EP1352137A1 - Self-propelled running apparatus for cleaning an immersed surface - Google Patents

Self-propelled running apparatus for cleaning an immersed surface

Info

Publication number
EP1352137A1
EP1352137A1 EP01271481A EP01271481A EP1352137A1 EP 1352137 A1 EP1352137 A1 EP 1352137A1 EP 01271481 A EP01271481 A EP 01271481A EP 01271481 A EP01271481 A EP 01271481A EP 1352137 A1 EP1352137 A1 EP 1352137A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
flanges
transverse
motor
frame
motor housing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP01271481A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1352137B1 (en
Inventor
Philippe Pichon
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Zodiac Pool Care Europe SAS
Original Assignee
Zodiac Pool Care Europe SAS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Zodiac Pool Care Europe SAS filed Critical Zodiac Pool Care Europe SAS
Publication of EP1352137A1 publication Critical patent/EP1352137A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1352137B1 publication Critical patent/EP1352137B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H4/00—Swimming or splash baths or pools
    • E04H4/14—Parts, details or accessories not otherwise provided for
    • E04H4/16—Parts, details or accessories not otherwise provided for specially adapted for cleaning
    • E04H4/1654—Self-propelled cleaners

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a self-propelled rolling device for cleaning a surface immersed in a liquid, in particular a swimming pool liquid.
  • Certain swimming pool cleaning devices are of the rolling type, that is to say comprising rotary rolling members (rollers, wheels, rollers, tracks, etc.) around transverse axes of rotation at least substantially parallel to the plane of bearing of the device defined by these running members, corresponding to the surface on which the device moves.
  • Such devices can be self-propelled, that is to say incorporate and carry at least one motor (electric, hydraulic, etc.) driving at least one motor shaft whose rotary movement must be transmitted to at least one rolling member for drive it in rotation.
  • the self-propelled apparatus comprises at least one electric motor powered by a waterproof electric cable plunging into the pool, and the output shaft (rotor) of which forms a motor shaft .
  • a motorized electrical device is also generally equipped (cf. for example FR-2,584,442) with a waste suction electric pump and a filter bag for recovering waste.
  • the device is, more often than not, more or less automatic and is generally called a robot.
  • Such known self-propelled rolling devices with electric motors are relatively heavy, complex, bulky, expensive, have relatively poor hydraulic performance (suction of waste) in view of their cost, their weight and their bulk, and offer only a small amount of possibilities of aesthetic variations.
  • FR-2,584,442 They are generally (FR-2,584,442) made up of an external rigid shell forming the main frame of the device carrying all of its constituent elements, namely on the one hand the rolling members and, on the other hand hand, the electric drive motor.
  • the hydraulic circuit is generally vertical _, _ -, mecanic-_. , T / FR01 / 03933 going up between a lower entry in the hull and an upper exit of the hull.
  • the latter is generally formed by two half-shells assembled to one another by a longitudinal or horizontal vertical joint plane.
  • the transmission between the electric motor and the rollers is done by means of lateral transmission belts generally fixed on the side of the hull.
  • the shell which simultaneously forms the hydraulic circuit and acts as a frame supporting the mechanical members, freezes the external shapes and the aesthetics of the device and must be of robust, heavy and expensive construction. Maintenance of the mechanical part is also difficult, long and complex.
  • the invention therefore aims to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a self-propelled submersible surface cleaner which has a unidirectional hydraulic circuit (without sudden change in flow direction), simple, effective, but whose mechanical part is simple, light, robust, does not require a rigid shell and can be common to many different aesthetic models.
  • the invention also aims to provide such an apparatus, the manufacture and maintenance of which are simple, rapid and inexpensive and in particular the assembly and disassembly of which are quick and easy.
  • the invention relates to a self-propelled rolling device for cleaning a submerged surface, comprising in combination:
  • a rigid transverse motor housing containing at least one electric motor and having at least one drive shaft, called the drive shaft, of at least one rolling member and at least one drive shaft, called the pumping shaft, a pumping member, these drive shafts opening onto the outside of the casing,
  • front and rear transverse walls extending at a distance from the engine casing so as to provide a passage for water, and to form between them and the lateral flanges a lower opening under the engine casing
  • an apparatus according to the invention is free of rigid shell forming the hydraulic circuit.
  • the side flanges of the frame act as side walls for the hydraulic circuit.
  • the top cover, the transverse walls and the bottom do not participate in the transmission of the motor movement and can be simple and light.
  • the two flanges are similar, the frame being symmetrical with respect to a median longitudinal plane orthogonal to a running plane defined by its running gear.
  • the frame is symmetrical relative to a transverse median plane orthogonal to a rolling plane defined by its rolling members.
  • the number of separate parts used to make an apparatus according to the invention is low.
  • the two flanges can be identical, and the two transverse walls can be identical.
  • an apparatus comprises at least one front rolling member extending between the two flanges, at the front of the front transverse wall, outside the hydraulic circuit, and at least one rear rolling member. extending between the two flanges, at the rear of the rear transverse wall, outside the hydraulic circuit.
  • the front bearing member (s) may be identical to the rear bearing member (s). They can be simple rollers guided between the flanges by their ends
  • At least one of the flanges is formed by a cassette with an outer casing containing means for transmitting the motor movement - in particular a gear train.
  • the two flanges carry transmission means.
  • the apparatus comprises two independent separate drive motors (a left motor and a right engine), each of these.
  • motors having a motor shaft (the apparatus comprising a left motor shaft and a right motor shaft), and two pairs of independent running gear, namely a pair of front running gear and a pair of rear running gear , the two rolling members (left and right) of the same pair (front or rear) were arranged in coaxial extension from one another and independent from each other in rotation, one of them being coupled via transmission means, to one of the two drive shafts, while the other is coupled, via transmission means, to the other drive shaft.
  • the apparatus thus comprises a left front rolling member and a left rear rolling member coupled to the left motor shaft of the left drive motor; and a right front bearing and a right rear bearing coupled to the other right motor of the right drive motor.
  • the two rolling members of the same pair extend between the flanges, one being guided by one of the flanges, the other being guided by the other flange, and are advantageously associated and axially guided one compared to each other.
  • they are guided relative to each other by an assembly of the cylindrical telescopic type allowing relative rotations.
  • This assembly and / or one and / or the other of the two rolling members can also be guided in rotation relative to the opposite transverse wall by an instant dismantling assembly - in particular with hooks - facilitating disassembly and reassembly.
  • rolling elements for example for the lining changes.
  • the flanges have grooves for receiving the lateral extreme edges of the transverse walls. In this way, the transverse walls are fixed to the flanges by simple embedding of their extreme edges in the grooves of the flanges. In addition, a better seal is simply ensured between the hydraulic circuit inside the device, under vacuum, and the basin outside the device.
  • each flange is detachably fixed to the crankcase, in particular by means of screws or bolts.
  • the transverse walls are fixed with the upper cover by screws or bolts tightening the upper cover on the transverse walls.
  • the device comprises a carrying handle fixed to the frame - in particular to the flanges - through the cover. This fixing can be achieved by hooking, the handle having ends provided with hooks passing through the hood lights, with a locking jumper inserted behind each hook in the hood light to lock it in place relative to the hood.
  • the motor casing is molded as tightly as possible around the elements which it contains and has rounded shapes promoting the circulation of water.
  • the crankcase comprises a central pumping motor greater than a pumping axis orthogonal to a rolling plane defined by the rolling members and driving a pumping propeller disposed outside the crankcase. under the opening of the hood, and capable of generating a flow of water in the device between the water inlets and the upper opening.
  • the bottom carries a filter interposed on the hydraulic circuit between the lower water inlets and the upper discharge orifice.
  • the filter extends between the motor housing and each transverse wall.
  • the bottom is removably fixed relative to the frame.
  • the bottom is fixed to the flanges.
  • the bottom is fixed to the frame by fixing means with elastic hooking.
  • at least one of the transverse walls has at least one drain valve capable of allowing the drainage of the hydraulic circuit by gravity when the device is extracted from the liquid.
  • the invention also relates to an apparatus characterized in combination by all or some of the characteristics mentioned above or below.
  • the device according to the invention is simple, inexpensive, robust, easy and quick to assemble and disassemble, therefore to repair, maintain and use, can be subject to significant aesthetic variations at lower industrial cost (it suffices for example to modify the shape of the cover), includes a dead volume of liquid zero or almost zero (the hydraulic circuit is emptied entirely during the extraction of the device from the liquid) and is light and easy to handle.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of an apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 in the assembled state
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a transmission cassette according to the invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the cassette of FIG. 3 in the assembled state
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic view from below with a partial section of the apparatus of FIG. 2,
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic view in vertical cross section of the apparatus of Figure 1
  • - Figure 7 is a schematic view in longitudinal vertical section of Figure 1.
  • FIGs 1 and 2 there is shown an apparatus (or robot) according to the invention rolling self-propelled electric submerged surface cleaner in particular of swimming pool, comprising a casing 1 rigid transverse central motor in rigid synthetic material containing two similar independent electric motors 83, one on each side, each driving a rotary motor shaft 2 transverse which projects laterally outside the motor housing 1.
  • the motor housing 1 contains a third electric motor 70, the drive shaft of which, said pumping shaft 71, opens vertically upwards at outside the crankcase 1 motor for driving an upper pumping propeller 3 outside the crankcase 1 motor.
  • the apparatus according to the invention also comprises two lateral transmission cassettes 6 according to the invention, one on each side.
  • Each transmission cassette 6 is rigidly but removably fixed, in a single unit, respectively at each lateral end 7 of the motor housing 1.
  • Each cassette 6 forms a lateral flange extending longitudinally forward and towards the rear of the motor housing 1, so as to form a rigid frame 72 generally in the form of an H on which the other members of the apparatus are attached and fixed, namely an upper cover 5, a handle 8 for maneuvering; front 9 and rear 10 transverse walls extending between the two cassettes 6 and the upper cover 5, and at the front and, respectively, at the rear of the motor housing 1 and delimiting between them and with the cassettes 6, lower part, a lower opening closed by a bottom 11 provided with water inlets 66 with valves authorizing the entry of water upwards but preventing water outlets downwards.
  • the bottom 11 carries a filter bag 12 incorporated in the housing 73 thus constituted by the cover 5, the transverse walls 9, 10 and the cassettes 6.
  • the filter bag 12 has two pockets extending at the front and, respectively at the rear of the motor housing 1, between the motor housing and each transverse wall 9, 10.
  • the front 9 and rear 10 transverse walls are provided, at their lower part, with non-return drain valves 74 adapted to prevent the entry of water from the outside into the housing 73 during operation of the device but for authorize, by gravity, the exit of the water contained in the housing 73 after stopping the device.
  • non-return drain valves 74 adapted to prevent the entry of water from the outside into the housing 73 during operation of the device but for authorize, by gravity, the exit of the water contained in the housing 73 after stopping the device.
  • the device comprises two front rollers 13 (a left front roller and a right front roller), extending between the two cassettes 6, and at the front of the front transverse wall 9, at the exterior of the hydraulic circuit formed in the housing 73, and transversely and in axial extension of one another, rotating about a transverse axis parallel to the surface on which they roll, each of these front rolling members 13 being coupled, respectively, to one of the lateral cassettes 6; and two rear rollers 14 (a left rear roller and a right rear roller) extending between the two cassettes 6 and at the rear of the rear transverse wall 10, outside the hydraulic circuit formed in the housing 73, and transversely and in axial extension of one another, rotatable about a transverse axis parallel to the surface on which they roll, each of these rear rolling members 14 being coupled respectively, to one of the lateral cassettes 6.
  • two front rollers 13 a left front roller and a right front roller
  • rollers of the same pair of front 13 or rear 14 rollers are independent of each other, in rotation, that is to say integral in rotation, each of them being driven by one motors 83 (left or right), to the motor shaft 2 (left or right) from which it is connected by a transmission cassette 6.
  • Each roller 13, 14 comprises a main cylindrical shaft 17, and a peripheral lining 18 for example made of foam and / or formed of brushes, mounted for rotation with the shaft 17, but which can be replaced in the event of wear.
  • the shafts 17 of the two front rollers 13 or rear 14 are cylindrical of revolution and telescopic one inside the other axially so that they can be brought together in the central part of the apparatus to be uncoupled from the lateral cassettes 6 and dismantled from the device, or, on the contrary, be distant from one another in order to couple them to the cassettes 6.
  • the shafts 17 of the rollers 13, 14 are also guided by a central bearing 15, 16 secured to the front wall 9, disposed between the two front or rear 13 or rear 14 rollers.
  • This bearing 15, 16 comprises a notch 15 for receiving the shaft 17 of larger diameter from one of the rollers 13, 14 and a locking hook 16 pivoting so as to can be folded down over notch 15 and shaft 17 for mounting the rollers or, on the contrary, disengaged from the notch 15 for removing the rollers 13, 14.
  • the two rear rollers 14 are similar to the front rollers 13, with a transverse axis parallel to that of the front rollers 13, and mounted and driven similarly to the front rollers 13.
  • the bearings 15, 16 integral with the transverse walls 9, 10 guiding the rollers 13, 14 undergo little effort radially.
  • rollers 13, 14 define a rolling plane of the device corresponding to the submerged surface on which it moves.
