Locking system for a pool cover

Abstract

The locking system (10) includes a retaining element (11) for attachment to a pool cover; and a locking device (16) comprising a fixing housing (17) for attachment to a pool wall, first and second locking elements (22, 23) mounted sliding between a locking configuration in which the first and second locking elements (22, 23) are brought close together and are configured to cooperate with the retaining element (11) so as to lock the retaining element (11), and a release configuration in which the first and second locking elements (22, 23) are moved away from each other and are configured to release the retaining element (11), and a drive mechanism configured to move the first and second locking elements (22, 23) between the locking configuration and the release configuration.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of pool covers such as swimming pools, and more particularly relates to a system for locking a pool cover, and a pool covering system comprising such a locking system.

[0002] Pond covers are used primarily to protect the pond from water pollution and heat loss, but also to ensure the safety of children near the pond.

[0003] In a known manner, a system for covering a pool comprises a pool cover formed from a plurality of floating blades articulated along parallel axes, and a winding device connected to the pool cover and configured to wind and unwind the pool cover between a deployed position in which the pool cover covers all or substantially all of the pool and a retracted position in which the pool cover provides access to the pool.

[0004] For safety reasons, and in particular to prevent a child from falling into the pool, it is generally required to fix the pool cover to a part of the pool, in such a way as to prevent a sufficiently large gap from forming between the pool cover and the pool.

[0005] Document EP2682540 describes a locking system configured to automatically lock a pool cover in its deployed position. Such a locking system comprises an automatic locking device intended to be fixed to a wall of the pool, and for example to a wall of the pool opposite the winding device, and a retaining part intended to be fixed to the pool cover, and for example to the end of the pool cover opposite the winding device, and provided with a retaining housing. The automatic locking device comprises a locking finger movable vertically between a locking position in which the locking finger is inserted into the retaining housing and locks the pool cover in its deployed position, and an unlocking position in which the locking finger allows movement of the pool cover towards its release position.

[0006] Such a configuration of the locking device is likely to induce, in the event of a heavy fall of a person onto the pool cover near the locking device, a breakage of the locking finger and therefore the formation of a space, between the pool cover and an edge of the pool, into which said person could fall. Other locking systems for pool covers are disclosed in documents EP3196384A and EP3763899A.

[0007] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks.

[0008] The technical problem underlying the invention therefore consists of providing a system for locking a pool cover which is of simple structure, while ensuring secure and reliable locking of a pool cover.

[0009] To this end, the present invention relates to a system for locking a pool cover, comprising a retaining element intended to be fixed to the pool cover, and a locking device comprising: a fixing housing intended to be fixed to a wall of the basin, the fixing housing comprising an internal chamber and a passage opening opening into the internal chamber, the retaining element being configured to be received in the internal chamber via the passage opening, a first locking element and a second locking element which are housed at least partly in the internal chamber and which are slidably mounted relative to the fixing housing in a sliding direction and between a locking configuration in which the first and second locking elements are brought together and are configured to cooperate with the retaining element, when the retaining element is received in the internal chamber, so as to lock the retaining element,and a release configuration in which the first and second locking members are spaced apart from each other and are configured to release the retaining member so as to allow removal of the retaining member from the internal chamber, and a drive mechanism configured to move the first and second locking members between the locking configuration and the release configuration.

[0010] Such a configuration of the locking device, and more particularly of the first and second locking elements, ensures secure and reliable locking of the retaining element, and therefore of the pool cover in the deployed configuration.

