SYSTEM FOR CLEANING OR POLISHING THE WALLS OF AQUATIC POOLS WITH CURVED WALLS

Abstract

A treatment device (1) for the internal walls of aquatic basins (2) comprising at least one suction cup head (10), a mobility assembly for moving the suction cup head (10) along a wall (3) to be treated, said mobility assembly comprising a wheeled (30) with motorized wheels (31) orientable in two unique rolling positions, these two positions being angularly spaced 90 degrees apart. FIGURE 1

Description

Title of the invention: SYSTEM FOR CLEANING OR POLISHING THE WALLS OF AQUATIC POOLS WITH CURVED WALLS Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for treating the walls of aquatic basins. It relates more particularly to a system for treating the internal walls of aquatic basins comprising at least one working head, a mobility assembly making it possible to move the working head along a wall to be treated. Prior art

[0002] Aquatic pools such as aquariums are intended to be observed by the public and must therefore have clean walls with a high quality of transparency. Cleaning of the transparent surfaces of aquatic pools must therefore be carried out regularly. Most pools contain several varieties of fish and marine plants, often a source of various dirt and leading to the deposition of biofilms along the walls of the pool. Biofilms can easily hinder the visibility of an aquarium after only a few days. Cleaning the walls must therefore be repeated at regular intervals to prevent the biofilm from becoming too thick and difficult to remove.

[0003] Various methods of the prior art make it possible to clean the transparent surfaces of aquariums. Often, the known methods require not only intrusive means that are harmful to the life forms present in aquatic basins, but also heavy human intervention that is not easily implemented.

[0004] Generally speaking, the cleaning of transparent surfaces of aquatic pools is carried out by hand. Large pools are often cleaned by operators placed on available surfaces above the pool. They use poles equipped with brushes or sponges to scrub the walls. The movements made are irregular and certain areas may be missed. The quality of the cleaning is often approximate due to the application of a non-constant friction force and a random number of passes.

[0005] Other cleaning methods are also known. For example, systems are known comprising an element internal to the basin and an element external to the basin, the two elements cooperating together thanks to a magnetic effect. An operator, placed outside the basin, can then move the external element, thereby pulling the internal element along.

[0006] For example, patent application EP2012581 proposes a device for cleaning aquarium glass, and in particular internal aquarium glass. This device comprises an element that can be positioned on the internal wall of the aquarium glass. The device also comprises an external element that is positioned on the external face of the wall. The internal and external elements of the device are respectively attracted by the magnetic force so that the internal element of the device follows the movements of the external element. A cleaning surface is installed within the device. This surface is turned directly against the internal wall of the aquarium. This device facilitates the cleaning of small walls. For large, often high, walls, the operator is forced to use various means to be able to cover the entire surface.

[0007] Document EP1947932 also relates to an aquarium cleaning device having an internal component which comprises a plate serving as a cleaning surface, and an alternatively operative cleaning component, located on a surface opposite the surface to be cleaned. A magnetic element is placed on the plate and a flotation means is provided at one end of the plate. An external component comprises a body attaching to the outer surface of a wall of the aquarium. A second magnetic element is carried by the body, such that the body can be positioned between the two magnetic elements with the cleaning surface adjacent to the aquarium wall. By moving the body between the first and second positions, the internal component is moved within the aquarium to clean the different surfaces.

[0008] Also, application WO2008006259 describes a magnetic aquarium glass cleaner comprising an inner cleaning element intended to slide on the inner surface of the glass. This inner cleaning element comprises a front cover, a back cover, a magnet, as well as a cleaning surface. The device also comprises an outer cleaning element positioned on the outer surface of the glass. The magnetic force between the inner and outer cleaning elements makes it possible to drive the movement of the inner cleaning element by moving the outer cleaning element.

[0009] Application EP1738642 relates to a device for cleaning the internal surface of an aquarium comprising an inner body. The inner body comprises a cleaning surface composed of foam, intended to be in contact with the wall to be cleaned. The inner body is moved on the magnetic surface thanks to the magnetic force binding it to an external component.

[0010] Document WO2007127472 constitutes yet another example of treatment and proposes a mechanism for remote surface preparation, such as cleaning the interior surface of an externally managed aquarium. The cleaning device comprises a body provided with at least one magnetic element which is coupled, for remote control, with complementary magnetic elements, in a remotely located movable drive head.

