FR2904848A1 - Platform manipulation device for e.g. swimming pool, has transmission unit formed of mechanism associating worm with respect to driving mechanism cooperating with mobile translation unit on which proximal ends of cables are engaged - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a unit for transmission of its movement to a bundle of cables (5) and with a terminal end engaged on a platform (1) for a basin (B) e.g. swimming pool. The unit is formed of a mechanism associating a worm (14) with respect to a driving mechanism (2) which cooperates with a mobile translation unit (6) e.g. nut, on which proximal ends of the cables are engaged. The unit (6) is coaxially threaded on a worm (14) and subjected to a rotation stopping unit which associates cooperative guiding units respectively provided on the nut and a guiding rail extending parallel to the worm. An independent claim is also included for a basin with a platform, comprising a platform manipulation device.

Description

1 Maneuvering device for a basin platform between a station

  background and a surface station. Technical Field of the Invention

  The present invention is in the field of building, and more particularly in the field of landscaping pools, such as pleasure pool, swimming pool, wading pool or the like. It relates to a device for maneuvering a platform covering the surface of a basin for its movement between a base station and a surface station. It also targets basins equipped with such a device. State of the art

  It is known to equip a pool, such as a pleasure pool, pool, wading pool or similar pool, a device for covering the pool for reasons of safety and / or comfort. Among these devices, those comprising a rigid platform that is mobile between stations where the platform is placed respectively in the bottom and on the surface of the basin are known. More particularly, the enjoyment of the basin is available when the platform is placed in the bottom station of the basin while the body of water is hidden for safety reasons when the platform is placed on the surface of the basin, the surface offered by the platform in surface station being likely to be exploited by the user. Incidentally, an intermediate station in which the platform is immersed in the basin allows to adapt the depth of the basin according to the needs of the user. The mobility of the platform is achieved by means of a device for maneuvering the platform between its base and surface stations. Such an operating device comprises a motor member and a bundle of cables running on return pulleys to cause the displacement of the platform between its base stations and surface. According to various alternative embodiments, the cables 2904848 2 are operated by a motor member which is organized either in cylinder whose rod end is in connection with the cables and is operable in translation, or in a rotating motor whose rotation shaft is in connection with the cables via driving pulleys. For example, reference may be made to documents FR 2 823 239 and US Pat. No. 3,045,253 which describe such devices for operating a pond platform. More particularly, according to FR 2 823 239, the drive member is a jack which is carried by the platform, the cables being also anchored on the enclosure of the basin. This jack is immersed concomitantly with the immersion of the platform, which is undesirable in view of the reliability and durability of the device, and in view of possible pollution of the water basin. In addition, this organization of the means of maneuvering the cables induces an undesirable increase of the platform, with the consequent power required for its only maneuver which is unsuitable. More particularly, according to US 3,045,253, the motor member is in relation with a rotary drive shaft of a plurality of coaxial drive pulleys. This motor unit is placed on the frame at the edge of the basin. Each pulley is assigned to the operation of a respective cable around which this cable is alternately wound and / or unrolled. The operation of the cables being performed from a rotation of the drive pulleys which are assigned to them, the adjustment of the respective stroke of each of the cables is made difficult, with the consequence of a risk of setting the platform in a jagged fashion at its 25 displacement. In addition, this organization of cable handling means hampers the faculty offered to be able to dispose freely at the edge of the basin. Object of the invention

The object of the present invention is to propose a device for maneuvering a basin platform between a base station and a surface station which is reliable and durable, which guarantees a homogeneous and precise displacement of the platform between its stations. base and surface stations, and which is of a simple structure allowing easy and inexpensive implementation and maintenance of the device. It is also more particularly targeted by the present invention to provide such an operating device whose structure allows a convenient adjustment of the respective stroke of the cables engaged on the platform, and allows easy installation of the device in a relatively random location. basin edge, or even inside a technical room integrated in, and / or placed near the pond enclosure.

