METHOD FOR GUIDING A TELESCOPIC ROOF, PLANT WITH A TELESCOPIC ROOF WITH AT LEAST ONE GUIDE DEVICE

Description

[0001] This application relates to a method for guiding a telescopic enclosure and to an installation comprising a telescopic enclosure equipped with at least one guiding device for implementing said method. The invention is particularly suited to telescopic enclosures intended to cover swimming pools.

[0002] In a known embodiment, a telescopic pool enclosure adapted for covering a swimming pool comprises several modules, including a fixed end module positioned at one end of the pool and mobile modules that can be nested inside one another at the fixed end module. Thus, the telescopic enclosure is configured to occupy a retracted state, in which the modules are stacked on top of each other at the first end of the pool, and an extended state, in which the modules are positioned side by side and cover the pool. Between the retracted and extended states, the mobile modules move along the platform surrounding the pool.

[0003] The various mobile modules include rolling elements, such as wheels, on their lower part to enable movement. To facilitate the change of state (deployed / retracted) of the telescopic enclosure, at least one mobile end module, specifically the one furthest from the fixed end module, is motorized. For this purpose, the mobile end module includes at least two drive wheels positioned on either side of the pool.

[0004] To allow the transition from the retracted to the extended state and vice versa, the mobile modules must remain aligned with each other. Otherwise, one of the mobile modules may become stuck and block the deployment or retraction of the telescopic shelter.

[0005] Document FR2898926 proposes an optical guidance system for guiding mobile modules without ground rails. Each system comprises a transmitter, configured to emit a light beam, attached to a first element from among the fixed end module and the mobile end module; a multi-zone receiver, configured to receive the light beam emitted by the transmitter, attached to a second element different from the first from among the fixed end module and the mobile end module; and a processing unit configured to control the drive wheels, and in particular their advance, according to the receiver zone impacted by the light beam.

[0006] According to this document, the telescopic enclosure comprises two guidance systems positioned on either side of the pool. The first guidance system includes a first transmitter and a first multi-zone receiver, positioned on one side of the pool and associated with a first drive wheel positioned on that side. The second guidance system includes a second transmitter and a second multi-zone receiver, positioned on the other side of the pool and associated with a second drive wheel positioned on that side. During the movement of the mobile modules, the first and second transmitters continuously emit first and second beams of light, respectively, which strike the first and second multi-zone receivers.

[0007] According to this document, the guidance process involves analyzing, for each multi-zone receiver, the area impacted by the light beam, determining an offset between the impacted area and a central zone, and then, based on this offset, determining a compensatory action consisting of accelerating or decelerating the rotational speed of at least one drive wheel. In one operating mode, if the area impacted by the light beam on one side of the basin deviates from the central zone, the processing unit causes the drive wheel on that same side to decelerate or accelerate so that the light beam moves back towards the central zone. In another operating mode, the deviations observed on the first and second receivers are transmitted to a single processing unit, which coordinates the forward movements of the two drive wheels positioned on either side of the basin.

[0008] For this guidance system to function correctly, the fixed end module must be properly positioned on the platform. Otherwise, the telescopic enclosure will not be correctly positioned relative to the pool when deployed. Following the initial installation of the telescopic enclosure by a professional, the fixed end module is correctly positioned, and the telescopic enclosure properly covers the pool when deployed. However, in certain circumstances, it may be necessary to remove the telescopic enclosure. Reinstalling the telescopic enclosure, and particularly the fixed end module, can be difficult for a non-professional. For example, an incorrect orientation of the fixed end module by just a few degrees can cause the movable end module to shift by several tens of centimeters when the telescopic enclosure is deployed.

[0009] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0010] To this end, the invention relates to a method for guiding a telescopic shelter positioned on a platform and comprising a fixed end module immobile relative to the platform and a mobile end module capable of moving on the platform along a trajectory between a retracted state and a deployed state, the guidance method using at least one guidance device comprising a transmitter capable of emitting at least one beam and a receiver capable of receiving the beam emitted by the transmitter, the method comprising a step of determining an area of ​​the receiver impacted by the beam emitted by the transmitter and a step of managing the trajectory of the mobile end module according to the area of ​​the receiver impacted by the beam.