[0011] Finally, document WO0040080 describes a device for cleaning aquarium windows, in particular the inside of aquarium windows. The device comprises an inner element, placed on the inner wall of the window, and an outer element placed on the outer side of the aquarium window. These inner and outer elements attract each other under the effect of a magnetic force, so that the movement of the outer element along the aquarium window causes the same movement of the inner element. The device is characterized in that the element placed inside the aquarium is designed to float on the liquid medium contained in the aquarium when the magnetic force is no longer applied.

[0012] The state of the art, as illustrated by the previously cited documents, proposes systems for polishing and / or cleaning aquarium surfaces using various magnetic mechanisms. However, such methods have certain drawbacks. The magnetic force required for surface treatment requires the installation of two elements on either side of the wall of the aquatic basin to be treated. This system also requires easy external access regardless of the arrangement of the walls to be cleaned, which is not always the case in practice. The treatment technique, particularly using magnetic mechanisms, is often limited to relatively thin walls, which excludes the treatment of large aquatic basins, the walls of which can reach several tens of centimeters in thickness.Also, the movement of the magnetic element fixed on the internal wall of the aquatic basin is generated by the movement of the external element, often by human intervention, excluding automation of the process. These different systems do not allow the intensity of the force applied to the cleaning face to be adjusted or varied. Finally, the cleaning face inside the basin is quickly saturated with dirt and biofilm, considerably reducing the quality of cleaning.

[0013] Treatment systems are also known which are provided with movement means which are entirely internal to the basin, such as, for example, that of application FR3067563, which describes a system for treating the walls of aquatic basins comprising a treatment head provided with a containment chamber equipped with an opening which can be oriented towards the wall to be treated, said treatment head being movable on a support using a treatment movement motor to enable the treatment of said wall, the support consisting of a repositionable mobile support capable of being fixed to the wall to be treated by suction cups and comprising a treatment movement rail on which the treatment head can move, a translation rail enabling the mobile support to be translated when the treatment head is stationary and fixed against the surface in mobile support repositioning mode.

[0014] Document FR3033229 describes a system for treating by polishing internal walls of aquatic basins comprising an abrasive mixture reservoir and a surface treatment head in fluid communication with the abrasive mixture reservoir, rails allowing the treatment head to be moved along the wall to be treated, and means allowing the treatment head to be supplied with a substantially continuous flow of abrasive mixture.

[0015] These last two systems provide reliable, precise guidance without the risk of deviating from the planned trajectory, but require a heavy, bulky and expensive installation. Furthermore, the imposing span of the rails makes these systems incompatible with basins with difficult access.

[0016] Document FR3097100 describes a device for treating internal walls of aquatic basins comprising at least one suction head, a mobility assembly making it possible to move the suction head along a wall to be treated, said mobility assembly comprising a mobile with motorized wheels which can be oriented in two unique rolling positions, these two positions being angularly spaced 90 degrees from each other. This device is suitable for treating only flat walls.

[0017] To overcome these various drawbacks, the invention provides various technical means. Summary of the invention

[0018] First of all, a first objective of the invention consists of providing a treatment system, in particular for cleaning or polishing the walls of aquatic basins, which is simple, inexpensive, and easy to implement.

[0019] Another objective of the invention is to provide a treatment system, in particular for cleaning or polishing the walls of aquatic basins, which makes it possible to ensure precise and rigorous monitoring of the trajectory followed along the wall to be treated.

[0020] Finally, another objective of the invention consists in providing a treatment system, in particular for cleaning or polishing the walls of aquatic basins, which makes it possible to treat curved basin walls.

[0021] To do this, the invention provides a treatment device for curved walls of aquatic basins comprising a frame forming a quadrilateral provided at the four corners with a suction head, a mobility assembly allowing the treatment device to be moved along a wall to be treated, said mobility assembly comprising a mobile with wheels, rollers or motorized tracks arranged in the center of the quadrilateral, the frame comprising two opposite rectilinear sides and two opposite curved (or rounded, or curved, or concave) sides allowing positioning of the suction heads and of the mobile according to an alignment corresponding to the curved profile of the wall to be treated.

