EP3899169B1 - Inflatable surface-covering device - Google Patents

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a device for covering a surface, which is easy to implement and best meets the requirements of the application concerned. The cover device is permanent in that the cover is permanently attached to a drum bonded to the surface and allowing the cover to be rolled up and unrolled to uncover or cover the surface. The cover device of the present invention makes it possible, once the surface is covered by the cover, to pressurize the volume between the surface and the cover, causing the cover to form a dome. The formation of a dome has many advantages described in the following sections.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

Coatings are applied to surfaces for reasons that depend on the nature of those surfaces. Thus, in the case of a basin such as a swimming pool, the cover can prevent pollution by leaves or animals, can save energy, water and reagents and can or must ensure the safety of people especially children. In a desalination pond or other treatment of a fluid, a cover prevents the dilution of liquid due to rain or excessive evaporation due to heat.

In the case of a sports field such as an outdoor clay or grass tennis court, a cover makes it possible to protect it against bad weather, and in particular intermittent rain.

In all cases, an economical hedging device is generally sought which allows easy, safe, reproducible and rapid covering and uncovering, and requiring a minimum of human intervention.

Permanent devices for covering a surface allowing the covering and uncovering of the surface by the covering automatically using a motor, or semi-automatically using a crank, are known. These permanent devices are characterized by a drum permanently bonded to the surface and allowing to store the cover when the surface is uncovered. Covering the surface is easily done by unrolling the cover from the drum. There are two types of devices: (1) devices in which the drum is fixed to a first transverse side of the surface to be protected and (2) devices in which the drum is mobile and moves over the surface to be protected. The present invention relates to these two types of devices.

In devices comprising a drum fixed to a first transverse side of the surface to be protected, the cover is deployed by pulling it by a movable end with automatic traction means of the rack or chain or traction cable type with or without a return pulley . The cover may optionally be guided by slideways arranged on the longitudinal sides of the surface to be covered; the blanket then slides over the surface covering it. Similarly, when removing the cover, it slides over the surface to be uncovered by wrapping around the drum. This automatic cover device is illustrated in particular in the following documents: US 3,277,498 , US 3,574,979 , UK 2,199,741 , US 2005/0097834 , Turnover 2,115,113 , US 2001/0023506 , US 5,930,848 , US 4,001,900 .

The devices comprising a drum fixed to the transverse side of the surface have the major drawback of causing the cover to slide, which is dragged over the surface to be protected during its deployment and its removal, which causes its premature wear as well as a work greater than provided by a motor or a human, due to the friction thus generated.

Devices in which the drum is mobile overcome this drawback. The motorized drum is mounted on a longitudinal translation mechanism which moves the drum above the surface to be covered, which literally allows the cover to be "placed" on the surface, during its deployment, by simultaneously unrolling it from the drum during its longitudinal displacement, then to lift it, when it is withdrawn, while rolling it up simultaneously on the drum. The cover therefore does not slip on the surface either during its deployment or during its removal. The covering device also comprises a system for fixing the covering to a first transverse side of the surface to be covered so that the translation of the drum causes the rotation of the latter and the unrolling or rolling up the cover above the surface to be covered. Examples of automatic or semi-automatic devices of this type are disclosed, for example, in the following documents: WO2005/026473 , FR 2 900 951 , FROM 2,257,231 , FR 2 893 651 , FR 2 789 425 , FR 2 803 769 , FR 2 743 502 , EP 1 719 858 , FR 2 908 402 and BE 2008/0417/0418/0419 .

The two types of fixed or mobile drum devices discussed above can comprise rails fixed parallel to the surface to be covered and comprising an opening allowing locking of the first and second longitudinal edges of the cover over a length corresponding to the cover portion covering the surface when unrolling or rolling up the cover. Examples of such devices comprising a movable drum are described in WO2010010152 and WO2010054960 .

In the present application, the terms "longitudinal" "transverse" and their derivatives refer respectively to the direction of movement of the drum and to the direction of the axis of revolution thereof.

As shown in Figure 1(a) , a cover whose longitudinal edges are locked can be stretched above the surface. If the surface includes a cavity, such as a swimming pool, such a cover offers the enormous advantage of thermally isolating the water from the surroundings, thus preventing the water from cooling, if the atmosphere is colder than the desired water temperature (eg during the night) or preventing its heating, if the atmosphere is warmer than the desired water temperature (eg in hot southern countries).

A blanket as shown in Figure 1(a) however, has the disadvantage that it will always sag a little under the effect of its own weight and especially under the effect of rainwater or snow which accumulates on the outer surface of the cover. For this reason, such covers are usually provided with water drainage holes distributed around the center of the cover. This has the disadvantage of cooling the pool water, changing its pH, and introducing dirt, such as dirt, leaves, insects, etc. Another disadvantage of such devices is that the high tension applied to the cover and especially to its longitudinal edges, necessary to minimize the arrow in the center of the cover, requires an advanced mechanism.

Another type of device illustrated in Figure 1(b) , comprising rails locking the longitudinal edges of the cover are such that the cover rests on the surface of the water. This type of device is advantageous in that in the event of heat or significant solar radiation, the water in the swimming pool is heated by conduction of the heat stored by the cover. This type of device is also advantageous in that it does not apply voltages to the cover. On the other hand, if the atmosphere is colder than the desired water temperature (eg during the night), such a device accelerates the cooling of the pool water. In addition, if it has rained or snowed and water has deposited on the outer surface of the cover, it is very difficult to remove the accumulated water without mixing it with the pool water. .

Another cover device configuration is shown in Figure 1(c) in which the cover forms a dome above the surface. This configuration is interesting because it allows rainwater to be evacuated towards the outer edges of the pool as it comes into contact with the outer surface of the cover. This configuration makes it possible to thermally insulate the pool water from the atmosphere, as in the case of the configuration illustrated in Figure 1(a) . It also has the advantage of applying only moderate tensions on the cover. It has the disadvantage of not allowing a good transfer of the temperature as in the case of the floating covers illustrated in the Figure 1(b) .

