Patent Description:
Apparatuses and methods consistent with exemplary embodiments relate to cleaning apparatuses and in particular to a pool cleaning device.

Swimming pools must be cleaned frequently. For example, a pool bottom cleaning robot is often used to clean a pool bottom. Upon reaching a wall of a pool, the cleaning robot must reverse and turn back.

However, conventional robots often fail to implement an accurate and stable reversing movement, and often spin in the same place, resulting in inefficient cleaning.

<CIT> discloses a pool cleaning device according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

Example embodiments may address at least the above problems and/or disadvantages and other disadvantages not described above. Also, example embodiments are not required to overcome the disadvantages described above, and may not overcome any of the problems described above.

According to the invention, a pool cleaning device comprises: a main body; a rotating unit rotatably disposed on the main body, the rotating unit comprising: a rotating member, a fluid outlet extending radially outward from the rotating member, and a first positioning protrusion extending radially outward from the rotating member and spaced apart from the fluid outlet; and a reversing member comprising a plurality of stoppers spaced apart from each other and disposed along a path of rotation of the rotating member, wherein each of the plurality of stoppers is reciprocable between a position in a path of rotation of the first positioning protrusion and a position out of the path of rotation of the first positioning protrusion.

The plurality of stoppers may be synchronously rotatable, and a path of rotation of each of the plurality of stoppers may intersect with the path of rotation of the first positioning protrusion; and each of the stoppers may be disposed at an angle, with respect to a vertical direction, different from an angle at which each other of the stoppers is disposed.

The plurality of stoppers may comprise a first stopper and a second stopper arranged symmetrically with respect to a moving direction of the pool cleaning device; the first stopper comprising a first stop position and a second stop position, the first stop position and the second stop position being on a first circumference and spaced apart; the second stopper comprising a third stop position and a fourth stop position, the third stop position and the fourth stop position being on a second circumference and spaced apart; and projections, toward each other, of an arc segment between the first stop position and the second stop position and a corresponding arc segment between the third stop position and the fourth stop position are orthogonal; and along the rotation path of the first positioning protrusion, the fluid outlet arranged at a right angle to the first positioning protrusion.

The first stopper may comprise a first curved plate and the second stopper may comprise a second curved plate.

The first stopper may comprise a first blocking bar forming the first stop position and a second blocking bar spaced apart from the first blocking bar and forming the second stop position; and the second stopper may comprise a third blocking bar forming the third stop position and a fourth blocking bar spaced apart from the third blocking bar and forming the fourth stop position.

Each of the first stopper and the second stopper may be rotatably disposed on the main body.

The reversing member may further comprise a buoyant plate, the buoyant plate extending across the rotating member and connected to the first stopper and the second stopper; and the rotating unit may further comprise a second positioning protrusion extending radially outward from the rotating member, spaced apart from the first positioning protrusion, and disposed higher than the first positioning protrusion.

The pool cleaning device may further comprise: a first mounting base extending upward from the main body; a second mounting base extending upward from the main body and symmetrically disposed with respect to the first mounting base; wherein a first end of the buoyant plate is rotatably mounted on the first mounting base, a second end of the buoyant plate is rotatably mounted on the second mounting base, the first stopper is disposed on the first end of the buoyant plate, the second stopper is disposed on the second end of the buoyant plate, facing the first stopper.

The plurality of stoppers may comprise a first stopper and a second stopper arranged symmetrically with respect to a moving direction of the pool cleaning device; the reversing member may further comprise a buoyant plate which extends across the rotating member and comprises a first end rotatably connected to the first stopper and a second end rotatably connected to the second stopper, such that: when the pool cleaning device is moving in a first direction, a combination of buoyancy of the buoyant plate and pressure from surrounding water maintains the buoyant plate in an inclined state; when the pool cleaning device is not moving, the buoyancy of the buoyant plate lifts the buoyant plate into a vertical state; and when the pool cleaning device is moving in a second direction, a combination of the buoyancy of the buoyant plate and pressure from surrounding water maintains the buoyant plate the inclined state again.

The first positioning protrusion may comprise an edge having a recessed-arc shape corresponding to a shape of the first stopper, and the second positioning protrusion may comprise an edge having a recessed-arc shape corresponding to a shape of the second stopper.