[0022] Thanks to this architecture, the active elements of the treatment device can maintain a positioning in the immediate vicinity of the curved wall to be treated. This positioning is essential to allow on the one hand the positioning of the suction heads against the wall to act on the wall effectively and on the other hand to allow the mobile to be in contact with the curved wall and thus allow the movement of the treatment device. The suction heads can act in order to clean and / or polish the wall to be treated in addition to providing an attractive force to maintain the treatment device against the wall to be treated.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment, the curved sides form an arc of a circle whose profile corresponds to the curved profile of a wall to be treated. Due to the similar curved profiles of the wall and the curved sides, the active elements of the treatment device are perfectly aligned against the wall to be treated. This embodiment is particularly suitable for a tailor-made solution, where the curved sides are designed according to the level of curvature of the walls to be treated.

[0024] According to another advantageous embodiment, the level of inclination of the curved sides is adjustable.

[0025] For example, the curved sides include a flexible rod, allowing the level of inclination of the curved sides to be varied. The flexible rod is preferably made using a material that is sufficiently flexible to be deformed to a given level of curvature, and sufficiently rigid to maintain its level of inclination during normal operation.

[0026] For example, advantageously, the curved sides comprise at least one hinge, preferably adjustable, allowing the level of inclination of the curved sides to be varied. This embodiment is particularly suitable for an adaptable solution, where the curved sides are repositioned each time the device is used for a wall whose level of curvature is different.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment, the mobile is orientable according to two rolling positions, these two positions being angularly spaced 90 degrees from each other.

[0028] Such a device, movable only in two positions perpendicular to each other, either along an X axis or a Y axis, makes it possible to ensure movement along the wall to be treated, facilitating the implementation of a treatment without leaving any untreated area or surface. Indeed, movements in X and Y only make it easy to maintain a reliable reference, for example in relation to the starting position. Counting the wheel revolutions or other means makes it possible to clearly know the position of the device. These traceability elements can make it possible to set up a simple and reliable automated movement of the device.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment, the mobile comprises at least two wheels, rollers or tracks separated axially by at least one sealed motor connected to these wheels. This simple architecture makes it possible to implement an efficient motorization method.

[0030] According to another advantageous embodiment, the mobile comprises an angular actuator arranged to allow the orientation of the mobile relative to the treatment device according to two unique operating positions, one oriented along an X axis, the other oriented along a Y axis.

[0031] Advantageously, the mobile comprises one or two motorized axles, connected to the wheels, the angular actuator being arranged between the motorized axle(s).

[0032] Advantageously, the mobile comprises one or two motorized axles, each connected to the wheels, the angular actuator being arranged between the two motorized axles.

[0033] Also advantageously, the angular actuator comprises a rotary actuator axis oriented perpendicular to the plane formed by the wheels of the mobile. The actuator thus arranged makes it possible to control the orientation of the wheels of the mobile in a simple and reliable manner.

[0034] According to an advantageous embodiment, the angular actuator is controlled by a remote control comprising a movement selector along the X or Y axis. Such a remote control allows, for example, an operator to manage the movement of the device during a treatment phase. The remote control advantageously comprises other control elements, in particular for managing the operation of the working heads, and / or for managing the level of adhesion or sliding of the suction cups against the wall.

[0035] According to another advantageous embodiment, the suction head comprises a rotating disc arranged in a rotatable manner and connected to a rotation axis capable of being driven by a disc motor, the rotating disc carrying a wall interface layer comprising a plurality of radial grooves connecting the center of rotation of the disc to the periphery of the disc and at least one orifice ensuring, in operation in an aquatic basin in the immediate vicinity of a wall to be treated, a flow of water between the rear of the disc and the radial grooves arranged in the portion of the disc located on the side of the wall to be treated.

[0036] The system allows the cleaning and elimination of biofilm present on the submerged walls of aquariums or any wall of aquatic basins. When the rotating disc is rotated, and it is at a short distance from the wall to be treated, a suction is created, causing the head to be pressed against the wall. Water circulation is achieved. The water circulates in the grooves of the working disc and is ejected laterally then discharged into the water of the basin. Thus, the water circulates in the friction foam of the disc, ensuring its rinsing and carrying with it the biofilm and other dirt removed from the wall. Furthermore, the more the working disc rotates, the The faster the suction and friction on the wall are greater. Such an arrangement makes it possible to place and maintain a working head against a wall to be treated without an operator or without the aid of a propulsion propeller placed opposite the disc. The hydrodynamic effect generated by the rotation of the grooves makes it possible to achieve a suction function. Such an arrangement makes it possible to treat large surface walls automatically or semi-automatically without human intervention in the pool.

