Method for guiding a telescopic shelter, installation comprising a telescopic shelter provided with at least one guiding device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for guiding a telescopic shelter (16) positioned on a platform (14) and using at least one guidance device comprising a transmitter (42) capable of emitting at least one beam (42.1) and a receiver (44) capable of receiving the beam (42.1). The method includes a step of positioning at least one first element of the transmitter (42) and receiver (44) in a reference position on the platform (14). A second element, different from the first element of the transmitter (42) and receiver (44), is attached to the movable end module (20) of the telescopic shelter (16). According to the invention, the movable end module (20) of the telescopic shelter (16) is always correctly guided during the change of state (retracted / deployed) of the telescopic shelter.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.

Description

[0001] The present application relates to a method for guiding a telescopic shelter and to an installation comprising a telescopic shelter equipped with at least one guiding device for implementing said method. The invention is more particularly suitable for telescopic shelters intended to cover swimming pools.

[0002] According to a known embodiment, a telescopic shelter suitable for covering a pool of a swimming pool comprises several modules including a fixed end module positioned at a first end of the pool and mobile modules capable of nesting into each other at the fixed end module. Thus, the telescopic shelter is configured to occupy a retracted state in which the modules are positioned on top of each other, at the first end of the pool, and a deployed state in which the modules are positioned next to each other and cover the pool. Between the retracted and deployed states, the mobile modules move on the platform surrounding the pool.

[0003] The various mobile modules comprise rolling elements in the lower part, such as wheels for example, to make them mobile. To facilitate the change of state (deployed / retracted) of the telescopic shelter, at least one mobile end module, in particular the one furthest from the fixed end module, is motorized. For this purpose, the mobile end module comprises at least two drive wheels positioned on either side of the pool.

[0004] To enable the transition from the retracted to the deployed state and vice versa, it is necessary that the mobile modules 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 device for guiding mobile modules, without rails on the ground. Each device comprises a transmitter, configured to emit a light beam, secured to a first element among the fixed end module and the mobile end module, a multi-zone type receiver, configured to receive the light beam emitted by the transmitter, secured to a second element different from the first element among the fixed end module and the mobile end module as well as a processing unit configured to control the drive wheels, and in particular their advances, according to the zone of the receivers impacted by the light beam.

[0006] According to this document, the telescopic shelter comprises two guidance devices positioned on either side of the pool, a first guidance device comprising a first transmitter and a first multi-zone type receiver, positioned on a first side of the pool and associated with a first drive wheel positioned on this first side, as well as a second guidance device comprising a second transmitter and a second multi-zone type receiver, positioned on a second side of the pool and associated with a second drive wheel positioned on this second side. When the mobile modules move, the first and second transmitters permanently emit respectively first and second light beams impacting the first and second multi-zone type receivers.

[0007] According to this document, the guidance method consists of analyzing, for each multi-zone receiver, the area impacted by the light beam, determining a shift between the impacted area and a central area, and determining, based on this shift, a compensation action consisting of accelerating or slowing down the rotation speed of at least one drive wheel. According to one operating mode, if the area impacted by the light beam on one side of the pool moves away from the central area, then the processing unit causes a slowing down or an acceleration of the drive wheel on that same side so that the light beam moves back towards the central area. According to another operating mode, the differences observed on the first and second receivers are transmitted to the same processing unit which coordinates the forward movements of the two drive wheels positioned on either side of the pool.

[0008] For this guidance device to function properly, the fixed end module must be correctly positioned on the platform. Otherwise, the telescopic shelter will not be correctly positioned relative to the pool in the deployed state. Following initial installation of the telescopic shelter by a professional, the fixed end module is correctly positioned and the telescopic shelter correctly covers the pool in the deployed state. However, in certain circumstances, it may be necessary to remove the telescopic shelter. Replacing the telescopic shelter, and in particular the fixed end module, by a non-professional can be difficult. Thus, incorrect orientation of the fixed end module by a few degrees can cause the mobile end module to be offset by several tens of centimeters when the telescopic shelter is in the deployed state.

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

[0010] To this end, the subject of the invention is a method for guiding a telescopic shelter positioned on a platform and comprising a fixed end module immobile relative to the platform as well as 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 as well as a step of managing the trajectory of the mobile end module as a function of the area of ​​the receiver impacted by the beam.

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

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

[0013] The invention also relates to an installation comprising a telescopic shelter equipped with a guidance device making it possible to implement the guidance method of the invention.