The pool cleaning device may further comprise: an electric motor and a transmission mechanism; wherein the rotating unit further comprises a housing and an impeller disposed in the housing; and wherein the electric motor is operatively coupled to the impeller via the transmission mechanism.

The electric motor may be disposed in the main body; the main body may comprise a first shaft hole formed therethrough, the housing may comprise a second shaft hole formed therethrough in a position corresponding to a position of the first shaft hole; and the transmission mechanism may extend through the first shaft hole, through the second shaft hole, and be operatively connected to the electric motor and to the impeller.

The pool cleaning device may further comprise a plurality of back vanes disposed on an outer surface of the impeller and extending away from the main body.

The pool cleaning device may further comprise: an annular groove formed sin a surface of one of the main body and the housing around a corresponding one of the first shaft hole and the second shaft hole, and an annular wear-resistant part mounted in the annular groove.

The pool cleaning device may further comprise a bearing is vertically disposed between the housing and the main body, thereby spacing the housing apart from the main body.

The pool cleaning device may further comprise: a first hook extending vertically in an area of the main body corresponding to the housing, and a second hook extending vertically in an area of the housing corresponding to the main body; wherein the bearing comprises an outer race, an inner race, and rollers disposed between the outer race and the inner race; and wherein the outer race is mounted to the first hook, and the inner race is mounted to the second hook.

The pool cleaning device may further comprise a counterweight disposed in the main body.

The pool cleaning device may further comprise a plurality of counterweights uniformly distributed within the main body.

The counterweight may comprise one of a weight block and a buoyant block.

According to an aspect of another example embodiment, a pool cleaning device may comprise: a main body; a rotating unit rotatably disposed on the main body, the rotating unit comprising: a rotating member, a fluid outlet extending radially outward from the rotating member, a first positioning protrusion extending radially outward from the rotating member, and a second positioning protrusion, spaced apart from the first positioning protrusion and extending radially outward from the rotating member ; and a reversing member comprising: a first stopper and a second stopper arranged symmetrically with respect to a moving direction of the pool cleaning device, and a buoyant plate extending across the rotating member and connected to the first stopper and the second stopper; wherein the pool cleaning device is positionable into: a first service state in which the pool cleaning device moves in a first direction, the buoyant plate is in an inclined state, the first stopper stops the first positioning protrusion, and the fluid outlet is oriented in a second direction opposite the first direction; a transition state in which the pool cleaning device stops moving, the buoyant plate is rotated into a vertical state, the first stopper is rotated to separate from the first positioning protrusion, the rotating member rotates until the second stopper contacts the second positioning protrusion, and the fluid outlet is oriented in the first direction, and a second service state in which the buoyant plate is deflected into the inclined state, the second stopper rotates past the second positioning protrusion until the second stopper contacts the first positioning protrusion, and the fluid outlet remains oriented in the first direction.

The above and/or other aspects will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of example embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:.

Reference will now be made in detail to example embodiments which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. In this regard, the example embodiments may have different forms and may not be construed as being limited to the descriptions set forth herein.

It will be understood that the terms "include," "including", "comprise, and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

It will be further understood that, although the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections may not be limited by these terms.

Various terms are used to refer to particular system components. Different companies may refer to a component by different names - this document does not intend to distinguish between components that differ in name but not function.

Matters of these example embodiments that are obvious to those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which these exemplary embodiments pertain may not be described here in detail.

As used herein, the directional term "transverse" refers to a direction substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of a component. As used herein, the term "horizontal" does not refer to an absolute horizontal plane, but rather to a direction substantially parallel to a bottom surface of a pool to be cleaned by a pool cleaning device; and the term "vertical" refers to a direction substantially perpendicular to the "horizontal" direction. The terms "above" and "below" are both used with reference to the "vertical" direction.