[0037] Advantageously, the working disk comprises at least one orifice, provided in the central zone of said disk. These orifices make it possible to ensure fluid circulation from the water in the basin to the friction foam and more particularly the radial grooves. The circulation of water makes it possible to perpetuate the cleaning action of the foam thanks to a self-cleaning effect of the latter.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the orifice(s) are arranged around the periphery of the rotation axis. Alternatively, the rotation axis comprises a through orifice.

[0039] Advantageously, the dynamic suction head comprises an axial peripheral casing. The axial peripheral casing advantageously comprises a circumferential side wall, arranged so as to surround the working disk. In this way, the peripheral casing makes it possible to confine the action of the rotating foam while minimizing hydrodynamic disturbances, for example to ensure that sand or impurities around the wall are not entrained in the foam.

[0040] According to an advantageous embodiment, the interface layer comprises a treatment surface and the dynamic suction head serves on the one hand to fix the treatment system to a basin wall to be treated and on the other hand to carry out a cleaning or polishing treatment of the wall using said treatment surface.

[0041] An advantageous variant provides that a discharge light is arranged through the side wall of the axial peripheral casing. This light allows the circulation of the water flow towards the outside of the peripheral casing, carrying the impurities and dirt outside the casing.

[0042] Advantageously, the working disk cooperates with the axial peripheral casing by means of at least one spring. The peripheral casing is thus axially movable relative to the working disk. The axially sliding peripheral casing, held against the wall to be treated by one or more springs, makes it possible to decouple the force exerted by the peripheral casing from that exerted by the working disk. For example, a spring with a low stiffness characteristic is provided in order to ensure that the peripheral casing exerts moderate pressure against the wall. Moderate pressure means a pressure force allowing the peripheral casing to be held against the wall, while allowing it and the entire working head to slide against the wall, to allow the entire working head to be cleaned or polished. the submerged surface of the wall. Brief description of the drawings

[0043] All the details of the embodiment are given in the following description, supplemented by figures 1 to 10, presented solely for the purposes of non-limiting examples, and in which: Fig.l

[0044] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a treatment system, in particular wall cleaning system, designed for curved walls; Fig.2

[0045] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] shows a variant of the system of [Fig.l] in side view; Fig.3

[0046] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] shows the system of [Fig.l] in side view; Fig.4

[0047] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a motorized mobile seen from above; Fig.5

[0048] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a treatment system, in particular wall cleaning, using a mobility assembly with motorized mobile oriented to perform a movement along the Y axis; Fig.6

[0049] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a treatment system, in particular wall cleaning, using a mobility assembly with motorized mobile oriented to perform a movement along the X axis; Fig.7

[0050] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a front view from the outside of a water basin of a example of a working disk; Fig.8

[0051] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the working disk of [Fig.7]; Fig.9

[0052] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a treatment head; Fig. 10

[0053] [Fig.10] [Fig.10] is a schematic representation of another example of a rea lization of a treatment head. Description of embodiments Definitions

[0054] By "curved opposite sides" is meant a non-rectilinear arrangement of the sides to adapt to a curved wall to be treated according to a given radius. This may for example be an arrangement curved according to a radius similar to that of the wall concerned. It may also be an arrangement with two or more linear portions forming an angle between them in order to produce a concave profile.

[0055] WALL TREATMENT DEVICE

[0056] [Fig. 1] is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a wall cleaning treatment device 1. A set of four dual-function dynamic suction heads 10 make it possible, on the one hand, to fix the system 1 to a wall 3 to be cleaned and, on the other hand, to carry out the cleaning or polishing of the wall by means of a mechanical action of non-abrasive friction for cleaning and slightly abrasive for polishing, for example using a wall interface layer 14 which is specifically adapted to carry out these functions, as described below in relation to FIGS. 6 to 9. In the illustrated example, the dynamic heads 10 are provided at the four corners of the treatment system in order to facilitate access to the edges and corners of the walls to be treated. The suction heads 10 are connected to each other by a frame 2, in this example taking the form of an assembly of tubes in the shape of a square or rectangle.Other types of configurations can be provided.

[0057] MOTORIZED WHEELED MOBILE

[0058] To move the treatment device, a mobile 30 comprises one or more wheels 31 or rollers or tracks arranged so as to contact the wall to be treated to roll on the latter.

[0059] For the purposes of simplification, figures 1 to 6 only illustrate exemplary embodiments in which the mobile comprises wheels or rollers 31. In these different examples, the wheels or rollers can be replaced by tracks.