  • the motor shafts 2 of the device are coaxial and parallel to this running plane.
  • the pumping shaft 71 of the third motor driving the propeller 3 is orthogonal to this running plane, so that the propeller 3 is adapted to create a flow of water in the orthogonal direction away from the running plane ( vertically upwards when the submerged surface is horizontal) from the lower inlets 66 around the motor housing 1 and between the transverse walls 9, 10, the cassettes 6 and the motor housing 1, and up to an upper discharge orifice 4 formed in the upper cover 5 of the device through which water is discharged from the device upwards.
  • the filter bag 12 extends at the front and at the rear of the crankcase 1 and its opening is associated with the periphery of the bottom 11 so that this filter bag 12 is interposed on the water circuit between inputs 66 and outlet 4.
  • the casing 1 can be molded as close as possible around the motors 70, 83 and the bodies which it contains, for the benefit of a smaller footprint, an increase in rigidity, and hydrodynamic rounded external shapes.
  • the propeller 3 When the propeller 3 is active, the water is driven in upward movement and therefore cannot escape through the drain valves 74 by gravity.
  • a sealed electrical power cable 19 is connected to the inside of the motor housing 1, for supplying and controlling the various motors 70, 83, and this cable 19 passes through the upper cover 5 through one of the lights 79 of fixing the handle 8 so that it can be connected to a source of electrical power external to the device and to the swimming pool.
  • the two side cassettes 6 are identical. In fact, each cassette 6 has symmetry with respect to a transverse median plane orthogonal to the running plane and therefore to the surface on which the device moves. This plane of symmetry is thus in particular vertical when this surface is horizontal.
  • the frame 72, and more generally the apparatus, are generally symmetrical with respect to the same median transverse plane orthogonal to the rolling plane, and this plane of symmetry of the robot coincides with the plane of symmetry of each cassette 6.
  • Each transmission cassette 6 comprises an external rigid casing 20 (the other elements of the cassette 6 being incorporated in this casing 20).
  • This casing 20 is formed by two half-shells 20a, 20b including an internal half-shell 20a closest to the motor casing 1 of the device, fixed to the motor casing 1 of the device, and an external half-shell 20b la further from engine crankcase 1 of the device.
  • Each half-shell extends at least substantially orthogonally to the running plane and in the longitudinal direction, and the two half-shells 20a, 20b are assembled to one another along a generally longitudinal peripheral plane 21a, 21b.
  • the half-shells 20a, 20b are made of rigid molded synthetic material.
  • the internal half-shell 20a comprises a middle upper bracket 22 extending transversely towards the center of the device so that it can be fixed by a screw 23 to the motor housing 1, above the motor shaft 2.
  • the handle 8 has two ends 76, each of which is provided with a hook 77 capable of being engaged in a slot 78 of the bracket 22 and of hooking onto this bracket 22.
  • the cover 5 is provided with slots 79 allowing the passage of the hooks 77 through the cover 5, and the insertion of locking jumpers 80 adapted to lock the hooks 77 in the hooking position.
  • Each light 79 of the cover 5 is larger than the hook 77, so that a locking jumper 80 can be inserted in this light 79 at the rear of the hook 77, between the hook 77 and the edge opposite the light 79 to push the hook 77 laterally into the hooking position with the bracket 22.
  • the jumpers must be removed from locking 80 by extracting them axially from the slots 79 of the cover 5, which makes it possible to push the hooks 77 laterally into the slots 78 of the brackets 22 and into the slots 79 of the cover 5, to release them from the brackets 22, then extract them axially out of these lights 78, 79.
  • the reverse operations are carried out.
  • the handle 8 is thus fixed on the brackets 22 of the cassettes 6, therefore on the frame 72, through the cover 5 in a removable manner. It should be noted that this fixing of the handle 8 to the frame 72 also secures the cover 5 to the frame 72, the hooks 77 and jumpers 80 having an external part larger than the lights 79 of the cover 5 so that the cover 5 is maintained against the brackets 22 of the cassettes 6.
  • the internal half-shell 20a also comprises two lower lateral brackets 24 also extending transversely towards the center of the device to be placed above a lower lateral flange 25 of the crankcase 1 and to be fixed thereto by screws 26. Between the brackets 22, 24, the internal half-shell 20a is shaped so as to receive the lateral end 7 of the motor housing 1, the motor shaft 2 being able to be coupled to an input journal 27 of the cassette 6 accessible via a light 43 passing through the internal half-shell 20a, axially opposite the motor shaft 2.
  • the input pin 27 is mounted freely rotatable relative to the cassette 6, between the two half-shells 20a, 20b , around a transverse axis of rotation, and receives the motor movement of the motor shaft 2.
  • each half-shell 20a, 20b defines a cylindrical housing 28a, 28b receiving a ring 29a, 29b, made of synthetic material antifriction, which receives ell e- same an axial cylindrical extension 30a, 30b of the input pin 27 allowing its guiding in rotation in the ring 29a, 29b.
  • the cylindrical axial extension 30a extending on the side of the internal half-shell 20a is extended by four clutch pins 31 forming removable coupling means to the motor shaft 2.
  • the motor shaft 2 is itself endowed an interconnection cross 32 adapted to receive the interconnection pins 31 of the input pin 27 when the cassette 6 is in place on the crankcase 1.
  • the pins 31 and the interconnection cross 32 thus make means coupling which can be dismantled by simple relative positioning, of the dog clutch type, the pins 31 extending axially from engaging in conjugate notches of the cross 32.
  • the cassette 6 also comprises two output pins 33, 34, namely a front output pin 33 and a rear output pin 34, adapted to be coupled, through the casing 20, to the shaft 17 of one of the front rollers 13 or rear respectively 14.
  • Each output pin 33, 34 is freely rotatable about a transverse axis of rotation, like the input pin 27.
  • the front pin 33 and rear pin 34 are identical to the pin inlet 27 and guided relative to the casing 20 of the cassette 6, like the inlet pin, by means of cylindrical housings 35a, 35b front and 36a, 36b rear formed in the half-shells 20a, 20b, and by rings in anti-friction material front 37a, 37b and rear 38a, 38b, each outlet pin 33, 34 comprising a cylindrical axial extension 39a, 39b, respectively 40a, 40b, engaged in the corresponding ring 37a, 37b, 38a, 38b.
  • the two outlet pins 33, 34 also comprise, on the inside of the device, pins 41, respectively 42, for interconnection adapted for coupling the journal 33, 34 to a cross coupling 46, respectively 47, s' extending at the lateral axial end of the shaft 17 of the roller 13, 14 opposite.
  • the interconnection pins 31, 41, 42 of the different pins 27, 33, 34 extend through circular slots 43, 44, 45 formed through the internal half-shell 20a in order to be able to cooperate with the interconnection crosses 32, 46 , 47 opposite and make the removable coupling through the housing 20.
  • the input pins 27 and output 33, 34 can be formed of identical parts, which -which reduces manufacturing costs.
  • the cassette 6 comprises a train of successive pinions 48, 49 meshing in pairs, mounted freely rotatable around transverse axes of rotation (parallels two by two and to the axes of rotation of the pins 27, 33, 34), and meshing on the one hand with a toothed wheel 50 of the input pin 27 and, on the other hand, with a gear wheel 51, respectively 52, of the output pin 33, respectively 34.
  • each gear train 48, 49 comprises an odd number of sprockets and the different sprockets have the same diameter.
  • the different pinions can thus be identical, for the benefit of a manufacturing economy.
  • each of the output pins 33, 34 is also rotated in the same direction and at the same speed by the pinion trains 48, 49.
  • the axes of rotation of the various pinions 48, 49 may simply be formed by cylindrical transverse extensions 53 adapted to receive a cylindrical bore of the various pinions, these extensions 53 extending outward from the half internal shell 20a of which they are integral.
  • the two internal half-shells 20a and external 20b are assembled to one another by screws 54 passing through the axes of rotation of the
  • the different pinions 48, 49 that is to say by the transverse extensions 53.
  • the different pinions 48, 49 then have a lumen for the passage of these assembly screws 54, and the external shell 20b comprises studs 55 coming from in abutment against the axial end of the transverse extensions 53 formed by the internal half-shell 20a, these studs 55 being adapted to receive the self-tapping screws 54, so that their threads are engaged with these threads 55 which act as threads .
  • the studs 55 can be secured in a non-removable manner (welding, bonding, etc.) to the extensions 53, the half-shells 21a, 20a then being non-removable.
  • the internal half-shell 20a also includes grooves 64, respectively 65, for receiving the lateral end edges 80 of the front transverse wall 9 and 81 of the rear transverse wall 10, and the lower lateral brackets 62 are provided with lights crossed by screws 63 allowing the assembly of the transverse walls 9, 10, of the cassettes 6 and of the cover 5.
  • the transverse walls 9, 10 are therefore embedded in the grooves 64, 65 of the cassettes 6 and extend between these two cassettes 6 over all the height of the cassettes 6 at the level of the grooves 64, 65.
  • the screws 63 tighten the transverse walls 9, 10 and the cover 5 towards each other on the cassettes 6. In the example shown, they are introduced into slots transverse walls 9, 10 for screwing into screw studs forming threads of the cover 5.
  • the bottom 11 can be fixed on the transverse walls 9, 10 and / or the side cassettes 6 by elastic screws and / or hooks or other removable fixing means so as to close the lower opening formed by the transverse walls 9, 10 and the side cassettes 6.
  • the bottom 11 is removably fixed to the frame 72, in particular to the side cassettes 6, by elastic hooks 75 cooperating with a groove 76 integral with the internal half-shell 20a.
  • the transverse walls 9, 10 and the upper cover 5 are carried by the cassettes 6 by virtue of the grooves 64, 65 and the brackets 62 and screws 63.
  • the transverse walls 9, 10 and the cover 5 dissociate from the frame 72
  • a cassette 6 must be removed (due to the grooves 64, 65).
  • the cable 19 passes through the cover and does not allow complete separation of the cover 5 and the frame 72. However, it suffices to slide the cover 5 along the cable 19, so that maintenance is possible and easy.
  • the assembly is carried out by performing the reverse operations.
  • the aesthetics of the device can be the subject of many variations.
  • the outer half-shell 20b also preferably has a central upper bracket 56 intended to extend above the central upper bracket 22 of the internal half-shell 20a and fixed with it to the crankcase 1 above the motor shaft 2.
  • the cassette 6 advantageously comprises a track 57 formed of an endless belt passing around the inlet pins 27 and outlet pins 33, 34 so as to be driven continuously by these pins 27, 33 , 34 and form a longitudinal lower strand 58 of contact with the ground acting as a rolling member driven by the device.
  • each pin 27, 33, 34 advantageously comprises two parallel lateral flanges 59 perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the pin 27, 33, 34, on either side of the toothed wheel 50, 51 , 52, so as to form a roller for receiving and driving the track 57.
  • This the latter advantageously comprises notches or internal teeth 60 adapted to be inserted between the two flanges 59.
  • the track 57 advantageously comprises notches or external teeth 61, or any other equivalent anti-slip member capable of coming into contact with the ground.
  • Such a lateral track facilitates the drive of the device when passing through stairs or in slope breaks or inclined walls.
  • the different pinions 48, 49, the pins 27, 33, 34 and the half-shells 20a, 20b can be made entirely of rigid synthetic material, and the track 57 of flexible synthetic material, so that the transmission cassette 6 according to the he invention is entirely of synthetic material, with the possible exception of the assembly screws 23, 26, (for mounting the cassette 6 on the apparatus) and 54 for assembling the half-shells 20a, 20b. These screws 23, 26, 54, moreover, can also be made of synthetic material.
  • the entire transmission thus produced is not subject to corrosion and is highly reliable in operation in water.
  • the device according to the invention is free from moving metal parts or from metallic friction members.
  • the different cassettes 6 are produced with a very small number of different parts and their manufacturing cost is low. The same applies to the device according to the invention.
  • the invention can be the subject of numerous variant embodiments with respect to the preferred embodiment shown.
  • the transmission of the motor movement between the input pin 27 and each output pin 33, 34 can be carried out only via the track 57 which acts as a drive belt (the cassette then being free of gears ).
  • the number of pinions of the gear trains can be different from three.
  • the output pins can not drive rollers, but drive shafts integral in rotation with wheels or casters ... or even be directly coupled to running gear free of separate drive shaft (for example to end flanges of these wheels, casters, rollers ).
  • the apparatus according to the invention may include non-motorized running gear (mounted free to rotate) and / or running gear successively coupled to each other and not directly independently to a transmission cassette.
  • An apparatus according to the invention may comprise only a drive motor, a drive shaft, and a lateral transmission cassette, the other lateral cassette being free of transmission means and used only for guiding running gear and, if applicable, the track.
  • the apparatus according to the invention comprises two drive motors 83, one on each side, and two lateral transmission cassettes 6 both provided with transmission means 48, 49, 57 . It is then possible to steer the device according to the speed of each motor 83.