[0011] The locking system may further have one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking device is configured such that under conditions of use, the sliding direction extends substantially horizontally.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking device is configured such that under conditions of use, the sliding direction extends substantially perpendicular to a direction of movement of the pool cover.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the retaining element is configured to be inserted through the passage opening in an insertion direction which is substantially parallel to the direction of movement of the pool cover, and therefore which is substantially horizontal.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the invention, the retaining element is configured to be inserted into the internal chamber, via the passage opening, in an insertion direction which is substantially vertical.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second locking elements are configured to extend at least partially opposite the passage opening when the first and second locking elements occupy the locking configuration.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking system comprises a guide device configured to slidably guide the first and second locking elements in the sliding direction when the first and second locking elements are moved by the drive mechanism between the release configuration and the locking configuration.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the guide device comprises two guide rods which are fixed to the fixing housing and which extend substantially parallel to the sliding direction, the first and second locking elements being slidably mounted on the two guide rods.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the guide rods has a circular section.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first locking element comprises two first upper guide portions offset from each other in the sliding direction and each provided with a first upper guide orifice, and two first lower guide portions offset from each other in the sliding direction and each provided with a first lower guide orifice, and the second locking element comprises two second upper guide portions offset from each other in the sliding direction and each provided with a second upper guide orifice, and two second lower guide portions offset from each other in the sliding direction and each provided with a second lower guide orifice,one of the guide rods extending through the first and second upper guide holes and the other of the guide rods extending through the first and second lower guide holes.,

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive mechanism comprises: first and second worm screws respectively having a first central longitudinal axis and a second central longitudinal axis which are substantially parallel to each other, the first and second worm screws being configured to cooperate respectively with first and second threaded drive portions provided respectively on the first and second locking elements, and a rotational drive device configured to rotate the first worm screw about the first central longitudinal axis and to rotate the second worm screw about the second central longitudinal axis.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second endless screws respectively have first and second screw pitches which are substantially identical.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second worm screws respectively have first and second threads which extend in first and second thread orientations which are opposite to each other.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rotational drive device is configured to rotate the first worm screw and the second worm screw in a first direction of rotation when the first and second locking elements are moved from the locking configuration to the release configuration and to rotate the first worm screw and the second worm screw in a second direction of rotation, which is opposite to the first direction of rotation, when the first and second locking elements are moved from the release configuration to the locking configuration.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second worm screws extend substantially coaxially with respect to each other.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second worm screws are made in a single piece.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive mechanism comprises a drive rod comprising the first and second worm screws.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rotation drive device comprises a drive motor housed in the fixing housing and configured to drive the first and second worm screws in rotation respectively around the first and second central longitudinal axes.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive motor comprises an output shaft which is rotatably coupled to the first and second worm screws. Advantageously, the output shaft of the drive motor is substantially coaxial with the first and second worm screws.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking system comprises a control unit configured to control the operation of the drive mechanism.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit is housed in the fixing housing.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking system further comprises a detection system configured to detect when the retaining element is received in the internal chamber, the control unit being configured to automatically control a movement of the first and second locking elements into the locking configuration when the detection system has detected that the retaining element is received in the internal chamber.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the detection system is a contactless detection system.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the detection system comprises a presence detector which is attached to the attachment housing and which is configured to detect when the retaining element is received in the internal chamber.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the detection system is configured to send a measurement signal to the control unit, the control unit being configured to compare the measurement signal to a predetermined threshold value and to control a movement of the first and second locking elements into the locking configuration when the measurement signal is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold value.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the detection system comprises at least one permanent magnet attached to the retaining element, and a presence detector attached to the fixing housing and configured to measure a magnetic field, the presence detector being configured to detect the reception of the retaining element in the internal chamber when a magnetic field measured by the presence detector is greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the presence detector is a Hall effect sensor.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the presence detector is located at least partly opposite the passage opening.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking system comprises a communication module, such as a radio communication module, fixed to the fixing housing and comprising a receiver configured to receive an unlocking control signal transmitted by a remote terminal, for example by Bluetooth, Wifi or any other wireless communication protocol, the control unit being connected to the communication module and being configured to control a movement of the first and second locking elements into the release configuration when an unlocking control signal is received by the receiver.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the remote terminal may be a remote control or a smartphone.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking system comprises at least one locking indicator configured to signal a locking and / or unlocking state of the locking system. These arrangements allow a user to easily view the locking and / or unlocking state of the pool cover, and therefore significantly improve the reliability of the locking system according to the present invention.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second locking elements respectively comprise first and second locking indicators, for example formed respectively by first and second colored zones provided on the first and second locking elements, which are configured to be visible respectively through first and second viewing openings provided on the fixing housing when the first and second locking elements occupy the locking configuration.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second viewing openings are provided on a front face of the fixing housing.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the retaining element comprises first and second retaining stops, the first and second locking elements being configured to cooperate respectively with the first and second retaining stops when the retaining element is received in the internal chamber and the first and second locking elements occupy the locking configuration, and being configured to release the first and second retaining stops when the first and second locking elements occupy the releasing configuration.