[0060] When the mobile 30 comprises a single wheel or roller, the latter can pivot 90° in the center of the treatment device 1 thanks to an angular actuator, and it is driven by a sealed motor.

[0061] When the mobile 30 comprises several wheels or rollers, two of its parallel sides each comprise a sealed motor capable of driving all the wheels on the same side. When the mobile 30 comprises tracks, two of its parallel sides each comprise a sealed motor capable of driving the track on the same side. All these assemblies are preferably controlled remotely, for example using a suitable remote control.

[0062] The action of the wheels, rollers or tracks against the wall allows the device to be moved treatment. The suction power of the dynamic suction heads is measured and adapted so as to allow both a fixing force against this wall as well as sufficient friction of the interface layer 14 to ensure the cleaning of the wall, while allowing movement along it by the action of the wheels, rollers, tracks. The value of this adapted suction force can be obtained by the assistance and action of one or more calibrated springs advantageously arranged between the chassis 2 of the treatment device and the wheeled, tracked or roller mobile, and thus allow the optimum adhesion of the latter against the wall 3.

[0063] A mobile support 36, in this example a rod, makes it possible to connect the mobile 30 to the chassis 2 of the treatment device. For greater stability and good dynamic balance, the mobile 30 is arranged in the center of the chassis 2.

[0064] The mobile 30 carrying the wheels, rollers or tracks can pivot on itself. According to a first mode, the pivoting is carried out for example by rotating the wheels, rollers or tracks simultaneously and at equivalent speed, but in opposite directions for each side of the mobile. After pivoting, the wheels, rollers or tracks can be rotated simultaneously and at equivalent speed in the same direction and thus allow the treatment system to be moved in all useful directions.

[0065] A second pivoting mode uses a rotary actuator 33 connected to the set of roller wheels or tracks by a rotary actuator shaft 34.

[0066] In both cases, the rotation axis 34 of the mobile 30 is located in the center of the chassis 2 of the processing device.

[0067] Alternatively, the mobile 30 may be fixed relative to the chassis 2: in this case, the wheels, rollers or tracks may be arranged in the following manner: along the X axis, at least one wheel, roller or track is arranged on two parallel sides, with their sealed motorization. Along the Y axis, at least one wheel, roller or track is arranged on two parallel sides opposite the X axis with their sealed motorization. These movement systems comprising wheels, rollers or tracks motorized along the X and Y axes are retractable in turn using actuators. This makes it possible to remain in contact with the wall at all times without losing the X or Y reference.When changing direction, the processing device 1 stops so that the part of the mobile comprising wheels, rollers or tracks which were retracted deploys and once in contact with the wall the part of the mobile dedicated to the other axis is retracted in turn, then the rotation of the elements against the wall can resume in the new direction offset by 90°.

[0068] Another variant provides at least one motorized wheel, roller or track retractable from the wall onto its mobile 30 by means of an actuator. The mobile 30 can pivot on itself at 90° by means of a rotary actuator. Once the new angular position along the X or Y axis is reached, at least one motorized wheel, roller or track are redeployed and brought into contact with the wall 3. Then their rotation against it allows the treatment device 1 to move in another direction along the X or Y axis.

[0069] It may be noted that whatever the variant chosen, locking pads adhering to the wall 3 can be deployed by actuators between two suction heads 10 for example, to improve the stability and the maintenance of the position reference of the suction heads 10 at the time of pivoting on itself of the mobile 30 or the retraction of its elements. This example is a non-limiting option.

[0070] The pivotally mounted mobile allows orientation of all the wheels, rollers or tracks in two unique and exclusive reference directions X and Y. By default, movements in any other direction are inhibited or blocked. This mode is illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. This mode ensures good traceability of the trajectory followed and to be followed along the wall to be treated by ensuring that the entire surface is treated. For example, to carry out treatment by succession of parallel lines, the system moves along the X axis to the end of a line, then moves along the Y axis to the next line, then resumes movement along the X axis in the opposite direction. The system can thus move over the entire surface to be treated while avoiding deviating from the trajectory. Maintaining traceability by retaining the starting reference facilitates management of the treatment path, avoiding leaving untreated areas.This mode also allows movement in successive parallel columns or a hybrid mode, for example by making successive rectangles. Alternatively, the movement mode exclusively along the X or Y axis by default can be deactivated, for example for occasional movement where you want to go directly to a specific point on a wall, to make a localized retouch or other.