Abstract

The invention concerns a self-propelled running apparatus for cleaning an immersed surface, comprising in combination a rigid transverse motor housing ( 1 ), two lateral flanges ( 6 ) rigidly fixed on either side of the motor housing ( 1 ) so as to form a rigid H-shaped frame ( 72 ), a front transverse wall ( 9 ) removably fixed to said frame ( 72 ), a rear transverse wall ( 10 ), a base ( 11 ) provided with water inlets ( 66 ) and a top hood ( 5 ) fixed to the frame ( 72 ) provided with a top orifice ( 4 ) for water evacuation, a unidirectional hydraulic circuit being provided from the inlets ( 66 ) between the transverse walls ( 9, 10 ), the motor housing ( 1 ) and the flanges ( 6 ), up to the top orifice ( 4 ) of the hood ( 5 ).

Description

APPAREIL ROULANT AUTOMOTEUR NETTOYEUR DE SURFACE SELF-PROPELLED ROLLING DEVICE SURFACE CLEANER
IMMERGEEIMMERGEE
L'invention concerne un appareil roulant automoteur nettoyeur de surface immergée dans un liquide, en particulier de piscine.The invention relates to a self-propelled rolling device for cleaning a surface immersed in a liquid, in particular a swimming pool liquid.
Certains appareils nettoyeurs de piscine sont du type roulant, c'est-à-dire comprenant des organes de roulement rotatifs (rouleaux, roues, roulettes, chenilles ....) autour d'axes de rotation transversaux au moins sensiblement parallèles au plan de roulement de l'appareil défini par ces organes de roulement, correspondant à la surface sur laquelle l'appareil se déplace. De tels appareils peuvent être automoteurs, c'est-à-dire incorporent et portent au moins un moteur (électrique, hydraulique ...) entraînant au moins un arbre moteur dont le mouvement rotatif doit être transmis à au moins un organe de roulement pour l'entraîner en rotation. Dans une variante particulière connue, à laquelle l'invention s'applique, l'appareil automoteur comprend au moins un moteur électrique alimenté par un câble électrique étanche plongeant dans la piscine, et dont l'arbre de sortie (rotor) forme un arbre moteur. Un tel appareil électrique motorisé est aussi en général équipé (cf. par exemple FR-2.584.442) d'une électropompe d'aspiration des déchets et d'un sac filtrant de récupération des déchets.Certain swimming pool cleaning devices are of the rolling type, that is to say comprising rotary rolling members (rollers, wheels, rollers, tracks, etc.) around transverse axes of rotation at least substantially parallel to the plane of bearing of the device defined by these running members, corresponding to the surface on which the device moves. Such devices can be self-propelled, that is to say incorporate and carry at least one motor (electric, hydraulic, etc.) driving at least one motor shaft whose rotary movement must be transmitted to at least one rolling member for drive it in rotation. In a particular known variant, to which the invention applies, the self-propelled apparatus comprises at least one electric motor powered by a waterproof electric cable plunging into the pool, and the output shaft (rotor) of which forms a motor shaft . Such a motorized electrical device is also generally equipped (cf. for example FR-2,584,442) with a waste suction electric pump and a filter bag for recovering waste.
L'appareil est, le plus souvent, de fonctionnement plus ou moins automatique et est généralement qualifié de robot.The device is, more often than not, more or less automatic and is generally called a robot.
De tels appareils roulants automoteurs connus à moteurs électriques sont relativement lourds, complexes, volumineux, coûteux, présentent des performances hydrauliques (aspiration des déchets) relativement médiocres au vu de leur coût, de leur poids et leur encombrement, et n'offrent que peu de possibilités de variations esthétiques.Such known self-propelled rolling devices with electric motors are relatively heavy, complex, bulky, expensive, have relatively poor hydraulic performance (suction of waste) in view of their cost, their weight and their bulk, and offer only a small amount of possibilities of aesthetic variations.
Ils sont en général (FR-2.584.442) constitués d'une coque rigide externe formant le bâti principal de l'appareil portant l'ensemble de ses éléments constitutifs, à savoir d'une part les organes de roulement et, d'autre part, le moteur électrique d'entraînement. Le circuit hydraulique est en général vertical _,_ -,„-_. , T/FR01/03933 montant entre une entrée inférieure dans la coque et une sortie supérieure de la coque. Pour l'accès à l'intérieur de la coque, celle-ci est en général formée de deux demi-coques assemblées l'une à l'autre par un plan de joint vertical longitudinal ou horizontal. La transmission entre le moteur électrique et les rouleaux se fait par l'intermédiaire d'ensembles latéraux de transmission à courroies en général fixés sur le côté de la coque.They are generally (FR-2,584,442) made up of an external rigid shell forming the main frame of the device carrying all of its constituent elements, namely on the one hand the rolling members and, on the other hand hand, the electric drive motor. The hydraulic circuit is generally vertical _, _ -, „-_. , T / FR01 / 03933 going up between a lower entry in the hull and an upper exit of the hull. For access to the interior of the shell, the latter is generally formed by two half-shells assembled to one another by a longitudinal or horizontal vertical joint plane. The transmission between the electric motor and the rollers is done by means of lateral transmission belts generally fixed on the side of the hull.
Avec une telle structure, on comprend que la coque, qui simultanément forme le circuit hydraulique et fait office de bâti supportant les organes mécaniques, fige les formes extérieurs et l'esthétique de l'appareil et doit être de construction robuste, lourde et coûteuse. La maintenance de la partie mécanique est aussi difficile, longue et complexe.With such a structure, it is understood that the shell, which simultaneously forms the hydraulic circuit and acts as a frame supporting the mechanical members, freezes the external shapes and the aesthetics of the device and must be of robust, heavy and expensive construction. Maintenance of the mechanical part is also difficult, long and complex.
Il est possible d'envisager, pour pallier ces problèmes, d'isoler la partie mécanique hydraulique de l'appareil. On peut ainsi prévoir un appareil comprenant un châssis mécanique inférieur portant le moteur électrique, les rouleaux et les transmissions, ce châssis mécanique recevant une coque supérieure formant un circuit hydraulique en S aspirant l'eau vers le haut à l'avant et à l'arrière, puis vers le bas dans la coque à travers un sac de filtrage pour revenir vers le haut par une cheminée centrale incorporant une hélice de pompage, et être évacuée à travers un orifice supérieur ménagé dans un couvercle supérieur amovible monté sur la coque. Un tel circuit hydraulique en S est complexe, volumineux, comprend des changements brusques de direction d'écoulement (vers le haut, vers le bas et vers le haut) induisant des pertes de charge importantes nuisant aux performances hydrauliques, et nécessite donc un moteur de pompage surdimensionné. En outre, l'appareil incorpore un volume d'eau "mort"It is possible to envisage, to alleviate these problems, to isolate the hydraulic mechanical part of the apparatus. It is thus possible to provide an apparatus comprising a lower mechanical chassis carrying the electric motor, the rollers and the transmissions, this mechanical chassis receiving an upper shell forming a hydraulic circuit by drawing water upwards at the front and at the back, then down into the hull through a filter bag to return upwards through a central chimney incorporating a pumping propeller, and be evacuated through an upper orifice formed in a removable upper cover mounted on the hull. Such a hydraulic S-shaped circuit is complex, bulky, includes sudden changes in the direction of flow (upwards, downwards and upwards) inducing significant pressure losses adversely affecting hydraulic performance, and therefore requires a oversized pumping. In addition, the device incorporates a volume of "dead" water
(volume d'eau en amont du filtre restant dans l'appareil à l'arrêt) important, ce qui le rend particulièrement lourd et difficile à manipuler et à sortir de l'eau. De plus l'accès aux organes mécaniques en vue de la maintenance reste relativement long et difficile. L'invention vise donc à pallier ces inconvénients en proposant un appareil roulant automoteur nettoyeur de surface immergée qui présente un circuit hydraulique unidirectionnel (sans changement brusque de direction d'écoulement), simple, efficace, mais dont la partie mécanique soit simple, légère, robuste, ne nécessite pas de coque rigide et puisse être commune à de nombreux modèles d'esthétiques différents.(volume of water upstream of the filter remaining in the device when stopped), which makes it particularly heavy and difficult to handle and remove from the water. In addition, access to mechanical parts for maintenance remains relatively long and difficult. The invention therefore aims to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a self-propelled submersible surface cleaner which has a unidirectional hydraulic circuit (without sudden change in flow direction), simple, effective, but whose mechanical part is simple, light, robust, does not require a rigid shell and can be common to many different aesthetic models.
L'invention vise aussi à proposer un tel appareil dont la fabrication et la maintenance soient simples, rapides et peu coûteuses et en particulier dont le montage et le démontage soient rapides et aisés.The invention also aims to provide such an apparatus, the manufacture and maintenance of which are simple, rapid and inexpensive and in particular the assembly and disassembly of which are quick and easy.
Pour ce faire, l'invention concerne un appareil roulant automoteur nettoyeur de surface immergée comprenant en combinaison :To do this, the invention relates to a self-propelled rolling device for cleaning a submerged surface, comprising in combination:
- un carter moteur transversal rigide renfermant au moins un moteur électrique et présentant au moins un arbre d'entraînement, dit arbre moteur, d'au moins un organe de roulement et au moins un arbre d'entraînement, dit arbre de pompage, d'un organe de pompage, ces arbres d'entraînement débouchant à l'extérieur du carter,a rigid transverse motor housing containing at least one electric motor and having at least one drive shaft, called the drive shaft, of at least one rolling member and at least one drive shaft, called the pumping shaft, a pumping member, these drive shafts opening onto the outside of the casing,
- deux flasques latéraux fixés rigidement de chaque côté du carter moteur et s'étendant longitudinalement vers l'avant et vers l'arrière du carter moteur de façon à former un bâti rigide en forme générale de H (ou de dessus ou de dssous), l'un au moins des flasques portant des moyens de transmission du mouvement moteur entre un arbre moteur saillant latéralement du carter moteur et au moins un organe de roulement à axe de rotation transversal s'étendant entre les deux flasques et guidé par chaque flasque,- two lateral flanges rigidly fixed on each side of the crankcase and extending longitudinally towards the front and towards the rear of the crankcase so as to form a rigid frame in the general shape of H (or from above or below), at least one of the flanges carrying means for transmitting the motor movement between a motor shaft projecting laterally from the crankcase and at least one rolling member with transverse axis of rotation extending between the two flanges and guided by each flange,
- une paroi transversale avant s'étendant à l'avant du carter moteur et entre les deux flasques en étant fixée de façon démontable audit bâti,a front transverse wall extending in front of the engine casing and between the two flanges while being detachably fixed to said frame,
- une paroi transversale arrière s'étendant à l'arrière du carter moteur et entre les deux flasques en étant fixée de façon démontable audit bâti,a rear transverse wall extending at the rear of the engine casing and between the two flanges while being detachably fixed to said frame,
- les parois transversales avant et arrière s'étendant à distance du carter moteur de façon à ménager un passage pour l'eau, et à former entre elles et les flasques latéraux une ouverture inférieure sous le carter moteur,the front and rear transverse walls extending at a distance from the engine casing so as to provide a passage for water, and to form between them and the lateral flanges a lower opening under the engine casing,
- un fond, doté d'entrées d'eau, adapté pour refermer ladite ouverture inférieure,- a bottom, provided with water inlets, adapted to close said lower opening,
- et un capot supérieur fixé au bâti et couvrant les parois transversales, les flasques et le carter moteur, ce capot étant doté d'un orifice supérieur d'évacuation d'eau, de sorte qu'un circuit hydraulique unidirectionnel est ménagé depuis les entrées du fond, à l'avant et à l'arrière entre les parois transversales et le carter moteur et entre les flasques, et jusqu'à l'orifice supérieur du capot. Ainsi, un appareil selon l'invention est exempt de coque rigide formant le circuit hydraulique. En particulier, il est à noter que les flasques latéraux du bâti font office de parois latérales pour le circuit hydraulique. Le capot supérieur, les parois transversales et le fond de participent pas à la transmission du mouvement moteur et peuvent être simples et allégés. Avantageusement et selon l'invention, les deux flasques sont semblables, le bâti étant symétrique par rapport à un plan longitudinal médian orthogonal à un plan de roulement défini par ses organes de roulement. Avantageusement et selon l'invention, le bâti est symétrique par rapport à un plan transversal médian orthogonal à un plan de roulement défini par ses organes de roulement. Ainsi, le nombre de pièces distinctes servant à la réalisation d'un appareil selon l'invention est faible. En particulier, les deux flasques peuvent être identiques, et les deux parois transversales peuvent être identiques.- And an upper cover fixed to the frame and covering the transverse walls, the flanges and the motor housing, this cover being provided with an orifice upper water outlet, so that a unidirectional hydraulic circuit is provided from the bottom inlets, front and rear between the transverse walls and the crankcase and between the flanges, and up to the top opening of the hood. Thus, an apparatus according to the invention is free of rigid shell forming the hydraulic circuit. In particular, it should be noted that the side flanges of the frame act as side walls for the hydraulic circuit. The top cover, the transverse walls and the bottom do not participate in the transmission of the motor movement and can be simple and light. Advantageously and according to the invention, the two flanges are similar, the frame being symmetrical with respect to a median longitudinal plane orthogonal to a running plane defined by its running gear. Advantageously and according to the invention, the frame is symmetrical relative to a transverse median plane orthogonal to a rolling plane defined by its rolling members. Thus, the number of separate parts used to make an apparatus according to the invention is low. In particular, the two flanges can be identical, and the two transverse walls can be identical.
