EP1719858B1 - Mobile rolling-up device for swimming pool safety cover - Google Patents

Description

FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of pool safety pools and including adaptations to achieve in the best conditions the winding of pool safety covers.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

One method of protecting and securing swimming pools is to cover the pool with a safety cover. The safety covers are conventionally constituted by flexible sheets rigidified and / or maintained by transverse tubes whose ends are supported on each side of the basin for example on the lip.

Conventionally, this blanket is removed by winding on one of the tubes. This winding is either carried out manually by means of a mobile device with crank and angle gear or electrically powered by means of a mobile device equivalent to the manual device. These devices rotate one of the reinforcing tubes and / or constituting the cover.

By their configuration, these solutions have the disadvantage of requiring not only the presence but also the intervention of their user especially when the wound mass becomes consistent due to the volume of wound material and / or eccentricity caused by the tubes. This intervention, which is supposed to facilitate winding, requires a certain muscular force and makes the winding operation which, as part of the safety covers, must be performed daily. The document FR2846690 discloses a mobile motorized winding device for a pool-type pool cover, which cover is constituted by at least one stiffened flexible sheet and held by transverse tubes whose ends rest on each side of the pool, said device comprising the features of the preamble of claim 1.

The subject of the invention described in the document FR2846690 is therefore to propose an articulated arm associated pivot-pivot to a rolling structure that facilitates the winding of the cover at the reinforcement bars without requiring the use of particularly high power engine means.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

From this state of affairs, the applicants have conducted research aimed at reducing the difficulty of the operation of winding a security cover.

• une première extrémité (210 et une deuxième extrémité,
• un moyen d'entraînement en rotation venant coopérer ponctuellement avec l'extrémité d'un tube transversal à des fins d'enroulement ou de déroulement de ladite couverture, et,
• des moyens de roulement situés à ladite deuxième extrémité et définissant un point d'appui sur la surface sur laquelle circule ledit dispositif.

Selon la caractéristique principale du dispositif de l'invention, ladite structure sensiblement allongée est constituée par la susdite plate-forme horizontale dont sa première extrémité comporte le moyen d'entraînement en rotation et sa deuxième extrémité comporte le susdit point d'appui pour former un bras de levier s'opposant à l'effort de mise en mouvement en rotation exercé sur la structure au fur et à mesure que s'enroule ou se déroule la couverture et se déplace le dispositif, de sorte que d'une part, sa première extrémité puisse s'écarter de la surface sur laquelle elle est initialement en contact au fur et à mesure que l'épaisseur de l'enroulement augmente et que d'autre part, sa deuxième extrémité puisse rester seule en contact avec ladite surface.This research led to the design of the device of the invention which is a mobile device for motorized winding of a safety cover for pool-type pool, covering constituted by at least one stiffened flexible sheet and / or maintained by tubes transverse whose ends are supported on each side of the basin, said device being constituted by a substantially elongate structure incorporating a horizontal platform on which are arranged the different subsets necessary for the operation of the drive means namely a battery, an engine a reducer, said elongated structure comprising:

• a first end (210 and a second end,
• a rotation drive means cooperating punctually with the end of a transverse tube for winding or unwinding said cover, and,
• rolling means located at said second end and defining a fulcrum on the surface on which circulates said device.

According to the main feature of the device of the invention, said substantially elongated structure is constituted by the aforesaid horizontal platform of which its first end comprises the rotational drive means and its second end comprises the aforesaid fulcrum to form a lever arm opposing the force of moving in rotation exerted on the structure as s rolls or unfolds the cover and moves the device, so that on the one hand, its first end can deviate from the surface on which it is initially in contact as the thickness of the winding increases and that on the other hand, its second end can remain alone in contact with said surface.

This feature is particularly advantageous in that it associates the motorization means with a lever arm therefore likely to oppose the effort required to move the tube and the wrapped cover or to wrap around. This lever arm remains on the ground and accompanies the device in its movement in translation along the pool. The user of the device of the invention is therefore not obliged to provide support or additional effort to allow the smooth operation of the winding device unlike devices existing in the prior art.

Also, the torque provided by the driving means for the implementation of the rotational movement of the tube with which it is associated, and which can by reaction, apply to the structure supporting the drive means when the mass of the roll formed by the sheet and the rollers exceeds a certain threshold, comes to bear on the surface on which the device circulates and not on the user holding the device.

Such a configuration makes it possible to envisage a winding device design in which the movement and control functions can be physically separated. Thus, the applicants have imagined that the control unit of the drive device is separate from the drive means leaving the user without direct contact with the latter. The control box can be flexibly connected to the device or is equipped with remote control technology. The user can therefore monitor the proper operation of the device without having to operate by contact or hold the device during the winding phase. This mode of use constitutes an undeniable technical and commercial progress with regard to what the prior art proposes. With the device of the invention, the first end deviates from the surface on which it is initially in contact as the thickness of the winding increases the second end remaining alone in contact with said surface. Thus, while maintaining the basic function of the structure of the device that is to say provide support to the drive means, the applicants have advantageously imagined a simplified design by allowing the first end of the device freely to rise above of the surface on which the device is moving. Thus, the applicants have imagined that the device does not cooperate with any means of guiding or maintaining the ground. Only the connection between the drive means and the transverse tube orients the device.