<FIG> schematically shows a pool cleaning device <NUM> according to a first example embodiment. As shown in <FIG>, the pool cleaning device <NUM> comprises a main body <NUM>, a rotating unit <NUM>, and a reversing member <NUM>. The rotating unit <NUM> comprises a rotating member <NUM>, a fluid outlet <NUM> extending radially outward from the rotating member <NUM>, and a first positioning protrusion <NUM> extending radially outward from the rotating member <NUM> and spaced apart from the fluid outlet <NUM>. The rotating member <NUM> is rotatably disposed on the main body <NUM> in a horizontal direction. In particular, the rotating member <NUM> is transversely provided with the fluid outlet <NUM> and the first positioning protrusion <NUM> that is spaced apart from the fluid outlet <NUM> and extends transversely outward from the rotating member <NUM>. The fluid outlet <NUM> is configured to spray water outward from the rotating member to thereby provide power for the pool cleaning device <NUM> to move. When the rotating member <NUM> circumferentially rotates relative to the main body <NUM> in the horizontal direction, the orientation of the fluid outlet <NUM> changes accordingly relative to the main body <NUM>. The reversing member <NUM> comprises a plurality of stoppers <NUM> (see <FIG>) spaced apart each other along a rotation path of the rotating member <NUM>. The plurality of stoppers <NUM> are adapted to reciprocate and thereby enter or leave the rotation path of the first positioning protrusion <NUM> to respectively prevent the rotating member <NUM> from rotating and allow the rotating member <NUM> to pass thereby, thus changing the orientation of the fluid outlet <NUM> relative to the main body <NUM>.

During use of the pool cleaning device <NUM>, one stopper enters the rotation path of the first positioning protrusion <NUM>, the rotating member <NUM> is stopped at a certain angle and the fluid outlet <NUM> is accordingly oriented at the certain angle relative to the main body <NUM>, such that the pool cleaning device <NUM> can move in a specific direction. When the stopper leaves the rotation path of the first positioning protrusion <NUM> and another stopper enters the rotation path of the first positioning protrusion <NUM>, the rotating member <NUM> rotates through a certain angle range and then stops at another angle; the fluid outlet <NUM> is accordingly switched to another angle relative to the main body <NUM>, such that the pool cleaning device <NUM> can move in another direction. In this way, the stoppers alternatively enter the rotation path of the first positioning protrusion <NUM>, such that the moving direction of the pool cleaning device <NUM> can be accurately changed, preventing the pool cleaning device <NUM> from spinning in the same place, and improving cleaning efficiency of the pool cleaning device <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a shape of the main body <NUM> is substantially cuboid. Of course, a shape of the main body <NUM> can also be any of a variety of other shapes, for example, a disc shape, an elliptical disc shape, and a polygonal shape, which will not be described here. The main body <NUM> substantially in the shape of a cuboid is described herein as one possible example.

The rotating member <NUM> is mounted on an upper surface of the main body <NUM>. The fluid outlet <NUM> and the first positioning protrusion <NUM> each extend substantially parallel to the top surface of the main body <NUM>, that is, in a substantially horizontal direction. Stoppers <NUM> are also mounted on the top surface of the main body <NUM>. In addition, the stoppers <NUM> can alternately be mounted on one or more side surfaces of the main body <NUM>, as long as they can prevent the first positioning protrusion <NUM> or the rotating member <NUM> from rotating.

The main body <NUM> is further provided with four wheels <NUM> to enable the pool cleaning device <NUM> to move. Optionally, the main body <NUM> is further provided with a cleaning assembly (not shown in the figure) to clean the pool while the pool cleaning device <NUM> moves on a bottom surface of the pool.

The plurality of stoppers <NUM> rotate synchronously, and a rotation path of each of the stoppers <NUM> intersects with the rotation path of the first positioning protrusion <NUM>. Moreover, at any given moment, the stoppers <NUM> are at different angles with respect to a vertical direction, such that one of the stoppers <NUM> stops the first positioning protrusion <NUM> and the remaining stoppers <NUM> allow the first positioning protrusion <NUM> to pass thereby. According to this structure, when it is desirable to adjust a moving direction of the pool cleaning device <NUM>, one of the stoppers <NUM> may be appropriately selected to enter the rotation path of the first positioning protrusion <NUM> to prevent the rotating member <NUM> from rotating and to position the fluid outlet <NUM> in a predetermined orientation. In addition, a driving component can be used to drive the plurality of stoppers <NUM> to rotate simultaneously; for example, an electric motor can be used for driving.

