A device for maintaining the rotation of a filtration element for aquatic equipment, and the use of such a device

Abstract

This device comprises two supports (1, 2), each designed to receive a respective edge (1030, 1040) of the filter element frame. Each support (1, 2) includes two wheels (7, 7', 8, 8') designed to rotate when the edges of the frame are rotated. According to the invention, each support comprises a base (10, 20) and two webs (3, 4; 5, 6), respectively inner and outer. These webs define an intercalated volume (V1, V2). Each wheel is at least partially received within the intercalated volume and has two axles (76, 78; 76', 78'; 86, 88; 86', 88'), each of which is rotatably mounted on a respective web. The device according to the invention is lightweight and compact, while still allowing for reliable cleaning of the filter element. Furthermore, this device features quick and intuitive assembly and can be conveniently adapted to filter elements of different sizes.Finally, this device can be manufactured on a large scale, industrially, so its production cost is low. Figure for the abbreviation: [Fig. 8].

Description

Title of the invention: Device for maintaining the rotation of a filtration element for aquatic equipment, and use of such a device Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to the field of aquatic equipment, which, within the meaning of the invention, includes, among other things, swimming pools and spas. More particularly, it relates to a device for maintaining the rotation of a filtration element integrated into such aquatic equipment. The invention also aims at using such a device in aquatic equipment. State of the art

[0002] Aquatic equipment of the type described above comprises a water circulation circuit, on which a filtration element is placed. This element retains dirt and other microorganisms that may accumulate in the circuit. It is understood that this filtration element must be cleaned periodically to maintain its properties.

[0003] Various types of filters are known for this purpose, among which we will first mention those using sand. These sand filters have certain drawbacks, notably that a very large quantity of water is required for their cleaning. The invention therefore relates more specifically to so-called cartridge filters, which are formed by a frame around the periphery of which a filter medium is folded. The quantity of water required for cleaning cartridge filters is significantly less than that required for sand filters, by a factor of 10 to 100.

[0004] Several devices are known for cleaning cartridge filters. First, there are combs, which are, however, cumbersome to use. Enclosures have also been proposed in which the cartridge, arranged vertically, is cleaned by a jet of water. However, these enclosures cannot be adapted to different cartridge lengths.

[0005] To overcome these drawbacks, the company Arnaud Morisset marketed, under the reference "NETFILTRE", a device in which the filter element is positioned horizontally. Structurally, this device comprises two lateral support blocks connected by an intermediate platform. Each block is equipped with two rollers, on which one end of the cartridge frame rests. During operation, a user sprays water onto the outer periphery of the filter media. Under this action, the filter element rotates around an axis. horizontal, so that dirt is ejected from the filter medium by centrifugal force.

[0006] The "NETFILTRE" solution, however, has specific drawbacks. For example, this device is heavy and bulky, making it impossible to store it in a space with limited volume. Furthermore, assembling this device is particularly time-consuming. Even though the device can accommodate cartridges of various sizes, adapting between different configurations proves tedious.

[0007] Furthermore, the "NETFILTRE" device has a high production cost and is not easily suited to large-scale industrialization. Finally, this device is not entirely satisfactory in terms of stability, so that at high rotational speeds, the cartridge is liable to be ejected from the device.

[0008] In view of the foregoing, one objective of the present invention is therefore to remedy, at least partially, the disadvantages of the prior art mentioned above.

[0009] Another objective of the invention is to provide a lightweight and compact device that allows for the reliable cleaning of a filtration element for aquatic equipment.

[0010] Another objective of the invention is to propose such a device which is accompanied by a quick and intuitive assembly, while being able to conveniently adapt to filtration elements of different sizes.

[0011] An additional objective of the invention is to provide such a device which can be manufactured on a large scale, on an industrial level, so that its cost price is low.

[0012] Yet another objective of the invention is to propose such a device, which confers satisfactory stability to the filtration element whose cleaning it allows. Object of the invention

[0013] According to the invention, at least one of the above objectives is achieved by means of a device for maintaining the rotation of a filtration element (1000) for aquatic equipment, this filtration element comprising a frame (1010) and a filter medium (1050) provided at the periphery of this frame,

[0014] the device comprising two supports (1, 2), each of which is intended to receive a respective edge (1030, 1040) of the frame, each support (1, 2) comprising two wheels (7, 7', 8, 8'; 107) intended to rotate under the effect of the rotation of the edges of the frame,

[0015] characterized in that each support comprises a base (10, 20) and two webs (3, 4; 5, 6) respectively inner and outer, these webs delimiting an intercalated volume (VI, V2), each wheel being at least partially received in the intercalated volume and having two axes (76, 78; 76', 78'; 86, 88; 86', 88'; 116, 124) each of which is mounted for rotation on a respective veil,

[0016] said device being advantageously made at least in part and, preferably, in its entirety of a moldable material.

