EP0077860A1 - Device for covering a rectangular or square space by a flexible retractable cover applicable among others to a swimming-pool - Google Patents

Abstract

The technical field of the invention is that of mechanical devices for covering and uncovering enclosed areas. The invention comprises a traction means (4, 5) for the cover (1) which can be guided in channels (3, 3'), a fastening means (6, 6') and a cover rewinding means (7, 7'). Application especially to the covering of swimming pools. <IMAGE>

Description

The technical sector of the invention is that of mechanical or electro-mechanical devices for covering and discovering a space of substantially rectangular, or square shape and in particular a swimming pool by means of a flexible retractable cover.

• - éviter le dépôt d'impuretés amenées par le vent ou provenant des insectes vivant à l'entour.
• - réaliser des économies d'énergie en évitant les déperdition caloriques,
• - assurer une meilleure sécurité, notamment vis-à-vis des enfants.

In the field of swimming pools, the idea of covering them is based on two main reasons:

• - avoid the deposit of impurities brought by the wind or coming from insects living around.
• - achieve energy savings by avoiding heat loss,
• - ensure better security, especially vis-à-vis children.

To do this, we therefore know of rigid articulated covers, the disadvantage of which is to require a significant investment cost.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or other synthetic materials are also known to be flexible covers, the installation or removal of which is done manually. Unfortunately, it must be noted that this daily work is quickly considered to be tiresome and it is therefore quickly abandoned.

The invention therefore aims to provide a simple device, inexpensive and easy to use which would solve the problem of covering swimming pools and similar places while avoiding the drawbacks of the above devices.

To achieve this, the invention relates to a device for covering a free space, in particular a swimming pool, which comprises in combination at least one flexible cover comprising a guide means at least one means of traction secured to the first end of the cover, at least one means for fixing the stretched cover, and at least one means for returning the cover to the folded position, this return means being situated on the side of the second end of the cover.

The guiding means can be constituted in one embodiment, by guide rollers arranged sliding on two tensioning cables moving in two slides located along the longitudinal edges of the space to be covered.

The traction means may consist of a rigid bar disposed laterally and integral with the first end of the cover, and by a pull cord while the tensioning cables of the cover have one end fixed to the pull bar, the opposite end being secured to the return means of the cover.

In one embodiment of the invention, the device may comprise, on the side opposite to the return means, a means for assisting in the traction of the cables. In this case, the traction torque of the assistance means is lower than that of the cover return means.

In a first alternative embodiment, the cover return means consists of two spiral springs secured at one end, tensioning cables and at the other end, a fixed reference point.

According to a second variant, the return means consists of at least one elastomer axis with a high coefficient of torsion comprising a fixed end and an end secured to the tensioning cable on which it is wound, the tension of the cable causing the torsion of the axis and creating the return torque of the cover.

According to a third variant, the return means consists of an electric motor supplied at low voltage, the output shaft of which is integral with a cover winding drum, the motor being able to be disengaged from the winding shaft during the tensioning of the cover and during the time when the free space must be covered.

According to the invention, the slides can have a cylindrical tubular shape provided with a longitudinal slot for the passage of fixing axes of the cover on the tensioning cable, while the guide rollers of the cover will have a shape spherical pierced with a bore in which is provided the fixing axis of the cover, one end of this axis being slidably mounted on the tensioning cable and the other end being fixed to an eyelet of the cover through the longitudinal slot of the slide.

Other characteristics of the invention as well as the advantages which it provides, will become more clearly apparent in the light of the more detailed description which follows, accompanied by plates of drawings which present, without limitation, embodiments of the invention. 'invention.

• - la figure 1 représente le mode de réalisation le plus simple de l'invention, comprenant une seule paire d'enrouleurs servant de moyen de rappel de la couverture, ici représentée repliée ;
• - la figure 2 montre le mode de la figure 1, couverture tendue ;
• - la figure 3 montre un type de glissière utilisée dans l'invention ;
• - la figure 4 montre cette même glissière, noyée dans le béton sous la margelle de la piscine ;
• - les figures 5 et 6 montrent, couverture pliée, puis, couverture tendue, le deuxième mode de réalisation dans lequel on trouve un moyen d'assistance à la traction de la couverture.
• - la figure 7 représente la variante électro-mécanique dans laquelle le moyen de rappel est constitué par un moteur électrique débrayable ;
• - la figure 8 montre la forme de la glissière lorsque la couverture est stockée dans une fosse extérieure au volume de la piscine ;
• - la figure 9 montre, en coupe longitudinale une variante dans laquelle le même moyen de traction entraîne une couverture isothermique autoflottante et une couverture supérieure de sécurité ;
• - les figures 10 et 11 montrent un moyen de protection et de stockage de la couverture repliée.