[0014] Other characteristics and advantages will emerge from the description of the invention which follows, a description given by way of example only, with reference to the appended drawings, among which: There figure 1 is a perspective view of a telescopic shelter equipped with a guidance device illustrating an embodiment of the invention, The figure 2 is a schematic top view of a telescopic shelter equipped with a guidance 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 guidance device illustrating another embodiment of the invention, The figure 4 is a schematic top view of a telescopic shelter equipped with a guidance device illustrating another embodiment of the invention, The figure 5 is a perspective view of a transmitter illustrating one embodiment of the invention, The figure 6 is a perspective view of the transmitter visible on the figure 5 showing its underside, The figure 7 is a perspective view of the transmitter visible on the figure 5 , in the 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 is a schematic representation of a motorization system for a mobile module of a telescopic shelter, The 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 guidance 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 movement system visible on the figure 15 .

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

[0016] The telescopic shelter 16 comprises a fixed end module 18 immobile relative to the platform 14, a mobile end module 20 and possibly at least one mobile intermediate module 22. According to the example illustrated in the figure 1 , the telescopic shelter 16 comprises two movable intermediate modules. The movable end and intermediate modules 20, 22 are configured to move along a trajectory parallel to a direction of movement DD between the deployed state and the retracted state. In the case of a rectangular pool 12, the direction of movement DD is substantially parallel to the long 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 the basin 12, a second side 18.2, 20.2, 22.2 positioned to the left of the basin 12 as well as a central part 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 provided with rolling elements (such as wheels for example) or any other means making it possible to move the corresponding module in the direction of movement DD.

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

[0019] The various modules 18, 20, 22 are sized to nest within each other. According to one variant, the fixed end module 18 is the largest module and the movable end module 20 is the smallest module. According to 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 comprises 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] The modules 18, 20, 22 are not further described because they are known to those 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 zone is covered by the telescopic shelter 16.

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

[0024] Each movement system 26 may comprise one or more rolling element(s) 30 and / or one or more motorization(s) 32. According to the example visible 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 movement systems 26, 28 are powered by at least one power supply.

[0026] According to one configuration, the power supply is offset relative to the telescopic shelter 16.

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

[0028] The telescopic shelter 16 comprises 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 comprise at least one first or second servo device 36, 38.

[0029] According to one arrangement, each movement system 26, 28 comprises a box 40 configured to contain the motorization(s) 32, the servo peripheral 36, 38 and at least one on-board electrical energy source 34 such as a battery for example. This box 40 is fixed to the mobile end module 20, in particular to the chassis of this module. Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for the movement systems 26, 28.

[0030] The telescopic shelter 16 comprises at least one guidance device comprising at least one transmitter 42 configured to transmit a beam 42.1 as well as at least one receiver 44 configured to receive the beam 42.1.

[0031] According to embodiments visible on the figures 1, 2 And 4, the telescopic shelter 16 comprises a single guidance device comprising a transmitter 42 configured to transmit a beam 42.1 as well as a receiver 44 configured to receive the beam 42.1. According to 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 contained in the vertical median plane PMV or offset from the latter.

[0032] According to another embodiment visible on the figure 3 , the telescopic shelter 16 comprises first and second guidance devices, the first guidance device comprising a first transmitter 42 configured to transmit a first beam 42.1 and a first receiver 44 configured to receive the first beam 42.1, the second guidance device comprising a second transmitter 42' configured to transmit a second beam 42.1' and a second receiver 44' configured to receive the second beam 42.1'. According to one arrangement, the first transmitter 42, the first beam 42.1 and the first receiver 44 are aligned along a first straight line substantially parallel to the vertical median plane PMV and substantially aligned with the first side 20.1 of the mobile end module 20. The second transmitter 42', the second beam 42.1' and the second receiver 44' are aligned along a second straight 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 a characteristic of the invention, for each guidance device, a first ground element among the transmitter 42 and the receiver 44 is positioned on the platform 14 according to a reference position and immobilized relative to the latter. In addition, a second on-board element, different from the first element among the transmitter 42 and the receiver 44, is integral with the mobile end module 20.

[0034] According to one configuration, for each guidance device, the receiver 44 is secured to the platform 14 and the transmitter 42 is secured 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 the latter while the receiver 44 is integral with 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 passes above 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 as to be further away from the fixed end module 18 than from the mobile end module 20 when the telescopic shelter is in the deployed state. According to this variant, the beam 42.1 does not pass through any transverse wall 24 and does not pass above the pool 12. This solution limits the risks of disturbances to the beam 42.1.

