WO2021186090A1

WO2021186090A1 - Swimming pool floor with adjustable height

Info

Publication number: WO2021186090A1
Application number: PCT/ES2021/070152
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alberto Merino Téllez; José Luis Moreno Martín
Original assignee: Easypool, S.L.
Priority date: 2020-03-17
Filing date: 2021-03-02
Publication date: 2021-09-23
Also published as: ES2767476A1

Abstract

A swimming pool floor with adjustable height, of the type comprising a submersible platform (2) and a number of traction cables (3) for the adjustment of the height of said platform (2), where the cables (3) are fixed perimetrally around the basin (20) of the swimming pool; where beneath the platform (2) a plurality of winding drums (4a, 4b) for said cables (3) and perimetrally a number of pulleys (7) for guiding the same are fixed; the winding drums (4a, 4b) being driven by at least one motor (6), where the platform comprises: -a number of independent sectors (100) disposed projecting over the steps of the swimming pool basin (20), and -a number of supports for said sectors (100) disposed on the rest of the platform.

Description

HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE DEPTH FOR SWIMMING POOLS

DESCRIPTION

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a height-adjustable bottom for swimming pools.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

At present, height-adjustable bottoms are known for swimming pools that basically comprise a submersible platform and traction cables for adjusting the height of said platform.

The platform of the existing height-adjustable pool bottoms is made from a stainless metal structure on which the platform itself is arranged. This configuration requires above all a considerable thickness, greater than 20 or 25 cm, which greatly reduces the depth of the pool in the extreme lower position of the platform, requiring a greater depth to the pool in its entirety to compensate for the thickness of the platform. These embodiments also have an external motor and cable routing on the perimeter and even outside of the pool. This, in addition to requiring a longer length of cables, encourages them to become entangled and has a greater possibility of blocking or trapping of the cables in the multiple pulleys that make up the gearboxes. In addition, the gearboxes themselves and the moving cables constitute a danger for bathers, since they can trap their fingers. Likewise, the external arrangement of the motor implies the need to provide an additional space for it outside the pool and to expose swimmers to its moving parts.

To remedy this problem, the applicant is the holder of the invention patent 201430627, which describes an adjustable height bottom for swimming pools that comprises a submersible platform and traction cables to regulate the height of said platform, where the cables are located. fixed perimeter by the pool basin, and in turn fixed under the platform a plurality of reeling drums of said cables, preferably removably fixed on a single drive shaft - one-piece or divided into semi-shafts through cardan joints- , and perimeter by the same some guide pulleys; the winding drums being driven by at least one motor.

With this configuration, the motor or motors for driving the winding drums could also be fixed under the platform, without therefore offering moving parts that could harm bathers. These motors were submersible, that is, adapted and prepared to be able to operate under water, the entire electrical and traction system being mounted on the platform itself, behaving as a compact structure.

In addition to the above, said document contemplated that:

-the shaft and / or its semi-shafts could be fixed to drums of greater diameter at a greater depth and drums of a smaller diameter at a lower depth in order to compensate for the inclination of the bottom of the pool in the winding to the upper position,

-the guiding pulleys include anti-derailment elements of the cables,

-A safety cut-off switch is available in the motor power circuit, and electronic control elements of the platform travel,

-the platform comprised a lower structure of polymer stringers and crossbars, on which a substantially continuous covering was arranged,

-the winding drums and the motor were mounted and contained in the thickness of the lower structure of the platform,

-the fixing of the perimeter cables to the pool basin includes swivel,

-the platform includes lateral centering devices, and perimeter anti-entrapment detection.

This configuration substantially improved the known background in the sense indicated in the previous document. However, it was not usable in pools where the bottom of the glass had steps (stairs, seats, etc).

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention proposes a constitution that remedies the problems described.

The height-adjustable bottom for swimming pools of the invention is of the type that includes a submersible platform and traction cables to regulate the height of said platform, where the cables are fixed perimeter by the pool glass, being fixed under the platform. a plurality of winding drums of said cables and There are guiding pulleys on the perimeter, with the winding drums being driven by at least one motor, where according to the invention the platform comprises:

-some independent sectors (that is, loose and simply supported) arranged in projection on the steps (seats, stairs and the like) of the pool basin, and

-supports of said sectors, arranged in the rest of the platform.

In this way, when the platform descends, these sectors separate from the rest of the same and are supported on the steps of the bottom of the glass, replicating them and therefore maintaining their functionality, while when the platform ascends, the sectors remain supported, and integrated into it, which is perfectly horizontal and offers a continuous surface. Until now this was impossible to achieve, although on certain occasions it will be necessary to make modifications to the pool glass, such as channels for parts of the platform structure to run.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figures 1, 2 and 3 show respective views of the height-adjustable bottom for swimming pools of the invention in various positions.

