EP2305359B1 - Playing area covered with an elastomer floor - Google Patents

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to playgrounds and more particularly playgrounds with play facilities for children, including swings, slides. The invention is particularly but not exclusively applicable to children's play areas.

The invention applies to installations generally installed on outdoor areas but also to indoor installations (in theaters).

It is recalled that to meet the safety standards in force, the games are fixed or placed on a flexible floor covering elastomer said "damper". Conventionally, the coating comprises a surface layer of elastomeric material that may have been cast in situ or consist of a slab assembly.

These are coatings that meet European safety standards EN 1176 and EN 1177, very strict soils are called soils security.

Most of the time the damping coatings making it possible to obtain safety floors, are made by a first layer of material called base layer or underlayer. This underlayer is based on synthetic rubber and comprises recycled rubber granules (SBR abbreviation for styrene, butadiene crosslinked) of particle size 1 to 10 mm. These aggregates are mixed with polyurethane resin (PU) in precise proportions and has a hardness set by standards. In general, this underlayer is black in color. The underlayment is laid on the rough ground of the playground (usually concrete, paved surface, cement, compacted gravel). This underlayer can be cast as one extends a screed of a liquid product with hardenability or be in the form of prefabricated slabs.

After setting up the underlayer and having waited for its drying in the case of a cast underlayer, a second layer is poured, called the surface layer. The surface layer is also an elastomer based on rubber granules. In general, it consists of bulk-dyed rubber granules or EPDM (abbreviation for Ethylene, Propylene, Diene Monomer or else called synthetic rubber), mixed with a binder which is a polyurethane resin. The mixture (generally of a thickness of 5 to 25 mm) thus obtained is cast on the first layer as a screed.

The surface layer has a coefficient of elasticity greater than that of the underlayment meeting the standards in force, the objective being to cushion the fall of a child playing on a toboggan or on any other game.

Of interest in the present invention are playgrounds covered by an elastomeric floor provided with additional equipment including sensors installed in one or more predefined areas to create new playful effects.

State of the art

We can refer to the closest state of the art constituted by FR 2,886,555 . This application describes a playground equipped with pressure sensors for the presence of pressure sensors to create new playful effects. The sensors are placed under the soft ground and are visible on the surface by a colored area on the ground. The sensors that can be used are piezoelectric sensors or dry contact sensors or sensors sensitive to a capacitive effect or microwave sensors.

The technical problem

Unfortunately, the playground described in this patent application does not provide the expected effects insofar as failures occur in the operation. Indeed, some sensors do not deliver or more information after 6 to 12 months of commissioning.

The maintenance of a playground thus equipped is difficult and therefore expensive. Regular replacement of one or more sensors and wired links can be considered every 6 to 12 months for cost issues.

In practice, the installation of the sensors in a playground is preferably carried out during the placement of the flooring or the deposition of this coating. It is desired, therefore, that this equipment has at least the life of the flooring, but this is not the case with the equipment described in the application constituting the closest prior art.

It is recognized that the lifetime of this type of flooring is guaranteed at worst for two years, better for five years and at best for ten years depending on the conditions of use: climatic and frequency of use.

Moreover, in the case where the floor covering has been poured in situ, which is the most frequent case because the floors cast in situ are more reliable in time and more secure, the maintenance is even more expensive because more difficult. The coating must then be cut with each sensor change and retread, which also lose the benefits of in situ cast floors.

Summary of the invention.

To solve this problem, the applicant has sought an alternative solution to this solution, not having the aforementioned drawbacks and in particular an alternative solution whose service life is at least equal to that of the flexible flooring is say at least two years, or five years or ten years.

The invention relates to a pressure detection slab intended to be placed on a hard floor and covered by a flexible floor, this slab having a rigid upper face in contact with the flexible ground, a rigid lower face in contact with the ground in hard material, an elastic material sandwiched between the upper face and the lower face, and at least one deformation sensor housed in the elastic material, which can be activated under the effect of a pressure exerted on the flexible ground in a predefined Z zone above the detection slab. Preferably, the deformation sensor or sensors are strain gages.

The invention also relates to a playground comprising a flexible elastomer flooring placed on a hard material floor mainly characterized in that it comprises at least one pressure detection plate placed on the hard floor and covered by the flexible floor, this slab having a rigid upper face in contact with the flexible ground, a rigid lower face in contact with the ground made of hard material, an elastic material sandwiched between the upper face and the lower face, and at least one deformation sensor housed in the elastic material, capable of being activated under the effect of a pressure exerted on the soft ground in a predefined Z zone above the detection slab.