[0036] In the presence of a single guide device, the receiver 44 is fixed on the lower crosspiece 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 integral with the first movement system 26 and integrated into its box 40. In addition, the second receiver 44' is integral with 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 according to the reference position. According to this embodiment, each guidance device comprises a first housing 46 integrating the transmitter 42 which comprises a lower face 46.1 configured to be placed on the platform 14 according to the reference position.

[0040] In order 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 fitted to the points. The transmitter 42 is correctly positioned if the user positions it so that the points and the holes coincide.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, each transmitter 42 and the platform 14 have shapes which cooperate with each other so as to immobilize the transmitter 42 in a single position corresponding to the reference position. According to one configuration, the platform 14 comprises at least two indentations (hollow relative to its upper face). In addition, the first housing 46 comprises at least two pins 48 projecting relative to its lower face 46.1, each pin 48 having a section adjusted to that of an indentation. The pins 48 and the indentations are cylindrical and have substantially the same diameter. The invention is not limited to these solutions for positioning the removable transmitter 42 according to the reference position on the platform 14.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the first housing 46 comprises first and second parts 50.1, 50.2 which fit together so as to delimit a cavity, the first part comprising the lower face 46.1.

[0043] The transmitter 42 comprises a beam generator 52 configured to emit the beam 42.1 as well as an energy source 54 (such as a battery) configured to supply energy to the beam generator 52. According to one operating mode, the beam generator 52 is configured to occupy an activated state in which it emits the beam 42.1 and a deactivated state in which it does not emit beam 42.1. In this case, the transmitter 42 comprises 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.

[0044] According to an illustrative embodiment, 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.

[0045] Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for the transmitter 42 and the first housing 46. In addition, the beam 42.1 is not necessarily a light beam. Each transmitter 42 can operate continuously or only when the transmitter 42 is in an activated state. According to one configuration, each transmitter 42 is configured so as to emit a beam 42.1 which has a different wavelength and as far as possible from those of the sources of disturbance, such as daylight or sun rays, so as to discriminate it more easily. The transmitter 42 can be configured to modulate the emitted beam 42.1.

[0046] 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.

[0047] According to a second embodiment visible on the figure 12 , the beam generator 52 is configured to emit a straight-line beam performing a scan in a vertical plane over an angular sector of the order of 10° or to emit a beam in the shape of an angular sector positioned in a vertical plane and measuring of the order of 10°. According to this second embodiment, the beam generator 52 is configured to emit at least one beam 42.1 which generates several points of impact distributed over a vertical segment. This solution makes it possible to compensate for any defects in the flatness of the platform 14 or in the inclination of the platform 14.

[0048] As illustrated in the figure 9 , the receiver 44 has a photosensitive plate 58 which has an impact face F58 which is substantially vertical and positioned in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement DD. According to one configuration, the receiver 44 comprises a plate 58 as well as a plurality of sensors 60 positioned on the impact face F58 and distributed along at least one substantially horizontal straight line.

[0049] To give an order of magnitude, each sensor 60 has a square surface of approximately 1 mm on each side, the sensors 60 being spaced apart by a distance of the order of 1 mm. The sensors 60 are photosensitive sensors (photodiodes, phototransistors) configured to emit a signal when they are impacted by a beam 42.1. The receiver 44 may comprise a central sensor 60 as well as 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 the central or secondary sensor 60, 60' impacted by the beam 42.1 emitted by the transmitter 42 associated with the receiver 44.

[0050] Of course, the invention is not limited to this type of sensors or to these shapes, these dimensions and this spacing for the sensors 60, 60'. Each receiver 44 may comprise only one element such as a camera or a linear camera for example. Whatever the embodiment, each receiver 44 is configured to generate at least one signal as a function of 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'.

[0051] According to one embodiment, each receiver 44 comprises a second housing 62 which has a first slot 62.1 in line with which at least one photosensitive element (photosensitive sensors or photosensitive panel) is positioned.

[0052] According to one configuration, the receiver 44 comprises a filtration system to promote the passage through the first slot 62.1 of the beam 42.1 emitted by the transmitter 42 and to limit the passage of other light fluxes such as daylight or sun rays for example. This filtration system may be of the optical type and comprise a plate, positioned at the first slot 62.1, transparent for a range of wavelengths including the wavelength of the beam 42.1 emitted by the transmitter 42 and reflective for the light fluxes which have wavelengths located outside said range.