[0071] According to yet another variant, the treatment device 1 comprises an automated system. This system allows, either automatically or when a direction change command is activated on the remote control, the stopping of the movement of the treatment device 1, then the repositioning of the mobile 30 along the X or Y axis, then the resumption of the movement of the treatment device 1 in the desired direction automatically, as soon as the repositioning end-of-travel system is activated. This assistance in driving the treatment device 1 further optimizes its mode of movement along two unique and exclusive reference directions X or Y mentioned above.

[0072] In order to allow the treatment device to be able to move on a curved wall, such as for example an aquarium tunnel or an aquarium with a curved or domed portion, the frame 2 has two opposite rectilinear sides 7 and two opposite curved sides 5. The two opposite curved sides are provided to reproduce or imitate or propose compatibility with a curved profile of a wall to be treated, to allow constant positioning of both the mobile 30 and the suction heads 10 in the immediate vicinity or against the wall to be treated. This architecture allows positioning of the suction heads 10 and the mobile 30 according to an alignment corresponding to the curved profile of the wall 3 to be treated. In addition, it is important that the mobile is always in contact with the wall during the movement phases of the treatment device. In the embodiment example of [Fig. 2], the curved opposite sides are provided with an arcuate profile with a radius similar to that of the wall to be treated. As illustrated, this arrangement ensures perfect positioning of the active elements (suction heads and mobile) along the wall. In the example of [Fig.3], the opposite sides form a triangle formed in the center by a hinge 6 surrounded on each side by rectilinear portions of the sides 5 with the suction heads 10 at the ends. The angle formed by the hinge 6 and the two portions of the sides 5 makes it possible to position the active elements along the curved profile of the wall. In addition, this arrangement makes it possible to provide an adjustable hinge depending on the level of curvature of the wall to be treated. For a strong curvature (wall with a small radius of curvature), the angle formed by the hinge and the two portions of the sides 5 is greater than for a weak curvature (wall with a large radius of curvature). As illustrated, this arrangement ensures perfect positioning of the active elements (suction heads and mobile) along the wall to be treated.Alternatively, the curved sides include a flexible rod, the profile of which can be modified regularly or irregularly, continuously or discontinuously, allowing, for example, the level of inclination of the curved sides to be varied.

[0073] ROTATING DISC AND SUCTION EFFECT

[0074] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate exemplary embodiments of rotating discs 11 seen from the face likely to be in contact with the wall of the basin to be treated. It can be seen that the disc 11, of radius R, comprises a plurality of grooves 15 or radial splines, i.e. oriented in the direction of the radius R. The grooves are oriented radially from the center of rotation of the disc. In the exemplary embodiment of [Fig.7], a plurality of orifices 16 are arranged around the axis of rotation. Each of the orifices 16 communicates with a groove 15. In the exemplary embodiment of [Fig.8], a single orifice 17 is arranged centrally in the axis of rotation 12 connecting the disc 11 to a motor 13 visible in Figures 9 and 10. The central orifice 17 communicates with each of the grooves 15.Due to this or these orifices 16 or 17 and the grooves 15, when the disc is rotated in the immediate vicinity of a wall to be treated in an aquatic environment, a flow of water is generated between the rear and the front of the disc, i.e. from the rear of the disc 11, then passing through the disc and passing through the radial grooves 15 arranged in the portion of the disc located on the side of the wall. This hydrodynamic flow creates a suction effect that tends to press the disc against the wall to be treated. The level of suction effect is adjustable depending on the number and dimensions of the grooves, the diameter of the disc, the material used, and especially the rotation speed of the disc. This suction effect allows the discs to perform various hydromechanical functions, as explained below.

[0075] SINGLE OR DUAL FUNCTION SUCTION CUP HEAD

[0076] Figures 9 and 10 illustrate, in section, examples of dynamic suction head 10 carrying a disc such as that illustrated in [Fig.7] or 8. As illustrated, the disc 11 comprises a wall interface layer 14, on the side of the disc intended to interface, with or without contact, with the wall 3 to be treated. The interface layer 14 is either separate from the disc 11, or integral or made of the same material as the disc. The disc 11 is made of a rigid and preferably non-porous material, such as for example aluminum. The grooves 15 and the orifices 16 and 17 are advantageously made in the mass of the disc 11.