[0017] According to other features of the device according to the invention, taken individually or in any technically compatible combination:

[0018] - each sail (3, 4; 5, 6) comprises two end flanges (30, 31, 40, 41; 50, 51, 60,61) as well as an intermediate band (32,42; 52,62) of lower height, each axis being mounted for rotation on a respective flange.

[0019] - each flange comprises a first wing (33,34, 43,44) ensuring the connection with the intermediate band, as well as a second wing (35,36, 45,46) called stabilizing wing, extending to a respective end of the base.

[0020] - each sail, in particular each flange, is provided with bearings (300,310, 400,410; 500,510, 600,610), each span being able to receive a respective axle by elastic snap-fit.

[0021] - the wheel defines a running track (73.73'; 83.83'), the diameter (D73) of said track being greater than 20 mm (millimeters), preferably 70 mm.

[0022] - each wheel is made in a single piece (7, 7', 8, 8'),

[0023] - each wheel comprises a hub (72) made in one piece with the two axles, each axis being separated from the hub by a respective shoulder (77,79).

[0024] - each wheel (107) comprises a hub (110), a bearing (130) and a rim (150) mutually independent, said hub being equipped with the two axles (116,124) and said rim being advantageously provided with said rolling track (154), the device further comprising first means of removable fastening (114), in particular by elastic snap-fit, between the hub and the bearing, as well as second means of removable fastening (162), in particular by elastic snap-fit, between the bearing and the rim.

[0025] - the track is extended radially by a collar (74.74'; 84.84'), the dimension radial of said collar between the track and the peripheral end of said collar being greater than 2 mm, preferably 15 mm.

[0026] - the device further comprises a connecting member (9) capable of mutually connecting the two supports (9, 10), this connecting element being advantageously composed of several tubular elements (90,92) capable of being mutually fixed in a removable manner.

[0027] - at least one tubular connecting element is provided, at its periphery, with a plurality of grooves (191) delimiting receiving sections (192) for the support walls, said grooves ensuring the retention of these walls along a longitudinal direction of the connecting element.

[0028] - each sail, in particular each band, is provided with a housing (37,47) suitable for to receive a respective end of the connecting element, by elastic snap-fit.

[0029] - the device is capable of adopting a storage position in which the wheels (7, 7', 8, 8') of one (1, 2) of the supports are at least partly received in the intercalary volume (V2, VI) of the other (2, 1) of these supports.

[0030] - each support includes material recesses (16,17; 26,27) suitable for receive the outer periphery, in particular the collar, from the other support.

[0031] - the device is made at least in part and, preferably, in its entirety in a moldable material, especially by injection, preferably in polyamide 6 or in PolyOxyMethylene.

[0032] - the total mass of the device is less than 1 kilogram, preferably 500 g.

[0033] Another object of the invention is a use of the device (I) for holding in rotation above, for maintaining in rotation a filtration element (1000) for aquatic equipment during its cleaning.

[0034] According to an advantageous feature of this use, a jet of liquid is projected onto the filtering element at a pressure greater than 2.5 bars, in particular at 3 bars.

[0035] According to another advantageous feature of this use, this filtration element is rotated at a speed greater than 20 rpm, in particular greater than 50 rpm. Description of the figures

[0036] The invention will be described below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, given solely by way of non-limiting examples, in which:

[0037] [Fig-1] is a perspective view, illustrating a rotational holding device of a filtration element, conforming to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0038] [Fig.2] is a perspective view, illustrating from a first angle a support belonging to this rotation-holding device.

[0039] [Fig.3] is a perspective view, illustrating from another angle the support of the [Fig.2],

[0040] [Fig.4] is a top view, illustrating the support of figures 2 and 3.

[0041] [Fig.5] is a cross-sectional view along line VV in [Fig.4].

[0042] [Fig.6] is a perspective view, illustrating a wheel capable of being mounted at rotation on the support of figures 2 to 5.