Avantageusement, un appareil selon l'invention comprend au moins un organe de roulement avant s'étendant entre les deux flasques, à l'avant de la paroi transversale avant, à l'extérieur du circuit hydraulique, et au moins un organe de roulement arrière s'étendant entre les deux flasques, à l'arrière de la paroi transversale arrière, à l'extérieur du circuit hydraulique. Là encore, l'(les) organe(s) de roulement avant peut(peuvent) être identique(s) à l'(aux) organe(s) de roulement arrière. Il peut s'agir de simples rouleaux guidés entre les flasque par leurs extrémitésAdvantageously, an apparatus according to the invention comprises at least one front rolling member extending between the two flanges, at the front of the front transverse wall, outside the hydraulic circuit, and at least one rear rolling member. extending between the two flanges, at the rear of the rear transverse wall, outside the hydraulic circuit. Again, the front bearing member (s) may be identical to the rear bearing member (s). They can be simple rollers guided between the flanges by their ends
Avantageusement et selon l'invention, l'un au moins des flasques est formé d'une cassette à carter extérieur renfermant des moyens de transmission du mouvement moteur -notamment un train de pignons-.Advantageously and according to the invention, at least one of the flanges is formed by a cassette with an outer casing containing means for transmitting the motor movement - in particular a gear train.
Avantageusement et selon l'invention, les deux flasques portent des moyens de transmission.Advantageously and according to the invention, the two flanges carry transmission means.
En outre, avantageusement et selon l'invention, l'appareil comprend deux moteurs d'entraînement distincts indépendants (un moteur gauche et un moteur droit), chacun de ces. moteurs ayant un arbre moteur (l'appareil comprenant un arbre moteur gauche et un arbre moteur droit), et deux paires d'organes de roulement indépendants, à savoir une paire d'organes de roulement avant et une paire d'organes de roulement arrière, les deux organes de roulement (gauche et droit) d'une même paire (avant ou arrière) était disposés en prolongement coaxial l'un de l'autre et indépendants l'un de l'autre en rotation, l'un d'eux étant accouplé par l'intermédiaire de moyens de transmission, à l'un des deux arbres moteur, tandis que l'autre est accouplé, par l'intermédiaire de moyens de transmission, à l'autre arbre moteur. L'appareil comprend ainsi un organe de roulement avant gauche et un organe de roulement arrière gauche accouplés à l'arbre moteur gauche du moteur d'entraînement gauche ; et un organe de roulement avant droit et un organe de roulement arrière droit accouplés à l'autre moteur droit du moteur d'entraînement droit. De la sorte, l'appareil peut être dirigé par commande différentielle des deux moteurs. Les deux organes de roulement d'une même paire s'étendent entre les flasques, l'un étant guidé par l'un des flasques, l'autre étant guidé par l'autre flasque, et sont avantageusement associés et guidés axialement l'un par rapport à l'autre. Avantageusement, ils sont guidés l'un par rapport à l'autre par un assemblage de type télescopique cylindrique autorisant des rotations relatives. Cet assemblage et/ou l'un et/ou l'autre des deux organes de roulement peut aussi être guidé en rotation par rapport à la paroi transversale en regard par un montage à démontage instantané -notamment à crochet- facilitant le démontage et le remontage des organes de roulement, par exemple pour les changements de garniture. Par ailleurs, avantageusement et selon l'invention, les flasques présentent des rainures de réception des bords extrêmes latéraux des parois transversales. De la sorte, les parois transversales sont fixées aux flasques par simple encastrement de leurs bords extrêmes dans les rainures des flasques. En outre, on assure simplement une meilleure étanchéité entre le circuit hydraulique à l'intérieur de l'appareil, en dépression, et le bassin à l'extérieur de l'appareil.In addition, advantageously and according to the invention, the apparatus comprises two independent separate drive motors (a left motor and a right engine), each of these. motors having a motor shaft (the apparatus comprising a left motor shaft and a right motor shaft), and two pairs of independent running gear, namely a pair of front running gear and a pair of rear running gear , the two rolling members (left and right) of the same pair (front or rear) were arranged in coaxial extension from one another and independent from each other in rotation, one of them being coupled via transmission means, to one of the two drive shafts, while the other is coupled, via transmission means, to the other drive shaft. The apparatus thus comprises a left front rolling member and a left rear rolling member coupled to the left motor shaft of the left drive motor; and a right front bearing and a right rear bearing coupled to the other right motor of the right drive motor. In this way, the device can be steered by differential control of the two motors. The two rolling members of the same pair extend between the flanges, one being guided by one of the flanges, the other being guided by the other flange, and are advantageously associated and axially guided one compared to each other. Advantageously, they are guided relative to each other by an assembly of the cylindrical telescopic type allowing relative rotations. This assembly and / or one and / or the other of the two rolling members can also be guided in rotation relative to the opposite transverse wall by an instant dismantling assembly - in particular with hooks - facilitating disassembly and reassembly. rolling elements, for example for the lining changes. Furthermore, advantageously and according to the invention, the flanges have grooves for receiving the lateral extreme edges of the transverse walls. In this way, the transverse walls are fixed to the flanges by simple embedding of their extreme edges in the grooves of the flanges. In addition, a better seal is simply ensured between the hydraulic circuit inside the device, under vacuum, and the basin outside the device.
En outre, avantageusement et selon l'invention, chaque flasque est fixé de façon démontable au carter moteur, notamment grâce à des vis ou boulons.In addition, advantageously and according to the invention, each flange is detachably fixed to the crankcase, in particular by means of screws or bolts.
Avantageusement et selon l'invention, les parois transversales sont fixées avec le capot supérieur par des vis ou boulons serrant le capot supérieur sur les parois transversales.Advantageously and according to the invention, the transverse walls are fixed with the upper cover by screws or bolts tightening the upper cover on the transverse walls.
L'ensemble de l'assemblage des flasques au carter moteur, et des parois transversales par encastrement aux flasques et au capot supérieur par serrage relatif, est particulièrement simple, facile et rapide à monter ou à démonter et confère une grande rigidité à la structure ainsi formée de l'appareil. En outre, avantageusement et selon l'invention, l'appareil comprend une poignée de portage fixée sur le bâti -notamment aux flasques- à travers le capot. Cette fixation peut être réalisée par crochetage, la poignée présentant des extrémités dotés de crochets passant dans des lumières du capot, avec un cavalier de verrouillage inséré derrière chaque crochet dans la lumière du capot pour le bloquer en place par rapport au capot.The whole assembly of the flanges to the crankcase, and of the transverse walls by fitting to the flanges and to the upper cover by relative tightening, is particularly simple, easy and quick to assemble or disassemble and gives great rigidity to the structure as well. formed of the device. In addition, advantageously and according to the invention, the device comprises a carrying handle fixed to the frame - in particular to the flanges - through the cover. This fixing can be achieved by hooking, the handle having ends provided with hooks passing through the hood lights, with a locking jumper inserted behind each hook in the hood light to lock it in place relative to the hood.
En outre, avantageusement et selon l'invention, le carter moteur est moulé au plus juste autour des éléments qu'il contient et présente des formes arrondies favorisant la circulation d'eau.In addition, advantageously and according to the invention, the motor casing is molded as tightly as possible around the elements which it contains and has rounded shapes promoting the circulation of water.
Par ailleurs, avantageusement et selon l'invention, le carter moteur comprend un moteur de pompage central supérieur à axe de pompage orthogonal à un plan de roulement défini par les organes de roulement et entraînant une hélice de pompage disposée à l'extérieur du carter moteur sous l'orifice du capot, et apte à générer un débit d'eau dans l'appareil entre les entrées d'eau et l'orifice supérieur. Selon une autre caractéristique avantageuse de l'invention, le fond porte un filtre interposé sur le circuit hydraulique entre les entrées d'eau inférieures et l'orifice supérieur d'évacuation. Avantageusement et selon l'invention, le filtre s'étend entre le carter moteur et chaque paroi transversale.Furthermore, advantageously and according to the invention, the crankcase comprises a central pumping motor greater than a pumping axis orthogonal to a rolling plane defined by the rolling members and driving a pumping propeller disposed outside the crankcase. under the opening of the hood, and capable of generating a flow of water in the device between the water inlets and the upper opening. According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the bottom carries a filter interposed on the hydraulic circuit between the lower water inlets and the upper discharge orifice. Advantageously and according to the invention, the filter extends between the motor housing and each transverse wall.
Par ailleurs, avantageusement et selon l'invention, le fond est fixé de façon amovible par rapport au bâti. Avantageusement et selon l'invention, le fond est fixé aux flasques. Avantageusement et selon l'invention, le fond est fixé au bâti par des moyens de fixation à crochetage élastique. En outre, avantageusement et selon l'invention, l'une au moins des parois transversales présente au moins un clapet de vidange apte à permettre la vidange du circuit hydraulique par gravité lorsque l'appareil est extrait du liquide. L'invention concerne aussi un appareil caractérisé en combinaison par tout ou partie des caractéristiques mentionnées ci-dessus ou ci- après.Furthermore, advantageously and according to the invention, the bottom is removably fixed relative to the frame. Advantageously and according to the invention, the bottom is fixed to the flanges. Advantageously and according to the invention, the bottom is fixed to the frame by fixing means with elastic hooking. In addition, advantageously and according to the invention, at least one of the transverse walls has at least one drain valve capable of allowing the drainage of the hydraulic circuit by gravity when the device is extracted from the liquid. The invention also relates to an apparatus characterized in combination by all or some of the characteristics mentioned above or below.
L'appareil selon l'invention est simple, peu coûteux, robuste, facile et rapide à monter et à démonter, donc à réparer, à entretenir et à utiliser, peut faire l'objet de variations esthétiques importantes à moindre coût industriel (il suffit par exemple de modifier la forme du capot), comprend un volume mort de liquide nul ou quasi nul (le circuit hydraulique se vidangeant entièrement lors de l'extraction de l'appareil du liquide) et est léger et facile à manipuler. D'autres buts, caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaissent à la lecture de la description suivante d'un exemple de réalisation représenté sur les figures dans lesquelles :The device according to the invention is simple, inexpensive, robust, easy and quick to assemble and disassemble, therefore to repair, maintain and use, can be subject to significant aesthetic variations at lower industrial cost (it suffices for example to modify the shape of the cover), includes a dead volume of liquid zero or almost zero (the hydraulic circuit is emptied entirely during the extraction of the device from the liquid) and is light and easy to handle. Other objects, characteristics and advantages of the invention appear on reading the following description of an exemplary embodiment shown in the figures in which:
- la figure 1 est une vue schématique en perspective éclatée d'un appareil selon un mode de réalisation préférentiel de l'invention, - la figure 2 est une vue schématique en perspective de l'appareil de la figure 1 à l'état assemblé,- Figure 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of an apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, - Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 in the assembled state,
- la figure 3 est une vue schématique en perspective éclatée d'une cassette de transmission selon l'invention,FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a transmission cassette according to the invention,
- la figure 4 est une vue schématique en perspective de la cassette de la figure 3 à l'état assemblé,FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the cassette of FIG. 3 in the assembled state,
- la figure 5 est une vue schématique de dessous avec une coupe partielle de l'appareil de la figure 2,FIG. 5 is a schematic view from below with a partial section of the apparatus of FIG. 2,
- la figure 6 est une vue schématique en coupe verticale transversale de l'appareil de la figure 1, - la figure 7 est une vue schématique en coupe verticale longitudinale de la figure 1.- Figure 6 is a schematic view in vertical cross section of the apparatus of Figure 1, - Figure 7 is a schematic view in longitudinal vertical section of Figure 1.