In the field of swimming pools, it has been proposed in GB1307678 and FR2671125 to insert an inflated tube under the cover and float on the surface of the water to form a dome or a vault. As the bead has an emerged height greater than the height between the surface of the water and the edges of the swimming pool, the bead imposes a bulge towards the outside of the cover. US4048678 and US4825479 propose welding flaps around the entire perimeter of the cover. The flaps have a free end submerged below the water level of the pool. Air can then be injected under pressure to pressurize the free space between the surface of the water and the inner surface of the cover, which thus forms a dome. US 3,277,498 describes a device for covering fixed drum provided with rails in which the longitudinal edges of the cover slide during deployments and withdrawals of the cover and ensuring sufficient sealing to allow pressurization by air blowing of the space comprised under the cover. The motorization of this device is particularly complex.

Unfortunately, none of the solutions discussed for the cover to form a dome can be implemented in a permanent (semi-) automatic device, in which the cover is rolled up on, and unrolled from a moving drum. It is clear that the presence of a tube, even perfectly deflated, would increase the diameter of the drum unacceptably when it is in the uncovered position, with the entire blanket rolled up on it. It is also impossible to form a drum of reasonable diameter with a cover provided with a flap welded around the entire perimeter of the cover. Finally, if it is reasonably easy to guarantee sufficient sealing along the longitudinal edges of a cover inserted in rails in the case of a fixed drum, as described in US 3,277,498 , this poses a problem when the cover is mounted on a moving drum, since the longitudinal edges of the cover must be introduced into the rails as the drum advances.

The need therefore remains for an automatable covering system for a surface equipped with a mobile drum allowing the storage of the cover when the surface is uncovered and which allows the volume between the surface and the cover to be pressurized when the surface is covered (= "volume under the cover"). There also remains a need to combine the thermal advantages of a floating cover and those of a stretched or inflated cover, depending on the heating or cooling needs of the water contained in a swimming pool or a basin. These and other advantages described in the following sections are fulfilled by the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

• une couverture qui est sensiblement étanche à l'air et à l'eau et permettant de recouvrir la surface, la couverture étant délimitée par des premier et deuxième bords longitudinaux sensiblement parallèles et reliés l'un à l'autre par une extrémité mobile et par une extrémité statique fixée au premier côté transversal de manière sensiblement étanche à l'air,
• un tambour monté à rotation apte à enrouler et dérouler la couverture sur ses premier et deuxième bords longitudinaux par déplacement de l'extrémité mobile de la couverture le long des premiers et deuxième côtés longitudinaux de la surface, entre,
  • ∘ une position découverte, dans laquelle l'extrémité mobile est adjacente au premier côté transversal, la surface n'étant pas recouverte par la couverture et
  • ∘ une position de recouvrement, dans laquelle l'extrémité mobile est adjacente au deuxième côté transversal, la surface étant ainsi recouverte par la couverture,
• des premier et deuxième rails fixés le long des premier et deuxième côtés longitudinaux de la surface, chacun des premier et deuxième rails comprenant une ouverture permettant un verrouillage de manière sensiblement étanche à l'air des premier et deuxième bords longitudinaux de la couverture sur une longueur correspondant à la portion de couverture recouvrant la surface lors du déroulement de la couverture,
• dans lequel l'extrémité statique (10s) de la couverture est fixée à la surface (3) de manière étanche à l'air le long du premier bord latéral et l'extrémité mobile (10m) est fixée à un essieu (2a) du tambour (2) qui est monté sur un mécanisme de translation longitudinale, comprenant un chariot (21) surplombant transversalement la surface (3) à couvrir et supportant l'essieu du tambour (2), ledit chariot (21) comprenant à chacune de ses extrémités au moins deux roulettes (33) reposant sur les premier et deuxième rails (6) permettant la translation longitudinale du chariot (21),
• un système de soufflerie apte à souffler de l'air entre la surface et une surface intérieure de la couverture faisant face à la surface lorsque l'extrémité mobile de la couverture est en position de recouvrement, et
• une bavette ayant
  • ∘ une extrémité scellée s'étendant sensiblement parallèle au, et sur toute une longueur du deuxième côté transversal de la surface et montée de sorte à suivre les déplacements de l'extrémité mobile de la couverture le long des premier et deuxième côtés longitudinaux, et
  • ∘ une extrémité libre opposée à l'extrémité scellée, telle que lorsque l'extrémité mobile est en position de recouvrement, l'extrémité libre de la bavette est en contact avec la surface, et
  • ∘ avec son extrémité scellée et son extrémité libre qui est en contact avec la surface, la bavette forme une étanchéité à l'air entre la couverture et la surface le long de son deuxième côté transversal, permettant de définir un volume sensiblement étanche à l'air entre la surface et la surface intérieure de la couverture lorsque l'extrémité mobile est en position de recouvrement et de créer une surpression dans ce volume par soufflage d'air par le système de soufflerie.

The invention is as defined in the main claim and preferred variants are defined in the dependent claims. The present invention comprises in particular a device for covering a substantially rectangular surface delimited by first and second longitudinal sides connected to each other by first and second transverse sides, the device comprising,

• a cover which is substantially airtight and watertight and capable of covering the surface, the cover being delimited by first and second substantially parallel longitudinal edges and connected to each other by a movable end and by a static end fixed to the first transverse side in a substantially airtight manner,
• a rotatably mounted drum capable of winding and unwinding the cover on its first and second longitudinal edges by moving the mobile end of the cover along the first and second longitudinal sides of the surface, between,
  • ∘ an uncovered position, in which the mobile end is adjacent to the first transverse side, the surface not being covered by the cover and
  • ∘ a covering position, in which the movable end is adjacent to the second transverse side, the surface thus being covered by the cover,
• first and second rails secured along the first and second longitudinal sides of the surface, each of the first and second rails including an opening for substantially airtight locking of the first and second longitudinal edges of the cover over a length corresponding to the portion of cover covering the surface when the cover is unrolled,
• wherein the static end (10s) of the cover is attached to the surface (3) in an airtight manner along the first side edge and the movable end (10m) is attached to an axle (2a) of the drum (2) which is mounted on a longitudinal translation mechanism, comprising a carriage (21) transversely overhanging the surface (3) to be covered and supporting the axle of the drum (2), said carriage (21) comprising at each of its ends at least two rollers (33) resting on the first and second rails (6) allowing the longitudinal translation of the carriage (21),
• a blower system capable of blowing air between the surface and an inner surface of the cover facing the surface when the movable end of the cover is in the covering position, and
• a bib having
  • ∘ a sealed end extending substantially parallel to, and over an entire length of the second transverse side of the surface and mounted so as to follow the movements of the movable end of the cover along the first and second longitudinal sides, and
  • ∘ a free end opposite the sealed end, such that when the movable end is in the covering position, the free end of the flap is in contact with the surface, and
  • ∘ with its sealed end and its free end which is in contact with the surface, the flap forms an airtight seal between the cover and the surface along its second transverse side, making it possible to define a substantially airtight volume air between the surface and the inner surface of the cover when the movable end is in the covering position and to create an overpressure in this volume by blowing air through the blower system.