[0011] According to the invention, the guidance method includes a positioning step on the platform in a reference position of at least one first element among the transmitter and receiver, a second element, different from the first element among the transmitter and receiver, being attached to the movable end module.

[0012] Unlike the prior art, which involves positioning the transmitter and receiver of the guidance device on the telescopic shelter, according to the invention, one element of the transmitter and receiver is placed on the platform in a reference position. Thus, even if the fixed end module is not perfectly oriented when it is attached to the platform, the movable end module of the telescopic shelter is still correctly guided during the change of state (deployed / retracted) of the telescopic shelter.

[0013] The invention also relates to an installation comprising a telescopic shelter equipped with a guidance device enabling the implementation of the guidance method of the invention.

[0014] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description of the invention, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, among which: There figure 1 is a perspective view of a telescopic shelter equipped with a guiding device illustrating one embodiment of the invention, The figure 2 is a schematic top view of a telescopic shelter equipped with a guiding device illustrating an embodiment of the invention, in the retracted state on part (A) and in the deployed state on part B, The figure 3 is a schematic top view of a telescopic shelter equipped with a guiding device illustrating another embodiment of the invention, The figure 4 is a schematic top view of a telescopic shelter equipped with a guiding device illustrating another embodiment of the invention, The figure 5 is a perspective view of an emitter illustrating one embodiment of the invention, The figure 6 is a perspective view of the emitter visible on the figure 5 showing its underside, The figure 7 is a perspective view of the emitter visible on the figure 5 , in its disassembled state, The figure 8 is a perspective view of a receiver illustrating one embodiment of the invention, The figure 9 is a top view of a multi-zone receiver illustrating one embodiment of the invention, The figure 10 This is a schematic representation of a motorization system for a mobile module of a telescopic shelter. figure 11 is a schematic side view of a beam emitted by a transmitter according to a first embodiment of the invention, The figure 12 is a schematic side view of a beam emitted by a transmitter according to a second embodiment of the invention, The figure 13 is a schematic top view of a telescopic shelter equipped with a guiding device illustrating another embodiment of the invention, The figure 14 is a perspective view of part of the telescopic shelter visible on the figure 13 , There figure 15 is a side view of the movement system equipping the telescopic shelter visible on the figure 13 , There figure 16 is a rear view of the movement system visible on the figure 15 , There figure 17 is a perspective and exploded view of the visible displacement system on the figure 15 .

[0015] According to embodiments visible on the figures 1 à 4 , a swimming pool 10 includes a basin 12, a substantially flat and horizontal platform 14 surrounding the basin 12 and a telescopic shelter 16 configured to occupy a retracted state in which the telescopic shelter 16 at least partially uncovers the basin 12 and a deployed state in which the telescopic shelter 16 totally covers the basin 12.

[0016] The telescopic shelter 16 comprises a fixed end module 18, which is stationary relative to the platform 14, a movable end module 20, and optionally at least one movable intermediate module 22. As illustrated in the example on the figure 1 The telescopic shelter 16 comprises two mobile intermediate modules. The mobile end and intermediate modules 20 and 22 are configured to move along a trajectory parallel to a direction of movement DD between the deployed and retracted states. In the case of a rectangular pool 12, the direction of movement DD is substantially parallel to the longer side of the pool 12.

[0017] Each module 18, 20, 22 comprises a first side 18.1, 20.1, 22.1 positioned to the right of basin 12, a second side 18.2, 20.2, 22.2 positioned to the left of basin 12, and a central section 18.3, 20.3, 22.3 connecting the first and second sides 18.1, 20.1, 22.1, 18.2, 20.2, 22.2, the latter being substantially parallel to the direction of movement DD. For each of the movable end and intermediate modules 20, 22, the first and second sides are equipped with rolling elements (such as wheels) or any other means allowing the corresponding module to be moved along the direction of movement DD.