Sur les figures 1 et 2, on a représenté un appareil (ou robot) selon l'invention roulant automoteur électrique nettoyeur de surface immergée en particulier de piscine, comprenant un carter 1 moteur rigide transversal central en matière synthétique rigide renfermant deux moteurs électriques indépendants semblables 83, l'un de chaque côté, entraîαant chacun un arbre moteur 2 rotatif transversal qui débouche en saillie latéralement à l'extérieur du carter moteur 1. En partie centrale, le carter moteur 1 renferme un troisième moteur électrique 70 dont l'arbre d'entraînement, dit arbre de pompage 71, débouche verticalement vers le haut à l'extérieur du carter 1 moteur pour l'entraînement d'une hélice 3 de pompage supérieure extérieure au carter 1 moteur. L'appareil selon l'invention comprend également deux cassettes 6 latérales de transmission selon l'invention, l'une de chaque côté. Chaque cassette de transmission 6 est fixée rigidement mais de façon démontable, en un ensemble d'un seul tenant, respectivement à chaque extrémité latérale 7 du carter moteur 1. Chaque cassette 6 forme une flasque latéral s'étendant longitudinalement vers l'avant et vers l'arrière du carter 1 moteur, de façon à former un bâti rigide 72 globalement en forme de H sur lequel les autres organes de l'appareil sont rapportés et fixés, à savoir un capot supérieur 5, une poignée 8 de manœuvre ; des parois transversales avant 9 et arrière 10 s'étendant entre les deux cassettes 6 et le capot supérieur 5, et à l'avant et, respectivement, à l'arrière du carter 1 moteur et délimitant entre elles et avec les cassettes 6, en partie inférieure, une ouverture inférieure refermée par un fond 11 doté d'entrées d'eau 66 à clapets autorisant l'entrée de l'eau vers le haut mais interdisant les sorties d'eau vers le bas. Le fond 11 porte un sac de filtrage 12 incorporé dans le boîtier- 73 ainsi constitué par le capot 5, les parois transversales 9, 10 et les cassettes 6. Le sac de filtrage 12 présente deux poches s'étendant à l'avant et, respectivement à l'arrière du carter 1 moteur, entre le carter moteur et chaque paroi transversale 9, 10.In Figures 1 and 2, there is shown an apparatus (or robot) according to the invention rolling self-propelled electric submerged surface cleaner in particular of swimming pool, comprising a casing 1 rigid transverse central motor in rigid synthetic material containing two similar independent electric motors 83, one on each side, each driving a rotary motor shaft 2 transverse which projects laterally outside the motor housing 1. In the central part, the motor housing 1 contains a third electric motor 70, the drive shaft of which, said pumping shaft 71, opens vertically upwards at outside the crankcase 1 motor for driving an upper pumping propeller 3 outside the crankcase 1 motor. The apparatus according to the invention also comprises two lateral transmission cassettes 6 according to the invention, one on each side. Each transmission cassette 6 is rigidly but removably fixed, in a single unit, respectively at each lateral end 7 of the motor housing 1. Each cassette 6 forms a lateral flange extending longitudinally forward and towards the rear of the motor housing 1, so as to form a rigid frame 72 generally in the form of an H on which the other members of the apparatus are attached and fixed, namely an upper cover 5, a handle 8 for maneuvering; front 9 and rear 10 transverse walls extending between the two cassettes 6 and the upper cover 5, and at the front and, respectively, at the rear of the motor housing 1 and delimiting between them and with the cassettes 6, lower part, a lower opening closed by a bottom 11 provided with water inlets 66 with valves authorizing the entry of water upwards but preventing water outlets downwards. The bottom 11 carries a filter bag 12 incorporated in the housing 73 thus constituted by the cover 5, the transverse walls 9, 10 and the cassettes 6. The filter bag 12 has two pockets extending at the front and, respectively at the rear of the motor housing 1, between the motor housing and each transverse wall 9, 10.
Les parois transversales avant 9 et arrière 10 sont dotées, en leur partie inférieure, de clapets de vidange 74 anti-retour adaptés pour empêcher l'entrée d'eau depuis l'extérieur dans le boîtier 73 pendant le fonctionnement de l'appareil mais pour autoriser, par gravité, la sortie de l'eau contenue dans le boîtier 73 après l'arrêt de l'appareil. Lorsque l'hélice 3 n'est pas active, l'eau contenue dans le boîtier 73 est automatiquement vidangée par gravité par les clapets de vidange 74 lorsque l'appareil est sorti de l'eau.The front 9 and rear 10 transverse walls are provided, at their lower part, with non-return drain valves 74 adapted to prevent the entry of water from the outside into the housing 73 during operation of the device but for authorize, by gravity, the exit of the water contained in the housing 73 after stopping the device. When propeller 3 is not active, the water contained in the housing 73 is automatically drained by gravity by the drain valves 74 when the device is out of the water.
A titre d'organes de roulement, l'appareil comprend deux rouleaux avant 13 (un rouleau avant gauche et un rouleau avant droit), s'étendant entre les deux cassettes 6, et à l'avant de la paroi transversale avant 9, à l'extérieur du circuit hydraulique formé dans le boîtier 73, et transversalement et en prolongement axial l'un de l'autre, rotatifs autour d'un axe transversal parallèle à la surface sur laquelle ils roulent, chacun de ces organes de roulement avant 13 étant accouplé, respectivement, à l'une des cassettes 6 latérales ; et deux rouleaux arrière 14 (un rouleau arrière gauche et un rouleau arrière droit) s'étendant entre les deux cassettes 6 et à l'arrière de la paroi transversale arrière 10, à l'extérieur du circuit hydraulique formé dans le boîtier 73, et transversalement et en prolongement axial l'un de l'autre, rotatifs autour d'un axe transversal parallèle à la surface sur laquelle ils roulent, chacun de ces organes de roulement arrière 14 étant accouplé respectivement, à l'une des cassettes 6 latérales. Les deux rouleaux d'une même paire de rouleaux avant 13 ou arrière 14 sont indépendants l'un de l'autre, en rotation, c'est-à-dire solidaires en rotation, chacun d'entre eux étant entraîné par l'un des moteurs 83 (gauche ou droit), à l'arbre moteur 2 (gauche ou droit) duquel il est relié par une cassette de transmission 6. Chaque rouleau 13, 14 comprend un arbre 17 principal cylindrique, et une garniture 18 périphérique par exemple en mousse et/ou formée de brosses, montée solidaire en rotation de l'arbre 17, mais pouvant être remplacée en cas d'usure. Les arbres 17 des deux rouleaux avant 13 ou arrière 14 sont cylindriques de révolution et télescopiques l'un dans l'autre axialement de façon à pouvoir être rapprochés en partie centrale de l'appareil pour être désaccouplés des cassettes 6 latérales et démontés de l'appareil, ou, au contraire, être éloignés l'un de l'autre en vue de leur accouplement aux cassettes 6. Les arbres 17 des rouleaux 13, 14 sont aussi guidés par un palier 15, 16 central solidaire de la paroi avant 9, disposé entre les deux rouleaux avant 13 ou arrière 14. Ce palier 15, 16 comprend une echancrure 15 de réception de l'arbre 17 de plus grand diamètre de l'un des rouleaux 13, 14 et un crochet de verrouillage 16 pivotant de façon à pouvoir être rabattu au-dessus de l'échancrure 15 et de l'arbre 17 pour le montage des rouleaux ou au, contraire, dégagé de l'échancrure 15 pour le démontage des rouleaux 13, 14. Les deux rouleaux arrière 14 sont semblables aux rouleaux avant 13, d'axe transversal parallèle à celui des rouleaux avant 13, et montés et entraînés de façon semblable aux rouleaux avant 13. Les paliers 15, 16 solidaires des parois transversales 9, 10 guidant les rouleaux 13, 14 subissent peu d'effort radialement. En effet, les deux rouleaux d'une même paire sont télescopiques et donc guidés et tenus radialement l'un par rapport à l'autre tout en étant libres en rotation l'un par rapport à l'autre, et sont aussi guidés et tenus à leurs extrémités opposées par les cassettes 6. Les rouleaux 13, 14 définissent un plan de roulement de l'appareil correspondant à la surface immergée sur laquelle il se déplace. Les arbres moteurs 2 de l'appareil sont coaxiaux et parallèles à ce plan de roulement. L'arbre de pompage 71 du troisième moteur entraînant l'hélice 3 est orthogonal à ce plan de roulement, de sorte que l'hélice 3 est adaptée pour créer un flux d'eau dans le sens orthogonal s'éloignant du plan de roulement (verticalement vers le haut lorsque la surface immergée est horizontale) depuis les entrées 66 inférieures autour du carter moteur 1 et entre les parois transversales 9, 10, les cassettes 6 et le carter 1 moteur, et jusqu'à un orifice supérieur 4 d'évacuation ménagé dans le capot supérieur 5 de l'appareil par lequel l'eau est rejetée de l'appareil vers le haut. Le sac de filtrage 12 s'étend à l'avant et à l'arrière du carter moteur 1 et son ouverture est associée à la périphérie du fond 11 de sorte que ce sac de filtrage 12 est interposé sur le circuit de l'eau entre les entrées 66 et l'orifice 4 de sortie. Le carter 1 peut être moulé au plus juste autour des moteurs 70, 83 et organes qu'il contient, au bénéfice d'un plus faible encombrement, d'un accroissement de la rigidité, et de formes extérieures arrondies hydrodynamiques. Lorsque l'hélice 3 est active, l'eau est entraînée en mouvement vers le haut et ne peut donc pas ressortir par les clapets de vidange 74 par gravité.As rolling elements, the device comprises two front rollers 13 (a left front roller and a right front roller), extending between the two cassettes 6, and at the front of the front transverse wall 9, at the exterior of the hydraulic circuit formed in the housing 73, and transversely and in axial extension of one another, rotating about a transverse axis parallel to the surface on which they roll, each of these front rolling members 13 being coupled, respectively, to one of the lateral cassettes 6; and two rear rollers 14 (a left rear roller and a right rear roller) extending between the two cassettes 6 and at the rear of the rear transverse wall 10, outside the hydraulic circuit formed in the housing 73, and transversely and in axial extension of one another, rotatable about a transverse axis parallel to the surface on which they roll, each of these rear rolling members 14 being coupled respectively, to one of the lateral cassettes 6. The two rollers of the same pair of front 13 or rear 14 rollers are independent of each other, in rotation, that is to say integral in rotation, each of them being driven by one motors 83 (left or right), to the motor shaft 2 (left or right) from which it is connected by a transmission cassette 6. Each roller 13, 14 comprises a main cylindrical shaft 17, and a peripheral lining 18 for example made of foam and / or formed of brushes, mounted for rotation with the shaft 17, but which can be replaced in the event of wear. The shafts 17 of the two front rollers 13 or rear 14 are cylindrical of revolution and telescopic one inside the other axially so that they can be brought together in the central part of the apparatus to be uncoupled from the lateral cassettes 6 and dismantled from the device, or, on the contrary, be distant from one another in order to couple them to the cassettes 6. The shafts 17 of the rollers 13, 14 are also guided by a central bearing 15, 16 secured to the front wall 9, disposed between the two front or rear 13 or rear 14 rollers. This bearing 15, 16 comprises a notch 15 for receiving the shaft 17 of larger diameter from one of the rollers 13, 14 and a locking hook 16 pivoting so as to can be folded down over notch 15 and shaft 17 for mounting the rollers or, on the contrary, disengaged from the notch 15 for removing the rollers 13, 14. The two rear rollers 14 are similar to the front rollers 13, with a transverse axis parallel to that of the front rollers 13, and mounted and driven similarly to the front rollers 13. The bearings 15, 16 integral with the transverse walls 9, 10 guiding the rollers 13, 14 undergo little effort radially. Indeed, the two rollers of the same pair are telescopic and therefore guided and held radially with respect to each other while being free to rotate with respect to each other, and are also guided and held at their opposite ends by the cassettes 6. The rollers 13, 14 define a rolling plane of the device corresponding to the submerged surface on which it moves. The motor shafts 2 of the device are coaxial and parallel to this running plane. The pumping shaft 71 of the third motor driving the propeller 3 is orthogonal to this running plane, so that the propeller 3 is adapted to create a flow of water in the orthogonal direction away from the running plane ( vertically upwards when the submerged surface is horizontal) from the lower inlets 66 around the motor housing 1 and between the transverse walls 9, 10, the cassettes 6 and the motor housing 1, and up to an upper discharge orifice 4 formed in the upper cover 5 of the device through which water is discharged from the device upwards. The filter bag 12 extends at the front and at the rear of the crankcase 1 and its opening is associated with the periphery of the bottom 11 so that this filter bag 12 is interposed on the water circuit between inputs 66 and outlet 4. The casing 1 can be molded as close as possible around the motors 70, 83 and the bodies which it contains, for the benefit of a smaller footprint, an increase in rigidity, and hydrodynamic rounded external shapes. When the propeller 3 is active, the water is driven in upward movement and therefore cannot escape through the drain valves 74 by gravity.