[0043] [Fig.7] is a cross-sectional diametrical view, illustrating the wheel of [Fig.6].

[0044] [Fig.8] is a perspective view, analogous to [Fig.1], illustrating an element of filtration mounted on the holding device according to the invention.

[0045] [Fig.9] is a front view, along arrow IX in [Fig.8], illustrating the element of filtration and the device for maintaining the [Fig.8].

[0046] [Fig. 10] is an end view, illustrating the cleaning of the filter element of figures 8 and 9, which is mounted on the holding device according to the invention.

[0047] [Fig. 11] is a perspective view, illustrating the mutual cooperation of the two supports belonging to the holding device, in a storage position.

[0048] [Fig. 12] is a front view, illustrating the supports of [Fig. 11] in this storage position.

[0049] [Fig. 13] is a perspective view, illustrating in exploded view the different constituent elements of a wheel conforming to an advantageous embodiment of the invention.

[0050] [Fig. 14] is a longitudinal sectional view, illustrating these elements once assembled.

[0051] [Fig. 15] is a front view, illustrating more particularly a hub belonging to the wheel in figures 13 and 14.

[0052] [Fig. 16] is a longitudinal sectional view, illustrating more particularly a rim belonging to the wheel of figures 13 and 14.

[0053] [Fig. 17] is a perspective view, illustrating a connecting element belonging to a connecting member between the supports, which conforms to another advantageous embodiment of the invention.

[0054] [Fig. 18] is a front view illustrating the connecting element of [Fig. 17] and, partially, the support sails mounted on this connecting element. Detailed description

[0055] The present invention relates to the cleaning of a cartridge-type filter element, which is shown in particular in Figures 8 and 9. This filter element, designated as a whole by reference numeral 1000, comprises, firstly, a frame 1010. This frame consists of a cylindrical barrel 1020 and two flanges 1030 and 1040, provided at opposite ends of the barrel. A filter medium 1050 of any suitable type extends around the outer periphery of the barrel. In order to increase the filtration surface area, the medium is folded back on itself in a conventional manner.

[0056] Figures 1 to 12 illustrate a first embodiment of an assembly that allows the filtration element 1000 to be kept rotating during cleaning. As illustrated in particular in [Fig. 1], this device, designated as a whole by reference numeral I, essentially comprises two lateral supports 1 and 2, four wheels 7, 7', 8, and 8' for mounting on these supports, and a connecting member 9 for joining these supports. The various components of the device I according to the invention are made of a moldable material, in particular by plastic injection molding.

[0057] Advantageously, this constituent material is PA6 (polyamide 6), better known by the trade name "NYLON". As an alternative, other materials may be used. In particular, it is important to ensure that the material pair, The components of the axis, such as that of part 78, and of the span, such as that of part 300, which will be described below, do not melt during operation. Such melting could occur, in a situation that the invention avoids, due to the heating of the aforementioned parts under the effect of friction induced by the rotation of the wheels of the device. Polyoxymethylene, or POM, can also be used for this purpose.

[0058] Figures 2 to 5 illustrate in more detail one of the supports, it being understood that they both have the same structure. Support 1 comprises a base 10, from which extend two material webs 3 and 4, corresponding to webs 5 and 6 of support 2. Webs 3 and 5 are referred to as inner webs, in that they face each other in operation, while webs 4 and 6 are referred to as outer webs. The mechanical elements of the base 20 of support 2, which are analogous to those of the base 10 of support 1, are assigned the same reference numbers plus the number 10.

[0059] The rectangular base 10 is initially hollowed out with a central channel passing through 11. For the sake of lightness, the base is perforated by two notches 12, mutually symmetrical with respect to the central channel, as well as by smaller recesses 13 and 13' provided on either side of each notch. On the upper face, with reference to a device resting on its base on a flat surface, the base is first stiffened by two transverse edges 14, extending between each notch 12 and the adjacent recess 13 facing the central channel 11.

[0060] Furthermore, between each notch 12 and the opposite recess 13', two transverse ribs 14 are provided, ensuring an additional orienting function. To this end, as shown in particular in [Fig. 9], each rib is asymmetrical when the base is viewed from the end. Finally, the upper face of the base is hollowed out, on the side of the outer shell 4, by two grooves 16 on either side of the central channel, and by two slots 17 at the opposite longitudinal ends. These various recesses in material 16 and 17 allow, in the storage position shown in Figures 11 and 12 described below, the wheels of the other support 2 to be received.