[0018] The fixed and mobile end modules 18, 20 each include a transverse wall 24. According to one embodiment, this transverse wall 24 has a lower cross member 24.1 positioned close to the platform 14 and slightly offset upwards relative to the platform 14.

[0019] The various modules 18, 20, and 22 are sized to fit together. In one variant, the fixed end module 18 is the largest module and the movable end module 20 is the smallest. In another variant, the fixed end module 18 could be the smallest and the movable end module 20 could be the largest.

[0020] The telescopic shelter 16 includes at least one vertical median plane PMV. Each of the different modules 18, 20, 22 is substantially symmetrical with respect to the vertical median plane PMV.

[0021] Modules 18, 20, 22 are not described further as they are known to the person skilled in the art and may be identical to those of the prior art.

[0022] Of course, the invention is not limited to this application, namely covering a basin 12 with a swimming pool 10. The telescopic shelter 16 can be integrated into any installation comprising a platform 14 of which at least one area is covered by the telescopic shelter 16.

[0023] The telescopic shelter 16 includes at least one first movement system 26 attached to the first side 20.1 of the mobile end module 20 and at least one second movement system 28 attached to the second side 20.2 of the mobile end module 20. Each movement system 26, 28 includes at least one rolling element 30 in contact with the platform 14 and at least one motor 32 configured to drive the rolling element 30 in rotation.

[0024] Each movement system 26 may include one or more rolling element(s) 30 and / or one or more motor(s) 32. According to the example shown on the figure 10 Each movement system 26 comprises two coupled motors. The number and power of the motors are determined according to the characteristics of the telescopic shelter 16 (in particular the mass of the mobile modules) and the characteristics of the platform 14 (in particular the slopes).

[0025] The first and second displacement systems 26, 28 are powered by at least one power supply.

[0026] Depending on the configuration, the power supply is located away from the telescopic shelter 16.

[0027] According to another configuration, the telescopic shelter 16 includes at least one on-board electrical power source 34. According to one embodiment, the telescopic shelter 16 includes at least one on-board electrical power source 34 for each first or second movement system 26, 28. According to one configuration, the telescopic shelter 16 includes, for each movement system 26, 28, on-board electrical power sources 34, 34' of different kinds, such as at least one battery 34 and at least one photovoltaic panel 34'.

[0028] The telescopic shelter 16 includes at least one servo device 36 configured to control the motors 32. According to one embodiment, the first and second movement systems 26, 28 each include at least one first or second servo device 36, 38.

[0029] According to one arrangement, each movement system 26, 28 comprises a housing 40 configured to contain the motor(s) 32, the servo device 36, 38, and at least one on-board electrical power source 34, such as a battery. This housing 40 is attached to the mobile end module 20, specifically to the module's chassis. Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for movement systems 26, 28.

[0030] The telescopic shelter 16 includes at least one guidance device comprising at least one transmitter 42 configured to emit a beam 42.1 and at least one receiver 44 configured to receive the beam 42.1.

[0031] According to embodiments visible on the figures 1, 2 And 4The telescopic shelter 16 comprises a single guidance device including a transmitter 42 configured to emit a beam 42.1 and a receiver 44 configured to receive the beam 42.1. In one arrangement, the transmitter 42, the beam 42.1, and the receiver 44 are aligned along a straight line parallel to the vertical median plane PMV. This straight line may be either contained within the vertical median plane PMV or offset from it.

