초록 ▼

The swivel assembly of the present invention employs a thrust bearing configuration that provides smooth operation under non-axial and axial load conditions. The assembly comprises two opposing bearing surfaces, one on the end of a hose pipe and the other on a bearing race. A cylindrical housing int

The swivel assembly of the present invention employs a thrust bearing configuration that provides smooth operation under non-axial and axial load conditions. The assembly comprises two opposing bearing surfaces, one on the end of a hose pipe and the other on a bearing race. A cylindrical housing interlocks with the bearing race and includes a flange to keep the bearing surface of the hose pipe in contact with the bearings. Thus, the hose pipe may rotate freely relative to the bearing race and housing. Because only the end of the hose pipe is in contact with the housing or bearings, non-axial bending loads centered in the bearing are resolved through relatively short moment arms thereby reducing friction creating by the non-axial loading condition. A sealing and lubricating thrust washer may be introduced between the flange in the housing and the hose pipe to seal the swivel assembly and to reduce further the friction between the hose pipe and the housing flange and bearing race.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A swivel assembly for use in an automatic swimming pool cleaner comprising:a. a longitudinal axis defining an axial direction;b. a bearing race that is substantially symmetrical around the longitudinal axis and adapted to be connected in fluid communication with a cleaner head of t

[ We claim:] [1.] A swivel assembly for use in an automatic swimming pool cleaner comprising:a. a longitudinal axis defining an axial direction;b. a bearing race that is substantially symmetrical around the longitudinal axis and adapted to be connected in fluid communication with a cleaner head of the automatic swimming pool cleaner, which bearing race comprises:i. an inner wall defining a first fluid passage,ii. an outer wall having a retaining surface, andiii. a race bearing surface inside the outer wall,c. a hose pipe that is substantially symmetrical around the longitudinal axis and adapted to be connected to a hose that is in fluid communication with a pump, which hose pipe comprises:i. a tubular section defining a second fluid passage that substantially aligns with the first fluid passage,ii. a pipe flange on the distal end of the tubular section and extending radially outward, which pipe flange has a proximal surface and a distal surface, andiii. a pipe bearing surface located on the distal surface of the pipe flange;d. a plurality of ball bearings that run between the race bearing surface and the pipe bearing surface; ande. a swivel housing that is substantially symmetrical around the longitudinal axis comprisingi. a swivel housing locking surface that engages the retaining surface andii. a housing flange located on the proximal end of the swivel housing and extending radially inward to define a hose pipe aperture, which housing flange has a housing flange distal surface in which (A) the swivel housing is in locked engagement with the bearing race, (B) the hose pipe aperture closely surrounds the distal end of the hose pipe at a location just proximal to the pipe flange, and (C) the housing flange distal surface is immediately adjacent the proximal surface of the pipe flange whereby the hose pipe freely rotates in relation to the bearing race when the swivel assembly is exposed to forces aligned with the axial direction and forces not aligned with the axial direction.