In addition, according to one embodiment of the device of the invention, to provide a certain flexibility of use, the rotational drive means is arranged to cooperate with the end of a transverse tube on both sides. of the longitudinal axis of the elongate structure. Thus, the device adapts to both longitudinal sides of the cover.

In order to facilitate the movement and positioning of the device, the latter is advantageously equipped with gripping and rolling means. Thus, for example, said second end comprises a rolling means which not only facilitates the displacement of the point of contact required for the lever arm function but also allowed with the handle to move in the raised position out of its winding use. for purposes of faster travel by the user.

In order to protect the various functional subsystems participating in the device, the latter is constituted by a horizontal platform on which are arranged the different subsets necessary for the operation of the drive means, namely a battery, a motor, a gearbox, platform associated with a shell / cover providing the protection enclosure function around the different subassemblies.

The device D is electric and is equipped with a battery which makes it an autonomous device.

The basic concepts of the invention having been described above in their most elementary form, other details and characteristics will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows and with reference to the appended drawings, giving non-limiting example, a mode of embodiment of a device according to the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• The figure 1 is a schematic drawing of an overall perspective view of a pool type pool protected by a safety cover whose end of one of the tubes is linked to an embodiment of the device according to the invention,
• the figure 2 is a schematic drawing of a perspective view of an embodiment of the device of the invention,
• the figure 3 is a schematic drawing of a top view of the embodiment of the device illustrated in FIG. figure 2 cooperating with the end of a tube,
• the figure 4 is a schematic drawing of a side view of the embodiment of the device illustrated in figure 2 resting on the ground,
• the figure 5 is a schematic drawing of a side view of the embodiment of the device illustrated in figure 2 whose first end rises from the thickness of the winding created,
• the figure 6 is a schematic drawing of a side view of the embodiment of the device illustrated in figure 2 the lid has been removed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As illustrated on the drawing of the figure 1 , the motorized mobile winding device referenced D as a whole ensures the winding of a security cover referenced C for a pool-type pool referenced P shown in short broken lines. This safety cover C is of the type consisting of at least one rigid sheet 100 rigidified and / or maintained by transverse tubes 110 whose ends 111 and 112 are supported on each side of the pool pool P.

According to the configuration illustrated, the ends 111 and 112 of the transverse reinforcing tubes are based on the coping around the pool P.

As illustrated by figures 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 and 6 , the device D is constituted by a substantially elongate structure 200 comprising - at a first end 210 a rotating drive means 300 cooperating punctually with the end 112 of a transverse tube 110 for winding or unrolling purposes of said cover C and at its second end 220, a bearing point A on the surface on which said device circulates to form a lever arm opposing the force of moving in rotation exerted on the structure 200 as the cover C unwinds or unfolds and moves the device D.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the device has an elongate structure 200 on which the means for moving in rotation ensures the driving of a transverse axis and therefore perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device D. As a result, the structure Elongated 200 of the device D by associating with a transverse tube 110 is disposed and moves longitudinally along the arrow F relative to the pelvis P and perpendicular to the tubes 110.

The device D drawn in short broken lines in figure 1 , illustrates the flexibility of use of the device which provides a drive means on both sides which allows it to be used on both longitudinal sides of the cover c.

According to the configuration illustrated in figure 1 the device D moves parallel to the lip on which the ends 112 of tubes 110 rest. Moreover, the device D cooperates with a tube 110 'located at one end of the cover C.

As illustrated in figure 4 the elongate structure 200 has the advantage of providing the fixed drive means 300 with a rotating part whose lever arm is defined between the axis of rotation of the drive shaft 310 and the fulcrum A ensuring a high stability despite the opposite forces that must support said structure when the inertia of the roller made by the winding operation exceeds a certain threshold . This elongated structure thus provides support to the non-rotating part of the device, support that no longer has to provide the user of this device.

According to a preferred embodiment, the device of the invention is used only for the winding operation the redeployment of the cover being made by pulling a cable (or strap) not shown linked to the detachable end of the C. Cover For this purpose, the device of the invention is equipped with a freewheel system allowing unwinding in the opposite direction of the cover by simply pulling on said cable.

The first end 210 deviates from the surface on which it is initially in contact as the thickness of the winding increases the second end 220 remaining alone in contact with said surface. Thus, according to the design of the device devised by the applicants the fulcrum A becomes an instantaneous center of rotation as the first end 210 rises above the ground according to the arrow E due to the increase the thickness of the roll formed by the rolled blanket as illustrated in figure 5 . The support points of the device on the ground are then the fulcrum A defined by the second end 220 and the substantially tangential point B of contact of the roll formed by the cover C which is illustrated schematically in short broken lines.