The rails (6) may comprise a substantially "U" or "G" profile, that is to say comprising a fin partially closing one side of the opening (6o) of the profile, or "C", that is to say comprising two fins partially closing each side of the opening (6o) of the rails.

The carriage may comprise at each of its ends a drive wheel arranged at a non-zero distance from the corresponding rail, on the same plane as and between the at least two rollers and whose axis of rotation is parallel to that of said drum. A belt which is flexible extends along each of the first and second rails, attached only at each of its ends to first and second ends of the corresponding rail, and inserted into the opening of the corresponding rail in two sections of the belt between the first and second rollers and the first and second ends of the corresponding rail, and capping without slipping the drive wheel in the section of the belt between the at least two rollers.

According to the invention, each rail (6) is preferably formed of a "G" or "C" profile with the opening (6o) oriented away from the surface, and with a fin located on the side of the rail adjacent to the surface. Continuous insertion means make it possible to insert the longitudinal edges of the cover into the opening) of each of the rails as the cover unwinds from the drum, and to un-insert them from the opening of each of the rails as the cover is rolled up on the drum. Each longitudinal edge of the cover is provided with a bead which, by the combined action of the strap integrating into the rail and the fin of the "G" or "C" profile, reversibly locks an edge longitudinal length of the cover in the corresponding rail as the drum unwinds.

In one form of the invention, the sealed end of the flap secured to the interior surface of the cover by gluing and/or welding. Alternatively, the sealed end of the flap can be attached to the drum axle. In these two configurations, the flap can have a width comprised between its free and sealed ends comprised between 150 and 600 mm, preferably between 200 and 500 mm, more preferably between 250 and 400 mm.

To facilitate the rolling up of the cover and the flap, the device may comprise one or more flexible tongues which connect a portion of the flap, preferably adjacent to the free end of the flap, to a portion of the interior surface of the cover. The flap has a length equal to the length of the movable end of the cover and has a measured width normal to its length, and in which one or more tabs are distributed along the length of the flap. The tabs have a length measured between the flap and the inside surface of the cover that is shorter than the section of flap between its sealed end and the portion of the flap to which the tab(s) are attached.

In another form of the invention, the carriage and the drum are enclosed in a box comprising only an opening defined by a perimeter and extending the full length of the drum and facing the surface. The sealed end of the flap is fixed at least to a downstream or upstream portion of the perimeter of the opening of the caisson, in which "downstream" and "upstream" are defined in the direction of movement of the mobile end (10m) of the cover allowing the covering of the surface. The flap can have in this form of the invention, a width between its free ends and sealed preferably between 20 and 120 mm, preferably between 30 and 100 mm, more preferably between 40 and 70 mm.

The surface may comprise a cavity, preferably intended to be filled with water, including a swimming pool, a drinking water tank, or a basin comprising aquatic animals, or a methanisation tank, a tennis court, a petanque court, or of curling. The blower system may comprise an air outlet for injecting air into the volume and being installed in a water drainage channel of a swimming pool, in a cavity of a swimming pool coping, on the cover, in a box or on an axle of the drum of a device.

The device may include a motor actuating the movement of the mobile end of the cover. Otherwise a crank can allow the activation of the movement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

• Fig. 1 représente trois configuration (a)-(c) de dispositifs de couvertures tendue, flottante et gonflée, et (d) et (e) représentent deux dispositifs selon la présente invention recouvrant (d) une surface comprenant une cavité et (e) une surface plane ;
• Fig. 2 représente une première forme préférée de l'invention comprenant un tambour mobile se déplaçant le long de la surface depuis (a) une position découverte, en passant par (b) une position partiellement couverte, jusqu'à (c) une position de recouvrement.
• Fig. 3 représente une seconde forme n'appartenant pas à l'invention comprenant un tambour fixe et la couverture comprenant une extrémité libre et mobile se déplaçant le long de la surface depuis (a) une position découverte, en passant par (b) une position partiellement couverte jusqu'à (c) une position de recouvrement.
• Fig. 4 représente différentes variantes de bavettes selon la présente invention.
• Fig. 5 représente différentes variantes de rails et de systèmes de verrouillage des bords longitudinaux de la couverture dans un dispositif comprenant (a)&(b) un tambour mobile selon l'invention et (c)&(d) un tambour fixe selon l'art antérieur.
• Fig. 6 représente différentes variantes de bavettes formant une étanchéité à l'air au niveau de l'extrémité mobile de la couverture.