The device of the present invention is a device for operating a basin platform between a base station and a surface station. This platform is intended to be operated by the device between the bottom station, or even an intermediate station, in which it is immersed in the basin, and the surface station in which it is emerging out of the water of the basin. basin to be placed in particular outcrop of the fixed enclosure delimiting the basin. The pool is likely to be a swimming pool, a wading pool, a pleasure pool or other similar container of a body of water. The enclosure of the basin is indifferently formed by masonry or by assembly of building elements. This operating device comprises means associating a motor member equipped with means for transmitting its movement to a cable bundle whose end end is engaged on the platform. This operating device also comprises deflection members, such as pulleys or the like, which are arranged on the path of movement of the cables between the transmission means and the platform. According to the present invention, such a maneuvering device is mainly recognizable in that the transmission means consist of a mechanism of the type associating a rotating member in relation with the motor member, which cooperates with a movable member in translation on which engage the proximal ends of the cables.

Such a mechanism is capable of being indifferently of the screw-and-rack type, in which the screw is driven by the drive member and is engaged on the toothing of a rack at the end of which the ends are fixed. respective proximal ends of the cables, and / or of the screw-and-slide type, wherein the respective proximal ends of the cables are attached to the slider, which is engaged with the screw driven by the motor member. Such organization of the operating device allows its implementation from a simple structure, inexpensive and easy maintenance. Since the mechanism is an independent structure, it can easily be adapted according to the arrangement and the dimensions of the platform and according to the depth of the basin that determines the travel path of the platform. In particular, such an adaptation is likely to be made at a lower cost by replacing, according to the variant embodiment, the mobile member in translation consisting of the rack and / or the rotating member consisting of the drive of the movable member in translation, to adapt their length to the case by keeping the rest of the components of the device. Similarly, depending on the number of cables to be used specifically for a given platform, the mobile member in translation may be provided with a plurality of individual cable fixing means, of which those used may be selectively selected on the installation site of the platform, and / or where appropriate the movable member in translation may be chosen from a set of members movable in translation provided with a respective number of individual cable fixing means.

The number and arrangement of the return members are likely to be any and to be selected and adapted locally on site according to the layout of this site, according to the shape and dimensions characteristics of the platform and / or according to the desired displacement of the platform according to the depth of the basin. A variation of this number and this specifically adapted arrangement has no effect on the general organization of the operating means, the interchangeable members of which can be specifically selected according to the needs, indifferently in the workshop and / or on the installation site. of the device. If necessary, several transmission mechanisms can be easily associated with the same motor unit, to cause displacement of one or more cables in a specific race, according to the shape and dimensions characteristics of the platform and / or according to the desired displacement of the platform according to the depth of the basin which is likely to be variable, sloping for example.

The maneuvering means are suitable for being installed in any location on the edge of the pool, being away from the water to prevent them from being in contact with it and to prevent them from being a source of pollution for the water. pond water. The maneuvering means are suitable for being housed in a box that can be integrated into the basin enclosure, such a box being able to be equipped with locking means that can be locked by an authorized person only. The orientation of the path traveled by the translation member may be relatively arbitrary without affecting either the simplicity of the structure of the device, nor the regularity and equivalence of the operating speeds of the cables relative to each other, nor its modularity. . The race of the cables is determined and adjustable in a rigorous and precise manner according to the mobility of the movable member in translation for a given turn of the rotating member. The platform is operated regularly from a traction exerted homogeneously on all the cables of the beam by the movable member in translation, which are preferably anchored at least at the ends or near the ends of the edges of the beam. platform to limit the oscillations of the latter in its general plan during its maneuver. For this purpose, the sides of the platform may be provided with 30 specific means for centering and damping any horizontal oscillations of said platform.

2904848 6 For a given platform, the adjustment of the individual cable run can be easily done on site by an inexperienced operator, in order to adjust the homogeneous and regular movement of the platform and to easily avoid its implementation. crooked while traveling. This adjustment is performed in particular by a modification of the useful length of the cables from the adjustment according to their extension of their fixing position on the movable member in translation. More particularly, the cables being individually fixed to the movable member in translation by simple structural means, such as cable ties or the like, such fastening means are easily used to effect the modification of the useful length. Cables. The result is a modularity of the operating device as a whole and the transmission mechanism more particularly, whose organs that compose it are likely to be individually selected according to the needs 15 relating to a particular site of installation of the platform and / or according to the needs relating to a specific arrangement of the latter, among a set of similar organs. Finally, the maneuvering device is of simple and modular structure, which is easily adaptable according to the needs in order to make better use of the individual exploitation of the organs that compose it, and whose maintenance is easy and inexpensive. The motor member can be easily operated to lock the movement of the cables, from a blocking movement of the movable member in translation.