[0032] According to another embodiment visible on the figure 3 The telescopic shelter 16 includes first and second guidance devices. The first guidance device comprises a first transmitter 42 configured to emit a first beam 42.1 and a first receiver 44 configured to receive the first beam 42.1. The second guidance device comprises a second transmitter 42' configured to emit a second beam 42.1' and a second receiver 44' configured to receive the second beam 42.1'. In one arrangement, the first transmitter 42, the first beam 42.1, and the first receiver 44 are aligned along a first line substantially parallel to the vertical median plane PMV and substantially aligned with the first side 20.1 of the movable end module 20. The second transmitter 42', the second beam 42.1', and the second receiver 44' are aligned along a second line substantially parallel to the vertical median plane PMV and substantially aligned with the second side 20.2 of the mobile end module 20.

[0033] According to one feature of the invention, for each guidance device, a first ground element, chosen from the transmitter 42 and the receiver 44, is positioned on the platform 14 at a reference position and immobilized relative to it. In addition, a second onboard element, different from the first element chosen from the transmitter 42 and the receiver 44, is attached to the mobile end module 20.

[0034] According to one configuration, for each guidance device, the receiver 44 is attached to the platform 14 and the transmitter 42 is attached to the mobile end module 20.

[0035] According to another configuration, for each guidance device, the transmitter 42 is placed on the platform 14 and immobilized relative to it, while the receiver 44 is attached to the mobile end module 20. According to a first variant visible on the figure 2 The fixed end module 18 is interposed between the transmitter 42 and the receiver 44. According to this variant, the beam 42.1 passes through at least one transverse wall 24 and over the basin 12. According to a second variant visible on the figures 1 , 3 et 4 The transmitter 42 is positioned on the platform so that it is further from the fixed end module 18 than from the mobile end module 20 when the telescopic shelter is deployed. According to this variant, the beam 42.1 does not pass through any transverse wall 24 and does not pass over the basin 12. This solution limits the risk of interference with the beam 42.1.

[0036] In the presence of a single guiding device, the receiver 44 is fixed on the lower cross member 24.1 of the transverse wall 24 of the movable end module 20. Of course, the invention is not limited to this arrangement.

[0037] In the presence of two guidance devices, the first receiver 44 is attached to the first movement system 26 and integrated into its box 40. In addition, the second receiver 44' is attached to the second movement system 28 and integrated into its box 40.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the transmitter 42 is permanently connected to the platform 14.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment, the transmitter 42 is removable and placed on the platform 14 in the reference position. According to this embodiment, each guidance device comprises a first housing 46 integrating the transmitter 42, which has a lower face 46.1 configured to be placed on the platform 14 in the reference position.

[0040] For the transmitter 42 to be positioned in the reference position, the platform 14 includes at least one marking configured to identify the reference position and allow a user to position the transmitter relative to this marking. For example, the marking includes two disc-shaped marks on the platform 14, and the transmitter 42 includes two holes aligned with the marks. The transmitter 42 is correctly positioned if the user positions it so that the marks and holes coincide.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, each emitter 42 and the platform 14 have shapes that cooperate with each other so as to immobilize the emitter 42 in a single position corresponding to the reference position. In one configuration, the platform 14 includes at least two recesses (recessed relative to its upper face). In addition, the first housing 46 includes at least two pins 48 projecting from its lower face 46.1, each pin 48 having a cross-section matched to that of a recess. The pins 48 and the recesses are cylindrical and have substantially the same diameter.

[0042] The invention is not limited to these solutions for positioning the removable transmitter 42 according to the reference position on the platform 14.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the first housing 46 comprises first and second parts 50.1, 50.2 which fit together to define a cavity, the first part comprising the lower face 46.1.

[0044] The transmitter 42 includes a beam generator 52 configured to emit the beam 42.1 and a power source 54 (such as a battery) configured to supply power to the beam generator 52. Depending on the operating mode, the beam generator 52 is configured to be in an activated state in which it emits the beam 42.1 and a deactivated state in which it does not emit the beam 42.1. In this case, the transmitter 42 includes a control configured to control the activated or deactivated state of the beam generator 52. These elements are positioned in the cavity delimited by the first and second parts 50.1, 50.2 of the first housing 46.