[0045] According to the embodiment of the invention, the passage opening has a width greater than the width of the retaining element at the first and second retaining stops.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pool cover is a slatted apron, also called a slatted shutter.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second locking elements are configured to delimit, when they occupy the locking configuration, a receiving slot which extends substantially vertically.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the passage opening is provided on a front face of the fixing housing.

[0049] The present invention further relates to a covering system configured to cover a pool, the covering system comprising: a pool cover comprising a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion, a winding device configured to be connected to the first end portion of the pool cover, and configured to wind and unwind the pool cover between a deployed position in which the pool cover covers the pool and a retracted position in which the pool cover provides access to the pool, and a locking system according to the present invention, the retaining element being fixed to the pool cover, and for example to the second end portion of the pool cover, and the fixing housing being fixed to a wall of the pool, and for example to a wall of the pool opposite the winding device.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the covering system comprises a plurality of locking systems according to the invention, for example distributed along the second end portion of the pool cover and / or along the first end portion of the pool cover.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the communication module of each locking system is configured to communicate with the communication module of each other locking system belonging to the recovery system.

[0052] In any case, the invention will be better understood with the aid of the description which follows with reference to the appended schematic drawings representing, by way of non-limiting examples, several embodiments of this locking system. [ Fig. 1 ] is a partial sectional view of a basin covering system according to the invention. Fig. 2] is a partial top view of the recovery system of the Figure 1 . [ Fig. 3 ] is a partial perspective view of the recovery system of the Figure 1 showing the basin cover in a locked configuration. Fig. 4 ] is a perspective view of a locking system according to a first embodiment of the invention, showing the locking system in a locked state. [ Fig. 5 ] is a partial perspective view of the locking system of the Figure 4 . [ Fig. 6 ] is a top sectional view of the locking system of the Figure 4 in a locked state. Fig. 7 ] is a perspective view of a retaining element belonging to the locking system of the Figure 4 . [ Fig. 8 ] is a perspective view of a locking device belonging to the locking system of the Figure 4 . [ Fig. 9] is a partial perspective view of the locking device of the figure 8 . [ Fig. 10 ] is a partial perspective view of the locking device of the figure 8 . [ Fig. 11 ] is a partial perspective view of the locking device of the figure 8 showing more particularly first and second locking elements belonging to the locking device in a locking configuration. Fig. 12 ] is a partial top view of the locking system of the Figure 4 . [ Fig. 13 ] is a partial perspective view of the locking system of the Figure 4 before an initial phase of locking the locking system. Fig. 14 ] is a partial perspective view of the locking system of the Figure 4 during an initial phase of locking the locking system. Fig. 15 ] is a partial perspective view of the locking system of the Figure 4in a locked state. Fig. 16 ] is a perspective view of a locking system according to a second embodiment of the invention. Fig. 17 ] is a perspective view of a locking system according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0053] THE figures 1 to 15 represent a covering system 2 intended to cover a pool, such as a swimming pool. The covering system 2 comprises a pool cover 3, and a winding device 4 configured to wind and unwind the pool cover 3 respectively in a winding direction SE and an unwinding direction SD.

[0054] The winding device 4 is more particularly configured to wind and unwind the pool cover 3 between a deployed position in which the pool cover 3 covers all or substantially all of the pool, and a retracted position in which the pool cover 3 provides access to the pool. The winding device 4 may for example be submerged and arranged in a dedicated compartment 5 of the pool, and be separated from the swimming area 6 by a partition 7 (see Figure 1 ).

[0055] The pool cover 3 is advantageously a slatted apron, also called a slatted shutter, comprising a plurality of slats 8 articulated together along axes perpendicular to the direction of movement D1 of the pool cover 3 (see Figure 2). The blades 8 are fitted into each other with sufficient mechanical play to allow them to be wound around the winding device 4, and are floating so as to be able to move along the waterline 9 in the swimming area 6.