Un câble d'alimentation électrique 19 étanche est relié à l'intérieur du carter moteur 1, pour l'alimentation et la commande des différents moteurs 70, 83, et ce câble 19 traverse le capot supérieur 5 par l'une des lumières 79 de fixation de la poignée 8 de façon à pouvoir être connecté à une source d'alimentation électrique extérieure à l'appareil et à la piscine. Les deux cassettes latérales 6 sont identiques. En effet, chaque cassette 6 présente une symétrie par rapport à un plan transversal médian orthogonal au plan de roulement et donc à la surface sur laquelle l'appareil se déplace. Ce plan de symétrie est ainsi notamment vertical lorsque cette surface est horizontale. Le bâti 72, et plus généralement l'appareil, sont globalement symétriques par rapport à un même plan transversal médian orthogonal au plan de roulement, et ce plan de symétrie du robot coïncide avec le plan de symétrie de chaque cassette 6. le bâti 72 et l'appareil sont aussi globalement symétriques par rapport à un plan longitudinal médian orthogonal au plan de roulement. Chaque cassette de transmission 6 comprend un carter rigide 20 extérieur (les autres éléments de la cassette 6 étant incorporés dans ce carter 20). Ce carter 20 est formé de deux demi-coques 20a, 20b dont une demi- coque interne 20a la plus proche du carter moteur 1 de l'appareil, fixée au carter moteur 1 de l'appareil, et une demi-coque externe 20b la plus éloignée du carter moteur 1 de l'appareil. Chaque demi-coque s'étend au moins sensiblement orthogonalement au plan de roulement et selon la direction longitudinale, et les deux demi-coques 20a, 20b sont assemblées l'une à l'autre selon un plan 21a, 21b périphérique globalement longitudinal. Les demi-coques 20a, 20b sont en matière synthétique rigide moulée. La demi-coque interne 20a comprend une potence supérieure médiane 22 s'étendant transversalement vers le centre de l'appareil de façon à pouvoir être fixée par une vis 23 au carter moteur 1, au-dessus de l'arbre moteur 2. La poignée 8 présente deux extrémités 76, chacune d'elles étant dotée d'un crochet 77 apte à être engagé dans une lumière 78 de la potence 22 et à se crocheter à cette potence 22. Le capot 5 est doté de lumières 79 permettant le passage des crochets 77 à travers le capot 5, et l'insertion de cavaliers de verrouillage 80 adaptés pour verrouiller les crochets 77 en position de crochetage. Chaque lumière 79 du capot 5 est plus grande que le crochet 77, de sorte qu'un cavalier de verrouillage 80 peut être inséré dans cette lumière 79 à l'arrière du crochet 77, entre le crochet 77 et le bord en regard de la lumière 79 pour repousser latéralement le crochet 77 dans la position de crochetage avec la potence 22. Pour enlever la poignée 8, il faut ainsi ôter les cavaliers de verrouillage 80 en les extrayant axialement des lumières 79 du capot 5, ce qui permet de repousser les crochets 77 latéralement dans les lumière 78 des potences 22 et dans les lumières 79 du capot 5, pour les dégager des potences 22, puis de les extraire axialement hors de ces lumière 78, 79. Pour remonter la poignée 8 on réalise les opérations inverses.A sealed electrical power cable 19 is connected to the inside of the motor housing 1, for supplying and controlling the various motors 70, 83, and this cable 19 passes through the upper cover 5 through one of the lights 79 of fixing the handle 8 so that it can be connected to a source of electrical power external to the device and to the swimming pool. The two side cassettes 6 are identical. In fact, each cassette 6 has symmetry with respect to a transverse median plane orthogonal to the running plane and therefore to the surface on which the device moves. This plane of symmetry is thus in particular vertical when this surface is horizontal. The frame 72, and more generally the apparatus, are generally symmetrical with respect to the same median transverse plane orthogonal to the rolling plane, and this plane of symmetry of the robot coincides with the plane of symmetry of each cassette 6. the frame 72 and the device are also generally symmetrical with respect to a median longitudinal plane orthogonal to the running plane. Each transmission cassette 6 comprises an external rigid casing 20 (the other elements of the cassette 6 being incorporated in this casing 20). This casing 20 is formed by two half-shells 20a, 20b including an internal half-shell 20a closest to the motor casing 1 of the device, fixed to the motor casing 1 of the device, and an external half-shell 20b la further from engine crankcase 1 of the device. Each half-shell extends at least substantially orthogonally to the running plane and in the longitudinal direction, and the two half-shells 20a, 20b are assembled to one another along a generally longitudinal peripheral plane 21a, 21b. The half-shells 20a, 20b are made of rigid molded synthetic material. The internal half-shell 20a comprises a middle upper bracket 22 extending transversely towards the center of the device so that it can be fixed by a screw 23 to the motor housing 1, above the motor shaft 2. The handle 8 has two ends 76, each of which is provided with a hook 77 capable of being engaged in a slot 78 of the bracket 22 and of hooking onto this bracket 22. The cover 5 is provided with slots 79 allowing the passage of the hooks 77 through the cover 5, and the insertion of locking jumpers 80 adapted to lock the hooks 77 in the hooking position. Each light 79 of the cover 5 is larger than the hook 77, so that a locking jumper 80 can be inserted in this light 79 at the rear of the hook 77, between the hook 77 and the edge opposite the light 79 to push the hook 77 laterally into the hooking position with the bracket 22. To remove the handle 8, the jumpers must be removed from locking 80 by extracting them axially from the slots 79 of the cover 5, which makes it possible to push the hooks 77 laterally into the slots 78 of the brackets 22 and into the slots 79 of the cover 5, to release them from the brackets 22, then extract them axially out of these lights 78, 79. To reassemble the handle 8, the reverse operations are carried out.
La poignée 8 est ainsi fixée sur les potences 22 des cassettes 6, donc sur le bâti 72, à travers le capot 5 de façon démontable. Il est à noter que cette fixation de la poignée 8 au bâti 72 solidarise aussi le capot 5 au bâti 72, les crochets 77 et cavaliers 80 ayant une partie externe plus grande que les lumières 79 du capot 5 de sorte que le capot 5 est maintenu contre les potences 22 des cassettes 6.The handle 8 is thus fixed on the brackets 22 of the cassettes 6, therefore on the frame 72, through the cover 5 in a removable manner. It should be noted that this fixing of the handle 8 to the frame 72 also secures the cover 5 to the frame 72, the hooks 77 and jumpers 80 having an external part larger than the lights 79 of the cover 5 so that the cover 5 is maintained against the brackets 22 of the cassettes 6.
La demi-coque interne 20a comprend également deux potences latérales inférieures 24 s'étendant également transversalement vers le centre de l'appareil pour être placées au-dessus d'un rebord 25 inférieur latéral du carter moteur 1 et y être fixées grâce à des vis 26. Entre les potences 22, 24, la demi-coque interne 20a est conformée de façon à recevoir l'extrémité latérale 7 du carter moteur 1, l'arbre moteur 2 pouvant être accouplé à un tourillon d'entrée 27 de la cassette 6 accessible via une lumière 43 traversant la demi-coque interne 20a, axialement en regard de l'arbre à moteur 2. Le tourillon d'entrée 27 est monté librement rotatif par rapport à la cassette 6, entre les deux demi-coques 20a, 20b, autour d'un axe de rotation transversal, et reçoit le mouvement moteur de l'arbre moteur 2. Pour ce faire, chaque demi-coque 20a, 20b définit un logement cylindrique 28a, 28b recevant une bague 29a, 29b, en matière synthétique antifriction, qui reçoit elle- même une extension cylindrique axiale 30a, 30b du tourillon d'entrée 27 permettant son guidage en rotation dans la bague 29a, 29b.The internal half-shell 20a also comprises two lower lateral brackets 24 also extending transversely towards the center of the device to be placed above a lower lateral flange 25 of the crankcase 1 and to be fixed thereto by screws 26. Between the brackets 22, 24, the internal half-shell 20a is shaped so as to receive the lateral end 7 of the motor housing 1, the motor shaft 2 being able to be coupled to an input journal 27 of the cassette 6 accessible via a light 43 passing through the internal half-shell 20a, axially opposite the motor shaft 2. The input pin 27 is mounted freely rotatable relative to the cassette 6, between the two half-shells 20a, 20b , around a transverse axis of rotation, and receives the motor movement of the motor shaft 2. To do this, each half-shell 20a, 20b defines a cylindrical housing 28a, 28b receiving a ring 29a, 29b, made of synthetic material antifriction, which receives ell e- same an axial cylindrical extension 30a, 30b of the input pin 27 allowing its guiding in rotation in the ring 29a, 29b.
L'extension axiale cylindrique 30a s'étendant du côté de la demi-coque interne 20a est prolongée par quatre pions de crabotage 31 formant des moyens d'accouplement démontable à l'arbre moteur 2. L'arbre moteur 2 est lui-même doté d'une croix de crabotage 32 adaptée pour recevoir les pions 31 de crabotage du tourillon d'entrée 27 lorsque la cassette 6 est en place sur le carter moteur 1. Les pions 31 et la croix 32 de crabotage réalisent ainsi des moyens d'accouplement démontable par simple mise en place relative, de type à crabot, les pions 31 s'étendant axialement venant s'engager dans des échancrures conjuguées de la croix 32.The cylindrical axial extension 30a extending on the side of the internal half-shell 20a is extended by four clutch pins 31 forming removable coupling means to the motor shaft 2. The motor shaft 2 is itself endowed an interconnection cross 32 adapted to receive the interconnection pins 31 of the input pin 27 when the cassette 6 is in place on the crankcase 1. The pins 31 and the interconnection cross 32 thus make means coupling which can be dismantled by simple relative positioning, of the dog clutch type, the pins 31 extending axially from engaging in conjugate notches of the cross 32.
La cassette 6 comprend également deux tourillons de sortie 33, 34, à savoir un tourillon de sortie avant 33 et un tourillon de sortie arrière 34, adaptés pour être accouplés, à travers le carter 20, à l'arbre 17 de l'un des rouleaux avant 13 ou respectivement arrière 14. Chaque tourillon de sortie 33, 34 est librement rotatif autour d'un axe de rotation transversal, comme le tourillon d'entrée 27. Les tourillons de sortie avant 33 et arrière 34 sont identiques au tourillon d'entrée 27 et guidés par rapport au carter 20 de la cassette 6, comme le tourillon d'entrée, grâce à des logements cylindriques 35a, 35b avant et 36a, 36b arrière ménagés dans les demi-coques 20a, 20b, et à des bagues en matériau antifriction avant 37a, 37b et arrière 38a, 38b, chaque tourillon de sortie 33, 34 comprenant une extension axiale cylindrique 39a, 39b, respectivement 40a, 40b, engagée dans la bague 37a, 37b, 38a, 38b correspondante. Les deux tourillons de sortie 33, 34 comprennent également, du côté intérieur de l'appareil, des pions 41, respectivement 42, de crabotage adaptés pour l'accouplement du tourillon 33, 34 à une croix de crabotage 46, respectivement 47, s'étendant à l'extrémité axiale latérale de l'arbre 17 du rouleau 13, 14 en regard. Les pions de crabotage 31, 41, 42 des différents tourillons 27, 33, 34 s'étendent à travers des lumières circulaires 43, 44, 45 ménagées à travers la demi-coque interne 20a pour pouvoir coopérer avec les croix de crabotage 32, 46, 47 en regard et réaliser l'accouplement démontable à travers le carter 20. Les tourillons d'entrée 27 et de sortie 33, 34 peuvent être formés de pièces identiques, ce -qui permet de réduire les coûts de fabrication.The cassette 6 also comprises two output pins 33, 34, namely a front output pin 33 and a rear output pin 34, adapted to be coupled, through the casing 20, to the shaft 17 of one of the front rollers 13 or rear respectively 14. Each output pin 33, 34 is freely rotatable about a transverse axis of rotation, like the input pin 27. The front pin 33 and rear pin 34 are identical to the pin inlet 27 and guided relative to the casing 20 of the cassette 6, like the inlet pin, by means of cylindrical housings 35a, 35b front and 36a, 36b rear formed in the half-shells 20a, 20b, and by rings in anti-friction material front 37a, 37b and rear 38a, 38b, each outlet pin 33, 34 comprising a cylindrical axial extension 39a, 39b, respectively 40a, 40b, engaged in the corresponding ring 37a, 37b, 38a, 38b. The two outlet pins 33, 34 also comprise, on the inside of the device, pins 41, respectively 42, for interconnection adapted for coupling the journal 33, 34 to a cross coupling 46, respectively 47, s' extending at the lateral axial end of the shaft 17 of the roller 13, 14 opposite. The interconnection pins 31, 41, 42 of the different pins 27, 33, 34 extend through circular slots 43, 44, 45 formed through the internal half-shell 20a in order to be able to cooperate with the interconnection crosses 32, 46 , 47 opposite and make the removable coupling through the housing 20. The input pins 27 and output 33, 34 can be formed of identical parts, which -which reduces manufacturing costs.
Entre le tourillon d'entrée 27 et chacun des tourillons de sortie 33, 34, la cassette 6 comprend un train de pignons successifs 48, 49 engrenant deux à deux, montés librement rotatifs autour d'axes de rotation transversaux (parallèles deux à deux et aux axes de rotation des tourillons 27, 33, 34), et engrenant d'une part avec une roue dentée 50 du tourillon d'entrée 27 et, d'autre part, avec une roue dentée 51, respectivement 52, du tourillon de sortie 33, respectivement 34. De préférence, chaque train de pignons 48, 49 comprend un nombre impair de pignons et les différents pignons ont un même diamètre. Les différents pignons peuvent ainsi être identiques, au bénéfice d'une économie de fabrication. Lorsque l'arbre moteur 2 est accouplé au tourillon d'entrée 27, il l'entraîne en rotation, et chacun des tourillons de sortie 33, 34 est entraîné également en rotation dans le même sens et à la même vitesse par les trains de pignons 48, 49. Les axes de rotation des différents pignons 48, 49 peuvent être simplement formés d'extensions transversales cylindriques 53 adaptées pour recevoir un alésage cylindrique des différents pignons, ces extensions 53 s'étendant vers l'extérieur à partir de la demi-coque interne 20a dont elles sont solidaires. De préférence, les deux demi-coques interne 20a et externe 20b sont assemblées l'une à l'autre par des vis 54 passant par les axes de rotation desBetween the input pin 27 and each of the output pins 33, 34, the cassette 6 comprises a train of successive pinions 48, 49 meshing in pairs, mounted freely rotatable around transverse axes of rotation (parallels two by two and to the axes of rotation of the pins 27, 33, 34), and meshing on the one hand with a toothed wheel 50 of the input pin 27 and, on the other hand, with a gear wheel 51, respectively 52, of the output pin 33, respectively 34. Preferably, each gear train 48, 49 comprises an odd number of sprockets and the different sprockets have the same diameter. The different pinions can thus be identical, for the benefit of a manufacturing economy. When the drive shaft 2 is coupled to the input pin 27, it rotates it, and each of the output pins 33, 34 is also rotated in the same direction and at the same speed by the pinion trains 48, 49. The axes of rotation of the various pinions 48, 49 may simply be formed by cylindrical transverse extensions 53 adapted to receive a cylindrical bore of the various pinions, these extensions 53 extending outward from the half internal shell 20a of which they are integral. Preferably, the two internal half-shells 20a and external 20b are assembled to one another by screws 54 passing through the axes of rotation of the
' pignons 48, 49, c'est-à-dire par les extensions transversales 53. Les différents pignons 48, 49 présentent alors une lumière pour le passage de ces vis 54 d'assemblage, et la coque externe 20b comprend des plots 55 venant en butée contre l'extrémité axiale des extensions transversales 53 formées par la demi- coque interne 20a, ces plots 55 étant adaptés pour recevoir les vis 54 autotaraudeuses, de tels sorte que leurs filets soient en prise avec ces filets 55 qui font office de taraudages.pinions 48, 49, that is to say by the transverse extensions 53. The different pinions 48, 49 then have a lumen for the passage of these assembly screws 54, and the external shell 20b comprises studs 55 coming from in abutment against the axial end of the transverse extensions 53 formed by the internal half-shell 20a, these studs 55 being adapted to receive the self-tapping screws 54, so that their threads are engaged with these threads 55 which act as threads .