These and other aspects of the invention will be clarified in the detailed description of particular embodiments of the invention, reference being made to the drawings of the figures, in which:

• Fig. 1 shows three configurations (a)-(c) of stretched, floating and inflated cover devices, and (d) and (e) show two devices according to the present invention covering (d) a surface comprising a cavity and (e) a surface plane ;
• Fig. 2 shows a first preferred form of the invention comprising a movable drum moving along the surface from (a) an uncovered position, through (b) a partially covered position, to (c) a covered position.
• Fig. 3 shows a second form not belonging to the invention comprising a fixed drum and the cover comprising a free and movable end moving along the surface from (a) an uncovered position, passing through (b) a partially covered position up to (c) a recovery position.
• Fig. 4 represents different variants of flaps according to the present invention.
• Fig. 5 shows different variants of rails and systems for locking the longitudinal edges of the cover in a device comprising (a) & (b) a mobile drum according to the invention and (c) & (d) a fixed drum according to the prior art .
• Fig. 6 shows different variants of flaps forming an airtight seal at the mobile end of the cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS

The device (1) of the present invention makes it possible to cover and uncover, automatically or semi-automatically, a substantially rectangular surface (3) delimited by first and second longitudinal sides connected to each other by first and second sides transverse. The device includes a cover (10) that is flexible and substantially airtight and waterproof. It must have dimensions to cover the surface (3). The cover is delimited by first and second longitudinal edges (10L) substantially parallel and connected to each other, on the one hand, by a mobile end (10m) and, on the other hand, by a static end ( 10s) which is attached to the first transverse side in a substantially airtight manner.

The device comprises a drum (2) mounted for rotation and capable of rolling up and unrolling the cover (10) along its first and second longitudinal edges (10L). The winding and unwinding of the cover is accompanied by a displacement of the movable end (10m) of the cover along the first and second longitudinal sides of the surface. The mobile end can move between two extreme positions: an uncovered position and a covering position. The uncovered position corresponds to a situation where the blanket is fully rolled up on the drum, with its movable end (10m) being adjacent to the first transverse side of the surface., As the name suggests, in this position the movable end , the surface is not covered by the blanket.

The covering position defines a configuration in which the surface is covered by the cover which is unrolled from the drum. The mobile end (10m) of the cover is adjacent to the second transverse side.

The device of the present invention comprises first and second rails (6) fixed along the first and second longitudinal sides of the surface. Each of the first and second rails includes an opening (6o) allowing locking in such a way substantially airtight from the first and second longitudinal edges (10L) of the cover over a length corresponding to the cover portion covering the surface when the cover is unrolled.

The optimization of the air blowing under the cover in order to form a dome when the movable end (10m) of the cover is in the covering position and the surface (3) is covered by the cover requires that a defined volume between the covered surface and an inner surface (10i) of the cover (=“volume under the cover”) is substantially airtight from the atmosphere in contact with an outer surface of the cover. Thanks, on the one hand, to the static end (10s) of the cover, which is fixed to the first transverse side in a substantially airtight manner and, on the other hand, to the first and second longitudinal sides (10L) which are locked in a substantially airtight manner in the corresponding rails (6), the volume under the cover (10) is substantially airtight on three of the four sides of the surface. If sufficient sealing cannot be ensured at the level of the second transverse side, the pressurization of the volume under the cover cannot be done satisfactorily, requiring too much power and disproportionate energy consumption. It is therefore essential to seal the fourth side (i.e., the second transverse side) of the surface. The sealing of the second transverse side, when the surface is covered by the cover (10) is ensured by a flap (41).

As shown in Figure 4 , the flap (41) includes a sealed end (41s) extending substantially parallel to, and along a length of the second transverse side of the surface. It is mounted so as to follow the movements of the movable end (10m) of the cover along the first and second longitudinal sides (10L). The flap also comprises a free end (41L) opposite the sealed end (41s), such that when the mobile end (10m) is in the covering position, the free end (41L) of the flap is in contact with the surface. Thus, with its sealed end (41s) and its free end (41L) which is in contact with the surface (3), the flap (41) forms an airtight seal between the cover and the surface along its second transverse side, making it possible to define the volume under the cover which is substantially airtight on the four sides of the cover when the mobile end is in the position of recovery.

The device of the present invention making it possible to make the volume defined under the cover substantially airtight, the device may comprise a blower system (51) capable of blowing air (51a) into the volume under the cover including between the surface (3) and the inner surface (10i) of the cover facing the surface (3) when the movable end of the cover is in the covering position and thus create an overpressure in this volume causing the cover that forms a dome.

Drum (2) Movable

In a first preferred variant of the invention illustrated in the Figures 1(d), 1(e) , 2 , 4(a) to 4(c) , 5(a) and 5(b) , and 6(c) to 6(f) , the drum (2) is mounted on a longitudinal translation mechanism, comprising a carriage (21) transversely overhanging the surface (3) to be covered and supporting the drum (2). The static end (10s) of the cover is fixed to the surface (3) in an airtight manner along the first transverse edge. The mobile end (10m) of the cover is fixed to an axle (2a) of the drum (2).

The carriage (21) comprises at each of its ends at least two rollers (33) resting on the first and second rails (6) allowing the longitudinal translation of the carriage (21) between the first and second transverse sides of the surface. The translation of the carriage can be activated by mounting cables or chains, by a rack system as described in WO2010010152 , or by other systems.

For example, in a preferred variant, described in detail in WO2010054960 and illustrated at Figure 1(d) and (e) , the carriage (21) comprises at each of its ends a drive wheel (9) arranged at a non-zero distance from the corresponding rail (6), on the same plane as, and between the at least two rollers (33) whose axis of rotation is parallel to that of said drum (2) and with which it forms a triangle. A belt (31) which is flexible extends along each of the first and second rails (6), fixed only at each of its ends to a first and second end (35) of the corresponding rail. Each belt is inserted into the opening (6o) of the corresponding rail in two sections (31a) of the belt (31) between the first and second rollers (33) and the first and second ends (35) of the corresponding rail, and styling without slipping the wheel drive (9) in the section (31b) of the belt (31) between the at least two rollers (33). The rotation (by a motor or a crank) of the driving wheel (9) causes the translation of the carriage with respect to the belts which are fixed, and thus allows the carriage to move longitudinally between the first and second transverse sides of the surface.

The movement of the drum along the rails (6) is illustrated in Figure 2 , with top and cross-sectional views of the movement of the drum and the movable end (10m) of the cover from (a) the uncovered position, (b) between the uncovered and cover positions, and (c) up to the cover position, where the surface is covered by the cover. Air (51a) can then be blown under the cover to pressurize the volume under the cover and thereby impart a dome shape to the cover. With a mobile drum, the cover is placed on the surface without friction. As the drum advances towards the second transverse side of the surface, the longitudinal edges (10L) are inserted and locked into the opening (6o) of the rails.