[0056] The pool cover 3 comprises in particular a first end portion 3a connected to the winding device 4, and a second end portion 3b opposite the first end portion 3a. The first end portion 3a is the first portion to be wound onto the winding device 4 and the last portion to be unwound from the winding device 4, while the second end portion 3b is the last portion to be wound onto the winding device 4 and the first portion to be unwound from the winding device 4.

[0057] In order to ensure locking of the pool cover 3 in the covering position, the covering system 2 comprises a locking system 10 shown more particularly on the figures 4 to 12 .

[0058] The locking system 10 comprises a retaining element 11 fixed to the pool cover 3, and for example to the second end portion 3b of the pool cover 3. As shown in the Figure 7 , the retaining element 11 comprises a fixing portion 12 intended to be fixed, for example by screwing, to the pool cover 3 and a retaining portion 13 which is integral with the fixing portion 12.

[0059] According to the embodiment shown in the figures 1 to 15, the retaining portion 13 comprises first and second retaining stops 14, 15 provided respectively with first and second stop surfaces 14.1, 15.1. Advantageously, the first and second stop surfaces 14.1, 15.1 are coplanar.

[0060] The locking system 10 further comprises a locking device 16 comprising a fixing housing 17 configured to be fixed to a vertical wall 18 of the pool, and for example to a vertical wall of the pool which is opposite the winding device 4.

[0061] The fixing housing 17 comprises a first housing part 17.1 configured to be fixed, for example by screwing, to the vertical wall 18 of the basin, and a second housing part 17.2, such as a covering hood, fixed to the first housing part 17.1.

[0062] The first and second housing parts 17.1, 17.2 delimit an internal chamber 19, and the second housing part 17.2 comprises a passage opening 21 opening into the internal chamber 19. Advantageously, the passage opening 21 is provided on a front face of the fixing housing 17.

[0063] As shown in particular on the figures 4 And 6 , the retaining element 11 is configured to be received in the internal chamber 19 via the passage opening 21 when the pool cover 3 is in the deployed position. According to the embodiment shown in the figures 1 to 15, the retaining element 11 is configured to be inserted through the passage opening 21 in an insertion direction which is parallel to the direction of movement D1 of the pool cover 3. For this purpose, the passage opening 21 has a width greater than the width of the retaining element 11 at the first and second retaining stops 14, 15.

[0064] The locking device 16 also comprises first and second locking elements 22, 23, such as first and second locking flaps, housed in the internal chamber 19. The first and second locking elements 22, 23 are slidably mounted relative to the fixing housing 17 in a sliding direction D2, which extends horizontally and perpendicular to the direction of movement D1 of the pool cover 3, and between a locking configuration in which the first and second locking elements 22, 23 are brought closer to each other and are configured to cooperate respectively with the first and second retaining stops 14, 15 (when the retaining element 11 is received in the internal chamber 19) so as to lock the retaining element 11 in the fixing housing 17, and therefore so as to lock the pool cover 3 in a deployed position,and a release configuration in which the first and second locking members 22, 23 are spaced apart from each other and are configured to release the first and second retaining stops 14, 15 so as to allow withdrawal of the retaining member 11 from the internal chamber 19, and thus so as to allow movement of the pool cover 3 to a retracted position.,

[0065] According to the embodiment shown in the figures 1 to 15 , the first and second locking elements 22, 23 extend substantially vertically, and are slidably mounted in a sliding plane which is vertical.

[0066] The first and second locking elements 22, 23 are configured to extend partially opposite the passage opening 21 when the first and second locking elements 22, 23 occupy the locking configuration. Advantageously, the first and second locking elements 22, 23 are configured to delimit a receiving slot when they occupy the locking configuration. The receiving slot extends more particularly vertically.

[0067] According to the embodiment shown in the figures 1 to 15 , the first and second locking elements 22, 23 are similar to two sliding doors, and more particularly to the leaves of an elevator.