Advantageously, the pressure detection plate comprises a peripheral seal placed between the upper face and the lower face.

In a preferred embodiment, the elastic material comprises a first contact seal and a second superimposed contact seal, the deformation sensor or sensors being placed between these seals.

Preferably the sensor or sensors are strain gauges.

To ensure detection regardless of the location of the impact that is to say of a pressure exerted on the ground placed above the slab, the slab comprises at least four deformation sensors.

The sensor or sensors are connected to a game driver comprising signal processing means obtained from the sensors for processing these signals and control sound and / or light message transmission means, or images in response to these signals. signals.

The pilot is advantageously fixed on a pole and protected by a passenger compartment to avoid vandalism. The cabin preferably has a playful form.

The processing means comprise a system for amplifying the signals obtained from the sensors and formatting to enable detection and a computer system capable of identifying the slabs and controlling the message transmission means, this system comprising a input / output interface, one or more audio outputs, program and data storage means, at least one controller or microprocessor and optionally an external storage medium reader.

The game driver further includes a power supply preferably provided by at least one solar panel.

The game driver advantageously comprises a ventilation system.

The link with the driver may be wired or wireless.

In the case of a wired connection, each detection plate comprises a connection waterproof sleeve for the passage of electrical conductors son connecting each sensor to the game driver. Conventionally, a protective sheath is provided for the passage of the conductors son until the game driver.

In the case where the connection is non-wired, for example radiofrequency, the sensor or sensors will include a long-life power supply type lithium battery for example.

The game driver is preferably connected to a remote maintenance and remote monitoring unit. This unit includes, for example, a computer system (computer and control programs) so as, for example, to allow remote programming (with update of the programs) of the game driver, to remotely ensure maintenance (repair of breakdowns). remote control), remote control of data or parameter changes (eg image sound or brightness adjustment) or loading of new programs. The link may be wired or non-wired.

• la figure 1 représente le schéma en vue de dessus d'une aire de jeux A selon la présente invention,
• la figure 2 représente le schéma d'une coupe partielle AA, du revêtement de sol de la figure 1,
• la figure 3 représente le schéma d'une coupe d'une dalle de détection selon l'invention,
• la figure 4 représente le schéma en vue de dessus d'une dalle selon l'invention,
• la figure 5 représente le schéma du pilote de jeux fixé sur un poteau selon l'invention,
• la figure 6 représente le schéma fonctionnel d'un exemple d'aire de jeux selon l'invention.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become clear from reading the description which is given below and which is given by way of illustrative and nonlimiting example and with reference to the figures in which:

• the figure 1 represents the diagram in plan view of a playground A according to the present invention,
• the figure 2 represents the diagram of a partial section AA, of the floor covering of the figure 1 ,
• the figure 3 represents the diagram of a section of a detection slab according to the invention,
• the figure 4 represents the diagram in plan view of a slab according to the invention,
• the figure 5 represents the diagram of the game driver fixed on a pole according to the invention,
• the figure 6 represents the block diagram of an example of a playground according to the invention.

Playground A depicted on the figure 1 illustrates a representative example of a few children's games typically present in a school square or schoolyard or in an indoor room.

In this example there is shown an outdoor playground with a bush B, trees C, D benches, swings E of various kinds, a construction with two slides G and two scales E.

Zones Z are also shown which are identifiable by the color of the coating. Indeed, for these zones Z, the floor covering 30 has a different color from the rest of the surface of the playground. Zones Z can also have a fun pattern of color also different easily identifiable by children. For example, fruits are represented. It could be letters of the alphabet or the drawing of a hopscotch obtained by several Z joined zones.

Zones Z define playful effect locations that children can spot. They correspond in practice to the presence of a detection slab 100 located under the floor covering 30 as described below.

Preferably the dimensions of each zone Z will be 70cm x 70cm.

Each detection plate 100 is connected to the game driver 20 installed on a pole P illustrated on the figure 6 .

The link 10 between the detection plates 100 and the driver 20 can be wired as shown in FIG. figure 1 or non-wired.

On the figure 1 this connection is made by conducting son 11 housed in a sheath 10 placed under the floor covering. The sheath 10 is and preferably buried in the hard ground 120, for example in a concrete screed on which the floor covering 30 has been deposited.