According to a preferred embodiment, the rotating member is a worm on which is engaged a slide provided with means for fixing the proximal end of the cables. The worm is particularly carried at one of its ends by the drive member, and at its other end by a bearing that can be easily integrated into a receiving box maneuvering means.

The cable attachment means are preferably individual fixing means of said cables to facilitate the implementation of the modularity of the device and to facilitate the individual adjustment of the useful length of the latter.

The optimum course of the cables is determined in particular by the movement of the slider along the worm, and therefore by the length of the worm. From a replacement of the worm by another worm selected from a set of worm of respective length, the same device is likely to be easily adapted and low cost for pools of a 10 any respective depth. The cable attachment means on the slider are likely to be of simple structure and to be of any number without unduly increasing the size of the movable member in translation and retaining a simplified structure of the latter.

The slide is advantageously constituted by a nut threaded coaxially on the worm and subjected to means preventing its rotation. These provisions make it possible to simplify the structure of the slider and to limit the size of the transmission mechanism. Taking the slider on a global revolution surface of the worm makes it possible to optimize the operation of the resistance of the transmission mechanism for the lowest possible weight and bulk. Moreover, the operation of the bulk of the slider can be optimized by arranging the cable fastening means radially evenly distributed on the slider, and therefore around the worm, being advantageously placed on its end faces.

In addition, access to the cable attachment means on the slider is facilitated to be able to easily adjust the useful length of the cables. More particularly, the cable attachment means are preferably means for individually fixing the cables which incorporate means for adjusting their effective length and which are radially evenly distributed opposite the end of the mobile member in translation. The means for fixing the cables consist in particular of cable clamps passing through the nut parallel to its axis of mobility 2904848 8 and being arranged in respective radii of its end faces, several fastening means being able to be arranged along the same ray. The said prohibition means include cooperating guide means respectively provided on the nut and on a guide rail extending parallel to the worm. For example, the nut is provided with a cooperating groove with a rod mounted and / or forming the guide rail. For example still, the guide rail is arranged in a receiving slide of a finger or the like carried by the nut.

The implementation of the drive member is in particular placed under the control of movement limiting members of the movable member in translation. The travel of the movable member in translation is preferably adjustable between extreme positions, or may be interrupted in at least one predetermined intermediate position of the movable member in translation to place the platform to a desired depth of the basin. The stroke limiting members may be assigned to the rotation of the motor member and / or the rotating member, or even and preferably for reasons of accuracy in the displacement of the movable member in translation. The stroke limiting members may be reduced to abutment members against which the movable member is supported in translation, from an operation of a safety mechanism currently equipping the motor member to break its movement. in case of force against its rotation beyond a predetermined safety threshold. According to another embodiment of the stroke limiting members, these are stroke detection sensors indifferently assigned to the motor member, to the rotating member and / or preferably to the movable member in translation. Such detection sensors may be of the contact-detection and / or remote-sensing type using a light beam, for example. In this case, the detection information provided by the sensors may be in all or nothing, for example by breaking the light beam. Preferably, these detection sensors are of the reflection type, the judgment of the position of the movable member in translation being determined by reflection of an emitted light signal. The arrangement of the movable member in translation in a nut contributes to the simplicity of the organization of such detection means, a light signal that can be easily transmitted at one end of the transmission mechanism and be reflected by one of the faces. end of the movable member in translation. In general, the stroke limiting members are constituted by at least one position sensor of the movable member in translation 10 at least between two extreme positions, if not also at least one intermediate position. The device comprises means for controlling the implementation of the motor member, which are in particular in relation with control means 15 comprising the stroke limiting members and at least one control member which can be operated by the user, or even also at least one safety member such as a member for detecting the presence of an obstacle on the path of the platform.