Figure 4 shows a plan view of the structure of the height-adjustable bottom platform for swimming pools of the invention.

Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the height-adjustable bottom platform for swimming pools of the invention.

Figure 6 shows an enlarged detail of Figure 5, and in turn an enlargement of this detail.

Figure 7 shows an enlarged detail of the centering of the sectors by means of frustoconical projections and corresponding holes.

Figure 8 shows an enlarged detail of a winding drum.

Figure 9 shows respectively lowered and elevated views of the platform, in a vane with a sloping bottom without steps.

Figure 10 shows respectively lowered and elevated views of the platform, in a variant with sloping bottom and area with steps.

DESCRIPTION OF A PRACTICAL EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

The height-adjustable bottom for swimming pools of the invention is of the type that comprises a submersible platform (2) and traction cables (3) to regulate the height of said platform (2), where the cables (3) are fixed. perimeter by the pool (20) of the pool, fixing under the platform (2) a plurality of drums (4a, 4b) for winding said cables (3) and perimetrically some pulleys (7) guiding them, being the winding drums (4a, 4b) driven by at least one motor (6) through a shaft (5), where the platform (2) comprises:

-some (100) independent sectors arranged in projection on the steps

(101) (seats, stairs and the like) of the pool (20) of the pool, and

-supports of said sectors (100) arranged in the rest of the platform (2).

Preferably, the supports comprise seats (102) of the structure (103) of the platform (2) (see figs 4 and 7), the sectors (100) comprising perimeter flaps (105) projecting onto said seats (102) , since this guarantees a good support of the sectors (100) and at the same time they are loose. The pool (20) of the pool can comprise channels (106) (see fig 10) to house part of the perimeter of the seats (102) when the platform (2) is lowered, channels (106) that are covered by the sectors ( 100), so they will not be visible or accessible at any time during the use of the pool.

The provision of some centering devices for the sectors (100) has been foreseen to guarantee a perfect positioning on the steps. Said centering devices ideally comprise conical projections (107) (see fig 7) arranged in the steps (101) and holes (108) correspondingly arranged in the sectors (100), or vice versa. The conicity of the projections (107) achieves a perfect centering when inserted into the holes (108). Said elements are placed in the extreme parts of the sectors (100). It is preferred that the conical projections (107) be made of high-density polyethylene, since they have good thermal and chemical resistance, a necessary characteristic to withstand the different humidity-dryness cycles to which they are subjected and avoid the appearance of cracks and / or cracks. or change in the dimensions of the piece that would cause instability. Furthermore, it is preferred that the independent sectors (100) comprise partitions (109) to offer a homogeneous termination.

It is also envisaged the arrangement in the structure (103) of the platform (2) of some joints (111) (see fig 10), at the beginning of the zones that comprise independent sectors (100). In areas of the bottom of the glass (20) with a continuous slope, the axis (5) comprises first drums (4a) with a greater diameter at a greater depth, and second drums (4b) with a smaller diameter at a lower depth, said diameters being studied to compensate the inclination of the platform (2) when it is at the bottom of the vessel (20) and parallel to it and when it is in a horizontal upper position. Preferably, the winding drums (4a, 4b) will have a spiral winding groove and will be fixed to a single drive shaft (5) (monobloc or formed by semi-shafts), controlled by a submersible motor (6). In these cases, the structure (103) comprises rollers (22) with casters (23) to absorb the inclination of the platform and thanks to this we get the cable to enter the wheel straight.

As for the cables (3), they are subject to fixings (15) arranged perimeter to the pool (20) of the pool, comprising said fixings (see enlargement of fig 6):

-a receptacle (17) with manhole cover,

-a wheel (21) arranged in said receptacle (17), provided with a perimeter groove whose shape adjusts to that of the cable (3) in order to guide it throughout its travel, and -an anti-float tensioner (14) arranged immediately before from the cable outlet (3). This characteristic has been implemented because the cables (3) are subjected to a constant mechanical tension of the weight of the platform that when lowering, due to friction with the water, which must flow through the space between the pool glass and the pool. platform, causes the cables to slacken and can derail from the groove of the wheel (21), with the additional advantage that it serves to balance the platform (2) in the upper position, and also compensates for the different stresses made by the drums of winding of different diameters.

Additionally, it has been envisaged that the platform may comprise some centering perimeter brushes (13) (see fig 6), to fill the necessary gap between the platform and the glass. They can be adjustable in length. The provision of a multiplier (60) (see fig 4) has also been provided between the motor (6) and the shaft (5), so that the difference in diameter between the gears multiplies the force at the cost of reducing the revolutions of the motor. This piece manages to avoid overloading the motor, thus guaranteeing its operation and durability. Said multiplier (60) preferably comprises a manual safety lock that prevents the platform from moving during its installation.