[0068] The locking device 16 also includes a drive mechanism configured to move the first and second locking members 22, 23 between the locking configuration and the releasing configuration.

[0069] As shown more particularly on the figures 9 to 11 , the drive mechanism comprises: first and second worm screws 24, 25 respectively having a first central longitudinal axis and a second central longitudinal axis which are parallel to each other, the first and second worm screws 24, 25 being configured to cooperate respectively with first and second threaded drive parts 22.1, 23.1 provided respectively on the first and second locking elements 22, 23, and a rotation drive device 26 configured to rotate the first worm screw 24 about the first central longitudinal axis and to rotate the second worm screw 25 about the second central longitudinal axis.

[0070] According to the embodiment shown in the figures 1 to 15, the first and second worm screws 24, 25 extend coaxially with respect to each other, respectively have first and second screw pitches which are identical and respectively have first and second threads which extend according to first and second thread orientations which are opposite to each other. Advantageously, the first and second worm screws 24, 25 are made in a single piece.

[0071] The rotation drive device 26 is more particularly configured to rotate the first worm 24 and the second worm 25 in a first direction of rotation when the first and second locking elements 22, 23 are moved from the locking configuration to the release configuration and to rotate the first worm 24 and the second worm 25 in a second direction of rotation, which is opposite to the first direction of rotation, when the first and second locking elements 22, 23 are moved from the release configuration to the locking configuration.

[0072] Advantageously, the rotation drive device 26 comprises a drive motor 27, such as a geared motor, housed in the fixing housing 17 and configured to drive the first and second endless screws 24, 25 in rotation respectively around the first and second central longitudinal axes. According to the embodiment shown in the figures 1 to 15 , the drive motor 27 comprises an output shaft which is rotatably coupled to the first and second worm screws 24, 25 and which is substantially coaxial with the first and second worm screws 24, 25.

[0073] The locking device 16 further comprises a guide device configured to slidably guide the first and second locking elements 22, 23 along the sliding direction D2 when the first and second locking elements 22, 23 are moved by the drive mechanism between the release configuration and the locking configuration.

[0074] The guide device more particularly comprises two guide rods 28 which are fixed to the fixing housing 17 and which extend parallel to the sliding direction D2, and the first and second locking elements 22, 23 are slidably mounted on the two guide rods 28. Advantageously, each of the guide rods 28 has a circular section.

[0075] According to the embodiment shown in the figures 1 to 15, the first locking element 22 comprises two first upper guide portions 22.2 offset relative to each other in the sliding direction D2 and each provided with a first upper guide orifice, and two first lower guide portions 22.3 offset relative to each other in the sliding direction D2 and each provided with a first lower guide orifice. Similarly, the second locking element 23 comprises two second upper guide portions 23.2 offset relative to each other in the sliding direction D2 and each provided with a second upper guide orifice, and two second lower guide portions 23.3 offset relative to each other in the sliding direction D2 and each provided with a second lower guide orifice.One of the guide rods 28 extends through the first and second upper guide holes, while the other guide rods 28 extends through the first and second lower guide holes.

[0076] The locking system 10 further comprises a control unit 29 (see Figure 10 ) configured to control the operation of the drive mechanism. Advantageously, the control unit 29 is housed in the fixing housing 17, and comprises for example a printed circuit board equipped with a microprocessor.

[0077] According to the embodiment shown in the figures 1 to 15, the locking system 10 further comprises a detection system, such as a contactless detection system, configured to detect when the retaining element 11 is received in the internal chamber 19, and the control unit 29 is configured to automatically control a movement of the first and second locking elements 22, 23 into the locking configuration when the detection system has detected that the retaining element 11 is received in the internal chamber 19.

[0078] As shown on the Figure 6, the detection system may for example comprise a permanent magnet 31 fixed to the retaining element 11 (the retaining element 11 may for example be overmolded onto the permanent magnet 31), and a presence detector 32, such as a Hall effect sensor, fixed to the fixing housing 17, and more particularly to the control unit 29, and configured to detect the reception of the retaining element 11 in the internal chamber 19 when a magnetic field measured by the presence detector 32 is greater than a predetermined threshold. Advantageously, the presence detector 32 is located at least partly opposite the passage opening 21.

