Methods and systems for an autonomously retracting hose
View Patent ↗A swimming pool cleaner coupled to a hose, wherein the hose is configured to automatically extend and retract.
1. An autonomously retracting reel configured to be wound and unwound based on hydraulic pressure, the autonomously retracting hose reel comprising:
a housing;
a valve with an inlet pipe and a valve port, the valve is configured to move longitudinally and rotate to change between a first mode to a second mode, the valve port being configured to change from the first mode to the second mode based on flowing fluid through the inlet pipe;
a drum including a first face and a second face, the first face being configured to be positioned adjacent to a sidewall of a pool, wherein the second face is configured to rotate based on fluid flowing out of the inlet pipe, wherein the valve is positioned between the first face and the second face, and an annular space is located outside of the valve within the housing, the drum rotating in a first direction in the first mode and the drum rotating in a second direction in the second mode.
2. The autonomously retracting hose reel of claim 1 , further comprising:
a first roller configured to receive torque from a transfer gear;
a second roller, wherein the first roller and the second roller are configured to apply forces in opposite directions against a hose to keep the hose in tension while the hose is unwinding.
3. The autonomously retracting hose reel of claim 2 , wherein the drum is configured to assist in protracting the hose when the valve is in the first mode and assist in retracting the hose and wind the hose in the annular space when the valve is in the second mode.
4. The autonomously retracting hose reel of claim 2 , wherein the first roller and the second roller are located within the drum.
5. The autonomously retracting hose reel of claim 2 , wherein the transfer gear receives torque from the drum, and transfers the torque to the first roller.
6. The autonomously retracting hose reel of claim 5 , wherein the transfer gear is configured to transfer torque to the first roller directly.
7. The autonomously retracting hose reel of claim 1 , wherein the valve is configured to switch from the second mode to the first mode based on stopping the flowing fluid through the inlet port.
8. The autonomously retracting hose reel of claim 1 , wherein the valve includes an open face and a closed face.