FR3026395A1 - METHOD AND MEMBRANE FOR ASSEMBLING TRUNK TILES, IN PARTICULAR FOR PRODUCING POOLS AND SWIMMING POOL PRODUCED THEREBY - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method of assembling sections of a tank, each section comprising at least one bottom (3) and two sides adjacent to said bottom, according to which: a. using at least two adjacent sections each having a developable surface and comprising at least one edge (7) of longitudinal end having a conjugate profile of the edge opposite the adjacent section; b. two adjacent sections are docked by abutting the edges (7) opposite each other, so as to form a flat edge-to-edge junction (10); vs. each of the two adjacent sections is fixed on a chord (8) external to the tank, said chord extending along the junction (10) of the sections and on either side of this junction. The invention also relates to a chord for the implementation of the method and a pool made with this method.

Description

The invention relates to a method for assembling tank sections as well as to a chord used in this process, in order to produce modular tanks. . This method and this frame are used in particular for the production of swimming pools by modular elements. The invention also extends to such a swimming pool. It is sometimes necessary to retrofit a pool, a tank, a basin or generally a large tank in a built room with openings (doors, windows) not allowing the passage of the entire tank. It has therefore been proposed to realize this tank in a modular manner by assembling sections of tank whose dimensions allow passage through the available openings. In addition, this type of modular construction makes it possible to obtain tanks of various sizes and shapes from standard sections. Document FR2414106 is known, for example, from such a vessel constituted by modular elements or sections juxtaposed along a longitudinal axis of the vessel, each section having a U-shaped section comprising a bottom and lateral walls or flanks adjoining the vessel. background. The end sections, generally two in number, further comprise an end wall connecting the bottom and the sidewalls. To allow the tight assembly between these different sections, FR2414106 teaches to fold down the edges of the bottom and flanks at right angles, outwards, with respect to the plane of the bottom and the flanks in order to make flat lips allowing an assembly of type "flange" by approximating the lips of two adjacent sections by means of connecting elements (bolts) and interposing between these lips a seal. This assembly has several disadvantages. The junction 30 between the edges of the sections having a seal between the lips facing the sections, there remains a significant interval between the sections, which interval can be a visual or foot-sensitive for a swimming pool, up to to cause accidents. In addition, depending on the variation of the compression of the seal, it may overflow into the vessel, forming a hindrance to walking or be recessed, leaving a groove in which can accumulate dirt. In addition, the production of lips at right angles to the bottom and the sides of the vessel section is a complex and expensive operation, or even impossible depending on the material in which the section is made. Indeed, if such a lip at right angles along the edge of a U-shaped section can be made of composite material (fiberglass and resin for example) by providing the appropriate molds, it is very difficult to obtain without defects in the case where the section is made of stainless steel sheet by plastic deformation (stamping or folding), the lip tending to deform or tear at the intersection between the bottom and the sidewalls. The invention therefore relates to a method of assembling sections of tank which does not have the disadvantages of the prior art. The invention also aims at such a method which allows improved sealing.

The invention also relates to such a method that allows the use of various materials for producing tanks. The invention also aims at such a process that allows the realization of tanks having a new and unmatched aesthetic appearance to date. The invention further relates to a method of assembling tank sections which is more economical, at equal material cost, than the methods of the prior art. To do this, the invention relates to a method of assembling sections of a vessel having a longitudinal axis, each section comprising at least one bottom and two sides adjoining said bottom, said assembly method being characterized in that: at. at least two adjacent sections each having a developable surface such that any generatrix of the surface of a section is also generating the surface of the adjacent section, each of the sections comprising at least one longitudinal end edge having a conjugate profile of the singing next to the adjacent stretch, b. two adjacent sections are docked by abutting against each other the edges facing said sections, the bottom and the sides of the two sections being aligned along their generatrices so as to form a flat edge-to-edge connection; vs. each of the two adjacent sections is fixed on a frame external to the tank, said frame extending along the junction of the sections and on either side of this junction. By forming each section according to a developable surface, the generatrices of which also generate the surface of the adjacent section, the opposite sections have continuity of shape at their opposite edges and the edges of two adjacent sections correspond exactly, without lip. neither flap, that the general shape of the tank is substantially conical, cylindrical (with a bottom and / or rounded sides) or with a bottom and / or flanks flat. Due to the absence of lip or rim along the edges of the vessel sections, it is possible to manufacture these sections, for example metal and particularly stainless steel by simply cutting a sheet of steel sheet, then by folding or rolling orthogonally to the main axis of the sheet metal strip to form a vessel section. Of course, other materials may be used, for example other metallic materials such as aluminum sheet, or a synthetic material such as poly methyl methacrylate (known under the trade names Plexiglass® or Altuglas® ), etc. Assembling the sections by a flat edge-to-edge junction, that is to say by aligning and abutting the edges of the two adjacent sections against each other along the generatrices of the surface of the sections, allows to minimize the interval between the sections, the edges of the sections that can be joined. As a result, the junction between the sections can be practically invisible and imperceptible to the touch. Particularly, when the sections are obtained by shearing a metal strip, a possible cutting burr is placed outside the tank and masked by the frame.