The control member is indifferently carried by a control panel placed near the operating means, or possibly the outer face of the box. The connection between the control panel and the control means is effected by means of communication means, regardless of the wired link type and / or the wave link type. The control member is also capable of being carried by a remote control, alone and / or in combination with a control member of a similar function carried by the control panel. Preferably, the operating device comprises a safety device 30 restricting to a person authorized only at least access to the operating means and / or the implementation of the control means from the control member. Such a security device is, for example, of the type recognized by an authorized person previously identified, and / or of the type with recognition of a security tool, such as a key, a badge, an alphanumerical code that can be stored in memory. from a keyboard or other similar security tool.

The organization of the means for maneuvering the cables makes it possible to simplify the installation architecture on the site of the return members that the device comprises, to make possible a free arrangement of this architecture according to the installation site and / or according to the dimensional and / or shape characteristics of the platform, and / or the depth of the basin. The return members can easily be grouped together by game and / or group of the same game on a respective common support member, such as shaped square or the like, provided with anchoring means at the top of the enclosure of the basin, overlapping its edge more particularly. The plurality of support members 15 is easily implantable on the enclosure of the basin bordering the body of water it contains, to preserve the platform from any structural and / or aesthetic alteration that may result from the implantation of return members on the platform and / or the passage of cables overhanging the platform.

According to an advantageous form of organization of the architecture of the movement of the cables from the transmission mechanism towards the platform, the return members are distributed in sets comprising: *) at least two proximal sets of deflection members for the the orientation of the cables at the output of the transmission mechanism, which are respectively assigned for a first game to the orientation of the cables to one edge of the platform and for a second game to the orientation of the cables to an edge of the opposite platform to the above, and *) a plurality of end sets of return members for the respective orientation of the cables from a corresponding edge of the platform to the direction corresponding to the depth of the basin, or in other words to the thickness of the platform.

The first proximal clearance more particularly comprises deflection members whose respective axes of rotation are concurrent to return the corresponding cables from the direction of the path traveled by the movable member in translation to a direction parallel to the corresponding edge of the platform.

The second proximal clearance more particularly comprises a first group of return members whose respective axes of rotation are parallel to return to 180 the corresponding cables parallel to the direction of the path traversed by the movable member in translation, and a second group of return members whose respective axes of rotation are concurrent to return these cables from the direction of the path traveled by the movable member in translation to a direction parallel to the corresponding edge of the platform. More particularly, the end games individually comprise return members whose respective axes of rotation are orthogonal to return the corresponding cables from a direction parallel to the corresponding edge of the platform to an orthogonal direction corresponding to the thickness of the platform.

Description of the figures. The present invention will be better understood, and details will arise from reading the description which will be made of a preferred embodiment in connection with the figures of the attached plates, in which: Figure 1 and Figure 2 are perspective overall views of a device for operating a mobile platform for a basin, respectively in the base station and in the surface station of the platform. FIG. 3 is a detail of FIG. 1 illustrating means for maneuvering the platform that comprises the operating device represented in FIG. 1 and in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective illustration of a constituent transmission mechanism of the operating means shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a perspective illustration of a return member that comprises the operating device represented on FIG. Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 6 is a partial perspective view, schematic and partially broken away, showing a mobile platform positioned in the bottom of a basin and the means for the upward and downward movement of this platform.

FIGS. 1 to 3 show a device intended to allow the displacement of a platform 1 for a water basin, between a bottom station shown in FIG. 1 in which the platform 1 is immersed inside the basin, and a surface position shown in Figure 2 wherein said platform 1 is emerging out of the water of said basin, in particular to be arranged flush with the enclosure of the latter. This device comprises maneuvering means associating a drive member 2 equipped with transmission means 3, and a set of return members 4 of a bundle of cables 5 which are fixed at their proximal end to a movable member in translation 6 constituting transmission means 3.

The cables 5 extend via the deflection members 4 from the transmission mechanism 3 to respective anchoring zones on the platform 1 at their end end. The device comprises at least four cables 5 fixed, by means of their end or distal end, at or near the corners of the platform 1 and, depending on the dimensions and / or the weight thereof, one or more pairs of cables symmetrically fixed at one or more intermediate locations, between the corners of said platform, on at least two opposite sides thereof.

