WO2015052360A1

WO2015052360A1 - Equipment for extending and automatically retracting thermal mats for swimming-pools

Info

Publication number: WO2015052360A1
Application number: PCT/ES2014/000171
Authority: WO
Inventors: Raul Delgado Ferrero
Original assignee: Auxiliar De Construcciones Metálicas, S.A.
Priority date: 2013-10-15
Filing date: 2014-10-15
Publication date: 2015-04-16
Also published as: ES2533930B2; EP3081720A1; ES2533930A1; EP3081720A4

Abstract

The invention concerns equipment for extending and automatically retracting thermal mats for swimming-pools, comprising a bridge formed by at least two turrets (2) between which is incorporated a drum (3) with at least one mat (4), the length of the shaft of said drum being sufficient for the bridge to be disposed between the turrets at opposite edges (5) of the swimming-pool (6). The turrets (2) comprise drive means, such as an electric motor (7) and wheels (9, 9') for linear displacement thereof both in one direction and in the direction opposite thereto. The equipment further comprises a vertical guide (11) for securing the drum (3) at a high level when the mat is retracted, and an electronic automatic control device which, by means of sensors (12), controls the alignment between the turrets and the displacement direction. The bridge is optionally a single body in the form of an inverted U-shape.

Description

DESCRIPTION

EXTENSION EQUIPMENT AND AUTOMATIC COLLECTION OF THERMAL BLANKETS FOR POOLS

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The invention, as expressed in the wording of the present specification, refers to an automatic extension and collection equipment of thermal blankets for swimming pools, which contributes, to the function to which it is intended, several advantages and characteristics of novelty, which they will be described in detail later, and which represent a remarkable improvement over the systems currently known in the market for the same purpose.

More particularly, the object of the invention relates to an improved system for the placement and collection of thermal blankets of the type that are incorporated on the surface of the water of the pools during the hours of non-use, in order to prevent them from cool said water and achieve the corresponding saving of energy consumption, said system being constituted by an electrical equipment that, formed essentially from a motorized bridge formed two towers between which the winding drum is disposed and that move by the opposite edges of the pool, allows both the extension and the collection of the blanket automatically, in a very short time and without the intervention of any operator pulling the ends of the blanket.

FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION

The field of application of the present invention is part of the sector of the industry dedicated to the manufacture of devices and accessory devices for swimming pools, focusing particularly on the field of mechanisms for the installation and collection of thermal blankets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known to use thermal blankets to cover the water in the pools and save energy consumption in maintaining the water at the ideal temperature. In fact, there are

i normative, for some years now, that does not allow to build large pools (12.5x25), if the project does not state that they will carry a thermal blanket to cover the water sheet during the hours of "no use", so as to save an important energy consumption.

In most cases, the coverage of large pools with this type of blankets is usually done with four or five drums of about 6 meters. of width with a development of the blanket of 12 meters, to cover the pool in the wide sense. For this, they need to remove the couriers. This process involves such a time and expense to remove the lanes and unroll the blankets one by one pulling them from the opposite end of the pool, to perform the same operation in reverse every day, that most of the centers ends up not using said blankets.

There is also another type of large drum in the market, fixed at one end with the whole rolled up blanket and that has motorized the turn, so that, once removed the cork, the blanket is unrolled and two people are stretching the same until you reach the other end. In this case, even if you just have to unroll a blanket, it is also a great job to remove the clogs and, in addition, the collaboration of at least two people is necessary, to pull the ends of the blanket and make it well extended.

The objective of the present invention is, then, to develop a new system for the spread of thermal blankets for swimming pools that allows their placement in a much more practical way so that their placement does not cause a nuisance and, therefore, takes place every day and be effective in saving energy consumption.

It should be mentioned, furthermore, that at least on the part of the applicant, the existence of any other equipment for the extension and collection of thermal blankets for swimming pools or an invention of similar application is unknown, which presents technical, structural and constitutive characteristics similar to those presented by the that is advocated here and as claimed.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

Thus, the extension and automatic collection equipment of thermal blankets for swimming pools that the invention proposes is configured as a remarkable novelty within its field of application, since unlike systems known until now, it manages to extend the thermal blanket in a very short time, without the need to dismantle corkagers or any other element and without needing help of any operator, being the characterizing details that make it possible and that distinguish it, conveniently collected in the final claims that accompany the present description thereof.

Specifically, what the invention advocates is an automatic extension and collection of thermal blanket for swimming pools, essentially comprising a motorized bridge with two towers and a spinning drum where the blanket is rolled, and which moves along the beaches of two opposite sides of the pool, preferably in the longitudinal direction of the same, placing the blanket directly on the surface of the water, even with the corkers incorporated, by the rotation of the winding drum. In this way, to the bridge, the blanket is deposited without dragging on the cords, which, in addition to the advantage of not having to disassemble said cork, ensures the durability of the blanket to not occur any kind of friction.

This bridge, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, is formed by two motorized towers which, equipped with respective electric motors and corresponding wheels, incorporate between them the turning drum where it is wound, at least one thermal blanket, and whose axis is joined by their respective ends to each of said towers.