[0079] According to such an embodiment of the invention, the presence detector 32 is configured to send a measurement signal to the control unit 29, and the control unit 29 is configured to compare the measurement signal to a predetermined threshold value and to control a movement of the first and second locking elements 22, 23 into the locking configuration when the measurement signal is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold value.

[0080] The locking system 10 also comprises a communication module 33, such as a radio communication module, attached to the fixing housing 17. The communication module 33 more particularly comprises a receiver configured to receive an unlocking control signal transmitted by a remote terminal (such as a remote control or a smartphone), for example by Bluetooth, Wifi or any other wireless communication protocol, and the control unit 29, which is connected to the communication module 33, is configured to control a movement of the first and second locking elements 22, 23 into the release configuration when an unlocking control signal is received by the receiver. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the unlocking control signal could be transmitted to the control unit 29 in a wired manner, for example from a control unit equipping the winding device 4.

[0081] The locking system 10 also comprises first and second locking indicators 34, 35 configured to signal a locking state and an unlocking state of the locking system 10.

[0082] According to the embodiment shown in the figures 1 to 15, the first and second locking indicators 34, 35 are respectively provided on the first and second locking elements 22, 23, and are configured on the one hand to be visible respectively through first and second viewing openings 36, 37 provided on the front face of the fixing housing 17, when the first and second locking elements 22, 23 occupy the locking configuration, and not to be visible respectively through the first and second viewing openings 36, 37, when the first and second locking elements 22, 23 occupy the release configuration. Advantageously, the first and second locking indicators 34, 35 may for example be formed respectively by first and second colored zones provided on the first and second locking elements 22, 23.

[0083] According to the embodiment shown in the figures 1 to 15, the power supply of the locking device 16, and in particular of the control unit 29 and the drive motor 27, is carried out by a power supply wire 38. It is thus also possible to transmit the unlocking control signal to the locking device 16 in a wired manner (via the power supply wire 38), rather than by a wireless communication protocol.

[0084] A method of locking the pool cover 3 will now be described with reference to figures 1 to 15 , considering that initially the first and second locking elements 22, 23 are in the release configuration, and the pool cover 3 is wound around the winding device 4 (see Figure 1 ).

[0085] This locking process includes the following steps: unrolling the pool cover 3 such that the pool cover 3 reaches its deployed position, detecting the reception of the retaining element 11 in the internal chamber 19, automatically controlling a movement of the first and second locking elements 22, 23 into the locking configuration, such that the first and second locking elements 22, 23 cooperate with the first and second stop surfaces 14.1, 15.1 so as to lock the retaining element 11 and thus prevent unintentional movement of the pool cover 3 towards its retracted position.

[0086] In such a configuration of the first and second locking elements 22, 23, the first and second locking indicators 34, 35 are visible through the first and second viewing openings 36, 37 so as to signal a locking state of the locking system 10 (see Figure 15 ).

[0087] A method of unlocking the pool cover 3 will now be described, considering that initially the locking elements 22, 23 are in the locking configuration and the pool cover 3 is in the deployed position.

[0088] This unlocking process includes the following steps: transmitting an unlocking control signal using a remote terminal, receiving the unlocking control signal via the receiver of the communication module 33, controlling a movement of the first and second locking elements 22, 23 into the release configuration, and rolling up the pool cover 3 onto the rolling device 4.

[0089] According to an embodiment not shown in the figures, the locking system 10 could comprise a detection device configured to detect when the first and second locking elements 22, 23 occupy the locking configuration and / or the release configuration.Such a detection device could for example comprise first and second permanent magnets attached respectively to the first and second locking elements 22, 23, a first pair of Hall effect sensors configured to detect when the first and second locking elements 22, 23 occupy the locking configuration based on the detection of the magnetic fields generated respectively by the first and second permanent magnets and a second pair of Hall effect sensors configured to detect when the first and second locking elements 22, 23 occupy the release configuration based on the detection of the magnetic fields generated respectively by the first and second permanent magnets.