Optionally, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the stoppers <NUM> comprise a first stopper <NUM> and a second stopper <NUM>. The first stopper <NUM> and the second stopper <NUM> are rotatably disposed on the main body <NUM> and are arranged symmetrically with respect to a moving direction T of the pool cleaning device <NUM>. The first stopper <NUM> has a first stop position <NUM> and a second stop position <NUM>, the first stop position <NUM> and the second stop position <NUM> being spaced apart along a first circumference which is a circumferential path along which the first stopper <NUM> rotates. The second stopper <NUM> has a third stop position <NUM> and a fourth stop position <NUM>, the third stop position <NUM> and the fourth stop position <NUM> being spaced apart along a second circumference which is a circumferential path along which the second stopper <NUM> rotates. Projections, toward each other, of an arc segment <NUM> between the first stop position <NUM> and the second stop position <NUM> and a corresponding arc segment <NUM> between the third stop position <NUM> and the fourth stop position <NUM> are orthogonal. In other words, the two arc segments are arranged in different planes and perpendicular to each other. The first stopper <NUM> may comprise a first curved plate and the second stopper <NUM> may comprise a second curved plate (see <FIG>). Along the rotation path of the first positioning protrusion <NUM>, the fluid outlet <NUM> is arranged at a right angle with respect to the first positioning protrusion <NUM>. That is, the fluid outlet <NUM> is separated from the first positioning protrusion <NUM> by an angle of <NUM> degrees. With this structure, the rotating member <NUM> can only be positioned by the first stop position <NUM> and the second stop position <NUM> such that the fluid outlet <NUM> faces forward or backward in the moving direction T, so that the pool cleaning device <NUM> can only move forward (in a direction +T) or backward (in a direction -T). That is, the pool cleaning device <NUM> can move in the moving direction T toward a first direction +T or a second direction -T). In this way, when the pool cleaning device <NUM> needs to reverse and turn back, it is only necessary to select the first stopper <NUM> or the second stopper <NUM> to block the rotation of the first positioning protrusion <NUM> (i.e., the rotating member <NUM>), which greatly facilitates turning back of the pool cleaning device <NUM> and prevents the pool cleaning device from spinning in a same place.

<FIG> and <FIG> show, in an enlarged form, the first stopper <NUM> and the second stopper <NUM> of the pool cleaning device <NUM> according to the first example embodiment. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first stopper <NUM> and the second stopper <NUM> are both curved plates. Radial edges of the curved plate of the first stopper <NUM> form the first stop position <NUM> and the second stop position <NUM> as described above. Radial edges of the curved plate of the second stopper <NUM> form the third stop position <NUM> and the fourth stop position <NUM> as described above, and projections, toward each other, of the first stopper <NUM> and the second stopper <NUM> are orthogonal.

Optionally, the stoppers <NUM> may also comprise other stoppers provided at other locations to position the fluid outlet <NUM> to be oriented in other directions, such that the pool cleaning device <NUM> is able to implement a greater variety of steering movements, which will not be described here.

As shown in <FIG>, the reversing member <NUM> further comprises a buoyant plate <NUM>. The buoyant plate <NUM> extends over the rotating member <NUM> and is connected to the first stopper <NUM> and the second stopper <NUM>. For example, the buoyant plate <NUM>, the first stopper <NUM> and the second stopper <NUM> may be integrally made of a plastic material with a density less than that of water. As a whole, the buoyant plate <NUM> is substantially U-shaped, and the first stopper <NUM> and the second stopper <NUM> are at two ends of the substantially U-shaped buoyant plate <NUM>. During use of the pool cleaning device <NUM>, the buoyant plate <NUM> drives the first stopper <NUM> and the second stopper <NUM> to rotate synchronously under a combined effect of the buoyancy of the buoyant plate and the resistance of water, which will be described in detail below.

Optionally, the main body <NUM> is further provided with two mounting bases <NUM>, a first and second mounting bases <NUM>, extending upward. As shown in <FIG>, the two mounting bases <NUM> are arranged symmetrically with respect to the moving direction T of the pool cleaning device <NUM>, that is, the two mounting bases <NUM> are located on opposite sides of the rotating member <NUM>. The two ends of the buoyant plate <NUM> are rotatably mounted on the mounting bases <NUM>. The first stopper <NUM> and the second stopper <NUM> are located at the two ends of the buoyant plate <NUM> and face each other.