On the example of illustrated application of the device to the displacement of a rectangular platform 1, the transmission means 3 are oriented, transversely, along a small side of a basin B and outside it. ci (Figure 6). These transmission means are in connection with four cables 5 anchored at their ends end to end on both longitudinal edges of the platform 1, near the corners of the latter. It will be understood that the number of cables included in the beam is likely to be arbitrary, and that the general conformation of the platform 1 is also likely to be arbitrary. In general, the anchoring zones of the cables 5 on the platform 1 are determined for a balanced support of the platform 1 according to its weight and its conformation. This platform 1 consists for example of a framework formed from stainless steel tubular sections assembled by welding to each other, this frame can be dressed with a cover formed for example of a wooden floor (not shown ), or any other covering surface adapted to the aesthetics of the site. Of course, the transmission means 3 (worm 14, nut 6, proximal portions of the cables 5) can also be arranged and oriented along a fixed longitudinal edge 15 of the basin B. The return members 4 are distributed in different sets of return members 4, including proximal games 7,8 disposed at the output of the transmission means 3 for returning the cables 5 from the transmission means 3 in parallel 20 to the corresponding edges of the platform 1, and a plurality 9 of return devices 4 of the cables 5 from these edges of the platform 1 towards the inside of the basin. The proximal clearances comprise a first proximal clearance 7 for returning the corresponding cables 5 from the transmission means 3 to an edge of the platform 1. Referring also to FIG. same cable 5 two return members 4 carried by a common support 10, whose axes are oriented concurrently, and more particularly orthogonally in the illustrated application. A second proximal clearance 8 is for returning the corresponding cables 5 from the transmission means 3 to the edge of the platform 1 opposite the previous one. A first group 11 of return members 4 orients the cables 5 to 180 from the mobile member in translation 6 on which they are anchored to a second group 12 of return members 4 cables 5 to 2904848 14 the corresponding edge of the platform 1. The axes of the return members 4 of the second group 12 are oriented concurrently in the manner of the return members 4 of the first proximal clearance 7. For the same cable 5 and inc also reported in FIG. 5, the end sets 9 each comprise a group of two return members 4 whose axes are oriented orthogonally in the manner of the return members 4 of the first proximal clearance 7 and the second group 12 of the second proximal clearance 8. The return members 4 respectively of the first proximal clearance 7 and the same group of any end game 9 are respectively carried by a common support 10, which is in particular 10 shaped square or the like and which is provided with anchoring means 13 on the enclosure of the basin, and more particularly in overlapping the top of the walls of this enclosure to avoid altering them laterally. In FIGS. 1 to 4, the movable member in translation 6 is operated from a rotating member 14 rotated by the driving member 2. This rotating member 14 consists of a worm gear on which is threaded the movable member in translation 6, which consists of a nut immobilized in rotation. The means opposing the rotation of the nut 6 comprise, for example, an arrangement according to which cooperating guide means are respectively provided on said nut and on a guide rail extending parallel to the worm 14 and disposed, for example, below the latter. The length of the worm 14 determining the amplitude of the vertical movements of the platform 1, it is understood that the length of said worm must be determined according to the depth of the basin B.

The member movable in translation 6 is provided with means 15 for securing the ends of the cables 5, which consist of cable clamps distributed radially so as to orient the cables 5 parallel to the axis of extension of the cable. rotating member 14, and therefore the path traveled by the movable member in translation 6. These clamps comprise a passage channel of the corresponding cable 5 30, and through the movable member in translation 6 by its end faces. Such cable clamps make it possible to easily adjust on-site the individual useful length of the cables 5, and to adjust the tension of said cables to avoid oscillations of the platform 1. As indicated above, the sides of the mobile platform 1 can be equipped with specific means (not shown) for centering and damping, to avoid parasitic horizontal oscillations of said platform.

It is conceivable that the rotation of the worm 14 driven by the motor 2 causes an axial translation movement of the nut 6 which, in the direction of this movement, results in a tensile force on the proximal ends. suspension cables 5 of the platform 1 thus ensuring the recovery of the latter in the high position of coverage, or by the descent of said platform in the low position under the effect of its own weight. During these movements, the water contained in the basin passes from one side to the other of the platform by passing through the peripheral space formed between the sides thereof and the fixed walls of the basin B.