[0090] The presence of such a detection device makes it possible in particular to easily control the stopping of the drive motor 27 when the first and second locking elements 22, 23 respectively reach the locking configuration and the release configuration.

[0091] The presence of such a detection device could also make it possible to prevent a rolling up of the pool cover 3, i.e. a movement of the pool cover 3 towards the retracted position, as long as the detection device has not detected that the first and second locking elements 22, 23 occupy the release configuration.

[0092] According to such an embodiment of the invention, it would be possible to dispense with the first and second locking indicators 34, 35, since it would then be possible to transmit to a user's smartphone the locking or unlocking state of the locking system 10 depending on the position occupied by the first and second locking elements 22, 23.

[0093] According to another embodiment not shown in the figures, the detection system could comprise at least one position sensor provided on the pool cover 3, and the control unit 29 would then be configured to automatically control a movement of the first and second locking elements 22, 23 into the locking configuration when the detection system has detected that the pool cover 3 has reached the deployed position.

[0094] According to yet another embodiment not shown in the figures, it could be envisaged to equip the fixing housing 17 with a rechargeable battery to provide the electrical power supply to the locking device 16, and in particular to the control unit 29 and the drive motor 27.

[0095] There figure 16 represents a locking system 10 according to a second embodiment of the invention which differs from the first embodiment shown in the figures 1 to 15 essentially in that the fixing housing 17 is configured to be fixed to a vertical wall 18 of the pool which is located on the side of the winding device 4, and in that the retaining element 11 is intended to be fixed to the first end 3a of the pool cover 3.

[0096] According to such an embodiment of the invention, the passage opening 21 has a width less than the width of the retaining element 11 at the first and second retaining stops 14, 15, and opens into a lower face of the fixing housing 17. According to such an embodiment of the invention, the retaining element 11 is configured to be inserted into the internal chamber 19, via the passage opening 21, in an insertion direction which is substantially vertical and oriented from bottom to top. In order to facilitate the insertion of the retaining element 11 into the internal chamber 19, the fixing housing 17 may for example be provided with a guide portion 41 which is located near the lower end of the passage opening 21 and which is configured to cooperate with the retaining element 11, and more particularly with the first and second retaining stops 14, 15.

[0097] There Figure 17represents a locking system 10 according to a third embodiment of the invention which differs from the second embodiment shown in the figure 16 essentially in that the winding device 4 is not immersed in the basin, and in that the passage opening 21 opens into an upper face of the fixing housing 17.

[0098] According to such an embodiment of the invention, the retaining element 11 is configured to be inserted into the internal chamber 19, via the passage opening 21, in an insertion direction which is substantially vertical and oriented from top to bottom, and the guide portion 41 is located near the upper end of the passage opening 21.

[0099] As goes without saying, the invention is not limited to the embodiments of this locking system 10, described above as examples, but rather encompasses all the variant embodiments.

Claims

1. A locking system (10) for a pool cover (3), comprising a retaining element (11) intended to be fastened to the pool cover (3), and a locking device (16) comprising: - a fastening case (17) intended to be fastened to a wall of the pool, the fastening case (17) including an internal chamber (19) and a passage opening (21) opening into the internal chamber (19), the retaining element (11) being configured to be received in the internal chamber (19) via the passage opening (21), - a first locking element (22) and a second locking element (23) which are housed at least partially in the internal chamber (19) and which are slidably mounted relative to the fastening case (17) in a sliding direction (D2) and between a locking configuration in which the first and second locking elements (22, 23) are brought closer to each other and are configured to cooperate with the retaining element (11), when the retaining element (11) is received in the internal chamber (19), so as to lock the retaining element (11), and a release configuration in which the first and second locking elements (22, 23) are spaced apart and are configured to release the retaining element (11) so as to allow removal of the retaining element (11) from the internal chamber (19), and - a drive mechanism configured to move the first and second locking elements (22, 23) between the locking configuration and the release configuration.

2. The locking system (10) according to claim 1, which includes a guide device configured to slidably guide the first and second locking elements (22, 23) along the sliding direction (D2) when the first and second locking elements (22, 23) are moved by the drive mechanism between the release configuration and the locking configuration.