En variante non représentée, ou en combinaison, les plots 55 peuvent être solidarisés de manière indémontable (soudure, collage ...) aux extensions 53, les demi-coques 21a, 20a étant alors indémontables.In a variant not shown, or in combination, the studs 55 can be secured in a non-removable manner (welding, bonding, etc.) to the extensions 53, the half-shells 21a, 20a then being non-removable.
La demi-coque interne 20a comprend aussi des rainures 64, respectivement 65, de réception des bords extrêmes latéraux 80 de la paroi transversale avant 9 et 81 de la paroi transversale arrière 10, et les potences latérales inférieures 62 sont dotées de lumières traversées par des vis 63 permettant l'assemblage des parois transversales 9, 10, des cassettes 6 et du capot 5. Les parois transversales 9, 10 sont donc encastrées dans les rainures 64, 65 des cassettes 6 et s'étendent entre ces deux cassettes 6 sur toute la hauteur des cassettes 6 au niveau des rainures 64, 65. Les vis 63 serrent les parois transversales 9, 10 et le capot 5 l'une vers l'autre sur les cassettes 6. Dans l'exemple représenté elles sont introduites dans des lumières des parois transversales 9, 10 pour se visser dans des plots de vissage formant taraudages du capot 5.The internal half-shell 20a also includes grooves 64, respectively 65, for receiving the lateral end edges 80 of the front transverse wall 9 and 81 of the rear transverse wall 10, and the lower lateral brackets 62 are provided with lights crossed by screws 63 allowing the assembly of the transverse walls 9, 10, of the cassettes 6 and of the cover 5. The transverse walls 9, 10 are therefore embedded in the grooves 64, 65 of the cassettes 6 and extend between these two cassettes 6 over all the height of the cassettes 6 at the level of the grooves 64, 65. The screws 63 tighten the transverse walls 9, 10 and the cover 5 towards each other on the cassettes 6. In the example shown, they are introduced into slots transverse walls 9, 10 for screwing into screw studs forming threads of the cover 5.
Le fond 11 peut être fixé sur les parois transversales 9, 10 et/ou les cassettes latérales 6 par des vis et/ou crochets élastiques ou autres moyens de fixation démontables de façon à refermer l'ouverture inférieure formée par les parois transversales 9, 10 et les cassettes latérales 6. Le fond 11 est fixé de façon amovible au bâti 72, notamment aux cassettes latérales 6, par des crochets élastiques 75 coopérant avec une rainure 76 solidaire de la demi- coque interne 20a. Les parois transversales 9, 10 et le capot supérieur 5 sont portés par les cassettes 6 grâce aux rainures 64, 65 et aux potences 62 et vis 63. Pour démonter l'appareil, par exemple en vue d'une opération de maintenance, il suffit d'enlever les rouleaux 13, 14 en dégageant les crochets 16, puis d'ôter les vis 63, et d'extraire les cavaliers 80 pour démonter la poignée 8. Les parois transversales 9, 10 et le capot 5 se dissocient du bâti 72. Pour démonter les parois transversales 9, 10, il faut démonter une cassette 6 (du fait des rainures 64,65). Le câble 19 passe au travers du capot et ne permet pas la séparation complète du capot 5 et du bâti 72. Néanmoins, il suffit de faire glisser le capot 5 le long du câble 19, de sorte que la maintenance est possible et aisée. Le montage s'effectue en réalisant les opérations inverses. L'esthétique de l'appareil peut faire l'objet de nombreuses variantes. - La demi-coque externe 20b présente également de préférence une potence supérieure centrale 56 destinée à s'étendre au-dessus de la potence supérieure centrale 22 de la demi-coque interne 20a et fixée avec elle au carter moteur 1 au-dessus de l'arbre moteur 2.The bottom 11 can be fixed on the transverse walls 9, 10 and / or the side cassettes 6 by elastic screws and / or hooks or other removable fixing means so as to close the lower opening formed by the transverse walls 9, 10 and the side cassettes 6. The bottom 11 is removably fixed to the frame 72, in particular to the side cassettes 6, by elastic hooks 75 cooperating with a groove 76 integral with the internal half-shell 20a. The transverse walls 9, 10 and the upper cover 5 are carried by the cassettes 6 by virtue of the grooves 64, 65 and the brackets 62 and screws 63. To dismantle the device, for example for the purpose of a maintenance operation, it suffices remove the rollers 13, 14 by releasing the hooks 16, then remove the screws 63, and extract the jumpers 80 to disassemble the handle 8. The transverse walls 9, 10 and the cover 5 dissociate from the frame 72 To dismantle the transverse walls 9, 10, a cassette 6 must be removed (due to the grooves 64, 65). The cable 19 passes through the cover and does not allow complete separation of the cover 5 and the frame 72. However, it suffices to slide the cover 5 along the cable 19, so that maintenance is possible and easy. The assembly is carried out by performing the reverse operations. The aesthetics of the device can be the subject of many variations. - The outer half-shell 20b also preferably has a central upper bracket 56 intended to extend above the central upper bracket 22 of the internal half-shell 20a and fixed with it to the crankcase 1 above the motor shaft 2.
Par ailleurs, la cassette 6 selon l'invention comprend avantageusement une chenille 57 formée d'une courroie sans fin passant autour des tourillons d'entrée 27 et de sortie 33, 34 de façon à être entraînée à défilement continu par ces tourillons 27, 33, 34 et former un brin inférieur longitudinal 58 de contact avec le sol faisant office d'organe de roulement entraîné de l'appareil. Pour le guidage de la chenille 57, chaque tourillon 27, 33, 34 comprend avantageusement deux flasques parallèles latéraux 59 perpendiculaires à l'axe de rotation du tourillon 27, 33, 34, de part et d'autre de la roue dentée 50, 51, 52, de façon à former un galet de réception et d'entraînement de la chenille 57. Cette dernière comprend avantageusement des crans ou dents internes 60 adaptés pour s'insérer entre les deux flasques 59. De même, la chenille 57 comprend avantageusement des crans ou dents externes 61, ou tout autre organe antiglissement équivalent apte à venir au contact du sol. Une telle chenille latérale facilite l'entraînement de l'appareil lors du passage d'escaliers ou dans les ruptures de pente ou les parois inclinées.Furthermore, the cassette 6 according to the invention advantageously comprises a track 57 formed of an endless belt passing around the inlet pins 27 and outlet pins 33, 34 so as to be driven continuously by these pins 27, 33 , 34 and form a longitudinal lower strand 58 of contact with the ground acting as a rolling member driven by the device. For guiding the track 57, each pin 27, 33, 34 advantageously comprises two parallel lateral flanges 59 perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the pin 27, 33, 34, on either side of the toothed wheel 50, 51 , 52, so as to form a roller for receiving and driving the track 57. This the latter advantageously comprises notches or internal teeth 60 adapted to be inserted between the two flanges 59. Similarly, the track 57 advantageously comprises notches or external teeth 61, or any other equivalent anti-slip member capable of coming into contact with the ground. Such a lateral track facilitates the drive of the device when passing through stairs or in slope breaks or inclined walls.
Les différents pignons 48, 49, les tourillons 27, 33, 34 et les demi-coques 20a, 20b peuvent être entièrement réalisés en matière synthétique rigide, et la chenille 57 en matière synthétique souple, de sorte que la cassette 6 de transmission selon l'invention est entièrement en matériau synthétique, à l'exception éventuellement des vis d'assemblage 23, 26, (de montage de la cassette 6 sur l'appareil) et 54 d'assemblage des demi-coques 20a, 20b. Ces vis 23, 26, 54, au demeurant, peuvent également être réalisées en matière synthétique. L'ensemble de la transmission ainsi réalisé n'est pas sujet à la corrosion et est d'une grande fiabilité de fonctionnement dans l'eau. L'appareil selon l'invention est exempt de pièce métallique en mouvement ou d'organe de friction métallique. Tous les éléments mobiles (rotatifs) nécessaires à la transmission du mouvement moteur depuis les arbres moteur 2 jusqu'aux organes de roulement (rouleaux 13, 14 et chenille 57) sont entièrement incorporés dans les deux cassettes latérales 6 et portés par ces cassettes 6. Si l'une des cassettes 6 nécessite une opération de maintenance, il est facile de la démonter de l'appareil et de la remplacer par une cassette neuve, puis de réparer la cassette en atelier. Pendant la réparation, l'appareil reste opérationnel dans la piscine.The different pinions 48, 49, the pins 27, 33, 34 and the half-shells 20a, 20b can be made entirely of rigid synthetic material, and the track 57 of flexible synthetic material, so that the transmission cassette 6 according to the he invention is entirely of synthetic material, with the possible exception of the assembly screws 23, 26, (for mounting the cassette 6 on the apparatus) and 54 for assembling the half-shells 20a, 20b. These screws 23, 26, 54, moreover, can also be made of synthetic material. The entire transmission thus produced is not subject to corrosion and is highly reliable in operation in water. The device according to the invention is free from moving metal parts or from metallic friction members. All the mobile (rotary) elements necessary for the transmission of the motor movement from the motor shafts 2 to the running gear (rollers 13, 14 and track 57) are entirely incorporated in the two lateral cassettes 6 and carried by these cassettes 6. If one of the cassettes 6 requires maintenance, it is easy to dismantle it from the appliance and replace it with a new cassette, then repair the cassette in the workshop. During the repair, the device remains operational in the pool.
Les différentes cassettes 6 sont réalisées avec un très faible nombre de pièces différentes et leur coût de fabrication est faible. Il en va de même de l'appareil selon l'invention.The different cassettes 6 are produced with a very small number of different parts and their manufacturing cost is low. The same applies to the device according to the invention.
L'invention peut faire l'objet de nombreuses variantes de réalisation par rapport au mode de réalisation préférentiel représenté. Dans les versions simplifiées, la transmission du mouvement moteur entre le tourillon d'entrée 27 et chaque tourillon de sortie 33, 34 peut être effectuée uniquement via la chenille 57 qui fait office de courroie d'entraînement (la cassette étant alors exempte d'engrenages). Le nombre des pignons des trains d'engrenages peut être différent de trois. Il en va de même du nombre de tourillon(s) de sortie qui peut être distinct de deux (un seul tourillon de sortie ou plus de deux tourillons de sortie). Les tourillons de sortie peuvent entraîner non pas des rouleaux, mais des arbres d'entraînement solidaires en rotation de roues ou roulettes ... ou même être directement accouplés à des organes de roulement exempts d'arbre d'entraînement distinct (par exemple à des flasques d'extrémité de ces roues, roulettes, rouleaux ...). L'appareil selon l'invention peut comprendre des organes de roulement non motorisés (montés libres en rotation) et/ou des organes de roulement accouplés successivement les uns aux autres et non directement indépendamment à une cassette de transmission. Un appareil selon l'invention peut ne comprendre qu'un moteur d'entraînement, qu'un arbre moteur, et qu'une cassette latérale de transmission, l'autre cassette latérale étant exempte de moyens de transmission et ne servant qu'au guidage des organes de roulement et, le cas échéant, de la chenille. Au contraire, dans la variante préférentielle représentée, l'appareil selon l'invention comprend deux moteurs d'entraînement 83, l'un de chaque côté, et deux cassettes 6 latérales de transmission toutes deux dotées de moyens 48, 49, 57 de transmission. Il est alors possible de diriger l'appareil selon la vitesse de chaque moteur 83.The invention can be the subject of numerous variant embodiments with respect to the preferred embodiment shown. In the simplified versions, the transmission of the motor movement between the input pin 27 and each output pin 33, 34 can be carried out only via the track 57 which acts as a drive belt (the cassette then being free of gears ). The number of pinions of the gear trains can be different from three. The same applies to the number of output pin (s) which can be distinct from two (a single output pin or more than two output pins). The output pins can not drive rollers, but drive shafts integral in rotation with wheels or casters ... or even be directly coupled to running gear free of separate drive shaft (for example to end flanges of these wheels, casters, rollers ...). The apparatus according to the invention may include non-motorized running gear (mounted free to rotate) and / or running gear successively coupled to each other and not directly independently to a transmission cassette. An apparatus according to the invention may comprise only a drive motor, a drive shaft, and a lateral transmission cassette, the other lateral cassette being free of transmission means and used only for guiding running gear and, if applicable, the track. On the contrary, in the preferred variant shown, the apparatus according to the invention comprises two drive motors 83, one on each side, and two lateral transmission cassettes 6 both provided with transmission means 48, 49, 57 . It is then possible to steer the device according to the speed of each motor 83.