[0053] According to another solution, the filtration system is of the mechanical type and comprises a deflector for reflecting disturbing light fluxes so that they do not impact the sensors 60, 60'. According to another embodiment, the receiver 44 comprises a plate 64 several millimeters thick, pressed against the face of the second housing 62 at the level of which the first slot 62.1 is formed. This plate 64 comprises a second slot 64.2, in line with which each photosensitive element of the receiver 44 is positioned, which has the same dimensions as the first slot 62.1 of the second housing 62 and coincides with the latter. This plate 64 is made of a black material. Given its thickness, this plate 64 prevents the sun's rays from impacting the photosensitive element(s).

[0054] 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.

[0055] According to a configuration visible on the figure 3 , a receiver 44 and its second housing 62 are integrated into the box 40 of each movement system 26, 28.

[0056] According to another configuration visible on the figure 10 , a receiver 44 and its second housing 62 are integrated into the box 40 of a single movement system 26.

[0057] 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 crosspiece 24.1 of the transverse wall 24 of the mobile end module 20.

[0058] Whatever 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) are positioned in the reference plane to be impacted by the beam 42.1 emitted by the transmitter 42. The transmitter 42 and the receiver 44 of the same guidance device are positioned so that the beam 42.1 emitted by the transmitter 42 impacts the reference point (the central sensor 60) when the mobile end module 20 is correctly oriented.

[0059] According to a feature of the invention, the guidance device comprises at least one processing unit 66 configured to control each servo peripheral 36, 38 as a function of the signal emitted by the receiver(s) 44. According to one configuration, the guidance device comprises a single receiver 44 as well as a single processing unit 66 configured to control the first and second servo peripherals 36, 38 positioned on either side of the mobile end module 20. According to another configuration, the guidance device comprises first and second receivers 44, 44', a single processing unit 66 as well as first and second servo peripherals 36, 38.The processing unit 66 is configured to determine at least one compensation action as a function of the signal(s) generated by the receiver(s) 44 and to control the servo peripherals 36, 38 as a function of the compensation action determined previously. More generally, the processing unit 66 is configured to manage the trajectory of the mobile end module 20 as a function of the zone of the receiver 44 impacted by the beam emitted by the transmitter 42.

[0060] Whatever the embodiment, a guidance method comprises a step of positioning on the platform 14 in a reference position at least a first element among the transmitter 42 and the receiver 44, a second element, different from the first element among the transmitter 42 and the receiver 44, being integral with the mobile end module 20, a step of determining a zone of the receiver impacted by the beam 42.1 emitted by the transmitter 42 as well as a step of managing the trajectory of the mobile end module 20 as a function of the zone of the receiver 44 impacted by the beam 42.1 emitted by the transmitter 42.

[0061] According to one operating mode, 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.

[0062] The guidance method comprises 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 able to be in a deactivated state and not to emit a beam 42.1 outside of a change of state of the telescopic shelter 16.

[0063] According to one operating mode, the guidance method comprises a step of comparing the area of ​​the receiver 44 impacted by the beam 42.1 and a reference point, a step of determining a compensation action as a function of 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 as a function of the compensation action determined in the previous step. According to one configuration, the compensation action may consist of differentiating the advance speeds of the first and second movement systems 26, 28, the advance speed of one of the movement systems being increased or reduced relative to that of the other movement system so as to cause a change in trajectory of the mobile end module 20.

[0064] According to an embodiment visible on the figure 13 , the telescopic shelter 16 comprises a fixed end module 18 immobile relative to a platform 14, a mobile end module 20 and possibly at least one mobile intermediate module 22. The fixed and mobile end modules 18, 20 each comprise a transverse wall 24 as well as side walls 25, 25' parallel to each other and to the median vertical plane PMV. According to a first configuration, the fixed and mobile end modules 18, 20 are configured so that the mobile end module 20 is positioned around the fixed end module 18 in the retracted state. According to a second configuration, the fixed and mobile end modules 18, 20 are configured so that the mobile end module 20 fits into the fixed end module 18 in the retracted state.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the telescopic shelter 16 comprises at least one movement system 26 positioned against the transverse wall 24 of the mobile end module 20, in line with one of the side walls 25, 25'. According to a configuration visible on the figure 13 , the telescopic shelter 16 comprises first and second movement systems 26, 28 positioned against the transverse wall 24 of the mobile end module 20, respectively in line with 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 projecting laterally relative to the side walls 25, 25'.

[0066] Positioning the movement system(s) 26 against the transverse wall 24 makes it possible to have no element projecting relative to the side walls 25, 25'. This solution makes it possible to limit the footprint of the telescopic shelter 16 when it is in the retracted state, the movement systems 26, 28 not being inserted between two modules in the retracted state.