[0045] According to an embodiment given by way of example, the beam generator 52 is configured to emit a laser beam which has a power of less than 15 mW and a wavelength of 650 nm.

[0046] Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for the emitter 42 and the first housing 46. Furthermore, the beam 42.1 is not necessarily a light beam. Each emitter 42 can operate continuously or only when the emitter 42 is in an activated state. Depending on one configuration, each emitter 42 is configured to emit a beam 42.1 with a wavelength that differs from and is as far removed as possible from those of sources of interference, such as daylight or sunlight, so as to make them easier to discriminate. The emitter 42 can be configured to modulate the emitted beam 42.1.

[0047] According to a first embodiment visible on the figure 11 The beam generator 52 is configured to emit a beam in the shape of a fixed straight line, which makes it possible to obtain a single point of impact in a vertical impact plane perpendicular to the beam 42.1. According to this first embodiment, the beam generator 52 is positioned in the first housing 46 so that the emitted beam 42.1 is substantially parallel to the lower face 46.1. Thus, in operation, the beam 42.1 is substantially parallel to the platform 14.

[0048] According to a second embodiment visible on the figure 12 The beam generator 52 is configured to emit a straight-line beam sweeping in a vertical plane over an angular sector of approximately 10°, or to emit a sector-shaped beam positioned in a vertical plane and measuring approximately 10°. According to this second embodiment, the beam generator 52 is configured to emit at least one beam 42.1 that generates several impact points distributed along a vertical segment. This solution compensates for any flatness or inclination defects in the platform 14.

[0049] As illustrated on the figure 9 The receiver 44 has a photosensitive plate 58 which has a substantially vertical impact face F58 positioned in a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement DD. In one configuration, the receiver 44 comprises a plate 58 and a plurality of sensors 60 positioned on the impact face F58 and distributed along at least one substantially horizontal line.

[0050] To give an order of magnitude, each sensor 60 has a square surface of approximately 1 mm on each side, with the sensors 60 spaced about 1 mm apart. The sensors 60 are photosensitive sensors (photodiodes, phototransistors) configured to emit a signal when struck by a beam 42.1. The receiver 44 may include a central sensor 60 and secondary sensors 60' distributed on either side of the central sensor 60. The receiver 44 is configured to emit at least one signal depending on which central or secondary sensor 60, 60' is struck by the beam 42.1 emitted by the transmitter 42 associated with the receiver 44.

[0051] Of course, the invention is not limited to this type of sensor or to these shapes, dimensions, and spacing for sensors 60, 60'. Each receiver 44 may comprise only a single element, such as a camera or a line-of-sight camera, for example. Regardless of the embodiment, each receiver 44 is configured to generate at least one signal based on a comparison between an area of ​​the receiver impacted by the beam 42.1 and a reference point corresponding to the central sensor 60 in the case of a plurality of sensors 60, 60'.

[0052] According to one embodiment, each receiver 44 includes a second housing 62 which has a first slot 62.1 opposite which is positioned at least one photosensitive element (photosensitive sensors or photosensitive panel).

[0053] In one configuration, the receiver 44 includes a filtration system to facilitate the passage through the first slot 62.1 of the beam 42.1 emitted by the emitter 42 and to limit the passage of other light fluxes, such as daylight or sunlight. This filtration system may be optical and include a plate, positioned at the first slot 62.1, that is transparent to a range of wavelengths including the wavelength of the beam 42.1 emitted by the emitter 42 and reflective to light fluxes with wavelengths outside this range.

[0054] According to another solution, the filtration system is mechanical and includes a deflector to reflect disruptive light fluxes so that they do not impact the sensors 60, 60'. In another embodiment, the receiver 44 comprises a plate 64 several millimeters thick, affixed to the face of the second housing 62, at which point the first slot 62.1 is provided. This plate 64 includes a second slot 64.2, opposite which each photosensitive element of the receiver 44 is positioned. This element has the same dimensions as the first slot 62.1 of the second housing 62 and is aligned with it. This plate 64 is made of a black material. Given its thickness, this plate 64 prevents sunlight from impacting the photosensitive element(s).