La maintenance de la transmission d'un appareil selon l'invention est réduite et simple. The maintenance of the transmission of an apparatus according to the invention is reduced and simple.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
II- Appareil roulant automoteur nettoyeur de surface immergée comprenant en combinaison : - un carter moteur (1) transversal rigide renfermant au moins un moteur électrique (70, 83) et présentant au moins un arbre d'entraînement, dit arbre moteur (2), d'au moins un organe de roulement (13, 14) et au moins un arbre d'entraînement (71), dit arbre de pompage (71), d'un organe (3) de pompage, ces arbres d'entraînement (2, 71) débouchant à l'extérieur du carter (1),II- Self-propelled submerged surface cleaner rolling apparatus comprising in combination: - a rigid transverse motor housing (1) containing at least one electric motor (70, 83) and having at least one drive shaft, called motor shaft (2), at least one rolling member (13, 14) and at least one drive shaft (71), called the pumping shaft (71), of a pumping member (3), these drive shafts (2 , 71) opening to the outside of the casing (1),
- deux flasques latéraux (6) fixés rigidement de chaque côté du carter moteur (1) et s'étendant longitudinalement vers l'avant et vers l'arrière du carter moteur (1) de façon à former un bâti (72) rigide en forme générale de H, l'un au moins des flasques (6) portant des moyens (48, 49, 57) de transmission du mouvement moteur entre un arbre moteur (2) saillant latéralement du carter moteur (1) et au moins un organe de roulement (13, 14) à axe de rotation transversal s'étendant entre les deux flasques (6) et guidé par chaque flasque (6),- two lateral flanges (6) rigidly fixed on each side of the motor housing (1) and extending longitudinally forwards and rearwards of the motor housing (1) so as to form a rigid shaped frame (72) general of H, at least one of the flanges (6) carrying means (48, 49, 57) for transmitting the motor movement between a motor shaft (2) projecting laterally from the motor housing (1) and at least one bearing (13, 14) with transverse axis of rotation extending between the two flanges (6) and guided by each flange (6),
- une paroi transversale avant (9) s'étendant à l'avant du carter moteur (1) et entre les deux flasques (6) en étant fixée de façon démontable audit bâti (72),- a front transverse wall (9) extending in front of the engine casing (1) and between the two flanges (6) while being detachably fixed to said frame (72),
- une paroi transversale arrière (10) s'étendant à l'arrière du carter moteur (1) et entre les deux flasques (6) en étant fixée de façon démontable audit bâti (72), - les parois transversales avant (9) et arrière (10) s'étendant à distance du carter moteur (1) de façon à ménager un passage pour l'eau, et à former entre elles et les flasques latéraux (6), une ouverture inférieure sous le carter moteur (1),- a rear transverse wall (10) extending behind the crankcase (1) and between the two flanges (6) being detachably fixed to said frame (72), - the front transverse walls (9) and rear (10) extending away from the crankcase (1) so as to provide a passage for the water, and to form between them and the lateral flanges (6), a lower opening under the crankcase (1),
- un fond (11), doté d'entrées d'eau (66), adapté pour refermer ladite ouverture inférieure,- a bottom (11), provided with water inlets (66), adapted to close said lower opening,
- et un capot supérieur (5) fixé au bâti (72) et couvrant les parois transversales (9, 10), les flasques (6) et le carter moteur (1), ce capot (5) étant doté d'un orifice supérieur (4) d'évacuation d'eau, de sorte qu'un circuit hydraulique unidirectionnel est ménagé depuis les entrées (66) du fond (11), à l'avant et à l'arrière entre les parois transversales (9, 10) et le carter moteur (1) et entre les flasques (6), et jusqu'à l'orifice (4) supérieur du capot (5). 21- Appareil selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que les deux flasques (6) sont semblables, le bâti (72) étant symétrique par rapport à un plan longitudinal médian orthogonal à un plan de roulement défini par ses organes de roulement (13, 14). .- And an upper cover (5) fixed to the frame (72) and covering the transverse walls (9, 10), the flanges (6) and the crankcase (1), this cover (5) being provided with an upper orifice (4) for discharging water, so that a unidirectional hydraulic circuit is formed from the inlets (66) of the bottom (11), at the front and at the rear between the transverse walls (9, 10) and the motor housing (1) and between the flanges (6), and up to the upper orifice (4) of the cover (5). 21- Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the two flanges (6) are similar, the frame (72) being symmetrical with respect to a median longitudinal plane orthogonal to a rolling plane defined by its rolling members (13, 14). .
3/- Appareil" selon l'une des revendications 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que le bâti (72) est symétrique par rapport à un plan transversal médian orthogonal à un plan de roulement défini par ses organes de roulement (13, 14).3 / - Apparatus " according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the frame (72) is symmetrical with respect to a transverse median plane orthogonal to a running plane defined by its running gear (13, 14) .
Al- Appareil selon l'une des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend au moins un organe de roulement avant (13) s'étendant entre les deux flasques (6), à l'avant de la paroi transversale avant (9), à l'extérieur du circuit hydraulique.Al- Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises at least one front rolling member (13) extending between the two flanges (6), in front of the front transverse wall (9), outside the hydraulic circuit.
51- Appareil selon l'une des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend au moins un organe de roulement arrière (10) s'étendant entre les deux flasques (6), à l'arrière de la paroi transversale arrière (10), à l'extérieur du circuit hydraulique.51- Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises at least one rear rolling member (10) extending between the two flanges (6), behind the rear transverse wall (10), outside the hydraulic circuit.
61- Appareil selon l'une des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce que l'un au moins des flasques (6) est formé d'une cassette (6) à carter extérieur renfermant des moyens (48, 49, 57) de transmission du mouvement moteur. 11- Appareil selon l'une des revendications 1 à 6, caractérisé en ce que les deux flasques (6) portent des moyens (48, 49, 57) de transmission.61- Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one of the flanges (6) is formed of a cassette (6) with outer casing containing means (48, 49, 57) of transmission of motor movement. 11- Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the two flanges (6) carry means (48, 49, 57) of transmission.
8/- Appareil selon l'une des revendications 1 à 7, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend deux moteurs d'entraînement (83) distincts indépendants, chacun de ces moteurs ayant un arbre moteur (2), et deux paires d'organes de roulement (13, 14) indépendants, à savoir une paire d'organes de roulement avant (13) et une paire d'organes de roulement (14) arrière, les deux organes de roulement d'une même paire était disposés en prolongement coaxial l'un de l'autre et indépendants l'un de l'autre en rotation, l'un d'eux étant accouplé, par l'intermédiaire de moyens de transmission, à l'un des deux arbres moteur, tandis que l'autre est accouplé, par l'intermédiaire de moyens de transmission, à l'autre arbre moteur.8 / - Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises two separate independent drive motors (83), each of these motors having a motor shaft (2), and two pairs of members independent running gear (13, 14), namely a pair of front running gear (13) and a pair of rear running gear (14), both running gear of the same pair was arranged in a coaxial extension of one another and independent of each other in rotation, one of them being coupled, by means of transmission, to one of the two drive shafts, while the other is coupled, via transmission means, to the other drive shaft.
91- Appareil selon l'une des revendications 1 à 8, caractérisé en ce que les flasques (6) présentent des rainures (64, 65) de réception des bords extrêmes latéraux (81, 82) des parois transversales (9, 10).91- Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the flanges (6) have grooves (64, 65) for receiving the lateral end edges (81, 82) of the transverse walls (9, 10).
10/- Appareil selon l'une des revendications 1 à 9, caractérisé en ce que chaque flasque (6) est fixé de façon démontable au carter moteur (1), notamment grâce à des vis ou boulons (23).10 / - Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that each flange (6) is removably attached to the motor housing (1), in particular by means of screws or bolts (23).
11/- Appareil selon l'une des revendications 1 à 10, caractérisé en ce que les parois transversales (9, 10) sont fixées avec le capot supérieur (5) par des vis ou boulons (63) serrant le capot supérieur (5) sur les parois transversales (9, 10).11 / - Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the transverse walls (9, 10) are fixed with the upper cover (5) by screws or bolts (63) tightening the upper cover (5) on the transverse walls (9, 10).
12/- Appareil selon l'une des revendications 1 à 11, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend une poignée (8) de portage fixée sur le bâti (72) à travers le capot (5).12 / - Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises a handle (8) for carrying fixed to the frame (72) through the cover (5).
13/- Appareil selon l'une des revendications 1 à 12, caractérisé en ce que le carter moteur (1) est moulé au plus juste autour des éléments qu'il contient et présente des formes arrondies favorisant la circulation d'eau.13 / - Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the motor housing (1) is molded as close as possible around the elements it contains and has rounded shapes promoting the circulation of water.
14/ - Appareil selon l'une des revendications 1 à 13, caractérisé en ce que le carter moteur (1) comprend un moteur de pompage (70) central supérieur à axe de pompage (71) orthogonal à un plan de roulement défini par les organes de roulement et entraînant une hélice (3) de pompage disposée à l'extérieur du carter moteur (1) sous l'orifice (4) du capot (5), et apte à générer un débit d'eau dans l'appareil entre les entrées d'eau (66) et l'orifice supérieur (4).14 / - Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the motor housing (1) comprises a central pumping motor (70) greater than the pumping axis (71) orthogonal to a running plane defined by the running gear and driving a pumping propeller (3) disposed outside the crankcase (1) under the orifice (4) of the hood (5), and capable of generating a flow of water in the device between the water inlets (66) and the upper orifice (4).
15/ - Appareil selon l'une des revendications 1 à 14, caractérisé en ce que le fond (11) porte un filtre (12) interposé sur le circuit hydraulique entre les entrées d'eau (66) inférieures supérieures d'évacuation et l'orifice (4). 16/- Appareil selon la revendication 15, caractérisé en ce que le filtre (12) s'étend entre le carter moteur (1) et chaque paroi transversale (9, 10).15 / - Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the bottom (11) carries a filter (12) interposed on the hydraulic circuit between the water inlets (66) lower upper discharge and l orifice (4). 16 / - Apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the filter (12) extends between the motor housing (1) and each transverse wall (9, 10).
17/- Appareil selon l'une des revendications 15 ou 16, caractérisé en ce que le fond (11) est fixé de façon amovible par rapport au bâti (72).17 / - Apparatus according to one of claims 15 or 16, characterized in that the bottom (11) is removably fixed relative to the frame (72).
18/- Appareil selon l'une des revendications 15 à 17, caractérisé en ce que le fond (11) est fixé aux flasques (6).18 / - Apparatus according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the bottom (11) is fixed to the flanges (6).
19/- Appareil selon l'une des revendications 15 à 18, caractérisé en ce que le fond (11) est fixé au bâti (72) par des moyens (75) de fixation à crochetage élastique.19 / - Apparatus according to one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that the bottom (11) is fixed to the frame (72) by means (75) of fixing with elastic hooking.
20/- Appareil selon l'une des revendications 1 à 19, caractérisé en ce que l'une au moins des parois transversales (9, 10) présente au moins un clapet de vidange (74) apte à permettre la vidange du circuit hydraulique par gravité lorsque l'appareil est extrait du liquide. 20 / - Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that at least one of the transverse walls (9, 10) has at least one drain valve (74) adapted to allow the drainage of the hydraulic circuit by gravity when the device is extracted from the liquid.
EP01271481A 2000-12-21 2001-12-11 Self-propelled running apparatus for cleaning an immersed surface Expired - Lifetime EP1352137B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0016785 2000-12-21
FR0016785A FR2818680B1 (en) 2000-12-21 2000-12-21 SELF-PROPELLED ROLLING DEVICE UNDERWATER SURFACE CLEANER
PCT/FR2001/003933 WO2002050388A1 (en) 2000-12-21 2001-12-11 Self-propelled running apparatus for cleaning an immersed surface

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1352137A1 true EP1352137A1 (en) 2003-10-15
EP1352137B1 EP1352137B1 (en) 2007-09-12

Family

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP01271481A Expired - Lifetime EP1352137B1 (en) 2000-12-21 2001-12-11 Self-propelled running apparatus for cleaning an immersed surface

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US (1) US6886205B1 (en)
EP (1) EP1352137B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE373154T1 (en)
AU (1) AU2002217248A1 (en)
DE (1) DE60130486T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2293962T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2818680B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2002050388A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE60130486D1 (en) 2007-10-25
FR2818680B1 (en) 2003-04-04
WO2002050388A1 (en) 2002-06-27
DE60130486T2 (en) 2008-06-19
EP1352137B1 (en) 2007-09-12
AU2002217248A1 (en) 2002-07-01
US6886205B1 (en) 2005-05-03
FR2818680A1 (en) 2002-06-28
ATE373154T1 (en) 2007-09-15
ES2293962T3 (en) 2008-04-01

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