[0067] Each movement system 26, 28 may comprise at least one rolling element 30 and at least one motorization 32 configured to drive the rolling element(s) 30 in rotation as well as a box 40 in which the motorization(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 comprises a slot 40.1, the receiver 44 being positioned at the right of the slot 40.1 of the box 40.

[0068] This solution makes it possible to obtain an autonomous movement system 26, 28 which integrates part of the guidance system.

[0069] According to one embodiment, each movement system 26, 28 comprises 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.

[0070] As illustrated on the figures 14, 15 , at least one displacement system 26, 28 comprises at least a part of a locking system 72, such as a horizontal tab provided with a hole.

[0071] To obtain a compact movement system 26, 28, each of them comprises a rolling element 30 such as a roller or a wheel which has a horizontal axis of rotation A30 as well as a motorization 32 which has a vertical axis of rotation A32. The fact of providing a vertical axis of rotation A32 for the motorization 32 makes it possible to obtain a movement system 26, 28 which has a reduced horizontal section.

[0072] Each movement system 26, 28 also comprises a coupling mechanism 74 for coupling the rolling element 30 and the motorization 32. This coupling mechanism 74 comprises an angle transmission 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.

[0073] Each movement system 26, 28 may comprise at least one on-board electrical energy source 34 for supplying electrical energy to the motorization 32 and / or at least one servo system 36 for controlling the motorization 32 and the movements of the mobile end module 20.

[0074] According to one embodiment, at least one movement system 26, 28 comprises at least one clutch system. According to one arrangement, the latter is positioned between the pinion and the wheel of the rolling element 30. This clutch system is configured to occupy an engaged state in which it couples the motorization 32 and the rolling element 30 and a disengaged state in which it does not couple the motorization 32 and the rolling element 30, the latter being able to roll independently of the motorization 32. According to one configuration, the clutch system is of the manual type and can be actuated by a key for example.

[0075] By default, the clutch system is in the engaged state. In this case, when the motorization 32 is not operating, the module secured to the movement system 26, 28 cannot move.

[0076] When a user wishes to move a module while the motor 32 is stopped, in the event of a breakdown 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) immobile relative to the platform (14), a mobile end module (20) capable of moving on the platform (14) along a trajectory between a retracted state and a deployed state, the guidance method using at least one guidance device comprising a transmitter (42) capable of emitting at least one beam (42.1) as well as a receiver (44) capable of receiving the beam (42.1) emitted by the transmitter (42), the method comprising a step of determining an area of the receiver (44) impacted by the beam (42.1) emitted by the transmitter (42) as well as 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); characterized in thatthe guiding method comprises a step of positioning on the platform (14) in a reference position at least a first element among the transmitter (42) and the receiver (44), a second element, different from the first element among the transmitter (42) and the receiver (44), being integral with the mobile end module (20).

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

3. Installation comprising a platform (14) as well as a telescopic shelter (16) positioned on the platform (14), comprising a fixed end module (18) immobile relative to the platform (14) and a mobile end module (20) capable of moving on the platform (14) along a trajectory between a retracted state and a deployed state, the telescopic shelter (16) comprising at least one guidance device which comprises a transmitter (42) capable of emitting at least one beam (42.1), a receiver (44) configured to receive the beam (42.1) as well as a processing unit (66) configured to manage the trajectory of the mobile end module (20) as a function of the zone of the receiver (44) impacted by the beam (42.1) emitted by the transmitter (42); characterized in that, for each guidance device, a first element among the transmitter (42) and the receiver (44) is positioned on the platform (14) according to a reference position, a second element, different from the first element among the transmitter (42) and the receiver (44), being integral with the mobile end module (20).

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

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

6. Installation according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, for each guidance device, the transmitter (42) is removable and placed on the platform (14) and immobilized relative to the platform (14) in the reference position.

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

8. Installation according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that each transmitter (42) is configured so as to emit a beam (42.1) which has a different wavelength and is as far away as possible from those of the sources of disturbance.

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

10. Installation according to one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that each receiver (44) comprises a second housing (62) which 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 to promote the passage through the first slot (62.1) of the beam (42.1) emitted by the transmitter (42) and to limit the passage of other light fluxes.

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

13. Installation according to one of claims 3 to 12, characterized in thatthe mobile end module (20) comprises a transverse wall (24) as well as side walls (25, 25') as well as at least one movement system (26, 28) positioned against the transverse wall (24) of the mobile end module (20), comprising at least one rolling element (30) and at least one motorization (32) configured to drive the rolling element(s) (30) in rotation.

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

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

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