Propeller mechanism for easy cleaning

Abstract

The utility model discloses a propeller mechanism convenient to clean, including the detachable connection of protective cover and the drive motor of setting in the main body of swimming pool cleaning robot, the drive shaft of drive motor extends the main body shell, and the opening of protective cover one side is close to the shell fixed, and the other side extends the rotation axis. Propeller is located in the protective cover, and one side is rotatably connected with the rotation axis through the bearing, and the other side is connected with the limiting insertion post on the drive shaft through the limiting insertion slot on it to transmit the torque. The utility model discloses the interference fit through the bearing and makes the protective cover and propeller constitute the unit of integral dismounting, and when maintaining, all are taken down, effectively prevent the protective cover from missing, and only need a tool to complete the operation, greatly improved the dismounting convenience. The grid design of protective cover can effectively block the foreign matter, and the guide vane added in its inside can eliminate the circumferential vortex, improve the propulsion efficiency and reduce the running noise.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of underwater cleaning equipment, and in particular relates to a propeller mechanism that is easy to clean. Background Technology

[0002] Pool cleaning robots, as automated equipment, are widely used in cleaning various swimming pools, landscape ponds, and industrial water tanks. Their core propulsion mechanism typically uses a propeller, driven by a motor to rotate at high speed. This propulsion generates a reaction force through the water flow, providing the robot with the thrust needed for forward movement, turning, and attitude adjustment. Because the propeller operates at high speed, its blades have sharp edges and significant torque, posing a potential risk of mechanical injury to people (such as maintenance personnel or swimmers) or pets. Furthermore, pool environments often contain numerous solid foreign objects, such as pebbles, toy parts, twigs, and other hard debris, as well as flexible entanglements like weeds, hair, and fiber ropes. These foreign objects are easily sucked into the propeller during operation, causing propeller jamming, blade deformation, or damage, thus affecting the robot's normal operation.

[0003] Therefore, existing technologies typically involve adding a protective shield structure to the outside of the propeller. This shield uses a grid or mesh design, which allows water to flow smoothly to ensure propulsion efficiency while mechanically blocking foreign objects from entering. Its protective function is mainly reflected in two aspects: first, it prevents people or pets from coming into contact with the high-speed rotating propeller through physical isolation, ensuring safety during use; second, it forms a protective enclosure around the propeller body, effectively blocking the direct impact and entanglement of larger foreign objects, reducing the risk of mechanical failure, and extending the propeller's service life.

[0004] In existing technologies, the typical installation method for propeller assemblies is as follows: the motor output shaft is fixed to the propeller via keyways, pins, or threads to ensure reliable power transmission; the protective cover is fixed to the robot shell or motor mounting base via bolts, clips, or threaded connections. While this structural design achieves basic safety protection to a certain extent, it still has significant drawbacks in actual use and maintenance: First, because the propeller draws in water and impurities during operation, various foreign objects easily accumulate and become entangled in its working chamber. When jamming occurs or routine maintenance is required, the propeller must be disassembled and cleaned. In existing structures, disassembling the propeller requires removing the protective cover first, meaning maintenance personnel must perform at least two steps: first, using specific tools to remove the protective cover's fasteners, and then using another type of tool to disconnect the propeller from the motor shaft. This process is not only cumbersome and time-consuming, but also reduces operational convenience due to the need to carry multiple tools; second, the complex disassembly process increases the possibility of oversights during reassembly. If users fail to install protective covers promptly after maintenance, the propeller will be directly exposed to the external environment. This significantly increases personal safety risks and renders the propeller vulnerable to impacts and entanglement from external objects, accelerating damage. This risk is particularly pronounced for non-professional users. Utility Model Content

[0005] Therefore, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a propeller mechanism that is easy to clean, which can significantly simplify the disassembly and maintenance process of the propeller while ensuring safety and reducing potential risks caused by structural design defects.