[0055] According to an embodiment visible on the figure 8 The second housing 62 and the plate 64 are two separate parts. Alternatively, the plate 64 forms one of the walls of the second housing 62.

[0056] According to a configuration visible on the figure 3 , a receiver 44 and its second box 62 are integrated into the box 40 of each movement system 26, 28.

[0057] According to another configuration visible on the figure 10 , a receiver 44 and its second box 62 are integrated into the box 40 of a single movement system 26.

[0058] According to another configuration visible on the figures 1, 2 And 4 , the receiver 44 and its second housing 62 are fixed on the lower cross member 24.1 of the transverse wall 24 of the movable end module 20.

[0059] Regardless of the configuration of the receiver 44, for each guidance device, the receiver 44 is positioned at a height relative to the platform 14 such that the photosensitive element(s) is / are positioned in the reference plane to be impacted by the beam 42.1 emitted by the emitter 42. The emitter 42 and the receiver 44 of the same guidance device are positioned so that the beam 42.1 emitted by the emitter 42 impacts the reference point (the central sensor 60) when the movable end module 20 is correctly oriented.

[0060] According to one particular feature of the invention, the guidance device comprises at least one processing unit 66 configured to control each servo device 36, 38 according to the signal emitted by the receiver(s) 44. In one configuration, the guidance device comprises a single receiver 44 and a single processing unit 66 configured to control the first and second servo devices 36, 38 positioned on either side of the mobile end module 20. In another configuration, the guidance device comprises first and second receivers 44, 44', a single processing unit 66, and first and second servo devices 36, 38.The processing unit 66 is configured to determine at least one compensation action based on the signal(s) generated by the receiver(s) 44 and to control the servo devices 36, 38 according to the previously determined compensation action. More generally, the processing unit 66 is configured to manage the trajectory of the moving end module 20 based on the area of ​​the receiver 44 impacted by the beam emitted by the transmitter 42.

[0061] Regardless of the embodiment, a guidance method includes a positioning step on the platform 14 in a reference position of at least one first element from the transmitter 42 and the receiver 44, a second element, different from the first element from the transmitter 42 and the receiver 44, being attached to the mobile end module 20, a step of determining an area of ​​the receiver impacted by the beam 42.1 emitted by the transmitter 42 and a step of managing the trajectory of the mobile end module 20 as a function of the area of ​​the receiver 44 impacted by the beam 42.1 emitted by the transmitter 42.

[0062] According to one operating method, the transmitter 42 of each guidance device is placed on the platform 14 during each change of state (retracted / deployed) of the telescopic shelter 16, the transmitter 42 being able to be removed from the platform 14 outside of a change of state of the telescopic shelter 16.

[0063] The guidance method includes a step of activating the transmitter 42 at least during a change of state (retracted / deployed) of the telescopic shelter 16, the transmitter 42 being capable of being in a deactivated state and not emitting beam 42.1 outside of a change of state of the telescopic shelter 16.

[0064] According to one operating method, the guidance process comprises a step of comparing the area of ​​the receiver 44 impacted by the beam 42.1 with a reference point, a step of determining a compensation action based on the comparison between the area of ​​the receiver 44 impacted by the beam 42.1 and the reference point, and a step of modifying the trajectory of the mobile end module 20 according to the compensation action determined in the previous step. In one configuration, the compensation action may consist of differentiating the forward speeds of the first and second movement systems 26, 28, with the forward speed of one of the movement systems being increased or decreased relative to that of the other movement system so as to cause a change in the trajectory of the mobile end module 20.