As shown in Figure 5(b) , each rail (6) is preferably formed of a "G" or "C" profile with the opening (6o) oriented away from the surface (3), and with the fin located on the side of the rail (6) adjacent to the surface. Continuous insertion means make it possible to insert the longitudinal edges (10L) of the cover into the opening (6o) of each of the rails (6) as the cover (10) unwinds from the drum (2 ), and to uninsert them from the opening of each of the rails (6) as the cover is rolled up on the drum. Such means are described in detail for example in WO2017130053 . As shown in Figure 5(b) , each longitudinal edge (10L) of the cover is provided with a bead (16) which, by the combined action of the belt (33) integrating into the rail (6) and the fin of the profile in "G" (or "C"), reversibly locks a longitudinal edge (10L) of the cover in the corresponding rail as the drum unwinds.

Drum (2) Fixed

In another variant of the present invention illustrated in Figure 3 , the drum (2) is fixedly installed adjacent to the first transverse side of the surface (3). The static end (10s) of the cover (10) is fixed to an axle (2a) of the drum and the mobile end (10m) of the cover is a free end. In a particularly aesthetic variant, the drum can be installed in a chamber located below the surface to be covered (if the latter is substantially horizontal), thus hiding the drum from sight. The chamber may also be designed to be substantially airtight to seal the volume under the cover on the side of the first transverse side. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 4(d) , the drum (2) can be above the surface to be covered (if the latter is horizontal) thus making it visible. Other measures are necessary to seal the volume under the cover (10) on the side of the first transverse side, discussed later.

Moving the movable end (10m) of the cover along the first and second longitudinal sides of the surface requires the use of a cable and pulley assembly to pull the movable end (10m) to the second transverse edge of the surface and thus cover the surface. To uncover the surface, it suffices to rotate the drum on its longitudinal axis to bring the movable end of the cover towards the first transverse side of the surface.

The displacement of the movable end (10m) of the cover mounted on a fixed drum does not belong to the present invention is illustrated in Figure 3 for information, with top views and profile sections of the movement of the mobile end (10m) of the cover from (a) the uncovered position, (b) between the uncovered and cover positions, and (c) up to at the covering position, where the surface is covered by the cover. Air (51a) can then be blown under the cover to pressurize the volume under the cover and thereby impart a dome shape to the cover.

As shown in Figure 5(d) and 5(e) , the longitudinal edges (10L) can be provided with beads (16) inserted into rails (6) comprise a substantially "C" profile, that is to say comprising two fins partially closing each side of the opening (6o ) rails. As shown in Figure 5(d) and 5(e) , the openings (6o) of the first and second rails (6) are preferably oriented opposite to each other.

The Cover (10)

The cover (10) comprises first and second longitudinal edges (10L) parallel to each other and connected to each other by a mobile end (10m) and by a static end (10s). The cover is preferably substantially rectangular in shape, at least on three of its four sides, the static end (10s) or the mobile end (10m) not necessarily being straight or normal to the longitudinal edges. Preferably, the cover is rectangular.

The cover should be flexible to allow it to be rolled over the drum and should be made of a substantially airtight material. Preferably, the cover is made of polymer, for example a vinyl polymer, or is a fabric impregnated or covered with a layer of polymer.

The longitudinal edges (10L) of the cover (10) are preferably provided with a bead (16). Beads adapted to the device of the present invention are described for example in WO2014064138 . The beads can be present on a longitudinal strip glued, welded, and/or sewn to the cover, thus forming the longitudinal edges (10L) of the cover (cf. Figure 5(b), 5(d) and 5(e) .

In the variant of a mobile drum of the Figures 1(d) &1(e) and 2 described above, the static end (10s) of the cover is attached in a substantially airtight manner to the first transverse edge of the surface (3). In the case of a swimming pool, the static end can be fixed to the coping of the swimming pool. The movable end (10m) of the cover is fixed to an axle (2a) of the drum and moves in translation with the drum (2) mounted on the carriage (21).

In order to synchronize the speed of translation of the carriage with the unwinding/winding speed of the cover from/on the drum, the carriage (21) preferably comprises a translation axle inserted coaxially in the axle (2a) and connected to that -this by a spiral spring which is loose when the movable end (10m) is in the uncovered position adjacent to the first transverse side of the surface and is stretched when it is in the covering position, adjacent to the second transverse side of the surface. The translation axle is connected to the drive wheel (9) as well as for example to a motor (30). The rotation of the translation axle makes it possible to move the carriage along the rails (6). During of a movement of the carriage towards the second transverse edge of the surface, the tension applied to the cover by the distance from the drum causes the rotation of the axle (2a) of the drum and the progressive tension of the spiral spring. At constant translational speed of the carriage, the rotational speed of the axle (2a) varies with the diameter of the drum and accelerates when the mobile end (10m) approaches the second transverse side and the diameter of the drum decreases. In the opposite direction of uncovering of the surface, the tensioned spiral spring ensures the rotation of the axle (2a) during the translation of the carriage towards the first transverse edge.

Other systems for synchronizing the speeds of rotation of the drum and of the motor are possible, for example by circumferential contact of two rotating rollers or by any other system known to those skilled in the art, as for example described in the documents EN 2893651 , DE 2257231 , Where EN 2908402 . It is also possible to use two motors, one rotating at constant speed and driving the longitudinal translation of the carriage and the second equipped with a microprocessor controlling the speed of rotation of the drum according to its diameter.

Tracks (6)

The rails (6) are fixed along the first and second longitudinal sides of the surface and each include an opening (6o). The opening (6o) makes it possible to lock the corresponding longitudinal edge (10L) of the cover (10). In the case of a mobile drum, the rails also guide the movement of the carriage (21) by interacting with the rollers (33).

The rails (6) preferably comprise a substantially "U" or "G" profile, that is to say comprising a fin partially closing one side of the opening (6o) of the profile, or "C" , that is to say comprising two fins partially closing each side of the opening (6o) of the rails.