[0006] This utility model provides a propeller mechanism that is easy to clean, including a protective cover that is detachably and fixedly connected to the main body of a pool cleaning robot, and a drive motor disposed inside the main body of the pool cleaning robot. The drive shaft of the drive motor passes through the outer shell of the main body of the pool cleaning robot and extends to the outside of the outer shell of the main body of the pool cleaning robot. An opening is provided on one side of the protective cover. After assembly, the opening of the protective cover is in close contact with the outer shell surface of the main body of the pool cleaning robot at the location of the drive shaft. The protective cover extends towards the opening on the side opposite to the opening to form a rotating shaft. It also includes a propeller, which is located inside the protective cover. One side of the propeller is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft. After assembly, the other side of the propeller is connected to the drive shaft.

[0007] Specifically, the protective cover is fixed to the main body of the pool cleaning robot using screws or clips, and the protective cover adopts a grid or mesh design.

[0008] Advantageously, the propeller and the rotating shaft are connected by a bearing rotational connection; the rotating shaft is provided with a protrusion, and the propeller is provided with a corresponding groove. The inner ring of the bearing contacts the protrusion, and the outer ring of the bearing contacts the groove, with an interference fit; a limiting slot is provided on the other side of the propeller, and a limiting pin is provided on the corresponding drive shaft. During assembly, power is transmitted by inserting the limiting slot into the limiting pin, so that the drive motor can drive the propeller to rotate when it rotates.

[0009] Specifically, the limiting slot has a square structure, while the limiting post has a rounded square structure.

[0010] Specifically, the end of the limiting insert is chamfered to form a guide structure.

[0011] In one advantageous embodiment, the protective cover includes an outlet grille and an inlet grille, the inlet grille being cylindrical with openings at both ends, the outlet grille being disposed at one end of the inlet grille opening and fixed to the inlet grille, and the opening at the other end of the inlet grille being, after assembly, closely abutting the outer shell surface of the pool cleaning robot body at the location of the drive shaft and being detachably fixedly connected, the rotating shaft being formed by extending inward from the outlet grille.

[0012] Specifically, the protective cover also includes a guide plate, which is disposed between the water outlet grid and the propeller. The guide plate is provided with guide vanes, and the geometric installation angle of the guide vanes is opposite to the rotation direction of the propeller blades.

[0013] Specifically, a fixing block is provided on the outer side of the guide plate, and a fixing groove is provided on the outlet grid. The guide plate is fixed to the outlet grid by the insertion and cooperation of the fixing block and the fixing groove.

[0014] In another, more advantageous embodiment, the protective cover includes an outlet grille and an inlet grille, and also includes a fixing plate. The fixing plate has a U-shaped structure, including a horizontal plate and vertical plates connected to both sides of the horizontal plate. The protective cover is detachably and fixedly connected to the main body of the pool cleaning robot through the vertical plates. The horizontal plate has a mounting groove that runs through the upper and lower surfaces. The outlet grille is fixedly installed to the fixing plate through the mounting groove. The inlet grille is a cylinder with openings at both ends. The horizontal plate extends inward along the mounting groove to form a mounting part. The end of the mounting part has a slot. One end of the inlet grille is inserted into the slot to be fixed to the fixing plate. After assembly, the opening at the other end of the inlet grille is close to the outer shell surface of the main body of the pool cleaning robot at the location of the drive shaft. The rotating shaft is formed by extending inward from the outlet grille.

[0015] Specifically, the protective cover also includes a guide plate, which is disposed between the outlet grid and the propeller. The guide plate is provided with guide blades, and the geometric installation angle of the guide blades is opposite to the rotation direction of the propeller blades. A fixing block is provided on the outside of the guide plate, and a fixing groove is provided on the outlet grid. The guide plate is fixed to the outlet grid by the insertion and cooperation of the fixing block and the fixing groove.