To facilitate this rotation around the fulcrum A defined by the second end 220, the applicants equipped the latter with at least one means 221 rolling constituted by wheels with transverse axis relative to the axis of advance of the device D.

This rolling means 221 advantageously combines other functions. On the one hand, it offers a bearing point A rolling avoiding wear of the device. On the other hand, it facilitates the movement of the device outside its winding operation. Thus, to dispose the device D from its storage location to the tube end with which it will cooperate or the end of the tube to its storage location, this rolling means cooperates with the gripping means 211 equipping the first end 210 to allow movement on this single rolling means 221. To this end the axis of rotation of the rollers is disposed not in the structure 200 but shifted outwardly. Thus, the device D can be raised by its first end 210 while remaining in contact at its second end 221 with the ground whether for the winding operation or for any displacement.

To facilitate the movement of the device D in horizontal position, said structure comprises rolling means 212 also at its end 210 rising above the ground which define the bearing point B of this end with the ground (cf. figure 4 ). These rolling means 212 are no longer in contact with the ground when the end 210 begins to rise, the point of contact B being then defined by the roller (cf. figure 5 ).

As illustrated on the drawing of the figure 6 , said structure 200 constitutes a horizontal platform on which are arranged the different subsets necessary for the operation of the drive means 300, namely a battery 400, a motor 500, a gearbox 600 associated with a deflection system 700 rotating in rotation along a transverse axis the drive means 300 and consequently the motor shaft 310. According to a particularly advantageous design, the arrangement of the different subassemblies has been designed to favor the presence of the most important masses (battery, motor) at most close to the axis around which the device rotates, ie at most near the second end 220. To do this and to balance this arrangement with respect to the necessary functional length of the device a connecting pin 610 provides the connection and fills the distance between the gear 600 and the angle gear 700 which, according to the invention proposes a motor shaft 310 on each side of the device D.

According to the preferred embodiment illustrated, the drive shaft is hollow and preformed with a square inner section. The tube 110 'to be set in motion is therefore equipped with an end capable of cooperating with such a profile or cooperating with an intermediate piece providing the function of joint between the motor shaft 310 and the tube 110'.

Applicants have found that the winding was carried out without hindrance and without problem of winding offset between the two ends of the tube or positioning in the stroke of the device as the winding.

As illustrated, to protect these functional subassemblies, the platform is associated with a shell / cover 230 providing the protective enclosure function around the different subsets. Of course, this shell is preformed with at least one orifice 231 allowing access to the motor means 300 contained in the device D. According to the symmetrical design of the device, the latter is preformed with two orifices 231 on each side of the device to provide access to the motor shaft on both sides of the device D.

The device is equipped with a control means 800 to detachable distance from the device. To accommodate the latter, the housing 230 is preformed with a recessed volume in which is removably housed a control module 800 of the device.

this control equipment 800 may be connected by a flexible wire (not shown) to the device allowing the user to control and follow in the standing position the winding produced by the device without contact with the latter and effortlessly.

It is understood that the device, which has just been described above and shown, has been for the purpose of disclosure rather than limitation.

Claims (6)

1. Motorised mobile rolling-up device (D) for a safety cover (C) for a basin of the swimming pool (P) type, with the cover formed by at least one flexible tarp (100) rigidified and maintained by transversal tubes (110) of which the ends (111 and 112) bear against each side of the basin, said device being formed by a substantially elongated structure (200) that integrates a horizontal platform whereon are arranged the varies sub-assemblies required for the operation of the drive unit namely a battery (400), a motor (500), a reducer (600), said elongated structure comprising:

   - a first end (210) and a second end (220),

   - a rotational drive unit (300) punctually cooperating with the end (112) of a transversal tube (110) for the winding or unwinding of said cover (C), and,

   - means of winding (221) located at said second end (220) and defining a support point (A) on the surface whereon said device circulates,

   said device being characterised in that said substantially elongated structure is formed by the aforementioned horizontal platform of which its first end (210) comprises the aforementioned rotational drive unit (300) and its second end (220) comprises the aforementioned support point (A) in order to form a lever arm that opposes a rotational movement effort exerted on the structure (200) as the cover is wound or unwound (C) and displaces the device (D), in such a way that on the one hand, its first end (210) can be separated from the surface whereon it is initially in contact as the thickness of the winding increases and on the other hand, its second end (220) can remain alone in contact with said surface.
2. Device according to claim 1, characterised by the fact that the rotational drive unit (300) is arranged to cooperate with the end of a transversal tube (110) on either side of the longitudinal axis of the elongated structure.
3. Device according to claim 1, characterised by the fact that said first end (210) comprises a grasping handle (211).
4. Device according to claim 1, characterised by the fact that said platform is associated with a shell /cover (230) that provides the function of a protective enclosure around the various sub-assemblies.
5. Device according to claim 4, characterised by the fact that said shell (230) is preformed by a retracted volume wherein a control module (800) of the device is removable houses.
6. Device according to claim 1, characterised by the fact that said platform comprises a means for rolling (212) on its first end (210) allowing it to bear on the ground.

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