The figures 2 , 3 and 4 allow to illustrate a detection slab 100 according to the present invention.

The partial transverse AA section of a zone Z represented on the figure 2 , illustrates the location of slab 100 and a section of this slab. The floor covering 30 comprises a first layer called underlayer 32 and a second layer called surface layer 31. It is a flexible coating meeting the safety standards as described above.

The detection slab 100 or 100 are positioned on the hard floor 120 at predefined locations to obtain the final result as illustrated by the example of the figure 1 .

In the case of wired links, the conductor wires 11 connected to the sensor (s) of each slab 100 are connected to the gaming driver 20. These wires may for example be connected to conducting wires passed through the protective sheaths. Their connection can be made in a waterproof sleeve 106, illustrated on the figure 3 .

The underlayer 32 is cast on the floor 120 and on the detection slabs 100 present on the floor 120. After drying of the underlayer 32, the surface layer is cast and the coating 30 is obtained, seen in cut on the figure 2 .

Thus, all the faces of the detection slabs, except the underside, are covered by the material constituting the sub-layer of flooring.

Of course, if the floor covering consisted of a single layer of elastomeric material, the slab 100 would be arranged in the same way on the hard floor 120 and would be covered by this single layer.

The detection plate 100 comprises an upper face 102 and a lower face 101 both rigid material. These faces may, for example, be made of a metal plate or a plate of rigid or composite plastic material.

A seal 103 sealing the detection slab, is fixed between the two faces 101 and 102. This seal 103 is placed at the periphery so as to form with the faces 101 and 102 a sealed cabin. One or more deformation detectors are disposed between two contact seals 104A and 104B sandwiched between the two faces 101 and 102 of the slab. The lower face of the slab 100 rests on the hard floor 120. The seals 104A and 104B are flexible material joints, elastic, deforming under the effect of a pressure exerted on the surface in the zone Z.

The material of the contact seals will preferably have an elasticity of 10 to 40 hs.

The detection plate 100 preferably has a total thickness of 13 mm, ie 4 mm thick for each plate 104A, 104B and 5 mm high for the joints. In the example and advantageously, the slab has a square shape of 70cm side.

The sensor or the deformation sensors 105 are disposed between the contact seals 104A and 104B so that the deformation of the seals is communicated to the sensor 105 which in turn deforms. These deformations make it possible to obtain detection signals. This detection takes place when pressure is exerted by the jump of a child on the zone considered. At each impact on the zone Z, that is to say at each jump of children, a pressure is exerted on the flexible ground and is transmitted by compressing the joints to the sensor (or sensors).

Advantageously, the strain sensors 105 are strain gauges.

It has been chosen to equip each slab preferably with four sensors 105 to ensure that detection takes place when pressure is exerted on the surface defined by a zone Z. Each sensor 105 is independent of the other sensors and is likely to trigger a detection.

The detection plate 100 is illustrated in cross-section on the figure 3 . From this section can be seen the passage of the electrical conductors 11 connecting the sensor or sensors to the outside through a sealed connection sleeve 106, surrounded by the seal 103.

On the figure 4 , the detection plate 100 is seen from above. The upper face W of the contact seal 104B in contact with the inner side of the upper face 102, is shown in dotted lines. In this figure, the example of a detection slab 100 comprising four strain sensors 105 is illustrated. A play pattern appears in a color different from the color of the floor covering so that the children can thus identify the zones to be used. playful effect again. When a child jumps on the cherry, the game driver can for example emit a voice pronouncing the word cherry or make a sentence with the word cherry.

The figure 5 illustrates the installation of the game driver 20. This driver is fixed above a pole high enough to prevent vandalism. For example, the post will be 2.5 m high and 12.5 cm in diameter.

The driver 20 is preferably fixed inside a passenger compartment 22 serving as a shelter. The dimensions of the cockpit will preferably be about 60cm high, 30cm deep and 60cm wide.

On the figure 6 the block diagram of an example of a playground according to the invention is shown.

In the example, five detection slabs 100 are connected to the game driver 20. This driver 20 comprises a processing system 200 capable of processing the signals generated from the deformation information delivered by the sensors 105. power supply 206, long-lasting such as a solar panel. This system provides a 12V / 24V continuous supply voltage.

The processing system 200 preferably comprises an input / output I / O interface, one or more audio outputs, program and data storage means 203, signal processing means 202 made by at least one microprocessor or an automaton . It may optionally include an external memory support reader.