[0016] This invention provides an easy-to-clean propeller mechanism where the protective cover and propeller are integrated into a single, detachable unit via an interference fit bearing. During disassembly, simply loosen the connection between the protective cover and the robot body (e.g., screws or clips) to remove the propeller and protective cover together, effectively preventing the loss or omission of the protective cover during disassembly. Furthermore, the entire disassembly and assembly process requires only one tool, greatly simplifying maintenance steps and saving time and manpower. By incorporating a guide plate with its blades angled opposite to the propeller blades, the circumferential vortex generated by the propeller is efficiently counteracted, transforming it into a directional axial water flow. This not only significantly reduces internal energy consumption and improves thrust output efficiency and energy utilization, but also streamlines the flow field, reduces vibration and noise, and makes the robot run more smoothly and quietly. The drive shaft and propeller adopt a square hole and rounded corner square post plug-in connection method, which not only transmits torque evenly on multiple contact surfaces and has reasonable force distribution, improving the reliability and stability of transmission, but also sets a chamfered guide structure at the end of the plug, so that it can be easily inserted without precise angle alignment during assembly, further improving the convenience of assembly and user experience. The fixed plate (U-shaped structure) design enhances the overall structural rigidity and realizes the independent modular installation of the water inlet grille. This design ensures structural stability while providing convenience for further deep cleaning and maintenance. Users can remove the water inlet grille separately to achieve unobstructed direct contact with the propeller for more thorough cleaning. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the easy-to-clean propeller mechanism provided by this utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the easy-to-clean propeller mechanism provided by this utility model;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the connection relationship between the rotating shaft and the propeller of the propeller mechanism, which is easy to clean, provided by this utility model.

[0020] Figure 4 This utility model provides a diagram showing the connection relationship between the propeller and the drive shaft of an easy-to-clean propeller mechanism.

[0021] Figure 5This is a diagram showing the connection relationship between the water outlet grille and the guide plate of the propeller mechanism, which is easy to clean, provided by this utility model.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the easy-to-clean propeller mechanism fixing plate provided by this utility model;

[0023] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the connection relationship of the propeller mechanism that is easy to clean, provided by this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components or components having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model. Furthermore, it should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely used to explain this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model.

[0025] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0026] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral molding; they can refer to mechanical connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; they can refer to direct connections between two components or indirect transmission or cooperation achieved through other structures. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0027] The following disclosure provides numerous different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of the present invention. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples; such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed.

[0028] This utility model provides a propeller mechanism that is easy to clean, such as... Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the system includes a protective cover 1 detachably and fixedly connected to the main body of the pool cleaning robot, and a drive motor 2 disposed inside the main body of the pool cleaning robot. The drive shaft 21 of the drive motor 2 passes through the outer shell 5 of the main body of the pool cleaning robot and extends to the outside of the outer shell 5 of the main body of the pool cleaning robot. The protective cover 1 has an opening on one side. After assembly, the opening of the protective cover is tightly attached to the surface of the outer shell 5 of the main body of the pool cleaning robot at the location of the drive shaft 21. The protective cover 1 extends towards the opening on the side opposite to the opening to form a rotating shaft 11. The system also includes a propeller 3, which is located inside the protective cover 1. One side of the propeller 3 is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft 11. After assembly, the other side of the propeller 3 is connected to the drive shaft 21. The drive motor 2 drives the propeller 3 to rotate at high speed, pushing the water flow to generate a reaction force, thereby providing the robot with the thrust required for forward movement, turning, and attitude adjustment.

[0029] Specifically, the protective cover 1 is fixed to the main body of the pool cleaning robot by screws or clips. The protective cover 1 adopts a grid or mesh design, which can allow water to flow smoothly to ensure propulsion efficiency, and can also form a mechanical barrier to prevent foreign objects from entering. The propeller 3 is connected to the rotating shaft 11 by a bearing 4. Specifically, a protrusion is set on the rotating shaft 11, and a corresponding groove is set on the propeller 3. The inner ring of the bearing 4 contacts the protrusion, and the outer ring of the bearing 4 contacts the groove, with an interference fit, so that the propeller 3 can only rotate relative to the rotating shaft 11 and cannot be displaced. A limit slot is set on the other side of the propeller 3, and a limit pin 211 is set on the corresponding drive shaft 21. During assembly, the power is transmitted by inserting the limit slot into the limit pin 211, so that the drive motor 2 can drive the propeller 3 to rotate when it rotates.

[0030] As can be seen from the above scheme, since the contact between the bearing 4 and the propeller 3 and the rotating shaft 11 is all by interference fit, the protective cover 1 and the propeller 3 can be removed or installed as a whole during the disassembly and assembly process, thereby effectively avoiding the situation where the protective cover 1 is missed. At the same time, the protective cover 1 is fixed to the main body of the pool cleaning robot by screws or clips, and only one disassembly tool is needed to complete the disassembly and assembly of the propeller, which significantly improves the ease of operation.