[0061] We will now describe, particularly with reference to Figures 4 and 5, the sails 3 and 4 equipping the first support 1. The mechanical elements of the sails 5 and 6, analogous to those of the sails 3 and 4, are assigned the same reference numbers plus 20. Each sail 3 and 4 comprises two end flanges 30, 31 and 40, 41, which are separated by a shorter intermediate band 32, 42. Each sail, which has an overall inverted V shape, has two wings. The first of these wings, 33, 34 and 43, 44, connects to the intermediate band, while the other of these wings, 35, 36 and 45, 46, extends to one end of the respective base, thus providing a stabilizing function.

[0062] In its upper part, each flange defines a span 300, 310 and 400, 410. These spans, whose cylindrical walls extend over a sector slightly greater than 180°, are each extended by an inlet opening 301, 311 and 401, 411 whose transverse dimension is slightly less than that of the respective span. Furthermore, each band 32, 42 is hollowed out with a recess 37, 47, defining a bridge of upper material 39, 49. Each recess, which extends along an angular sector slightly greater than 180°, opens into the aforementioned median channel 11, the walls 110 of which have a cross-section slightly smaller than that of the recess.

[0063] The walls 3 and 4 define an intercalated volume of the support 1, which is assigned the reference VI corresponding to the reference V2 of the intercalated volume formed by the walls 5 and 6 of the other support 2. In particular, the volume VI encompasses an intercalated volume V30 formed by the facing flanges 30 and 40, as well as another intercalated volume V31 formed by the facing flanges 31 and 41. Similarly, intercalated volumes V50 and V51 are found at the level of the support 2.

[0064] As shown in particular in [Fig. 1], the connecting member 9 is tubular in type. In the illustrated example, it comprises two connecting elements 90 and 92, the adjacent ends of which are denoted 91 and 93. These ends cooperate mutually, by any suitable means, to ensure a removable connection between the connecting tubes 90 and 92. Alternatively, the connecting member may be formed by a single tube. As a further alternative, this connecting member may be formed by several connecting tubes, in particular up to four such tubes, which are mutually assembled in a removable manner.

[0065] Figures 6 and 7 illustrate one of the 7 wheels equipping the holding device according to the invention, it being understood that the different wheels have a similar structure. The mechanical elements of the other wheels 7', 8 and 8' are assigned the same reference numbers augmented respectively by the suffix "prime", the number 10, and the number 10 and the suffix "prime".

[0066] The wheel 7 comprises, firstly, a cylindrical body 70 extending around the central axis A7 of the wheel. This body is perforated, both on its inner side by a notch 71, and on its outer side by an additional notch 72. In order to provide the rigidity necessary for the use of the wheel, the body is reinforced by internal stiffening ribs 710 and external stiffening ribs 720, respectively.

[0067] The outer periphery of the body 70 defines a raceway 73, against which the filtering element will rotate as described below. Advantageously, the diameter D73 of this raceway is greater than 20 mm (millimeters), preferably greater than 70 mm. On the outer side of the wheel, the raceway is extended radially by a collar 74 intended to retain the filter element in use. Advantageously, the radial dimension R74 of the collar, measured between the track 73 and the periphery 740 of the collar, is greater than 3 mm, preferably 15 mm.

[0068] The notches 710 and 720 define a central hub 75 of smaller diameter. This hub extends, both internally and externally, into shafts 76 and 77 formed by casting. Typically, the diameter D76 of each shaft is between 2 mm and 20 mm. The smaller the diameter, the lower the resistive torque. The larger the diameter, the greater the resistance. It is possible to go below a value of 2 mm in certain less desirable cases. In particular, in the case of overmolding around a metal shaft, the minimum dimension can be close to 1 mm in diameter. The hub and each shaft are separated by respective shoulders 78 and 79, which allow them to bear against the wall of the bearing surfaces 300, 310 and 400, 410 described above.

[0069] The implementation of the rotation-holding device, as described above, will now be explained.