The processing system preferably comprises input amplification means 201. The signal processing makes it possible to control, in response to the information of the deformation sensors, for example, the means for transmitting light signals or images 205 and / or the means for emitting sound signals 204.

Of course, the game driver 20 has a ventilation 207 which preferably operates permanently to avoid any condensation.

The game driver 20 is advantageously integrated into a polyester figurine constituting the passenger compartment.

This driver 20 is connected by a wired link or not to a remote control computer unit 300. This unit provides remote monitoring and remote maintenance functions. This unit makes it possible, for example, to remotely adjust parameters such as the volume of the sound transmission means, and the brightness of the images provided by the image transmission means 205.

The unit 300 also makes it possible remotely to update the programs of the processing system 200, to load new programs, to load new data.

The lifespan of the detection slabs implanted in the ground as just described in the present invention is provided for 20 million impacts (jumping children), which represents under current conditions more than 5 years.

Claims (15)

1. A pressure detection tile (100) designed to be placed on hard ground and covered by soft soil, characterized in that it comprises a rigid upper surface (102) capable of being in contact with the soft soil, a rigid lower surface (101) capable of being in contact with the ground made of hard material, an elastic material sandwiched between the upper surface and the lower surface of the tile, and at least one deflection sensor (105) accommodated within the elastic material, capable of being activated under the influence of a pressure exerted on the soft soil within a predefined area Z above the detection tile.
2. A playing court having a soft ground covering (30) made of elastomer placed on ground made of hard material (120) characterized in that it comprises at least one pressure detection tile (100) according to Claim 1, said tile comprising the rigid upper surface (102), In contact with the soft soil, and the rigid lower face (101) in contact with the ground made of hard material.
3. The playing court according to Claim 2, characterized in that the pressure detection tile (100) comprises a peripheral sealing gasket (103) placed between the upper surface and the lower surface.
4. The playing court according to Claim 2, characterized in that the elastic material includes a first contact gasket (104A) and a second contact gasket (104B), stacked one above the other, the deflection sensor(s) (105) being placed between said gaskets.
5. The playing court according to any one of Claims 2 through 4, characterized in that the sensor(s) (105) are strain gauges.
6. The playing court according to any one of Claims 2 through 5, characterized in that the tile comprises at least four deflection sensors so as to detect any pressure exerted, regardless of the location of the impact on the soil placed on top of the tile.
7. The playing court according to any one of Claims 2 through 6, characterized in that it comprises a game controller (20) including signal processing means (200) for the signals obtained from the sensors of each detection tile for processing said signals and controlling audible and/or light signal, or image emission means, in response to said signals.
8. The playing court according to Claim 7, characterized in that the connection between the sensors and the game controller is wired or wireless, the connection in the latter case being by radio.
9. The playing court according to Claim 7, characterized in that the game controller is attached to a post (P) and protected by a housing (22), having an amusing shape for example.
10. The playing court according to Claim 7, characterized in that the processing means (200) comprise a system (201) for amplifying signals obtained from the sensors and shaping to enable detection and a data processing system (202) capable of identifying the tiles and controlling the message transmission means, said system including an input/output interface, one or more audio outputs, means for storing programs and data, at least one microprocessor and possibly an external storage medium reader.
11. The playing court according to Claim 7, characterized in that the game controller also comprises and electrical power supply (206) preferably supplied by at least one solar panel and, advantageously, a ventilation system (206).
12. The playing court according to Claim 8, characterized in that, in the case of a wired connection, each detection tile (100) comprises a fluid-tight connection sleeve (106) allowing passage for the electrically conductive wires connecting each sensor with the game controller.
13. The playing court according to Claim 8, characterized in that, in the case of a wireless connection, radiofrequency for example, the sensor(s) (105) comprise a long-duration electrical power supply, preferably a lithium battery.
14. The playing court according to Claim 7, characterized in that the game controller is preferably a remote maintenance and remote monitoring unit (300); this unit comprises a control system (computer and control programs) so as to allow remote programming (with program updates) of the game controller, to provide remote maintenance (remote repair of possible breakdowns), to provide remote loading of data or parameters (adjustment of sound or of image brightness for example) or the loading of new programs.
15. The playing court according to Claim 14, characterized in that the connection between the game controller and the remote maintenance and remote monitoring unit (300) is wired or wireless.

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