The rails must not only interlock the longitudinal edges of the cover as the cover overlaps the surface, but they must also ensure that this interlock forms a substantially airtight contact between the longitudinal edges of the cover and rails. For example, as shown in Figure 5(b), 5(d), and 5(e) the interaction of the bead (16) with the fins of the rail (6) and, in the case of the Figure 5(b) together with the belt (31) which is also housed in the opening of the rail in the portions (31a) of the longitudinal edges of the surface, ensures a substantially airtight contact.

The expression "substantially airtight" does not require a perfect seal. Achieving a perfect seal would be illusory or very expensive to implement. The airtightness required in the present invention is such that the pressure losses in the volume under the cover allow, using a conventional blower device, to ensure an overpressure of at least 10 Pa, to preferably at least 50 Pa, more preferably at least 70 Pa. The pressure should be sufficient to lift the weight of the cover (10). The person skilled in the art can determine the optimal compromise between the cost to improve the sealing of the longitudinal edges in the rails and the cost of energy consumption to maintain such pressure under the cover. For example, with a pressure under the cover of 50 Pa, the air leaks are preferably less than 50 m ³ / h, preferably less than 30 m ³ / h and even more preferably less than 20 m ³ / h. A blower system (51) having an air flow (51a) of 100 to 300 m ³ / h can be used, preferably between 150 and 250 m ³ / h.

Bib (41 )

In order to seal the volume under the cover at the level of the second transverse side of the surface, the device of the present invention comprises a flap (41). The flap includes a sealed end (41s) extending substantially parallel to and over a full length of the second transverse side of the surface and is mounted to follow the movement of the movable end (10m) of the cover along first and second longitudinal sides (10L). It also includes a free end (41L) opposite the sealed end (41s). When the movable end (10m) is in the covering position, the free end (41L) of the flap is in contact with the surface.

In a preferred variant of the invention illustrated in Figure 4(a) &4(d), the sealed end (41s) of the flap (41) can be attached to the inner surface (10i) of the cover (10) by gluing and/or welding. The sealed end (41s) of the flap (41) is preferably adjacent to the mobile end (10m) of the cover or, in any case, is substantially closer to the mobile end (10m) than to the fixed end (10s).

Alternatively illustrated in Figure 4(b) , the sealed end (10s) of the flap can be attached to the axle (2a) of the drum.

In the two preceding variants illustrated in Figure 4(a), 4(b) & 4(d) , the flap (41) may have a width between its free (41L) and sealed (41s) ends, preferably between 150 and 600 mm, preferably between 200 and 500 mm, more preferably between 250 and 400 mm, depending surface dimensions. The width of the flap should allow the flap to form an air seal between the cover and the surface along its second transverse side, between its sealed end (41s) and its free end (41L) which is in contact with the area (3). The volume under the cover thus being substantially airtight along the four sides of the surface (3), the volume under the cover can then be pressurized by blowing air through the blower system (51).

In a third variant illustrated in Figure 4(c) , the carriage (21) and the drum (2) are enclosed in a box (61) comprising only an opening defined by a perimeter and extending over the entire length of the drum and facing the surface (3). The sealed end (41s) of the flap (41) is fixed at least to a downstream or upstream portion of the perimeter of the opening of the box. The terms "downstream" and "upstream" are defined in the direction of movement of the mobile end (10m) of the cover allowing the covering of the surface. The flap (41) may have a width comprised between its free (41L) and sealed (41s) ends, preferably comprised between 20 and 120 mm, preferably between 30 and 100 mm, more preferably between 40 and 70 mm.

In a variant illustrated in Figure 6(c) to 6(f) , the casing may comprise means for varying the distance, h, separating the surface (3) from the perimeter of the opening of the casing. Such an arrangement is described for example in WO2014068131 . The distance can be varied using jacks (63), preferably electric, or levers, or endless screws. The position of the box can thus be varied in a direction normal to the plane comprising the perimeter of the surface (3) between a translation position, in which the perimeter of the opening of the box, including the flap, is not in contact with the surface, and a contact position, in which the perimeter of the opening of the box contacts the surface and forms a substantially sealing contact therewith in the air. In this variant, it is preferable that the flap (41) extends over the entire perimeter of the opening of the box (61). The flap must ensure airtightness of the volume included in the casing when the latter is in the contact position.

In the case where the surface includes a cavity, such as a swimming pool for example, the covering position of the drum can be defined as illustrated in Figure 6(d) such that the entire perimeter of the box opening is outside the cavity, for example on the edge of a swimming pool. The volume under the cover can then be pressurized up to the flap (41) located on an upstream portion of the perimeter of the opening of the box. In this case, the volume under the cover is separated from the volume in the box and it is preferable to install the blower system outside the box, for example on the cover or in a wall defining the cavity of the surface (3).

If, on the other hand, as illustrated in Figure 6(f) , in the drum covering position, the upstream portion of the casing overhangs the cavity, the volume under the cover is in fluid communication with the volume in the casing, and the blower system can be arranged on or in the casing (cf. Figures 4(b), 4(c) , 6(e) and 6(f) . The blower system can also preferably be mounted on the axle (2a) of the drum, the interior of which is hollow and the walls of which are provided with openings (2o) distributed over the length of the axle.

In another variant, the box cannot vary its distance, h, from the surface. In this case, the flap must seal the casing at least in the position covering the drum. In addition to the downstream portion of the perimeter of the box provided with a flap, the longitudinal portions of the perimeter of the opening must also be sealed, for example with side flaps (41e) also extending along the longitudinal portions, and the free ends of which contact the surface when the carriage (21) moves. As illustrated at Figure 4(c) , in order to reduce the wear of the flaps, the surface can be provided at its second transverse side with a counter-sealing system which, in collaboration with the flap (41) and with the side flaps (41e), makes it possible to form a seal when the drum is in the covering position. Thus, the flaps (41, 41e) of the box must not touch the surface during the movement of the carriage, thus notably reducing the wear of the flaps.

The upstream portion of the carriage can also be fitted with a flap or a seal. If necessary, it is possible to compartmentalize the interior volume of the casing with a partition (62) which, in certain configurations, makes it possible to simplify the sealing of the casing on the upstream part of the perimeter of the opening, where the cover joins the surface. .

