Robotic Pool Cleaner with Internal Ultraviolet Water Sterilization
A pool cleaning apparatus for cleaning the bottom and sidewalls of a swimming pool has an exterior housing through which water is circulated and at least one source of water-sterilizing ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the form of a straight,—circular and/or curvilinear tube that is positioned on the interior of the housing so that the amount of any bacteria in the water circulated past the UV radiation source is reduced.
1 . A pool cleaning apparatus for cleaning the sidewalls and/or bottom of a swimming pool, the apparatus having an exterior housing and means for circulating water through the housing, characterized by at least one source of water-sterilizing UV radiation positioned in the interior space defined by the housing, whereby water passing in proximity to the UV radiation source is exposed to sterilizing radiation and the amount of any bacteria in the water is reduced.
2 . The apparatus of claim 1 in which the at least one source of UV radiation is a straight tube or a circular tube, or a combination of straight and circular tubes.
3 . The apparatus of claim 1 in which the source of UV radiation is secured to the interior surface of the housing.
4 . The apparatus of claim 1 in which the source of UV radiation is secured to a functional component contained in the housing.
5 . The apparatus of claim 1 which includes at least one baffle for channeling water in proximity to the radiation source.
6 . The apparatus of claim 1 which includes at least one radiation barrier for interrupting the passage of radiation from the UV source.
7 . The apparatus of claim 1 in which the radiation emitting source is not visible from the exterior of the pool cleaner housing.
8 . A method of sterilizing water in a pool or tank through which a pool cleaner is moving, the pool cleaner having an exterior housing and a pump for moving water through the housing, the method comprising:
(a) positioning one or more UV radiation emitting devices in the interior space defined by the housing; and
(b) passing water in close proximity to the devices, whereby the amount of any active bacteria in the passing water is reduced as a result of exposure to the radiation.
9 . The method of claim 8 in which the radiation is emitted only when the pump is activated to move water through the housing.
10 . The method of claim 8 in which the pump is located inside the housing.