[0070] The first step is to mount the various wheels 7, 7', 8, and 8' onto their respective supports 1 and 2 by means of elastic snap-fitting. For this purpose, each pair of axles, such as pair 76 and 78, is first inserted into the openings, such as those 301 and 401, before being received into the corresponding bearing surfaces, such as those 300 and 400. The wheels are then free to rotate, relative to their respective supports, around axes extending horizontally when the support rests on its base. In [Fig. 1], these axes are represented by the reference numerals A7, A7', A8, and A8'. Furthermore, the opposite faces of each wheel are bordered by flanges of the support, such as those 30 and 40 for wheel 7. In other words, each wheel is received at least partially within the intervening volume defined by these flanges, such as wheel 7 within the intervening volume V30, which is part of volume VL.

[0071] Furthermore, each tube 90 and 91 is inserted into the support slots, such as those 37 and 47 of support 1. Advantageously, in the absence of force, the outer diameter of the tubes is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the slots. This ensures a reliable connection between the tubes and the supports, while allowing sufficient play to adjust the distance between these supports. The thickness of the material bridge 39 / 49, located between the wall of the slot 37 / 47 and the top of the strip 32 / 42, influences both the rigidity of this area and the force required to slide the tubes 90 and 92 relative to their support. Those skilled in the art will adjust this thickness to obtain the desired properties.

[0072] Once the various component parts of device I have been mutually assembled, the filter element 1000 is attached. More precisely, the rim 1030 comes The first support 1 rests against the wheel tracks 73 and 73' of the first support, while the opposite edge 1040 rests against the wheel tracks 83 and 83' of the other support. Referring to [Fig. 10], a jet J of liquid is then projected, which is typically water, possibly with added cleaning agents. This water is typically projected at a pressure greater than 2.5 bar.

[0073] In practical terms, the jet pressure depends on the available pressure in the home's water system. This pressure is generally variable, typically being around 3 bar. The appropriate pressure for rotating the cartridge also depends on the size of the cartridge. If the water jet does not produce the desired results, it may be advisable to use a high-pressure cleaner to rotate the cartridges, particularly if the water pressure in the home is too low and / or if the cartridge is too large.

[0074] The force exerted by the jet J causes the filter element to rotate, along arrow F1000, at a speed typically greater than 20 rpm, and in particular greater than 50 rpm. This movement of the filter element 1000 causes the various wheels to pivot, as shown in particular by arrows F7 and F7' in [Fig. 10]. As is known per se, the rotation of the filter element causes, by centrifugal effect, the evacuation of dirt, which is shown by arrows S in the same [Fig. 10].

[0075] Finally, it should be noted that the force f7', exerted on the wheel 7' by the rotating filter element, extends within the support. In other words, it does not extend beyond the stabilizing wing 44 or, in other words, this force is exerted within the line X44 connecting the axis 78' and the end of the base 10. The presence of this stabilizing wing 44 therefore prevents any tilting of the support around its base, which is represented by the crossed arrow Fl in [Fig. 10].

[0076] Figures 11 and 12 illustrate supports 1 and 2 in a compact storage position. Assuming support 1 rests on a horizontal surface, support 2 is inverted, placed on top of support 1, and then brought closer to it. Wheels 8 and 8' then partially enter the intermediate volumes V30 and V31 of support 1, while wheels 7 and 7' are partially housed in the intermediate volumes V50 and V51 of support 2.

[0077] Furthermore, the collars 74 and 74' fit respectively into the grooves 26 and the slot 27, while the collars 84 and 84' fit respectively into the grooves 16 and the slot 17. As shown in [Fig. 12], the presence of these slots and grooves allows, on the one hand, the bottom of each base 2 to be aligned with the periphery of the collars 74 to 84' along horizontal lines XI and X2. On the other hand, the opposite ends of the bases 10 and 20 are aligned with the collars along vertical lines Y1 and Y2. This gives the device a high degree of compactness when stored, particularly due to the absence of protruding parts.

[0078] Figures 13 to 16 illustrate an alternative embodiment in which the wheel 107 is not a single piece like that of wheel 7 in the first embodiment. In fact, said wheel 107 comprises three constituent elements, namely a central hub 110, a peripheral rim 150, and an intermediate bearing 130.

[0079] The hub 110 first comprises a cylindrical body 112, around the periphery of which are provided deformable tabs 114. In the absence of mechanical action, these tabs protrude radially outwards. Conversely, when subjected to an external action, these tabs are capable of retracting into the overall volume of the body.