Still as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the rotating unit <NUM>, and in particular the rotating member <NUM>, is further provided with a second positioning protrusion <NUM> that transversely extends outward. The second positioning protrusion <NUM> is located above the first positioning protrusion <NUM>. The second positioning protrusion <NUM> is located in front of the first positioning protrusion <NUM> in a rotation direction W of the rotating member <NUM>.

A process of using the pool cleaning device <NUM> is described below, with the rotating member <NUM> having the first positioning protrusion <NUM> and the second positioning protrusion <NUM> and the reversing member <NUM> having the first stopper <NUM>, the second stopper <NUM>, and the buoyant plate <NUM> as an example.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, when the pool cleaning device <NUM> moves in a first direction (e.g. a forward moving direction +T), the buoyant plate <NUM> is in an inclined state (e.g., being inclined from the vertical toward a second direction (e.g. a reverse moving direction -T) under the combined effect of buoyancy and resistance of the water. The first stopper <NUM> deviates from the vertical direction by a small angle, for example, at an angle of substantially <NUM> degrees with respect to vertical, to stop the first positioning protrusion <NUM>, such that the rotating member <NUM> cannot rotate, and the fluid outlet <NUM> is constantly oriented to spray water in the second direction, opposite the first direction. At this point, the second stopper <NUM> is at an angle of substantially <NUM> degrees with respect to the vertical direction.

As shown in <FIG>, when the pool cleaning device <NUM> stops moving (e.g., when the pool cleaning device <NUM> touches a side wall of the pool and needs to be reversed), the buoyant plate <NUM> is no longer subjected to resistance but only to buoyancy, and thus rotates from an inclined state to a substantially vertical state. Accordingly, the first stopper <NUM> is driven by the buoyant plate <NUM> to rotate relative to the first positioning protrusion <NUM> to a substantially horizontal state, that is, at an angle of substantially <NUM> degrees with respect to the vertical direction, so as to be separated from the first positioning protrusion <NUM>. The second stopper <NUM> is also driven by the buoyant plate <NUM> to rotate to a substantially vertical state, that is, at an angle of substantially <NUM> degree with respect to the vertical direction. The rotating member <NUM> rotates without obstruction until the rotating member <NUM> rotates through about <NUM> degrees, such that the second positioning protrusion <NUM> is stopped by the second stopper <NUM>. At this point, the fluid outlet <NUM> is oriented in the first direction.

When the fluid outlet <NUM> is oriented toward the first direction, the pool cleaning device <NUM> can move only toward the second direction. The buoyant plate <NUM> rotates into an inclined state (e.g., being inclined toward the first direction) again under the combined effect of buoyancy and resistance. The second stopper <NUM> is driven by the buoyant plate <NUM> to rotate to deviate from the vertical direction by a small angle, for example, at an angle of substantially <NUM> degrees with respect to the vertical direction, to pass the second positioning protrusion <NUM> and be separated from the second positioning protrusion <NUM> and stop the first positioning protrusion <NUM> (that is, the second stopper <NUM> rotates to be between the second positioning protrusion <NUM> and the first positioning protrusion <NUM>). At this point, a position state in which the first positioning protrusion <NUM> and the second stopper <NUM> both cooperate with each other can be seen in <FIG>, and the first stopper <NUM> is at an angle of substantially <NUM> degrees with respect to the vertical direction. The rotating member <NUM> cannot rotate, such that the fluid outlet <NUM> remains oriented in the first direction, until the pool cleaning device <NUM> stops moving again.

During the use of the pool cleaning device <NUM>, as the pool cleaning device <NUM> is stopped (e.g., by touching the side wall of the pool or an obstacle), the pool cleaning device can automatically reverse itself without human control or processor control, which may greatly facilitate its use and may greatly improve its pool cleaning efficiency. It may also reduce the cost of the pool cleaning device <NUM>. In addition, the buoyant plate <NUM> can also be used as a carrying handle of the pool cleaning device <NUM>, which further facilitates its use.