The chord is advantageously formed to fit the outer face of the sections, at their junction. The attachment of the sections on the frame can be achieved by any means, for example by gluing, riveting, screwing, etc. The sealing between the edges of the sections, if it is necessary, can be achieved by the fixing means, in the case of gluing for example or by a seal placed on the frame opposite the junction between the edges of the adjacent sections. Advantageously and according to the invention, sections are used having a song consisting of three rectilinear sections, a median section and two end sections forming a predetermined angle on the same side of the median section, the generators of the developing surface passing through. by the same section being respectively parallel to each other. As a result, the middle section generates a flat bottom and the end sections determine flat sides of the vessel section. When the generatrices of the two sides are at an angle to one another, it is possible to obtain tanks with a flat bottom, triangular or trapezoidal, with flanks more or less flared. Advantageously and according to the invention, all the generatrices are parallel to each other. In this case, it is possible to obtain tank shapes having a rectangular footprint, with a rounded bottom and flanks parallel to each other if the edge is U-shaped with a rounded bottom, or, if the edge is formed of rectilinear segments. , with a bottom and flat flanks. Advantageously and according to the invention, sections are used comprising a row of holes regularly distributed parallel to the edge and the sections are fixed by means of a threaded seam in the chord of a row of screws for each section opposite. Preferably, for the robustness of the attachment, it is made by screwing each end facing the two adjacent sections on a common frame. For this purpose, the edges of the tank sections are prepared by piercing, on each edge, a row of holes parallel to the edge, at a distance from it corresponding substantially to one third of the width of the frame. Depending on the thickness of the material of the sidewalls and bottom of the tank section, the holes thus made are milled to remove the head of the screws used (if the material is thick enough to allow such a milling) or, for a Ductile and thin material such as a steel sheet of the order of 1 to 2 mm thick for example, the screw head can be concealed in a recess of the sheet.

Advantageously and according to the invention, the method comprises an additional step of sealing the vessel by injecting a sealant between the frame and the vessel, in particular at the intersection of the bottom and the sidewalls. In order to perfect the tightness of the tank, for example for a flat-bottomed bowl with straight flanks, particularly at the intersection between the bottom and the flanks where the fold can form a round or leave likely to leak, it is provided an additional step of injecting a sealing mastic adapted to fill a possible gap between the outer wall of the tank, at the junction between two sections, and the frame connecting these two sections. Of course, the invention does not exclude that this sealant injection can be done over the entire length of the junction, before or after fixing the sections on the frame. The invention also extends to a frame allowing the implementation of the method according to the invention characterized in that said frame comprises at least one rectilinear section section section having a central longitudinal groove on a face adapted to come in contact with sections of a tank and in that said groove is adapted to receive a seal. The chord may consist of one or more contiguous sections. Preferably, the chord comprises three substantially identical sections, two to ensure the junction between the sides of the sections and one for the bottom. The ends of the sections meet at the intersection between the bottom and the flanks at a predetermined angle, corresponding to the inclination of the sides relative to the bottom of the tank. Preferably, this inclination is 900 and the profiles are connected at right angles. Each section comprises, on its face in contact with the tank, a longitudinal groove placed along the median axis of the profile so that this groove is opposite the junction between two tank sections. This groove is adapted to receive a seal that can be cast in place (before or after attachment of sections), inserted or glued. However, in the case of surfaces of non-planar sections, for example having curvilinear edges, the chord may be shaped by bending a single section into a conjugate shape of the surface of the sections. Advantageously and according to the invention, the seal is an elastomeric seal with a thickness greater than the depth of the groove, adapted to come opposite a junction between two adjacent sections and be compressed by them. Thus, during the attachment of the sections on the profile, the junction between their edges is above the elastomeric seal and the attachment force of the sections is exerted on the seal to compress and seal along. the junction. Advantageously and according to the invention, the chord further comprises two symmetrical grooves with respect to the groove, each groove comprising a row of bores adapted to receive a screw thread forming a seam of each section on the chord. The profiles forming the chord comprise on either side of the central groove, two grooves in which are formed bores whose spacing, in the longitudinal direction of the profile, corresponds to the spacing between the holes formed in the edges of the sections. . Similarly, the spacings of the bores 25 in the transverse direction of the profile, that is to say throat groove, correspond to the spacing between the holes of two sections opposite, perpendicular to the junction between these sections. Preferably, these bores are non-emergent to improve the seal of the seam. Advantageously and according to the invention, the grooves are provided with an elastomer seal of greater thickness than the depth of the grooves, adapted to be compressed by the sections during the screwing of the seam screws. The elastomer seal placed in the grooves allows a peripheral seal around the screw and a seal along the edge, complementary to the seal made by the seal of the middle groove.