For its part, the platform (2) comprises (see figs 4 and 6) a lower structure of stringers (10) and cross members (11), ideally made of polyester reinforced with fiberglass, on which a covering is arranged. (12) substantially continuous that includes sectors (100). The stringers (10) and crossbars (11) are preferably connected to each other by means of stainless steel screws. The thickness is sufficient to mount and contain the winding drums (4a, 4b), as well as the motor (6) itself, so that the reduction in the depth of the pool glass (20) is minimal.

Furthermore, an electronic control of the platform travel is ideally available, for example by means of encoders -not shown- fixed on the shaft (5) and / or on the motor shaft (6) itself, not shown. The connection of the motor power supply (6) is preferably carried out by means of a key lock or equivalent security, and the power circuit may have a mushroom-type safety cut-off switch or similar.

The possible provision of at least one element of video surveillance and app to monitor the pool and blockade in case of invasion of the monitored area is also contemplated. This system will cause the motor to stop and / or prevent it from starting if it detects objects between the platform (2) and the pool (20) of the pool. Said video surveillance element comprises in this example a video surveillance camera (18) (see fig 1) connected to a smartphone device and equipped with sensors, not shown, in the affected area (19). For its use it is necessary to have an internet connection or some data service. Its main application is to confer greater security to future users of the adjustable height floor, since in the event of an extraordinary situation caused by an agent external to normal use, the engine will stop or prevent it from starting if it detects an object between the platform. (2) and the pool glass (20) in order to avoid possible entrapments. Another positive aspect of the video surveillance element is the peace of mind it provides to users, the smallest being able to find themselves inside the pool glass (20) and receive images in real time on any electronic device with internet connectivity, achieving a safe environment. and controlled. Having sufficiently described the nature of the invention, as well as the way in which it is carried out in practice, it should be noted that the provisions indicated above and represented in the attached drawings are susceptible to detailed modifications as long as they do not alter the fundamental principle.

Claims

1.-Height-adjustable bottom for swimming pools, of the type that comprise a submersible platform (2) and traction cables (3) to regulate the height of said platform (2), where the cables (3) are fixed perimeter through the pool (20) of the pool, fixing under the platform (2) a plurality of drums (4a, 4b) for winding said cables (3) and peripherally some pulleys (7) to guide them, the drums being found (4a, 4b) winding driven by at least one motor (6), and where the platform comprises:

-some independent sectors (100) arranged in projection on the steps of the pool (20) of the pool, and

-supports of said sectors (100) arranged in the rest of the platform; characterized in that the structure (103) of the platform (2) comprises articulations (111) arranged at the beginning of the zones comprising independent sectors (100).

2.-Height-adjustable bottom for swimming pools according to claim 1, where the supports comprise seats (102) of the structure (103) of the platform (2), the sectors (100) comprising perimeter flaps (105) projected onto said seats (102).

3. Height-adjustable bottom for swimming pools according to any of the preceding claims, comprising centering units for the sectors (100) in the steps.

4.-Height-adjustable bottom for swimming pools according to claim 3, where the centering devices comprise conical projections (107) arranged in the steps, and holes (108) correspondingly arranged in the sectors (100), or vice versa

5.-Height adjustable bottom for swimming pools according to claim 4 where the conical projections (107) are made of high-density polyethylene.

6.-Height-adjustable bottom for swimming pools according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the independent sectors (100) comprise partition (109).

Height-adjustable bottom for swimming pools according to any of the preceding claims, which in areas of the bottom of the glass (20) with a continuous slope, comprises first drums (4a) of greater diameter at greater depth, and second drums (4b) of smaller diameter a less depth arranged on a shaft (5); the structure (103) comprising rollers (22) with wheels (23) to absorb the inclination

8.-Height-adjustable bottom for swimming pools according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cables (3) are subject to fixings (15) arranged perimeter to the pool (20), said fixings comprising:

-a receptacle (17) with manhole cover,

-a wheel (21) arranged in said receptacle (17), provided with a perimeter groove, and -an anti-float tensioner (14) arranged immediately before the exit of the cable (3)

9. Height-adjustable bottom for swimming pools according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the platform comprises some centering perimeter brushes (13).

10. Height-adjustable bottom for swimming pools according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a multiplier (60) between the motor (6) and the shaft (5).

11. Height-adjustable bottom for swimming pools according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least one video surveillance element.

12 -Height adjustable bottom for swimming pools according to claim 11 where the video surveillance element comprises a video surveillance camera (18) connected to a smartphone device and equipped with sensors in the affected area (19).