It should be noted that the fluid outlet <NUM> can also spray water during rotation of the rotating member <NUM> to drive the pool cleaning device <NUM> to move. This will not be further described herein.

As shown in <FIG>, matching edges <NUM>, matching with the first stopper <NUM> and the second stopper <NUM> respectively, of the first positioning protrusion <NUM> and the second positioning protrusion <NUM> are each constructed into a backward-recessed arc shape. The arc shape is adapted to the curved plate-like first stopper <NUM> and second stopper <NUM>. In this way, the stoppers <NUM> can move smoothly and steadily relative to the first positioning protrusion <NUM> and the second positioning protrusion <NUM>, which is conductive to smooth steering of the pool cleaning device <NUM>. Herein, the term "backward" is used with reference to the rotation direction of the rotating member <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the rotating unit <NUM>, in particular the rotating member <NUM>, comprises a housing <NUM> and an impeller <NUM> disposed in the housing <NUM>. The main body <NUM> carries an electric motor <NUM>. The electric motor <NUM> drives the impeller <NUM> to rotate via a transmission mechanism, thereby driving the housing <NUM> to rotate. For example, the main body <NUM> is provided with a first shaft hole <NUM>, and the housing <NUM> is provided with a second shaft hole <NUM> corresponding to the first shaft hole <NUM> (see <FIG>). A shaft <NUM>, connected to the electric motor <NUM>, extends from inside the main body <NUM> through the first shaft hole <NUM> and the second shaft hole <NUM>, and is connected to the impeller <NUM>, such that the electric motor <NUM> drives the impeller <NUM> to rotate at a high speed via the shaft <NUM> to allow water to be sprayed at a high speed from the fluid outlet <NUM>, thereby driving the pool cleaning device <NUM> to move. In addition, when the rotating member <NUM> is not prevented from rotating, the housing <NUM> is driven to rotate by the water sprayed at a high speed at the fluid outlet <NUM>, thereby achieving rotation of the rotating member <NUM>, and then achieving the purpose of adjusting the direction of the fluid outlet <NUM>.

Optionally, a fluid passage that is in communication with the outside and the inside of the housing <NUM> is also constructed in the main body <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, an inlet <NUM> of the fluid passage is located in a lower portion of the main body <NUM>. A direction of water flow is shown by an arrow in <FIG>.

Optionally, the electric motor <NUM> is disposed inside the main body <NUM>. This helps to reduce the movement resistance of the pool cleaning device <NUM>, thereby reducing energy consumption. In addition, since the electric motor <NUM> is disposed inside the main body <NUM>, the electric motor <NUM> is protected, which helps to prolong service life of the pool cleaning device <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> schematically show a structure of the impeller <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, an upper surface of the impeller <NUM>, facing away from the main body <NUM>, is provided with a plurality of back vanes <NUM>. When the impeller <NUM> rotates, the plurality of back vanes <NUM> reduce any axial force exerted by the rotating member <NUM> onto the main body <NUM>, thereby helping to reduce a friction force between the rotating member <NUM> and the main body <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, an annular groove <NUM> is provided in a surface of the main body <NUM> on the radially outer side of the first shaft hole <NUM>. An annular wear-resistant part <NUM> is mounted in the annular groove <NUM>. The rotating member <NUM> is in sliding contact with the wear-resistant part <NUM>, such that the rotating member <NUM> (or the housing <NUM>) is supported by the wear-resistant part <NUM>. The wear-resistant part <NUM> separates the rotating member <NUM> from the main body <NUM>, and the wear-resistant part <NUM> has a high wear resistance and also has some lubricity, which can reduce wear on the main body <NUM> and the rotating member <NUM> and enable the rotating member <NUM> to rotate flexibly. In one example embodiment, the wear-resistant part <NUM> may be a wear-resistant ceramic plate or wear-resistant nylon plate adhered to the annular groove <NUM>.

It should be understood that the annular groove <NUM> may also be provided in the rotating member <NUM>, which will not be further described herein.