Advantageously and according to the invention, the chord comprises an angular joint between two sections at the intersection between the bottom and a side of the tank section and at least one of the sections comprises a transverse channel for distributing a sealant at level of this join. To allow the additional step of sealing the vessel, in particular at the intersection between the bottom and the sidewalls, and the distribution of sealant between the edges of the adjacent sections and the frame, a transverse recess is made in one of the two sections, extending on either side of the junction between the edges of sections. Preferably the distribution channel is formed in the profile corresponding to the bottom of the frame.

Advantageously and according to the invention, the channel extends transversely from one groove to the other and has an injection port in line with the middle groove and two reflux ports in line with said grooves. The mastic distribution channel thus extends transversely from one groove to the other, cutting the groove and the two grooves. When the profiles are put in place, the end of each section is in contact with that of the other profile, the flank profile of the frame resting on the bottom profile. Therefore, the ends of the grooves and the middle groove of the bottom profile form orifices accessible from outside the tank and opening into the distribution channel. In particular, the central orifice formed by the central groove serves as an injection port of the sealant which will be distributed in the distribution channel and plug the gap between the profiles and the tank before flowing through the orifices. of reflux formed by the throats. The invention also extends to a modular pool, comprising two end sections and at least one intermediate section, characterized in that said sections are assembled according to the method of the invention.

The invention also relates to a method of assembling tank sections, a chord for the implementation of this method and a swimming pool produced by this method, characterized in combination by all or some of the characteristics mentioned above or below. .

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a section of tub assembled on each of its edges; to an adjacent section by means of the method of the invention; FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the detail of a preferred mode of implementation of the method according to the invention; - Figure 3 is a partial perspective view, inner side, of a joint between two sections forming a frame according to the invention; - Figure 4 is a partial perspective view, external side, of a joint between two sections forming a frame according to the invention; and - Figure 5 is a schematic sectional view along line AA of Figure 3 after injection of a sealant. The partial view of Figure 1 shows a section 2 of vessel 1, in particular an intermediate section, connected on each side to another similar section. Each section 2 comprises a bottom 3 and two sides 4 shown here at right angles to the bottom and adjacent thereto. The bottom 3 and the flanks 4 have edges 5 corresponding to the longitudinal ends (relative to the axis of the tank) facing the bottom and flanks of an adjacent section. The surfaces of the bottom 3 and the flanks 4 of a section terminate directly in an edge 7 (FIG. 2), preferably orthogonal to these surfaces. For example, sections 2 can be made by cutting a rectangle of stainless steel sheet whose width corresponds to the width of the section and folding of this rectangle perpendicular to its long sides to form the bottom 3 and the flanks 4. Thus, the bottom and flanks having no recess or flap relative to the planes defined by their generators, no deformation of the edges occurs at the end of the fold line which simplifies the manufacture of sections 2. In the As shown, the sections 2 are made integral with the adjacent sections by a seam 11 having a row of screws 12 cooperating with a row of corresponding holes parallel to the edge 5 of the bottom 3 and flanks 4 of each section. These screws 12 are fixed in a chord 8 clad outside the vessel 1, along a junction 10 between the edges 7 of the sections 2 and symmetrically on either side of this junction. The chord 8 consists of sections 9 of rectangular cross-section, two sections along the junction of the flanks 4 and a section under the tank along the junction of the bottom 3. Referring to FIG. in section through a plane orthogonal to the bottom (s) 3 of two adjacent sections 2 and the junction 10 between these two sections, to detail the preferred method of assembly between two sections. The assembly is detailed below for the funds 3 of two adjacent sections, but it is understood that this assembly operates in the same way and simultaneously for the flanks 4. Two adjacent sections are close together one of the other, parallel to their bottoms 3 until the edges 7 of the edges 5 come into contact with each other, thus forming the junction 10 by a flat edge-to-edge connection. During the docking of the two sections, one of the profiles 9 of the frame 8 is placed under the tank 1 at the junction 10 of the two bottoms 3. It is then fixed the funds 3 on the profile of the frame by means of screws 12 preferably with countersunk head, coming into each hole 13 of the row of holes formed parallel to the edge of the bottom 3. In order not to have a projecting screw head, the holes 13 are milled to the dimensions of the screw heads. Alternatively, if the thickness of the sheet metal plate used for the sections does not allow hole milling, it is possible to provide a housing for the screw heads by forming a corresponding recess in the sheet.

