Flow controller for a pool cleaner

Abstract

A flow controller is provided for use with a pool cleaner, particularly of the type powered by a suction or vacuum source via a flexible vacuum hose or the like connected to the suction side of conventional pool water filtration equipment, wherein the flow controller maintains the suction pressure applied to the pool cleaner at a substantially constant and adjustably preset level consistent with substantially optimized pool cleaner operation. The flow controller comprises a generally tubular housing mounted at a location submerged within the pool water, preferably by installation in-line along the vacuum hose coupled to the pool cleaner. The flow controller includes a pivotally mounted flap valve biased by a spring for normally closing a bypass relief port. The flap valve is drawn by suction pressure toward a modulated open position to prevent the suction pressure from exceeding a preset threshold level. An adjustment knob on the flow controller housing is rotatably coupled to the biasing spring for adjustably increasing or decreasing the spring closure force applied to the flap valve, thereby adjustably setting the threshold suction pressure at which the flap valve opens the bypass relief port. The adjustment knob is coupled to the biasing spring via a worm gear engaged with a spur gear having an arcuate gap segment thereon formed without gear teeth, wherein the gap segment defines limit stops to prevent spring force adjustment beyond a predetermined range.