[0031] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, the limiting slot has a square structure, while the limiting pin 211 has a rounded square structure. When the limiting slot is inserted into the limiting pin 211, both can effectively transmit torque on the four contact surfaces, thereby making the force distribution more uniform and improving the stability and reliability of the transmission structure.

[0032] Specifically, such as Figure 4As shown, the end of the limiting insert has a chamfer to form a guide structure. This design allows the limiting slot to be smoothly inserted into the drive shaft without needing to be aligned at a specific angle during assembly, significantly improving the convenience and efficiency of assembly.

[0033] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the protective cover 1 includes an outlet grille 12 and an inlet grille 13. The inlet grille 13 is cylindrical with openings at both ends. The outlet grille 12 is located at one end of the opening of the inlet grille 13 and is fixed to the inlet grille 13. The opening at the other end of the inlet grille 13 is attached to the surface of the outer shell 5 of the pool cleaning robot body at the location of the drive shaft 21 after assembly and is fixedly connected in a detachable manner. The rotating shaft 11 is formed by extending inward from the outlet grille 12.

[0034] Specifically, such as Figure 2 , Figure 5 As shown, the protective cover 1 also includes a guide plate 14, which is disposed between the water outlet grid 12 and the propeller 3. The guide plate 14 is provided with guide blades, and the geometric installation angle of the guide blades is opposite to the rotation direction of the blades of the propeller 3. A fixing block 141 is provided on the outer side of the guide plate 14, and a fixing groove 121 is provided on the water outlet grid 12. The guide plate 14 is fixed to the water outlet grid 12 by the insertion and cooperation of the fixing block 141 and the fixing groove 121.

[0035] In this embodiment, the core function of the guide vanes, which rotate in the opposite direction to the propeller 3 blades, is to counteract the circumferential vortices generated by the high-speed rotation of the propeller 3, converting them into directional, parallel axial water flow. This significantly reduces the internal energy loss of the water flow, making the thrust more concentrated and thus greatly improving propulsion efficiency. At the same time, the guide vanes can tidy up the turbulent water flow exiting the propeller, allowing the water to be ejected more smoothly through the water outlet grille 12. This not only reduces propeller vibration and makes the machine run more smoothly, but also effectively reduces operating noise.

[0036] In other embodiments, such as Figure 6 , Figure 7As shown, the protective cover 1 includes an outlet grille 12 and an inlet grille 13, and also includes a fixing plate 15. The fixing plate 15 has a U-shaped structure, including a horizontal plate 151 and vertical plates 152 connected to both sides of the horizontal plate. The protective cover 1 is detachably and fixedly connected to the main body of the pool cleaning robot through the vertical plates 152. The horizontal plate 151 has an installation groove that runs through the upper and lower surfaces. The outlet grille 12 and the fixing plate 15 are fixedly installed through the installation groove. The inlet grille 13 is a cylindrical shape with openings at both ends. The horizontal plate 151 extends inward along the position of the installation groove to form an installation part 153. The end of the installation part 153 has a slot. One end of the inlet grille 13 is inserted into the slot to be fixed to the fixing plate 15. After assembly, the opening at the other end of the inlet grille 13 is close to the surface of the outer shell 5 of the main body of the pool cleaning robot at the location of the drive shaft 21. The rotating shaft 11 is formed by extending inward from the outlet grille 12.

[0037] Similar to the previous embodiment, the protective cover 1 also includes a guide plate 14, which is disposed between the outlet grid 12 and the propeller 3. The guide plate 14 is provided with guide vanes, and the geometric installation angle of the guide vanes is opposite to the rotation direction of the propeller 3 blades. A fixing block 141 is provided on the outer side of the guide plate 14, and a fixing groove 121 is provided on the outlet grid 12. The guide plate 14 is fixed to the outlet grid 12 by the insertion and cooperation of the fixing block 141 and the fixing groove 121.