The profiles 9 forming the chord 8 are rectangular parallelepipeds whose major axis extends along the junction 10. On their face in contact with the tank, the profiles 9 comprise a longitudinal groove 14, of rectangular cross section and located at equal distance of each side face of the profile 9, so as to be opposite the junction 10. The groove 14 receives a seal 15, for example an elastomer seal or EPDM whose thickness is greater than the depth of the groove 14. This thickness is determined by the stiffness of the seal so that this seal is sufficiently compressed by the edges 5 of the bottoms 3 during the screwing operation of the screws 12 to ensure a good seal under the junction 10. The profiles 9 also comprise, on the same face as the groove 14, two grooves 16 parallel to the groove 14, placed symmetrically with respect thereto at a distance such that the longitudinal axis grooves correspond to the axis of the row of holes 13 of each bottom. Along the axis of the grooves 16 and at the bottom thereof, bores 19, preferably non-emerging, are formed opposite the holes 13 so as to accommodate the thread 20 of the screws 12. The bore 19 can be threaded if metal screws are used, but preferentially, their diameter is adapted so that the threading 20 forms its own tapping by deformation or removal of material in these bores. In a similar manner to the groove 14, the grooves 16 are adapted to receive a seal 17, for example elastomer or EPDM. The seal 17 is also thicker than the depth of the groove 16 to allow it to be compressed after screwing the screws 12 to seal the tank around the screws 12. The seals 15 and / or 17 may alternatively be cast in place or injected into the groove and / or the corresponding grooves, before or after the fixing of the funds 3 on the (s) section (s) 9 of the chord 8. The profiles 9 may be made of synthetic material, for example PVC or metal, for example aluminum. They can also be obtained from hollow profiles drawn, extruded or folded. The use of hollow sections may be advantageous in one embodiment of the seam 11 using rivets instead of the screws 12. The frame 8 can be made by a single U-shaped section 9, for example bending example, if the material and the shape of the section of the section 9 5 allow, but the preferred embodiment of this frame is to use three sections 9, one along the junction 10 of funds 3 and two 4. In this embodiment, the ends of the profiles 9 meet at the intersection of the bottom and the flanks at a predetermined angle corresponding to the inclination of the flanks relative to the flanks. at the bottom of the tank. In the example shown, for purposes of simplification, the angle between the bottom 3 and the flanks 4 and therefore between the profile 9 of the bottom and those of the sidewalls is 90 °. Figure 3 shows a view of the interior of a joint between a bottom profile and a profile of the sidewall. The transverse end of the profile of the flank rests on the end of the face in contact with the tank of the bottom profile. The groove 14 and the grooves 16 of the two sections are shown without their joints. The bottom section has at the right of the joint a channel 22 transverse to the axis of the profile and extending between the outer walls of the two grooves 16 which form the ends of said channel. This channel 22 has a depth substantially equal to the depth of the groove 14. As shown in FIG. 4, the groove 14 and the grooves 16 continue to the end of the bottom profile and open out of the groove. joint in the form of orifices 23 and 24 whose function is explained below. As shown in Figure 5 which shows a schematic section along the lines AA of Figure 3, despite all the care given to the folding of the sheet forming the sections 2, there remains a rounded area or leave 25 at the intersection between the bottom 3 and flanks 4. It is therefore not possible to ensure perfect sealing of the junction between two sections at the level of this leave using two straight profiles 9. In order to achieve this seal, the assembly method provides a complementary sealing operation of the vessel 1. For this purpose, a sealing mastic 18 is injected between the frame 8 and the vessel 1 at the intersection between the bottom and flanks. For this, the sealant 18 is injected into the orifice 23 formed by the opening of the groove 14 outside the joint between the bottom profile and that of the sidewall. Putty 18 thus injected enters the space between the fillet 25 and the profiles 9, is distributed in this space through the distribution channel 22 on either side of the injection orifice 23 and flows outwardly. via the orifices 24 of reflux formed by the outlets of the grooves 16. It has thus been described a method of assembling sections of tank and a frame for this assembly. With this method and this frame, it is possible to make pools, including indoor pools, in places closed by doors or other openings too narrow to allow a one-piece pool tank. Such a pool can thus be assembled from two end sections comprising a bottom, flanks and an end wall and a predetermined number of intermediate sections, all these sections being assembled to each other by means of the method described herein. -above. Of course, this description is given by way of illustrative example only and the person skilled in the art may make numerous modifications without departing from the scope of the invention, such as for example using sections having a bottom of a different shape. a rectangle, for example trapezoidal, and non-parallel flanks between them to form non-rectangular vessels, or sections with a rounded bottom, provided that the edges of the sides and bottom can be assembled flat edge to edge .