Among these drawings,

• - Figure 1 shows the simplest embodiment of the invention, comprising a single pair of reels serving as a means of returning the cover, here shown folded;
• - Figure 2 shows the mode of Figure 1, stretched cover;
• - Figure 3 shows a type of slide used in the invention;
• - Figure 4 shows the same slide, embedded in the concrete under the edge of the pool;
• - Figures 5 and 6 show, folded blanket, then, stretched blanket, the second embodiment in which there is a means of assistance in the traction of the blanket.
• - Figure 7 shows the electro-mechanical variant in which the return means is constituted by a disengageable electric motor;
• - Figure 8 shows the shape of the slide when the cover is stored in a pit outside the volume of the pool;
• - Figure 9 shows, in longitudinal section a variant in which the same traction means causes a self-floating isothermal cover and an upper safety cover;
• - Figures 10 and 11 show a means of protection and storage of the folded cover.

As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the simplest embodiment comprises a flexible cover 1 mounted on axes 2, the precise arrangement of which will be explained below; two longitudinal slides 3, 3 'for guiding the cover 1, which itself carries a traction means constituted by a bar 4 fixed to the free end of the cover and to which a traction cord 5 can be linked .

The device also comprises a means of fixing the stretched cover which may consist of two supports 6,6 'in the shape of a "U" arranged on the end of the pool opposite to the place of storage of the cover, supports in which come to dispose the ends of the drawbar after full coverage of the pool.

According to an alternative embodiment, the return means may comprise a latching device which prevents the return to the storage position of the blanket and thus constitutes a means of fixing the stretched blanket, this variant being used in particular when it is desired have a self-floating cover on the pool basin. Obviously the latching device can be disengaged so that the return means can play its role during the folding of the cover.

In addition, the device comprises a means for returning the cover to the opening, this return means being here constituted by two reels 7,7 ', with spiral spring.

The slides 3 and 3 '(see Figures 3 and 4) have a cylindrical tubular shape and have a longitudinal slot 8 through which pass the axes 2 for fixing the cover. Inside the slides 3.3 ′ passes a traction cable 9, one end of which is fixed by means of a plastic end piece 10 to the traction bar 4 and the other end of which is wound on the return means of the cover. This is slidably mounted on the cables 9 by means of the eyelets 11 of the fixing pins 2, the latter supporting spherical guide rollers disposed inside the slides 3, 3 ', the pins 2 being themselves fixed on cover with eyelets 13.

The operation of the device is then simple. To stretch the cover, the operator just has to pull the rope 5 to slide the fixing pins of the cover on the cables 9, themselves stretched by the bar 4. The cover, thus pulled is then fixed in the stretched position, by means of the supports in "U", 6,6 'or the snap carried by the return means.

At the opening, the bar is released from the supports 6 or from the snap-fastening and the reels 7, 7 ′, which had been compressed by the tension of the cables 9, are relaxed by pulling on them. The bar 4 being recalled back drives with it the axes 2 which slide on the cables 9, and thereby fold the cover in accordion.

The reels, in another variant, can also be integral in rotation with a tubular winding axis, in which case the cover can be rolled up instead of folding in accordion.

In a second embodiment (Figures 5 to 8), the device may include a means of traction assistance. This can be constituted by a second pair of reels 14,14 'arranged on the side of the pool which carries the "U" supports. The cables 9.9 ′ are then fixed, in addition to the bar 4, to these reels 14, 14 ′.

The winders 14,14 'may have a lower stiffness than that of the return means 7,7' - On closing, the traction of the cables 9 is then helped by the tension of the winders 14,14 '.

In an alternative embodiment, the return means may consist of at least one elastomer axis with a high coefficient of torsion, one fixed end of which is secured to the edge of the swimming pool and the other end of which is secured to the tensioning cable. . This elastomer shaft can be located inside a drum around which the cover is wound at rest, the shaft then being secured by one end of the winding drum.

During the unwinding of the cover, the axis twists on itself and creates a return torque which will be used when the pool is opened to return the cover to its rest position.

In another variant (FIG. 7), the return means is constituted by an electric motor 15 supplied with low voltage and whose output shaft, disengageable, rotates the winding drum of the cover if there is one one, or the reels of the tensioning cables, if this solution has been chosen. In both cases, a cover 16 disposed above the axis of the reels makes it possible to store the cover with maximum discretion and ensuring protection against external damage.

According to another type of solution, the box 17 for storing the folded or rolled up cover can be located outside the right-of-way of the swimming pool. In this case the slides 3 and 3 '(Figure 8) will take a bent shape 18 and will pass above the coping 19 of the pool. This solution can be advantageous in particular in the case where the return means consists of an electric motor which must be distant from the vicinity of the pool water.

In the case where one chooses to have a self-floating cover of the isothermal type, the cover can be fixed directly to a winding drum, without the presence of a slide being essential since the cover moves on the surface of the water.

• - soit une couverture de sécurité 21 située à 10 ou 15 cm au dessus du plan d'eau en utilisant les glissières précédemment décrites,
• - soit une couverture autoflottante 22 sans glissières,
• - soit simultanément les deux types de couvertures, auquel cas,il pourra être nécessaire de remplacer les galets de guidage de la couverture de sécurité par une corde fixée à la lisière de la couverture et coulissant dans la glissière, permettant ainsi l'enroulement.