It should also be mentioned that in a variant of optional embodiment, said towers have a upper body intended to allow the lifting of the winding drum at a height that does not disturb the normal use of the pool when the blanket is collected, around about 2, 5 meters, although, preferably, the drum is placed at a fixed height at this height with which the recommended equipment leaves 100% of the interior space of use of the free space, except for the space occupied by each tower in the ends of the pool and that is minimum, about 85cm.

It should be noted, on the other hand, that both the structural chassis, the joining elements as well as the drum and the transmission elements that each tower incorporates, are made of stainless steel, so that it can be guaranteed that no oxidation occurs . As for the motorization system, this will always be low voltage (24v) and has its power supply incorporated. Finally, it should be noted that the equipment includes a self-control device for aligning the towers and directional, which allows it to be operated and controlled from a control panel located in an adjacent control room, without the need to enter the site. the pool, although, said panel is also duplicated in each one of the towers themselves to allow its operation and control in situ.

Logically, the drum will have in each case the length according to the dimensions of the pool, being especially suitable for large pools, both 12.5x25 meters, as Olympic pools of 25 x 50 meters. In another variant of alternative embodiment of the invention, the bridge is formed by a single inverted U-shaped structure whose vertical ends make the function of the towers and have sliding means and between which the axis of the turning drum is coupled where roll up the blanket. As indicated above, the drum incorporates at least one thermal blanket wound therein, since the configuration thereof optionally allows the placement of more than one blanket, for example to cover only a portion of the pool.

The described equipment for automatic extension and collection of thermal blankets for swimming pools represents, therefore, an innovative structure of structural and constitutive characteristics unknown until now for the purpose for which it is intended, reasons that, together with its practical utility, provide it with a sufficient foundation to obtain the exclusive privilege that is requested. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description that is being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, the descriptive specification is included, as an integral part thereof, of a set of plans, in which With an illustrative and non-restrictive character, the following has been represented:

Figure number 1 shows a front elevational view of an example of the equipment for automatic extension and collection of thermal blankets for swimming pools, object of the invention, represented once located on the pool, appreciating the main parts and elements comprising, as well as its configuration and disposition.

Figure number 2.- It shows a side elevation view of one of the sliding towers that has the recommended equipment, represented very schematically by its internal face and with some of the elements that it incorporates internally in dashed lines.

Figure 3 shows a side elevational view of the example of the sliding tower, the equipment according to the invention, shown in the preceding figure and represented in this case by its external face, appreciating the control panel thereof.

Figure 4 shows a front elevational view of the example of the equipment, according to the invention, shown in Figure 1, in this case equipped with several thermal blankets to allow only partially cover the pool.

Figure 5 shows a front elevational view of another embodiment of the equipment for automatic extension and collection of thermal blankets for swimming pools, object of the invention, in this case in an alternative embodiment of the same with the bridge formed for a single inverted U structure.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In view of the aforementioned figures, and in accordance with the adopted numbering, one can see in them a preferred embodiment, but not limiting, of the equipment for automatic extension and collection of heated thermal blankets for swimming pools, which comprises the parts and elements that are indicated and described in detail below.

Thus, as seen in said figures, the equipment (1) in question is configured from a motorized bridge comprising two towers (2) and a turning drum (3) where at least one blanket (4) is coiled, said drum (3) having an axis (3a) whose length will be that necessary for their ends are attached to each of the towers (2) being arranged on the opposite lateral beaches or edges (5) of the pool (6), usually on the longitudinal sides so that said axis (3a) has approximately the width from the pool. This bridge has motorization means to ensure the linear movement of the same in the edge (5) of the pool, allowing its movement in one direction as in the opposite, so that the blanket rolled in the drum can be thereby place when unrolling so that it is deposited on the pool with the passage of the bridge, or picking up if it is already in place and the bridge moves in the opposite direction.

For this, preferably, each of said towers (2), which are independent of each other, has motorization means, namely an electric motor (7) of low voltage which, by means of corresponding transmission elements (8), drives the less a drive wheel (9 ') of the various wheels (9) on which each tower moves, to ensure the linear movement thereof at the edge (5) of the pool, having also provided in its interior a source of power, preferably a battery (10) for said electric motor (7).

In addition, both towers (2) preferably have a height so that the drum (3) is located at a high height, between 2.5 to 3 m. so that, when the blanket is collected and not used, do not pose an obstacle to normal use of the pool. However, in an optional embodiment, which is shown in Figures 2 and 3, the towers have an upper extension (2a) in which a vertical guide (11) is incorporated to raise and allow the drum to be fixed (3). ) at a high altitude, between 2, 5 and 3 meters, when the blanket is collected and not used, in order to avoid that it supposes an obstacle for the normal use of the pool.

Likewise, the equipment (1) contemplates the existence of an electronic self-monitoring device that, by means of corresponding sensors (12) installed in strategic points of the towers (2), controls the correct alignment between them as well as the direction of displacement thereof without deviating, having provided a button panel (13) of control in each tower (2) and, optionally, means that provide the possibility of remote operation and operation thereof from a control room (not shown), with which each tower will be conveniently connected and the described electronic self-monitoring device. alignment and directional.