[0080] At one end, the shaft is extended by an axle 116, suitable for cooperating with one of the bearing surfaces described above, such as that 300. This axle terminates in a flange 118 of larger diameter, preventing any movement along the longitudinal direction of the hub. Opposite the axle 116, the shaft is extended by a ring 120, then by several fins 122 ensuring keying. Finally, another axle 124 is provided, intended to cooperate with the opposite bearing surface of the support, itself terminated by an additional flange 126.

[0081] The rim 150 comprises, firstly, an annular body 152, hollowed out with a central opening 151. This body has a neck 153 which delimits a rolling track 154, analogous, for example, to that 73 described above. The first longitudinal end of the body is provided with a flange 156, analogous, for example, to that 74 above.

[0082] Opposite the flange, with reference to the longitudinal direction of the rim, the body 152 has a base 158 of smaller diameter bordering the central opening 151. Furthermore, harpoon-shaped tabs 162, as shown in [Fig. 16], extend from this base towards the opposite end. More precisely, the inner face of each tab 162, that is, the face facing the opening 151, defines a ramp 164 ending in a shoulder 166.

[0083] Finally, the bearing 130 is of any suitable type, advantageously a ball bearing. Its opposite front faces are denoted 132 and 134, its inner wall 136, and its outer wall 138. Most advantageously, the body of this bearing is made of a plastic material, such as polypropylene. Furthermore, the balls are preferably made of glass. Since this bearing must be continuously immersed in a humid environment, the use of these materials avoids the corrosion phenomena to which a traditional steel bearing would be subject.

[0084] The assembly of the mechanical parts 110, 130 and 150, constituting the wheel 107, is, for example, as follows. First, the bearing 130 is mounted around the shaft 112 of the hub 110, from the axle 116. As it moves, the wall The inner 136 of the bearing retracts the tabs 114. Then, when the face 132 comes against the ring 120, these tabs return to their position of [Fig. 15] due to their elastic nature.

[0085] The bearing 130 is therefore axially locked between the tabs 114 and the ring 120 (see [Fig. 15] where its position is shown in dashed lines), while being free to rotate around the body. In the case of a plastic bearing, as in the present embodiment, any press-fit assembly is to be avoided. Indeed, this would tend to compress and deform the inner ring, causing the bearing to lock in rotation.

[0086] Once the hub 110 and the bearing 130 are joined together in translation, they are brought closer to the rim 150 from the end bearing the flange 156. For this purpose, the fins 122 prevent any user error, as mounting from the opposite end is impossible. The peripheral wall 138 of the bearing slides along the ramps 164, so as to spread the tabs 162 apart.

[0087] Then, when the bearing is located beyond these tabs, the latter return to their position in [Fig. 16] due to their elastic nature. The bearing is then held in translation relative to the rim, both by the shoulder 166 and the wall opposite the base 158. It should be noted that, here again, a press-fit of the plastic bearing cannot be considered, since this type of mounting would deform the outer ring and prevent the bearing from rotating.

[0088] The wheel 107, thus positioned, can be installed on the support by means of the axles 116 and 124 engaging with the walls of the support. Disassembly of the wheel components can be carried out in reverse order of the steps described above. First, the tabs 162 of the rim 150 are moved apart to axially free the bearing 130, which remains fixed to the hub 110. Then, the tabs 114 are retracted so that the bearing can be moved away from the ring 120 and thus detached from the hub.

[0089] Figures 17 and 18 illustrate an alternative embodiment concerning the structure of a connecting element belonging to the tubular connecting member. According to this alternative, the connecting element 190 does not have a smooth periphery, like the connecting element 90 described previously. On the contrary, this connecting element is provided with a plurality of grooves 191, defining a plurality of intermediate sections 192. As shown in [Fig. 18], the webs 3 and 4 of the support can be mounted at the level of the sections 192. In this case, the presence of the grooves is particularly advantageous since it prevents any longitudinal displacement of the webs 3 and 4 and, consequently, of the entire support. This locking mechanism is indicated in [Fig. 18] by the crossed arrows F191.

[0090] Figures 17 and 18 illustrate another embodiment, which can be implemented in combination with the splines 191, or independently of them. The connecting element 190 is designed to cooperate, by quick locking, with adjacent connecting elements not shown. To this end, one end 194 is provided with an L-shaped notch 193, while the other end 196 has a pin 195. The latter can cooperate, by means of a so-called quarter-turn locking, with the notch of a neighboring connecting element. Similarly, the notch 193 can receive the pin of an opposite connecting element, so as to achieve this quarter-turn locking. This embodiment prevents any separation that would be due to rotational forces.