[0077] Depending on the embodiments, the dynamic suction head implements one or two functions. It can in fact generate a suction function, as previously described. It can also generate a suction effect coupled with a wall treatment effect, for example cleaning or polishing (duo mode).

[0078] For the duo mode, the interface layer 14 comprises a treatment surface made of a material allowing cleaning work to be carried out on a wall of an aquatic basin, often in PMMA, without however risking damaging the latter. The treatment surface can be made for example: of polyurethane or polyethylene with variable hardnesses and densities as well as cell dimensions (open or closed) and variable porosities depending on the objectives of the treatment

[0079] For the duo mode, a variant may provide an interface layer consisting of more or less flexible lips, arranged in the extension of the walls of the grooves 15, made directly in the mass of the disc 11 or in that of the interface layer 14. We are talking here about the walls of the grooves 15 perpendicular to the wall to be treated 3. These lips protrude in height by several millimeters from the surface of the disc 11 or of the interface layer 14. They may represent a length more or less equal to the radius R of the disc 11 and be single or double.

[0080] Indeed, the presence of these lips, installed in the grooves 15, benefit from the flow of water in the latter to evacuate the biofilm torn from the wall during the rotation of the disc 11.

[0081] Thus, in this dual-function mode, the interface layer 14 is in contact with the wall to be treated.

[0082] For the single function mode with a simple holding effect, the disc 11 is located preferably slightly away from the wall, for example a few millimeters, to ensure the hydrodynamic effect, while avoiding contact with the wall.

[0083] A motor 13 and an axis 12 oriented along the axis AA, provided at the level of the suction head, allow rotation of the rotating disk 11. When the disk is immersed and is located at a short distance (for example 1 to 2 cm for a disk with a diameter of 100 mm) from a wall to be treated, the rotation of the grooved disk produces a depression which tends to bring the working disk closer to the wall 3, the latter being fixed. The suction head 10 is arranged to be able to move closer to the wall thanks to this effect. For a disk of the diameter as mentioned above, the rotation speed making it possible to produce the hydrodynamic effect tending to press the disk against the wall to be treated is for example between 800 and 1200 rpm (by way of example only).

[0084] The arrows in Figures 9 and 10 illustrate an example of water flow when a suction head is in place, against a wall of a water basin. The water comes from the rear of the working disk, passes through the orifices 16 or 17 and then communicates with the radial grooves 15. Once the disk is in place, the water flow continues continuously as long as the rotation of the disk is maintained. In addition to contributing to the suction effect, this flow ensures cleaning of the treatment surface to prevent biofilm and other dirt removed during cleaning of the wall from accumulating on the disk and saturating the treatment surface, preventing the cleaning treatment from continuing. In this dual-function embodiment, the suction disk is in direct contact with the wall to be treated. It acts by friction against it to perform a cleaning action.

[0085] The suction head 10 preferably comprises a peripheral casing 18 arranged coaxially with the axis of rotation 12. This casing comprises a circumferential side wall 19 arranged so as to surround the rotating disc 11. In the examples of FIGS. 9 and 10, the casing extends towards the rear of the rotating discs to surround a portion of the shaft 12. The casing makes it possible to delimit a working zone W inside which the disc performs a cleaning action against the wall to be treated. This working zone W is also delimited at the rear of the disc 11 by a cover 24, closing the casing 18. In the examples illustrated, the cover 24 is in the shape of an inverted U, with a central opening to allow the shaft 12 of the motor to pass through. Complementary orifices 23, provided in the cover 24, ensure fluid communication between the working zone W and the motor zone M.The cover 24 may also be flat or non-inverted U-shaped.

[0086] A discharge light 20 is arranged through the side wall 19 of the axial peripheral casing 18. This tunnel allows the flow of water to leave the casing to reach the basin. The tunnel is advantageously positioned so as to be in the upper area of ​​the suction head 10 during the cleaning phases. This prevents the outgoing water flow from acting against the floor of the pool, which could push stones or particles or dirt towards the working head. If ever a hard and / or abrasive foreign body were to end up between the working disc and the wall to be treated, there would then be a significant risk of causing scratches or other damage to the wall. The peripheral casing 18 provides additional protection against the arrival of such contaminants in the working area W. A filtration element or system can be connected to this discharge port 20.

