of a solid axle would compromise overall strength and resilience compared to a hollow moulded counterpart, made in accordance with this invention.
One example of a material from which the axles (3) and (4) may be made is the acetyl plastics material used in injection moulding. It has however been found that this material denatures to some degree in heated swimming pools. Other suitable materials with resistance to warmer water or for use in other conditions will be within the competence of a suitably skilled person. The material used will also preferably have some self-lubricating quality by virtue of a suitable additive.
The front axle (3) in Figure 1 is shown fitted with only one wheel. The wheels (2) have a hollow spigot (5) through which the ends of the axles (3) and (4) extend. Four grooves (not shown) in the spigot (5) correspond to outer splines (6) on the axle (3).
At the ends of the axles (3) and (4) are wheel retaining formations (7). Each formation is provided as a head (7) which is formed by a circumferential groove
(8) adjacent the end of each axle. The wheel spigots (5) are split longitudinally at
(9). The two halves which result at the free end (10) of the spigot (5) are movable under the flexible resilience of the material from which the wheels (2) are moulded. An inward lip at the free end (10) can thus pass over the head (7) and locate in the groove (8) to secure the wheels (2) in place. The arrangement of longitudinal splines (6) on the axles (3) and (4) and grooves in the spigots (5) prevent rotation of the wheels (2) on the axles.
The outer splines (6) and head (7) can be seen clearly where the wheel (2) has been removed from the front axle (3) and are the same at both ends of the axles, front (3) and rear (4).
A smooth journal (11 ) is provided spaced inwardly to each of the outer splines (6) of the axle (3) and (4) - see Figure 2. Each journal portion (1 1 ) is received in a split sleeve bearing (12) which is secured to the pool cleaner body.
A side shaft (13) connects gears (14) on the front (3) and rear (4) axles. These gears (14) are similarly fitted onto the axles (3) and (4) respectively. This will be described for the rear axle (4) and with reference to Figure 2 where the parts can be seen more clearly.
Spaced inwardly from the journal (1 1 ) on the axle (4) is a stop (15) for the gear (14). This is conveniently provided as an annular flange (15). In the area (16) between the journal (1 1 ) and flange (15) are four longitudinal inner splines. The inner and outer (6) splines are aligned with each other. An axial passage (17) through the gear (14) has corresponding grooves (not shown). The gear (14) is fitted onto the axle (4) and locates against the flange (15). Once fitted, the bearing (12) holds the gear (14) in place. The gear bearings (18) and gear (19) are fitted to the rear axle (4) adjacent the other end in the same manner.
The axles (3) and (4) described above are preferably, flexibly resilient to a degree sufficient to accommodate a load that would bend a pair of steel axles.
Where more rigidity or strength is sought, the bore may be fitted with a metal rod. A pair of rods can be spaced apart to retain desirable resilience while adding support. Such rods will preferably be made of stainless steel. Importantly, the accurately repeatable outer configuration of the axles (3) and (4) is maintained. It will also be understood that this can be achieved by having a moulded flexible sleeve which is fitted onto a rod for rigidity. Variations will be within the design competence of a suitably skilled person. These will include the variations necessary to adapt the axle for use with wheels of different pool cleaners.
It will be appreciated that mounting formations for gears and/or wheels other than splines may easily be used. For example, the axle may have portions with a square cross-section. Additional changes to the described features which remain within the scope of the current invention will also be appreciated by a person skilled in the art

Claims

1. A swimming pool cleaner wheel axle that is moulded to form from plastics material.
2. An axle as claimed in claim 1 which is hollow.
3. An axle as claimed in claim 1 which is injection moulded.
4. An axle as claimed in claim 1 which has mounting formations for gears and/or wheels.
5. An axle as claimed in claim 4 in which the mounting formations are longitudinal splines.
6. An axle as claimed in claim 4 in which the ends of the axles have wheel retaining formations.
7. An axle as claimed in claim 1 which is reinforced by at least one metal rod provided therein.
8. An axle as claimed in claim 7 in which the axle is moulded around the rod.
PCT/IB2008/050654 2007-02-23 2008-02-22 A swimming pool cleaner wheel axle WO2008102325A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA200701599 2007-02-23
ZAZA2007/01599 2007-02-23

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2008102325A1 true WO2008102325A1 (en) 2008-08-28

Family

ID=39493217

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2008/050654 WO2008102325A1 (en) 2007-02-23 2008-02-22 A swimming pool cleaner wheel axle

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2008102325A1 (en)

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20110088181A1 (en) * 2009-10-19 2011-04-21 Poolvergnuegen Convertible Pressure/Suction Swimming Pool Cleaner
US20150020322A1 (en) * 2009-10-19 2015-01-22 Poolvergnuegen Swimming Pool Cleaner
USD787760S1 (en) 2014-11-07 2017-05-23 Hayward Industries, Inc. Pool cleaner
USD787761S1 (en) 2014-11-07 2017-05-23 Hayward Industries, Inc. Pool cleaner
USD789003S1 (en) 2014-11-07 2017-06-06 Hayward Industries, Inc. Pool cleaner
US9677294B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-06-13 Hayward Industries, Inc. Pool cleaning device with wheel drive assemblies
USD789624S1 (en) 2014-11-07 2017-06-13 Hayward Industries, Inc. Pool cleaner
US9878739B1 (en) 2017-05-11 2018-01-30 Hayward Industries, Inc. Pool cleaner modular drivetrain
US9909333B2 (en) 2015-01-26 2018-03-06 Hayward Industries, Inc. Swimming pool cleaner with hydrocyclonic particle separator and/or six-roller drive system
US10066411B2 (en) 2013-08-30 2018-09-04 Hayward Industries, Inc. Swimming pool cleaner
US10161154B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2018-12-25 Hayward Industries, Inc. Pool cleaner with articulated cleaning members and methods relating thereto
US10557278B2 (en) 2015-01-26 2020-02-11 Hayward Industries, Inc. Pool cleaner with cyclonic flow