[0065] According to an embodiment visible on the figure 13 The telescopic shelter 16 comprises a fixed end module 18, which is stationary relative to a platform 14, a movable end module 20, and optionally at least one movable intermediate module 22. The fixed and movable end modules 18 and 20 each comprise a transverse wall 24 and parallel side walls 25 and 25', which are parallel to each other and to the median vertical plane PMV. In a first configuration, the fixed and movable end modules 18 and 20 are configured so that the movable end module 20 is positioned around the fixed end module 18 when retracted. In a second configuration, the fixed and movable end modules 18 and 20 are configured so that the movable end module 20 fits into the fixed end module 18 when retracted.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the telescopic shelter 16 comprises at least one movement system 26 positioned against the transverse wall 24 of the movable end module 20, opposite one of the side walls 25, 25'. According to a configuration visible on the figure 13 The telescopic shelter 16 includes first and second movement systems 26, 28 positioned against the transverse wall 24 of the mobile end module 20, respectively opposite the first and second side walls 25, 25'. According to one arrangement, each movement system 26, 28 is positioned on the transverse wall 24 without protruding laterally from the side walls 25, 25'.

[0067] Positioning the movement system(s) 26 against the transverse wall 24 eliminates any protruding elements relative to the side walls 25, 25'. This solution limits the footprint of the telescopic shelter 16 when retracted, as the movement systems 26, 28 do not interpose between two modules in the retracted state.

[0068] Each movement system 26, 28 can include at least one rolling element 30 and at least one motor 32 configured to drive the rolling element(s) 30 in rotation, as well as a box 40 in which the motor(s) 32 is positioned. According to a preferred configuration, the receiver 44 is integrated into the movement system 26, 28. According to this configuration, the box 40 includes a light 40.1, the receiver 44 being positioned opposite the light 40.1 of the box 40.

[0069] This solution makes it possible to obtain an autonomous 26, 28 movement system which integrates part of the guidance system.

[0070] According to one embodiment, each displacement system 26, 28 includes a fixing system 70, 70' allowing it to be connected in a removable manner to the mobile end module 20, more particularly to one of its uprights.

[0071] As illustrated on the figures 14, 15 , at least one movement system 26, 28 includes at least one part of a locking system 72, such as a horizontal tab provided with a hole.

[0072] To obtain a compact movement system 26, 28, each of them comprises a rolling element 30, such as a roller or wheel, with a horizontal axis of rotation A30, and a motor 32 with a vertical axis of rotation A32. Providing a vertical axis of rotation A32 for the motor 32 results in a movement system 26, 28 with a reduced horizontal cross-section.

[0073] Each movement system 26, 28 also includes a coupling mechanism 74 for coupling the rolling element 30 and the motorization 32. This coupling mechanism 74 includes a right-angle gearbox for coupling the output shaft of the motorization 32, which has a vertical axis of rotation A32, and a pinion of the rolling element 30, which has a horizontal axis of rotation A30.

[0074] Each movement system 26, 28 may include at least one on-board electrical power source 34 to supply electrical power to the motor 32 and / or at least one servo system 36 to control the motor 32 and the movements of the mobile end module 20.

[0075] According to one embodiment, at least one drive system 26, 28 includes at least one clutch system. In one arrangement, the clutch system is positioned between the pinion and the wheel of the rolling element 30. This clutch system is configured to be in an engaged state in which it couples the motor 32 and the rolling element 30, and in a disengaged state in which it does not couple the motor 32 and the rolling element 30, the latter being able to roll independently of the motor 32. In one configuration, the clutch system is of the manual type and can be operated by a key, for example.

[0076] By default, the clutch system is in the engaged state. In this case, when the motor 32 is not operating, the module attached to the movement system 26, 28 cannot move.

[0077] When a user wishes to move a module while the motor 32 is stopped, in case of failure for example, he must manually switch the clutch system to the disengaged state and push the module to move it.