Likewise, in the variant comprising a traction assistance means, it will be possible (FIG. 9), if a non-oxidizable winding axis 20 located near the surface of the water is used, to have:

• - either a safety cover 21 located 10 or 15 cm above the water level using the slides described above,
• - either a self-floating cover 22 without slides,
• - or simultaneously the two types of cover, in which case, it may be necessary to replace the guide rollers of the safety cover with a rope fixed to the edge of the cover and sliding in the slide, thus allowing winding.

The two covers can then be attached to the same reel and unrolled together.

It may also be interesting from an aesthetic point of view to store the rolled up or folded cover under a protection 23 (FIGS. 10 and 11). This can be articulated and include a horizontal part 23a fixed and a second part 23b, articulated on the first and rising (figure 11) during the course of the cover.

The invention has the fundamental advantage of its simplicity of use which allows it to be used daily without fatigue, which the prior devices did not allow.

It combines with this the traditional advantages of other devices by avoiding heat loss and the risks of pollution of the water in the basin.

It goes without saying that the invention is not limited only to the variants described here but also extends to all their technical equivalents and that, in particular the shape of the slides, rollers, the type of covers can be modified, the variants of realization of the various elements of the invention can be combined without departing from the scope of the invention.

The invention applies, in addition to the coverage of swimming pools to that of all enclosed spaces, for which coverage would be necessary, such as terraces, courtyards and balconies.

Claims (18)

1 - Device for covering a free space, in particular a swimming pool, characterized in that it comprises in combination at least one flexible cover comprising a guide means, at least one means of traction secured to the first end of the cover, at least one means for fixing the stretched cover, and at least one means for returning the cover to the folded position, this return means being situated on the side of the second end of the cover. 2 - Covering device according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide means is constituted by guide rollers arranged sliding on two tensioning cables moving in two slides located along the longitudinal edges of the space to cover. 3 - Cover device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the traction means is constituted by a rigid bar disposed laterally and integral with the first end of the cover, and by a traction cord . 4 - Cover device according to any one of claims 2 or 3 characterized in that the tensioning cables of the cover have one end fixed to the drawbar, the opposite end being secured to the return means of the blanket. 5 - Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises, on the side opposite to the return means, a means of assisting in the traction of the cables. 6 - Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the traction torque of the assistance means is less than that of the return means of the cover. 7 - Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 characterized in that the means of fixing the stretched cover is constituted by two U-shaped supports integral with the end of the space to be covered opposite the return means , supports in which the drawbar is placed after complete coverage of the space to be covered. 8 - Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 characterized in that the cover fixing means is constituted by a disengageable snap device secured to the return means and prohibiting the return of the cover to its folded position. 9 - Device according to any one of claims 1 & 8 characterized in that the return means of the cover consists of two spiral springs integral, by one end, tensioning cables and, by the other end, a fixed reference point. 10 - Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 characterized in that the cover is wound on a cylindrical drum disposed transversely on the side of the space to be covered which carries the return means. It - Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the return means consists of at least one elastomer axis with a high coefficient of torsion, one end of which is secured to a fixed point and the other end of which is secured to the drum d winding of the cover, drum inside which it is arranged. 12 - Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 characterized in that the return means consists of at least one elastomer shaft with a high coefficient of torsion comprising a fixed end and an end integral with the tensioning cable and on which it is wound, the cable tension causing the axis to twist and creating the return torque of the cover. 13 - Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 characterized in that the return means is constituted by an electric motor supplied at low voltage whose output shaft is integral with the winding drum of the cover, the motor can be disengaged from the winding shaft during the tensioning of the cover and during the time when the free space must be covered. 14 - Device according to any one of claims 1 to 13 characterized in that the cover folded or wound on a winding axis, as well as the return means are arranged inside a storage chest parallel to the width of the space to be covered, the exit of the cover and the tensioning cables being authorized through a slot in the trunk. 15 - Device for covering a swimming pool according to claim 14 characterized in that the trunk is located outside the edge of the swimming pool, the guide slide of the cover being shaped to allow the passage thereof overhang of the coping. 16 - Device for covering a swimming pool according to claim 14 characterized in that the trunk is located outside the edge of the swimming pool, in that the cover does not include no guide rollers and in that the means for fixing the stretched cover consists of a snap fastened to the return means. 17 - Device according to any one of claims 1 to 15 characterized in that the slides have a cylindrical tubular shape provided with a longitudinal slot for the passage of the fixing pins of the cover on the tensioning cable. 18 - Device according to claim 15 characterized in that the guide rollers of the cover have a spherical shape pierced with a bore in which is disposed the fixing axis of the cover, one end of this axis being slidably mounted on the tensioning cable and the other end being fixed to a cover eyelet through the fungitudinal slot of the slide.

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