Especially, but not only, in the case of a mobile drum, it is important that during the re-winding of the cover on the drum when the surface is uncovered, the flap does not come to fold up in such a way uncontrolled, thus increasing the diameter of the drum in the uncovered position and, above all, preventing during a subsequent covering of the surface, that the flap is positioned correctly when the mobile end (10m) of the cover is in the covering position . If the flap is incorrectly positioned and its free end does not contact the surface correctly, the seal sought may be lost. To avoid this problem and as shown in Figure 4(a), 4(b) and 4(d) , it is preferable that the device comprises one or more tabs (42) distributed over the length of the flap, which are flexible and which connect a portion of the flap (41), preferably adjacent to the free end (41L) of the flap, to a portion of the inner surface (10i) of the cover (10). The tabs have a length measured between the flap (41) and the inner surface (10i) of the cover which is shorter than the flap section between its sealed end (41s) and the portion of the flap at which the tabs are attached. Thus, the flap always presents itself with a good orientation during the re-winding of the cover on the drum, making the mechanism more reproducible.

If necessary, as shown in Figure 4(d) , a second flap can be sealed to the inner surface (10i) of the cover on the side of the static end (10s) of the cover. Such an "upstream" flap may be necessary if it is difficult to ensure the sealing of the volume under the cover at the level of the first transverse side.

Blower System (51)

The blower system may include one or more blowers (51) installed such that an air outlet allows air (51a) to be injected into the volume under the cover which is substantially airtight throughout. the perimeter of the surface (3). Blowers such as available on the market can be used, the power of which depends on the capacity of the volume under the cover and the quality of the sealing on the four sides of the surface. In most cases, a flow rate of 70 to 400 m ³ /h, preferably between 100 and 300 m ³ /h, more preferably between 150 and 250 m ³ /h can be applied to form a dome.

The blower system can be located in a swimming pool water drainage channel, in a cavity of a swimming pool coping (see Figure 2 &3), on the cover (10), in or on a box (61), or on an axle (2a) of the mobile drum. In order to be able to install a device according to the present invention on existing surfaces of any size and configuration, it is preferable to be able to install the blower system on the device itself. For example on the casing (61) of a mobile drum (see Figure 4(c) , 6(e) and 6(f) ), in a hollow axle (2a) of a movable or fixed drum (see Figure 4(b) ) or on the cover. A blower system installed on the hollow axle (2a) defining a cavity is preferred. The axle comprises orifices (2o) distributed along the axle, fluidically connecting the cavity with an exterior of the axle and confined between the sealed end (41s) of the flap and the movable end (10m) of the cover.

Advantages of the Present Invention

A covering device according to the present invention can be used to cover different types of surfaces, such as tennis courts, curling courts, pétanque courts, an ice rink, etc. The surface to be covered can also comprise a cavity, preferably intended to be filled with water, including a swimming pool, a drinking water reservoir, or a basin comprising aquatic animals, or a methanization pit.

The fact that the volume under the cover can be pressurized by blowing air through a blower system (51) makes it possible to impart to the cover (10) a dome shape, which moves the blanket away from the covered area. The dome shape prevents rainwater from accumulating on the outer surface of the cover (10) and collapsing its center. A significant part of this accumulated water eventually ends up coming into contact with the surface, either by flowing through drainage holes applied to the cover to prevent the formation of a water pocket, or by uncovering the surface by the roll up the cover on the drum. With the domed shape, rainwater trickles down to the periphery of the surface by gravity.

In the case of a curling rink or a skating rink, the dome shape insulates the ice surface from the atmosphere which, if at a temperature above 0°C would result in higher energy demands to maintain the temperature of the ice. below 0°C.

In the case of swimming pools, the present invention is particularly advantageous, since it makes it possible to form a dome with the cover, as illustrated in Figure 1(c) by pressurizing the volume under the cover, but also to form a floating cover as illustrated in the Figure 1(b) , depending on whether you want to thermally insulate the pool water from the ambient atmosphere (e.g., if the ambient temperature is lower than the desired water temperature) or, on the contrary, whether you want to form a thermal bridge between the pool water and the surrounding atmosphere (e.g., if the sun shines on the cover and you want to raise the temperature of the water. The pressure under an inflated cover can be reduced quickly by moving the movable end (10m) of the cover so as to break the seal at the level of the second transverse side. Alternatively, the device may comprise a depressurization valve which can be opened to reduce the pressure under the cover and allow it to rest on the surface of the water.

By pressurizing the volume under the cover only when the mobile end (10m) is in the overlap position, the longitudinal edges (10L) can be slid in the rails (6) when the mobile end is moved without the cover is stretched as shown in Figure 1(a) . This extends the life of the beads (16) of the longitudinal edges of the cover (10).

Finally, when the cover forms a dome, the outer surface of the cover is perfectly smooth and gives a superior aesthetic appearance. # Characteristic 1 Cover device 2 Drum 2a Drum axle (3) 2o Air opening in the axle (2a) 3 Cover 6 Rail 6o Rail opening 9 drive wheel 10 Cover 10i Inner surface of the cover 10L Longitudinal edge of the cover 10m Movable end of cover 10s Static end of coverage 16 bead 21 Cart 30 Engine 31 Belt 31a Belt portion (31) excluding the portion (31b) between the rollers (33) 31b Belt portion (31) between the rollers (33) 33 First and second rollers 35 End of a belt 41 bib 41st Lateral sealing of the casing 41L free end 41p Sealing station in covering position 41s Sealed end 42 Tongue 51 Blower device 61 box 62 Internal sealing wall 63 Box height variation pistons

Claims (13)

1. Covering device (1) of a substantially rectangular surface (3) delimited by first and second longitudinal sides linked to one another by first and second transverse sides, the device comprising,

   • a cover (10) which is substantially airtight and watertight and that allows the surface (3) to be covered, the cover being delimited by first and second longitudinal edges (10L) that are substantially parallel and linked to one another by a movable end (10m) and by a static end (10s),