3. The locking system (10) according to claim 2, wherein the guide device includes two guide rods (28) which are fastened to the fastening case (17) and which extend substantially parallel to the sliding direction (D2), the first and second locking elements (22, 23) being slidably mounted on the two guide rods (28).

4. The locking system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the drive mechanism includes: - first and second worm screws (24, 25) respectively having a first central longitudinal axis and a second central longitudinal axis which are substantially parallel to each other, the first and second worm screws (24, 25) being configured to cooperate respectively with first and second threaded drive parts provided respectively on the first and second locking elements (22, 23), and - a rotation drive device (26) configured to drive in rotation the first worm screw (24) about the first central longitudinal axis and to drive in rotation the second worm screw (25) about the second central longitudinal axis.

5. The locking system (10) according to claim 4, wherein the rotation drive device (26) is configured to drive in rotation the first worm screw (24) and the second worm screw (25) in a first direction of rotation when the first and second locking elements (22, 23) are moved from the locking configuration to the release configuration and to drive in rotation the first worm screw (24) and the second worm screw (25) in a second direction of rotation, which is opposite to the first direction of rotation, when the first and second locking elements (22, 23) are moved from the release configuration to the locking configuration.

6. The locking system (10) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first and second worm screws (24, 25) extend substantially coaxially relative to each other.

7. The locking system (10) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the first and second worm screws (24, 25) are made in a single piece.

8. The locking system (10) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the rotation drive device (26) includes a drive motor (27) housed in the fastening case (17) and configured to drive in rotation the first and second worm screws (24, 25) respectively about the first and second central longitudinal axes.

9. The locking system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which includes a control unit (29) configured to control the operation of the drive mechanism.

10. The locking system (10) according to claim 9, which further includes a detection system configured to detect when the retaining element (11) is received in the internal chamber (19), the control unit (29) being configured to automatically control a movement of the first and second locking elements (22, 23) into the locking configuration when the detection system has detected that the retaining element (11) is received in the internal chamber (19).

11. The locking system (10) according to claim 10, wherein the detection system includes at least one permanent magnet (31) fastened to the retaining element (11), and a presence detector (32) fastened to the fastening case (17) and configured to measure a magnetic field, the presence detector (32) being configured to detect the reception of the retaining element (11) in the internal chamber (19) when a magnetic field measured by the presence detector (32) is greater than a predetermined threshold.

12. The locking system (10) according to claim 11, which includes a communication module (33) fastened to the fastening case (17) and comprising a receiver configured to receive an unlocking control signal emitted by a remote terminal, the control unit (29) being connected to the communication module (33) and being configured to control a movement of the first and second locking elements (22, 23) into the release configuration when an unlocking control signal is received by the receiver.

13. The locking system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, which includes at least one locking indicator (34, 35) configured to report a locking and / or unlocking state of the locking system (10).

14. The locking system (10) according to claim 13, wherein the first and second locking elements (22, 23) respectively include first and second locking indicators (34, 35) which are configured to be visible respectively through first and second viewing openings (36, 37) provided on the fastening case (17) when the first and second locking elements (22, 23) occupy the locking configuration.

15. The locking system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the retaining element (11) includes first and second retaining stops (14, 15), the first and second locking elements (22, 23) being configured to cooperate respectively with the first and second retaining stops (14, 15) when the retaining element (11) is received in the internal chamber (19) and the first and second locking elements (22, 23) occupy the locking configuration, and being configured to release the first and second retaining stops (14, 15) when the first and second locking elements (22, 23) occupy the release configuration.

16. A covering system (2) configured to cover a pool, the covering system (2) comprising: - a pool cover (3) comprising a first end portion (3a) and a second end portion (3b) opposite the first end portion (3a), - a winding device (4) configured to be connected to the first end portion (3a) of the pool cover (3), and configured to wind and unwind the pool cover (3) between a deployed position in which the pool cover (3) covers the pool and a retracted position in which the pool cover (3) provides access to the pool, and - a locking system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, the retaining element (11) being fastened to the pool cover (3) and the fastening case (17) being fastened to a wall of the pool.

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