[0038] In this embodiment, the addition of the fixing plate 15 significantly enhances the overall structural stability of the protective cover 1. Its U-shaped design provides a more stable installation base, ensuring the reliability of the protective cover 1 during operation. Secondly, this structural design enables the modular and independent installation of the inlet grille 13, allowing it to be easily separated from the fixing plate. The direct advantage of this design is that during deep cleaning and maintenance, the operator can easily remove the inlet grille 13, fully exposing the propeller 3, thereby greatly simplifying the cleaning process and improving the maintainability of the equipment and the user experience.

Claims

1. An easy-to-clean propeller mechanism, characterized in that, The device includes a protective cover detachably and fixedly connected to the main body of the pool cleaning robot, and a drive motor disposed inside the main body of the pool cleaning robot. The drive shaft of the drive motor passes through the outer shell of the main body of the pool cleaning robot and extends to the outside of the outer shell of the main body of the pool cleaning robot. An opening is provided on one side of the protective cover. After assembly, the opening of the protective cover is in close contact with the outer shell surface of the pool cleaning robot at the location of the drive shaft. A rotating shaft is formed on the side of the protective cover opposite to the opening. The device also includes a propeller located inside the protective cover. One side of the propeller is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft. After assembly, the other side of the propeller is connected to the drive shaft.

2. The easy-to-clean propeller mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protective cover is fixed to the main body of the pool cleaning robot using screws or clips, and the protective cover adopts a grid or mesh design.

3. The easy-to-clean propeller mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The propeller is connected to the rotating shaft by a bearing; the rotating shaft has a protrusion, and the propeller has a corresponding groove. The inner ring of the bearing contacts the protrusion, and the outer ring of the bearing contacts the groove, with an interference fit. A limit slot is provided on the other side of the propeller, and a limit pin is provided on the corresponding drive shaft. During assembly, the power is transmitted by inserting the limit slot into the limit pin, so that the drive motor can drive the propeller to rotate when it rotates.

4. The easy-to-clean propeller mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The limiting slot has a square structure, while the limiting pin has a rounded square structure.

5. The easy-to-clean propeller mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The end of the limiting insert is chamfered to form a guide structure.

6. The easy-to-clean propeller mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The protective cover includes an outlet grille and an inlet grille. The inlet grille is cylindrical with openings at both ends. The outlet grille is located at one end of the inlet grille opening and is fixed to the inlet grille. The opening at the other end of the inlet grille is attached to the outer shell surface of the pool cleaning robot body at the location of the drive shaft after assembly and is fixedly connected in a detachable manner. The rotating shaft is formed by extending inward from the outlet grille.

7. The easy-to-clean propeller mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, The protective cover also includes a guide plate, which is disposed between the water outlet grid and the propeller. The guide plate is provided with guide blades, and the geometric installation angle of the guide blades is opposite to the rotation direction of the propeller blades.

8. The easy-to-clean propeller mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that, A fixing block is provided on the outer side of the guide plate, and a fixing groove is provided on the water outlet grid. The guide plate and the water outlet grid are fixed by the fixing block and the fixing groove being inserted and matched.

9. The easy-to-clean propeller mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The protective cover includes an outlet grille and an inlet grille, as well as a fixing plate. The fixing plate has a U-shaped structure, including a horizontal plate and vertical plates connected to both sides of the horizontal plate. The protective cover is detachably and fixedly connected to the main body of the pool cleaning robot through the vertical plates. The horizontal plate has a mounting groove that runs through the upper and lower surfaces. The outlet grille is fixedly installed to the fixing plate through the mounting groove. The inlet grille is a cylinder with openings at both ends. The horizontal plate extends inward along the mounting groove to form a mounting part. The end of the mounting part has a slot. One end of the inlet grille is inserted into the slot to be fixed to the fixing plate. After assembly, the opening at the other end of the inlet grille is close to the outer shell surface of the main body of the pool cleaning robot at the location of the drive shaft. The rotating shaft is formed by extending inward from the outlet grille.

10. The easy-to-clean propeller mechanism according to claim 9, characterized in that, The protective cover also includes a guide plate, which is disposed between the water outlet grid and the propeller. The guide plate is provided with guide blades, and the geometric installation angle of the guide blades is opposite to the rotation direction of the propeller blades. A fixing block is provided on the outside of the guide plate, and a fixing groove is provided on the water outlet grid. The guide plate is fixed to the water outlet grid by the insertion and cooperation of the fixing block and the fixing groove.

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