Automatic swimming pool cleaner with pump flow optimization

Abstract

A pool cleaner for a swimming pool or spa includes a pump with a flow outlet for directing a flow of water from the pump. The flow outlet includes a plurality of flow guides defining flow paths for the water, and, in some cases, the plurality of flow guides may guide the flow of water along a non-linear path. In certain cases, a height of the plurality of flow guides is less than a height of the flow outlet.

That which is claimed: 
     
         1 . A flow outlet for a pool cleaner, the flow outlet comprising a plurality of flow guides, wherein at least one flow guide of the plurality of flow guides having a first side and a second side, and wherein the first side comprises a non-linear curvature. 
     
     
         2 . The flow outlet of  claim 1 , wherein at least one flow guide of the plurality of flow guides comprises a first end and a second end, and wherein at least a portion of the second end is circumferentially offset from the first end. 
     
     
         3 . The flow outlet of  claim 1 , wherein a profile of at least one flow guide of the plurality of flow guides is tapered in a radial direction. 
     
     
         4 . The flow outlet of  claim 1 , wherein a thickness of at least one flow guide of the plurality of flow guides is tapered in a height direction of the flow guide. 
     
     
         5 . The flow outlet of  claim 1 , wherein a height of each flow guide of the plurality of flow guides is less than a height of the flow outlet. 
     
     
         6 . The flow outlet of  claim 1 , further comprising a hub, and wherein the plurality of flow guides extend radially outwards from the hub of the flow outlet. 
     
     
         7 . The flow outlet of  claim 6 , wherein a height of the hub is less than a height of the flow outlet. 
     
     
         8 . The flow outlet of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of guides define non-linear flow paths through the flow outlet. 
     
     
         9 . A pool cleaner for a swimming pool or spa, the pool cleaner comprising a pump, the pump comprising the flow outlet of  claim 1 , wherein the flow outlet is configured to direct a flow of water from the pump. 
     
     
         10 . A flow outlet for a pool cleaner, the flow outlet comprising a plurality of flow guides, wherein the plurality of flow guides are configured to guide a flow of water along a non-linear path. 
     
     
         11 . The flow outlet of  claim 10 , wherein a height of each flow guide of the flow guides is less than a height of the flow outlet. 
     
     
         12 . The flow outlet of  claim 10 , wherein the plurality of flow guides are within a housing of the flow outlet. 
     
     
         13 . The flow outlet of  claim 10 , further comprising a hub, and wherein the plurality of flow guides extend radially outwards from the hub of the flow outlet. 
     
     
         14 . The flow outlet of  claim 10 , wherein a side of at least one of the plurality of flow guides comprises a non-linear curvature, or wherein a first end of at least one of the plurality of flow guides is circumferentially offset from a first end of the at least one of the plurality of flow guides. 
     
     
         15 . A flow outlet for a pool cleaner, the flow outlet comprising a plurality of flow guides, wherein a height of each flow guide of the flow guides is less than a height of the flow outlet. 
     
     
         16 . The flow outlet of  claim 15 , wherein the height of each flow guide of the flow guides is less than half the height of the flow outlet. 
     
     
         17 . The flow outlet of  claim 15 , wherein the plurality of flow guides extend radially outwards from a hub of the flow outlet. 
     
     
         18 . The flow outlet of  claim 15 , wherein the flow outlet is a monolithic component. 
     
     
         19 . The flow outlet of  claim 15 , wherein the plurality of guides define non-linear flow paths through the flow outlet. 
     
     
         20 . A pool cleaner for a swimming pool or spa, the pool cleaner comprising a pump, the pump comprising the flow outlet of  claim 15 , wherein the flow outlet is configured to direct a flow of water from the pump.