   • a rotationally mounted drum (2) capable of winding and unwinding the cover (10) on its first and second longitudinal edges (10L) between,

   o an uncovered position, in which the surface is not covered by the cover, and

   o a covering position, in which the surface is thus covered by the cover,

   • first and second rails (6) fixed along the first and second longitudinal sides of the surface, each of the first and second rails comprising an opening (6o) allowing the first and second longitudinal edges (10L) of the cover to be locked in a substantially airtight manner over a length corresponding to the cover portion covering the surface when the cover is being unwound,

   the device comprising

   • a blower system (51) capable of blowing air (51a) between the surface and an inner surface (10i) of the cover facing the surface (3) when the movable end of the cover is in covering position, and

   • a flap (41) having

   o a sealed end (41s) extending substantially parallel to, and over an entire length of, the second transverse side of the surface and mounted so as to follow the displacements of the movable end (10m) of the cover along the first and second longitudinal sides (10L), and

   o a free end (41L) opposite the sealed end (41s), such that when the movable end (10m) is in covering position, the free end (41L) of the flap is in contact with the surface, and

   the device being produced in such a way that

   o with its sealed end (41s) and its free end (41L) which is in contact with the surface (3), the flap (41) forms an airtight seal between the cover and the surface along its second transverse side, making it possible to define a substantially airtight volume between the surface and the inner surface of the cover when the movable end is in covering position and to create an overpressure in this volume by the blowing of air by the blower system (51),

   characterized in that,

   • the static end (10s) is fixed to the first transverse side in a substantially airtight manner,

   • the movable end (10m) is fixed to an axle (2a) of the drum (2) which is mounted on a longitudinal translation mechanism, comprising a carriage (21) transversely overhanging the surface (3) to be covered and supporting the axle of the drum (2), said carriage (21) comprising, at each of its ends, at least two rollers (33) resting on the first and second rails (6) allowing the longitudinal translation of the carriage (21),
2. Device according to Claim 1, wherein the rails (6) comprise a substantially U-shaped profile, a substantially G-shaped profile, that is to say including a fin partially enclosing one side of the opening (6o) of the profile, or a substantially C-shaped profile, that is to say including two fins partially closing each side of the opening (6o) of the rails.
3. Device according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein

   (a) the carriage (21) comprises, at each of its ends, a drive wheel (9) disposed at a non-zero distance from the corresponding rail (6), on the same plane as, and between, the at least two rollers (33) and whose axis of rotation is parallel to that of said drum (2),

   (b) a belt (31) which is flexible extends along each of the first and second rails (6), fixed only at each of its extremities to a first and second end (35) of the corresponding rail, and inserted in the opening (6o) of the corresponding rail in two sections (31a) of the belt (31) comprised between the first and second rollers (33) and the first and second ends (35) of the corresponding rail, and capping, without slip, the drive wheel (9) in the section (31b) of the belt (31) comprised between the at least two rollers (33).
4. Device according to Claims 2 and 3, wherein,

   • each rail (6) is formed by a G-shaped or C-shaped profile with the opening (6o) oriented opposite the surface (3), and with a fin situated on the side of the rail (6) adjacent to the surface,

   • continuous insertion means allowing inserting the longitudinal edges (10L) of the cover into the opening (6o) of each of the rails (6) as the cover (10) is unwound from the drum (2), and to extract them from the opening of each of the rails (6) as the cover is wound onto the drum,

   • each longitudinal edge (10L) of the cover is provided with a bead (16) which, by the combined action of the belt incorporated in the rail (6) and of the fin of the G-shaped profile, reversibly locks a longitudinal edge (10L) of the cover in the corresponding rail as the drum is unwound.
5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flap (41) has a width comprised between its free (41L) and sealed (41s) ends of between 150 and 600 mm, preferably between 200 and 500 mm, more preferably between 250 and 400 mm.
6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealed end (41s) of the flap (41) is fixed to the inner surface (10i) of the cover (10) by gluing and/or welding.
7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealed end (10s) of the flap is fixed to the axle (2a) of the drum.
8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising one or more tongues (42) which are flexible and which link a portion of the flap (41), preferably adjacent to the free end (41L) of the flap, to a portion of the inner surface (10i) of the cover (10), wherein the flap has a length equal to the length of the movable end (10m) of the cover and has a width measured normal to its length, and wherein one or more tongues are distributed over the length of the flap, and have a length measured between the flap (41) and the inner surface (10i) of the cover which is shorter than the flap section comprised between its sealed end (41s) and the portion of the flap to which the tongue or tongues are fixed.
9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein

   • the carriage (21) and the drum (2) are enclosed in a housing (61) comprising only one opening defined by a perimeter and extending over an entire length of the drum and facing the surface (3), wherein

   • the sealed end (41s) of the flap (41) is fixed at least to a downstream or upstream portion of the perimeter of the opening of the box, wherein "downstream" and "upstream" are defined in the direction of displacement of the movable end (10m) of the cover allowing the surface to be covered, and wherein

   • the flap (41) has a width comprised between its free (41L) and sealed (41s) ends of preferably between 20 and 120 mm, preferably between 30 and 100 mm, more preferably between 40 and 70 mm.
10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the blower system (51) comprises an air outlet allowing air (51a) to be injected into the volume and being installed in a water outlet gutter of a swimming pool, in a cavity of a swimming pool well, on the cover (10), in a housing according to Claim 11, or on an axle (2a) of the drum of a device according to any one of Claims 3 to 5.
11. Device according to Claim 9, wherein

    • the drum (2) comprises a hollow axle (2a) provided with a cavity, and orifices (2o) are distributed along the axle, fluidly linking the cavity with an outside of the axle and contained between the sealed end (41s) of the flap and the movable end (10m) of the cover, and wherein

    • the blower device (51) is linked to the cavity of the axle, in fluid communication therewith.
12. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a motor (30) driving the displacement of the movable end (10m) of the cover.
13. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface comprises a cavity, preferably intended to be filled with water, including a swimming pool, a potable water tank, or a basin containing aquatic animals, a tennis, petanque or curling court.

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