The chassis of the towers (2) the drum (3) and the other internal ones are preferably made of stainless steel.

Referring to Figure 4, it is observed how, optionally, the drum (3) can incorporate more than one blanket (4) to partially or totally cover the pool, as appropriate.

Finally, Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the equipment (1) in which the bridge, instead of having two independent towers joined by the shaft of the drum (3), is made up of a single U-shaped structure. inverted whose vertical ends determine the towers (2) between which drum (3) of rotation is coupled where the blanket (4) or blankets are rolled, and whose central upper part (2b) covers, at least superiorly, said drum (3) ) with the blanket (4) or blankets and join together both towers facilitating the joint sliding of the same. Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the way of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to extend its explanation so that any expert in the field understands its scope and the advantages derived therefrom, stating that, within its essentiality, it may be carried out in other forms of realization that differ in detail from that indicated by way of example, and which will also achieve the protection that is sought provided that it is not altered, changed or modified its fundamental principle .

Claims

1. - EXTENSION EQUIPMENT AND AUTOMATIC COLLECTION OF THERMAL BLANKETS FOR SWIMMING POOLS, characterized by comprising a motorized bridge comprising two towers (2) and a turning drum (3) where at least one blanket (4) is rolled, counting said drum (3) with an axis (3a) whose length is that necessary for its ends to be attached to each of said towers (2) being these arranged on the opposite lateral edges (5) of the pool (6); and in that said bridge has motorization means for procuring the linear movement thereof at the edge (5) of the pool, allowing its movement in one direction as well as the opposite, so that the blanket is deposited on it. the pool or picking up.

2. - EQUIPMENT FOR EXTENSION AND AUTOMATIC COLLECTION OF THERMAL BLANKETS FOR SWIMMING POOLS, according to claim 1, characterized in that the towers (2) are independent of each other and each of them has an electric motor (7) of low voltage that, by means of corresponding transmission elements (8), drives at least one drive wheel (9 ') of the various wheels (9) on which they move.

3. - EXTENSION AND AUTOMATIC COLLECTION EQUIPMENT OF SWIMMING POOLS FOR SWIMMING POOLS, according to claim 2, characterized in that a power supply is provided in each tower (2).

4. - EXTENSION AND AUTOMATIC COLLECTION EQUIPMENT OF SWIMMING POOLS FOR SWIMMING POOLS, according to claim 3, characterized in that the power source is a battery (10).

5. - EXTENSION AND AUTOMATIC COLLECTION EQUIPMENT OF SWIMMING POOLS FOR SWIMMING POOLS, according to any of claims 1-4, characterized in that both towers (2) have a height so that the drum (3) is located at a high height, between 2.5 to 3 m. when the blanket is collected.

6. - EXTENSION AND AUTOMATIC COLLECTION EQUIPMENT OF SWIMMING POOLS FOR SWIMMING POOLS, according to any of claims 1-4, characterized in that both towers (2) have an upper prolongation (2a) in which a guide is incorporated vertical (11) for attaching the drum (3) to a high height when the blanket is collected.

7. - EXTENSION AND AUTOMATIC COLLECTION EQUIPMENT OF SWIMMING POOLS FOR SWIMMING POOLS, according to any of claims 1-6, characterized in that it incorporates an electronic self-monitoring device that, by means of sensors (12) installed in the towers (2), controls the alignment between them as well as the direction of displacement.

8. - EXTENSION EQUIPMENT AND AUTOMATIC COLLECTION OF THERMAL BLANKETS FOR SWIMMING POOLS, according to any of claims 1-7, characterized in that it has a control panel (13) in each tower (2).

9. - EXTENSION AND AUTOMATIC COLLECTION EQUIPMENT OF SWIMMING POOLS FOR SWIMMING POOLS, according to any of claims 1-8, characterized in that it has means for driving and managing the towers (2) from a control room.

10. - EXTENSION AND AUTOMATIC COLLECTION EQUIPMENT OF SWIMMING POOLS FOR SWIMMING POOLS, according to claim 1, characterized in that the bridge is formed by a single inverted U-shaped structure whose vertical ends determine the towers (2) between which the drum is coupled (3) ) where the blanket (4) is rolled, and whose central upper part (2b) covers, at least superiorly, said drum (3) and joins both towers jointly.

11. - EXTENSION AND AUTOMATIC COLLECTION EQUIPMENT OF SWIMMING POOLS FOR SWIMMING POOLS, according to any of claims 1-10, characterized in that the drum (3) incorporates more than one blanket (4) to partially or totally cover the pool, as appropriate.

12. - EXTENSION AND AUTOMATIC COLLECTION EQUIPMENT OF SWIMMING POOLS FOR SWIMMING POOLS, according to any of claims 1-11, characterized in that the chassis of the towers (2), the drum (3) and other internal elements are made of stainless steel.