<FIG> shows a fitting relationship between the rotating member <NUM> and the main body <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a blocking ring <NUM> is also mounted on the main body <NUM> around the first shaft hole <NUM>. The blocking ring <NUM> comprises an extension portion <NUM> extending radially outward from the first shaft hole <NUM>. A circumferential edge portion of the second shaft hole <NUM> of the housing <NUM> is below the extension portion <NUM> and stopped by the extension portion <NUM> so as to prevent the housing <NUM> (i.e., the rotating member <NUM>) from moving upward. In this way, the rotating member <NUM> is stable on the main body <NUM> with a stopping effect of the blocking ring <NUM> and a supporting effect of the wear-resistant part <NUM>. It should be understood that the extension portion <NUM> may be used to prevent the housing <NUM> (i.e., the rotating member <NUM>) from moving upward but does not apply a resistance to the rotation of the rotating member <NUM>.

Optionally, as shown in <FIG>, the blocking ring <NUM> may be mounted at the edge of the first shaft hole <NUM>, such that the blocking ring <NUM> is on the radially inner side of the wear-resistant part <NUM>. In other example embodiments, the blocking ring <NUM> may also be radially away from the first shaft hole <NUM> and on the radially outer side of the wear-resistant part <NUM>, and the extension portion <NUM> may extend radially inward or radially outward. In this case, a flange may be constructed on the housing <NUM> that fits with the extension portion <NUM> of the blocking ring <NUM>, which will not be described herein.

Optionally, a brush <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>) may be mounted at the bottom of the main body <NUM>. The brush <NUM> can brush the bottom surface of the pool when the pool cleaning device <NUM> moves along the bottom surface of the pool. In one example embodiment, a plurality of brushes <NUM> are provided and are uniformly disposed on the bottom of the main body <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically shows a pool cleaning device <NUM> according to a second example embodiment. The pool cleaning device <NUM> according to the second example embodiment is substantially the same as the pool cleaning device <NUM> according to the first example embodiment, except for the fitting relationship between the rotating member <NUM> and the main body <NUM>. For the sake of simplicity, only the above difference is described below.

As shown in <FIG>, a bearing <NUM> is vertically provided between the housing <NUM> of the rotating member <NUM> and the main body <NUM> to separate the housing <NUM> from the main body <NUM>. In this way, mutual wear between the housing <NUM> and the main body <NUM> can be limited.

Optionally, still as shown in <FIG>, a first hook <NUM> extending vertically may be constructed in an area of the main body <NUM> corresponding to the housing <NUM>, and a second hook <NUM> extending vertically is constructed in an area of the housing <NUM> corresponding to the main body <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, four first hooks <NUM> are provided and are uniformly formed at the edge of the first shaft hole <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, four second hooks <NUM> are also provided and are uniformly formed at the edge of the second shaft hole <NUM>. The bearing <NUM> comprises an outer race <NUM>, an inner race <NUM>, and rollers <NUM> disposed between the outer race <NUM> and the inner race <NUM>. The outer race <NUM> is mounted to the first hook <NUM> and the inner race <NUM> is mounted to the second hook <NUM>. Thus, stable mounting of the bearing <NUM> is achieved.

Optionally, still as shown in <FIG>, an extension wall <NUM> may also be formed between adjacent second hooks <NUM>. The extension wall <NUM> abuts against the inner race <NUM>, thereby improving the fitting stability between the housing <NUM> (i.e., the rotating member <NUM>) and the bearing <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically shows a pool cleaning device <NUM> according to a third example embodiment. The pool cleaning device <NUM> according to the third example embodiment is substantially the same as the pool cleaning device <NUM> according to the first example embodiment, except for the structure of the stoppers <NUM>. For the sake of simplicity, only the above difference is described below.

As shown in <FIG>, a first stopper <NUM> comprises a first blocking bar <NUM> and a second blocking bar <NUM>. The first blocking bar <NUM> and the second blocking bar <NUM> are on the same circumference and are spaced apart, such that the first blocking bar <NUM> forms a first stop position and the second blocking bar <NUM> forms a second stop position. As a whole, compared with <FIG>, the first stopper <NUM> shown in <FIG> is equivalent to two radial edges of the curved plate-like first stopper <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

During use, the first blocking bar <NUM> and the second blocking bar <NUM> have the same effect as the curved plate-like first stopper <NUM>, which will not be described herein.