Claims (11)

CLAIMS1 / - Method of assembling sections (2) of a tank (1), each section comprising at least one bottom (3) and two sides (4) adjoining said bottom, said assembly method being characterized in that : at. at least two adjacent sections (2) each having a developable surface such that any generatrix of the surface of a section is also generating the surface of the adjacent section, each of the sections comprising at least one edge (7) end longitudinal having a conjugate profile of the edge opposite the adjacent section; b. two adjacent sections (2) are docked abutting the edges (7) opposite each other, said segments being the bottom and the sides of each section aligned along their generatrices so as to form a junction (10). on board flat; vs. each of the two adjacent sections (2) is fixed on a frame (8) external to the tank (1), said frame extending along the junction (10) of the sections and on either side of this junction . 2 / - Method according to claim 1, characterized in that sections (2) are used having a edge (7) consisting of three rectilinear sections, a middle section and two end sections forming a predetermined angle 20 of a same side of the middle section, the generatrices of the developable surface passing through the same section being respectively parallel to each other. 3 / - Method according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that all the generatrices are parallel to each other. 4 / - Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that use sections (2) having a row of holes (13) regularly distributed parallel to the edge (7) and in that fixed the sections by means of a seam (11) by screwing into the chord (8) of a row of screws (12) for each section opposite. 5 / - Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises an additional step of sealing the tank (1) by injecting a sealant (18) between the sealing member (8) ) and the tank, in particular at the intersection of the bottom (3) and the flanks (4). 6 / - Membrane (8) for the implementation of the assembly method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said frame comprises at least one section (9) of rectangular section of rectangular section having a longitudinal groove (14) median on a face adapted to come into contact with sections (2) of a tank (1) and in that said groove (14) is adapted to receive a seal (15) sealing. 7 / - Membrane according to claim 6, characterized in that the seal (15) sealing is an elastomeric seal of greater thickness than the depth of the groove (14), adapted to come opposite a junction ( 10) between two adjacent sections (2) and being compressed by them. 8 / - Membrane according to any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that it further comprises two grooves (16) symmetrical with respect to the groove (14), each groove comprising a row of bores (19). ) adapted to receive a thread (20) of screws (12) forming a seam (11) of each section (2) on the chord. 9 / - Membrane according to claim 8, characterized in that the grooves (16) are provided with a seal (17) elastomer thicker than the depth of the grooves, adapted to be compressed by the sections (2) when screwing the screws (12) of the seam (11). 10 / - member according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that it comprises an angular joint between two profiles (9) at the intersection between the bottom (3) and a flank (4) of the section ( 2) and in that at least one of the profiles comprises a channel (22) transverse distribution of sealant (18) sealing at this joint. 11 / - Membrane according to claim 10, characterized in that the channel (22) extends transversely from one groove (16) to the other and has an orifice (23) for injection to the groove (14). ) median and two orifices (24) of reflux in said grooves. 12 / - Modular pool, comprising two end sections and at least one intermediate section, characterized in that said sections (2) are assembled according to the method of Claims 1 to 5.