The implementation of the motor unit 2 is placed under the control of control means, associated with control members 16 by the user and with stroke limiting members 17 of the movable member in translation 6. The control members 16 are grouped together on a control panel and comprise, for example, a pair of monostable push buttons for maneuvering the platform respectively at the elevation to its surface station and to the dive towards its base station. The stroke limiting members 17 are, for example, contact sensors which are placed at the extreme positions of the path traveled by the movable member in translation 6 and which are intended to control the implementation of the motor member 2 to cause a maneuver of the platform 1 according to a predefined race.

Claims (12)

claims   1.- Device for maneuvering a platform (1) for a basin between a base station and a surface station, this operating device comprising maneuvering means associating a driving member (2) equipped with transmission means (3) of its movement to a cable bundle (5) whose terminal end is engaged on the platform (1), and comprising deflection members (4) which are arranged on the path of the cables (5) between the transmission means (3) and the platform (1), characterized in that the transmission means (3) consist of a mechanism of the type associating a rotating member (14) in relation to the driving member (2), which cooperates with a movable member in translation (6) on which are engaged the proximal ends of the cables (5).   2. Operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotating member (14) is an endless screw on which is engaged a slide (6) provided with fixing means (15) of the proximal end. cables (5).   3. Maneuvering device according to claim 2, characterized in that the slide consists of a nut (6) coaxially threaded on the worm (14) and subject to means for preventing its rotation.   4. Maneuvering device according to any one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the means (15) for fixing the cables (5) are means for individual attachment of the cables (5) which incorporate adjustment means of their useful length and which are radially equidistributed opposite end of the movable member in translation (6).   5. Maneuvering device according to any one of claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the prohibition means associate cooperating guide members respectively formed on the nut (6) and on a guide rail extending parallel to the worm (14).   6. Operating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the implementation of the driving member (2) is placed under the control of stroke limiting members (17) of the member movable in translation (6), these stroke limiting members (17) being, for example constituted by at least one position sensor of the movable member in translation (6) at least between two extreme positions 10 if not also in less an intermediate position.   7. Operating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the return members are distributed in sets comprising: 15 *) at least two proximal sets (7,8) of return members (4) for orienting the cables (5) at the output of the transmission mechanism (3), which are respectively assigned for a first game (7) to the orientation of the cables (5) towards an edge of the platform (1) and for a second set (8) to the orientation of the cables (5) towards an edge of the platform (1) opposite to the previous one, and *) a plurality of end sets (9) of return members (4) for the respective orientation of the cables (5) of a corresponding edge of the platform (1) to the direction corresponding to the thickness of the platform (1). 25   8. Operating device according to claim 7, characterized in that the first proximal clearance (7) comprises return members (4) whose respective axes of rotation are concurrent to return the corresponding cables (5) from the direction of the path traveled by the movable member 30 in translation (6) to a direction parallel to the corresponding edge of the platform (1). 2904848 18   9. Operating device according to any one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the second proximal clearance (8) comprises a first group (11) of return members (4) whose respective axes of rotation are parallel to the direction of the path traveled by the movable member in translation (6), and a second group (12) of return members (4) whose respective axes of rotation are concurrent to return these cables (5) from the direction of the path traveled by the movable member in translation (6) to a direction parallel to the corresponding edge of the platform (1). 10   10. Operating device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the end sets (9) individually comprise return members (4) whose respective axes of rotation are orthogonal to return the cables (5). ) corresponding from a direction parallel to the corresponding edge of the platform (1) to an orthogonal direction corresponding to the thickness of the platform (1).   11. Operating device according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the return members (4) are assembled by play 20 and / or group of the same set on a common support member (10). ) provided with anchoring means (13) at the top of the enclosure of the basin.   12. Basin, eg ornamental pond, swimming pool, wading pool, provided with a platform movable between a base station and a surface station, characterized in that it is equipped with a maneuvering device of said platform according to any one of claims 1 to 11.