[0087] To prevent the peripheral casing 18 from exerting too great a force against the wall 3, one embodiment provides that the rotating disk 11 cooperates with this casing by means of at least one spring 21. For example, a peripheral spring arranged axially in the extension of the end of the peripheral casing 18 opposite the working zone W is used. The spring 21 acts on the one hand on the casing 18 and on the other hand on the cover 24.

[0088] Unlike the assembly formed by the disc 11 and the interface layer, the peripheral casing 18 is designed to remain angularly fixed, without rotation, opposite the wall to be treated. A circumferential seal or a material of a lower hardness than the wall to be treated is advantageously provided at the contact end of the peripheral casing 18. This seal or this material allows gentle contact with the wall, without risk of damaging it. The connection between the angularly fixed part of the head and the rotating part of the head is ensured by a bearing 22, such as for example a plain or rolling bearing. Figures 9 and 10 illustrate two embodiments of a suction head 10. In the embodiment of [Fig. 10] the rotatable parts include the shaft 12, the disc 11, the interface layer 14 and the cover 24. The bearing 22 is arranged between the cover and the spring 21. In the embodiment of [Fig.9], the rotatable parts comprise only the shaft 12, the disc 11 and the interface layer 14. The bearing 22 is in this case arranged between the shaft 12 and the cover 24.

[0089] VARIANT WITH MULTIPLE HEADS

[0090] Alternatively, the wall treatment system provides two or more suction heads mounted in a group. For example, for two suction heads, these are fixed to each other side by side or on top of each other. The motors and discs are preferably provided for rotation in opposite directions in order to compensate for the torque effect which tends to rotate a single head in the opposite direction to the disc actuating motor. Similarly, an assembly with four suction heads mounted in two pairs of two as previously described may be provided, so as to form a square. Other arrangements with different even or odd numbers of heads are also possible.

[0091] List of reference signs 1. Device for treating internal walls of aquatic basins 2. Chassis 3. Walls to be treated 4. Water basin 5. Curved opposite sides 6. Hinge 7. Opposite straight sides 8. 9. 10. Dynamic suction head 11. Rotating disc 12. Rotation shaft 13. Disk motor 14. Wall interface layer 15. Radial grooves 16. Fluid circulation orifice 17. Fluid circulation orifice in the hollow rotation axis 18. Axial peripheral envelope 19. Circumferential side wall 20. Evacuation light 21. Spring 22. Bearing (plain or rolling) 23. Cover holes 24. Cover 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. Mobile with motorized wheels 31. Motorized wheels or rollers or tracks 32. Waterproof motor 33. Angular actuator 34. Actuator shaft 35. Engine mount 36. Mobile support 37. 38. 39. Axle

Claims

Claims

1. Treatment device (1) for curved walls (3) of aquatic basins (4) comprising a frame (2) forming a quadrilateral provided at the four corners with a suction head (10), a mobility assembly allowing the treatment device (1) to be moved along a wall (3) to be treated, said mobility assembly comprising a mobile (30) with motorized wheels, rollers or tracks (31) arranged in the center of the quadrilateral, characterized in that the frame (2) has two opposite rectilinear sides (7) and two opposite curved sides (5) allowing positioning of the suction heads (10) and of the mobile (30) according to an alignment corresponding to the curved profile of the wall (3) to be treated.

2. Treatment device according to claim 1, in which the curved sides (5) form an arc of a circle whose profile corresponds to the curved profile of a wall to be treated.

3. A treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the level of inclination of the curved sides (5) is adjustable.

4. A treatment device according to claim 3, wherein the curved sides (5) comprise a flexible rod, allowing the level of inclination of the curved sides (5) to be varied.

5. A treatment device according to claim 3, wherein the curved sides (5) comprise at least one adjustable hinge (6) allowing the level of inclination of the curved sides (5) to be varied.

6. Treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the mobile is orientable according to two rolling positions, these two positions being angularly spaced 90 degrees from each other.

7. Treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the mobile (30) comprises at least two wheels, rollers or tracks (31) separated axially by at least one sealed motor (32) connected to these wheels.

8. Treatment device according to claim 6, in which the mobile (30) comprises an angular actuator (33) arranged to allow the orientation of the mobile relative to the treatment device according to two unique operating positions, one oriented along an X axis, the other oriented along a Y axis.

9. Treatment device according to claim 8, in which the mobile comprises one or two motorized axles (37), connected to the wheels, the angular actuator (33) being arranged between the motorized axle(s) (37).

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