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3406416A (en) * 1967-05-05 1968-10-22 Rainbow Plastics Wheel for swimming pool vacuum cleaner head
US4376320A (en) * 1980-11-18 1983-03-15 Poolquip Industries (Proprietary Limited) Vacuum cleaner head for submerged surfaces
CA2306314A1 (en) * 1999-04-21 2000-10-21 Cascade Engineering, Inc. Waste container and axle assembly therefor
EP1659236A2 (en) * 2004-11-12 2006-05-24 Smartpool Incorporated Wheel arrangement for a pool cleaner

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3406416A (en) * 1967-05-05 1968-10-22 Rainbow Plastics Wheel for swimming pool vacuum cleaner head
US4376320A (en) * 1980-11-18 1983-03-15 Poolquip Industries (Proprietary Limited) Vacuum cleaner head for submerged surfaces
CA2306314A1 (en) * 1999-04-21 2000-10-21 Cascade Engineering, Inc. Waste container and axle assembly therefor
EP1659236A2 (en) * 2004-11-12 2006-05-24 Smartpool Incorporated Wheel arrangement for a pool cleaner

Cited By (21)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8402585B2 (en) * 2009-10-19 2013-03-26 Poolvergnuegen Convertible pressure/suction swimming pool cleaner
US20150020322A1 (en) * 2009-10-19 2015-01-22 Poolvergnuegen Swimming Pool Cleaner
US20150020368A1 (en) * 2009-10-19 2015-01-22 Poolvergnuegen Swimming Pool Cleaner
US9593502B2 (en) 2009-10-19 2017-03-14 Hayward Industries, Inc. Swimming pool cleaner
US20110088181A1 (en) * 2009-10-19 2011-04-21 Poolvergnuegen Convertible Pressure/Suction Swimming Pool Cleaner
US9758979B2 (en) * 2009-10-19 2017-09-12 Hayward Industries, Inc. Swimming pool cleaner
US9784007B2 (en) * 2009-10-19 2017-10-10 Hayward Industries, Inc. Swimming pool cleaner
US10161154B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2018-12-25 Hayward Industries, Inc. Pool cleaner with articulated cleaning members and methods relating thereto
US9677294B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-06-13 Hayward Industries, Inc. Pool cleaning device with wheel drive assemblies
US10066411B2 (en) 2013-08-30 2018-09-04 Hayward Industries, Inc. Swimming pool cleaner
US10947750B2 (en) 2013-08-30 2021-03-16 Hayward Industries, Inc. Swimming pool cleaner
US10876318B2 (en) 2013-08-30 2020-12-29 Hayward Industries, Inc. Swimming pool cleaner
USD787760S1 (en) 2014-11-07 2017-05-23 Hayward Industries, Inc. Pool cleaner
USD789624S1 (en) 2014-11-07 2017-06-13 Hayward Industries, Inc. Pool cleaner
USD789003S1 (en) 2014-11-07 2017-06-06 Hayward Industries, Inc. Pool cleaner
USD787761S1 (en) 2014-11-07 2017-05-23 Hayward Industries, Inc. Pool cleaner
US9909333B2 (en) 2015-01-26 2018-03-06 Hayward Industries, Inc. Swimming pool cleaner with hydrocyclonic particle separator and/or six-roller drive system
US10557278B2 (en) 2015-01-26 2020-02-11 Hayward Industries, Inc. Pool cleaner with cyclonic flow
US11236523B2 (en) 2015-01-26 2022-02-01 Hayward Industries, Inc. Pool cleaner with cyclonic flow
US9878739B1 (en) 2017-05-11 2018-01-30 Hayward Industries, Inc. Pool cleaner modular drivetrain
US10155538B2 (en) 2017-05-11 2018-12-18 Hayward Industries, Inc. Pool cleaner modular drivetrain

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
WO2008102325A1 (en) A swimming pool cleaner wheel axle
US20190264730A1 (en) Spacer For A Driveshaft Assembly
CN103121464B (en) Rack-driving auxiliary power steering hardware
CN206643097U (en) Mechanical hairbrush equipment
JP3554827B2 (en) Torsional elastic shaft coupling
CN103723580B (en) The adjustable reel of a kind of frame
CN203888866U (en) Steering intermediate-shaft structure
ITRM980168A1 (en) JOINT FOR TREES
US20090056496A1 (en) Composite Crank Assembly
MX2007015589A (en) Hose co-moldable with plastic tub, in particular for a washing machine .
DE29922862U1 (en) Bearing structure for the rotor of an engine
US349365A (en) Shaft-coupling
CN208790534U (en) A kind of conveying roll shaft
KR101552199B1 (en) Center bearing for propeller shaft
TWI595923B (en) Horizontal blender
US20120292981A1 (en) Wheel bearing design
CN210317872U (en) Rigid coupling for centrifugal pump and centrifugal pump
CN208503100U (en) The connection structure of impeller and motor shaft
CN107269685B (en) Bearing and rotating structure
CN211737529U (en) Single-stage centrifugal pump with long service life
FI129659B (en) Centering method and centering device
CN208749848U (en) A kind of drum-shaped tooth type shaft coupling
CN212963829U (en) Steel bushing dynamic balance fixing device
CN205131344U (en) Slip type auto steering jackshaft
CN219866924U (en) Municipal construction sewer pipe anti-damage device

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 08719455

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 08719455

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 08719455

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1