As shown in <FIG>, a second stopper <NUM> of the pool cleaning device <NUM> has the same structure as the first stopper <NUM>, that is, it comprises a third blocking bar <NUM> that forms a third stop position and a fourth blocking bar <NUM> that forms a fourth stop position, the third blocking bar and the fourth blocking bar being on the same circumference and spaced apart. During use, the second stopper of the pool cleaning device <NUM> has the same effect as the curved plate-like second stopper <NUM>, which will not be described herein.

When using the pool cleaning device <NUM>, the first stopper and second stopper in the form described above may help to reduce the resistance of water, making the pool cleaning device <NUM> more energy efficient.

<FIG> schematically shows a pool cleaning device <NUM> according to a fourth example embodiment. The pool cleaning device <NUM> according to the fourth example embodiment is substantially the same as the pool cleaning device <NUM> according to the first example embodiment, with a counterweight provided in the main body <NUM>. For the sake of simplicity, only the above difference is described below.

The counterweight may comprise a weight block <NUM>. The weight block <NUM> has a density greater than that of water and may be, for example, a concrete block or a metal block. Still as shown in <FIG>, the weight block <NUM> may be disposed at the bottom of the main body <NUM>. In this way, the weight block <NUM> can increase the dead weight of the pool cleaning device <NUM> and lower the center of gravity of the pool cleaning device <NUM> to prevent the pool cleaning device <NUM> from being overturned by an external force (e.g., water in the pool shakes to produce a thrust on the pool cleaning device <NUM>).

Optionally, a plurality of weight blocks <NUM> may be provided, and may be uniformly distributed inside the main body <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the weight blocks <NUM> are arranged at front and rear portions inside the main body <NUM> in the moving direction T. This enables a more even distribution of mass of the pool cleaning device <NUM>, such that the pool cleaning device <NUM> is more stable when moving. It should be understood that counterweights can also be provided at other locations inside the main body <NUM>, which will not be described herein.

Optionally, the weight blocks <NUM> can be replaced to change the weight of the pool cleaning device <NUM> according to the actual situation, such that the pool cleaning device <NUM> can move more smoothly in different pools.

Optionally, the counterweight may further comprise a buoyant block <NUM>. The buoyant block <NUM> has a density that is less than an average density of the main body <NUM>, for example, the main body <NUM> is made of plastic, while the buoyant block <NUM> may be a foam block. The buoyant block <NUM> may reduce the dead weight of the pool cleaning device <NUM>, which helps to reduce the movement resistance of the pool cleaning device <NUM>, such that the pool cleaning device <NUM> can move more smoothly.

Optionally, similar to the weight blocks <NUM>, a plurality of buoyant blocks <NUM> may be provided and are uniformly distributed inside the main body <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the mounting bases <NUM> are each constructed as a hollow structure and the buoyant block <NUM> is filled in the mounting base <NUM>. In addition, similar to the weight blocks <NUM>, the buoyant blocks <NUM> can be replaced. This will not be described herein.

Optionally, both the weight blocks <NUM> and the buoyant blocks <NUM> can be provided in the pool cleaning device <NUM>, or the weight blocks <NUM> or the buoyant blocks <NUM> can be selectively provided, according to the actual situation. In this way, the movement resistance and movement stability of the pool cleaning device <NUM> can be adjusted more precisely.

It may be understood that the exemplary embodiments described herein may be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Descriptions of features or aspects within each exemplary embodiment may be considered as available for other similar features or aspects in other exemplary embodiments.

Claim 1:
A pool cleaning device (<NUM>), comprising:
a main body (<NUM>);
a rotating unit (<NUM>) rotatably disposed on the main body (<NUM>), the rotating unit comprising: a rotating member (<NUM>), a fluid outlet (<NUM>) extending radially outward from the rotating member (<NUM>), and a first positioning protrusion (<NUM>) extending radially outward from the rotating member (<NUM>) and spaced apart from the fluid outlet (<NUM>); and
a reversing member (<NUM>) comprising a plurality of stoppers (<NUM>) spaced apart from each other and disposed along a path of rotation of the rotating member (<NUM>), characterized in that each of the plurality of stoppers (<NUM>) is reciprocable between a position in a path of rotation of the first positioning protrusion (<NUM>) and a position out of the path of rotation of the first positioning protrusion (<NUM>).