Claims

1. Method for guiding a telescopic shelter (16) positioned on a platform (14) and comprising a fixed end module (18) immovable with respect to the platform (14), a movable end module (20) capable of moving over the platform (14) along a path between a retracted state and a deployed state, the guiding method using at least one guiding device comprising an emitter (42) capable of emitting at least one beam (42.1) and a receiver (44) capable of receiving the beam (42.1) emitted by the emitter (42), the method comprising a step of determining a zone of the receiver (44) struck by the beam (42.1) emitted by the emitter (42) and a step of managing the path of the movable end module (20) depending on the zone of the receiver (44) struck by the beam (42.1); characterized in that the guiding method comprises a step of positioning, on the platform (14), in a reference position, at least a first element among the emitter (42) and receiver (44), a second element, different from the first element among the emitter (42) and receiver (44), being securely fastened to the movable end module (20).

2. Guiding method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the emitter (42) of each guiding device is placed on the platform (14) during each change of state of the telescopic shelter (16), the emitter (42) being removable and capable of being withdrawn from the platform (14).

3. Installation comprising a platform (14) and a telescopic shelter (16) positioned on the platform (14), comprising a fixed end module (18) immovable with respect to the platform (14) and a movable end module (20) capable of moving over the platform (14) along a path between a retracted state and a deployed state, the telescopic shelter (16) comprising at least one guiding device comprising an emitter (42) capable of emitting at least one beam (42.1), a receiver (44) configured to receive the beam (42.1) and a processing unit (66) configured to manage the path of the movable end module (20) depending on the zone of the receiver (44) struck by the beam (42.1) emitted by the emitter (42); characterized in that, for each guiding device, a first element among the emitter (42) and receiver (44) is positioned on the platform (14) in a reference position, a second element, different from the first element among the emitter (42) and receiver (44), being securely fastened to the movable end module (20).

4. Installation according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the telescopic shelter (16) comprises a vertical median plane (PMV) and a single guiding device, the emitter (42), the beam (42.1) and the receiver (44) being aligned along a straight line parallel to the vertical median plane (PMV).

5. Installation according to any of Claims 3 to 4, characterized in that the emitter (42) is positioned on the platform (14) so as to be further away from the fixed end module (18) than from the movable end module (20) in the deployed state.

6. Installation according to any of Claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, for each guiding device, the emitter (42) is removable and placed on the platform (14) and immobilized with respect to the platform (14) in the reference position.

7. Installation according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the emitter (42) and platform (14) have shapes that interact with each other so as to immobilize the emitter (42) in a single position corresponding to the reference position.

8. Installation according to any of Claims 3 to 7, characterized in that each emitter (42) is configured so as to emit a beam (42.1) that has a wavelength different and as far away as possible from those of interfering sources.

9. Installation according to any of Claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the emitter (42) comprises a beam generator (52) configured to emit at least one beam (42.1) that generates a plurality of points of impact distributed over a vertical segment.

10. Installation according to any of Claims 3 to 9, characterized in that each receiver (44) comprises a second housing (62) that has a first slot (62.1) in line with which at least one photosensitive element is positioned.

11. Installation according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the receiver (44) comprises a filtration system for promoting passage, through the first slit (62.1), of the beam (42.1) emitted by the emitter (42), and limiting passage of luminous flux of any other type.

12. Installation according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the receiver (44) comprises a plate (64) of several millimetres thickness having a slit (64.2) in line with which each photosensitive element of the receiver (44) is positioned.

13. Installation according to any of Claims 3 to 12, characterized in that the movable end module (20) comprises a transverse wall (24), side walls (25, 25') and at least one moving system (26, 28) positioned on the transverse wall (24) of the movable end module (20), comprising at least one rolling element (30) and at least one motor (32) configured to drive rotation of said at least one rolling element (30).

14. Installation according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the motor (32) has a vertical axis of rotation (A32).

15. Installation according to any of Claims 3 to 12, characterized in that the movable end module (20) comprises at least one moving system (26, 28) that comprises at least one rolling element (30), at least one motor (32) and at least one clutch system configured to occupy an engaged state in which it couples the motor (32) and the rolling element (30) and a disengaged state in which it does not couple the motor (32) and the rolling element (30).