[0091] The invention makes it possible to achieve the objectives mentioned above.

[0092] It should first be noted that the applicant deserves credit for identifying the drawbacks associated with the above-mentioned solution proposed by Morisset. In this earlier design, the casters are offset from the support block. Under these conditions, when a filter element is placed on the casters, the force it exerts tends to create a lateral tipping moment on the support blocks. To ensure the overall stability of the device, it is therefore necessary to provide a central stabilizing platform that counteracts the moments generated by the wheel offset. In Morisset's design, the platform and supports have no rotational degree of freedom, possessing only one translational degree of freedom. Once the distance between the supports is adjusted, this single translational degree of freedom is eliminated by screwing each support onto the platform.

[0093] On the contrary, the invention provides for placing each wheel between two layers of material belonging to the support. Consequently, when the filter element rests on the supports of the device according to the invention, no significant moment is exerted on these supports. This feature is illustrated in [Fig. 9], which shows the forces fl000 exerted by the filter element 1000 on the supports 2 and 3. Since these forces are directed between the layers 3 and 4, and 5 and 6 respectively, they do not create any significant moment capable of causing the aforementioned supports to tilt.

[0094] Under these conditions, it is possible to provide a significantly simpler connecting element than in the prior art. Preferably, a fastening between the support and the connecting element by elastic snap-fit ​​is preferred, which is easily removable and allows for simple adjustment of the distance between these supports. Unlike the Morisset solution above, controlled translation is possible between the supports and the connecting element by adjusting the rigidity of the material bridges 39 / 49, as well as the difference in diameters between the tubes 90 / 92 and the wall of the housing units 37 / 47. It should also be noted that, advantageously, the overall mass of this device is very low, being less than 1 kilogram, preferably 500 g-

[0095] The low mass of the device is accompanied by another advantage, relating to the actual implementation of the device according to the invention. As described above, when the filter element is rotated, the entire device is likely to move relative to the ground. This ensures the dissipation of vibrations at ground level, thus allowing optimal operation of the device. This movement, in particular, prevents the filter element from being ejected unexpectedly from the retaining device. In this regard, the presence of wheel flanges with a large diameter further contributes to improving this stability.

[0096] It is also particularly advantageous to manufacture at least part, and preferably the entire device, from a moldable material. This first of all makes it possible to guarantee the mass production of this device, particularly via an injection molding process. As a less preferred alternative in terms of cost, extrusion followed by cutting can be used. The use of this moldable material also makes it possible to reduce the number of component parts of the device, while also allowing for elastic snap-fit ​​connections between these different parts.

[0097] As seen above, an advantageous feature of the invention lies in the value of the diameter D73 of the raceway. This measurement makes it possible to reduce the rotational speed of the wheels when the filter element is set in motion on the retaining device. This consequently induces a reduction in the rotational speed of the shafts, such as those 76 and 78 of the wheel 7. Under these conditions, the resistive torque is reduced, as are the heating levels, which contributes to extending the overall service life of the device, in particular of its wheels.

[0098] The one-piece embodiment of the wheel 7 offers specific advantages, making its use particularly suitable for certain situations. Essentially, this one-piece version is economical and convenient thanks to the presence of a single mechanical part. This variant is therefore particularly well-suited for holding relatively lightweight filter elements and / or elements rotating at relatively low speeds.

[0099] In parallel, the embodiment of the wheel 107, consisting of a hub, a bearing, and a rim, offers other advantages. This design reduces friction during operation, particularly between the axles and the support. Furthermore, it ensures the reliable rotation of filter elements with a high mass. In addition, at high rotational speeds, the presence of these Different mechanical parts help to limit heating and therefore prevent possible melting of all or part of the wheel.

Claims

Claims

1. Device (I) for maintaining the rotation of a filtration element (1000) for aquatic equipment, this filtration element comprising a frame (1010) as well as a filter medium (1050) provided at the periphery of this frame, the device comprising two supports (1, 2), each of which is intended to receive a respective rim (1030, 1040) of the frame, each support (1, 2) comprising two wheels (7, 7', 8, 8'; 107) intended to enter into rotation under the effect of the rotation of the rims of the frame, characterized in that each support comprises a base (10, 20) as well as two sails (3, 4; 5, 6) respectively inner and outer, these sails delimiting an intermediate volume (VI, V2), each wheel being at least partly received in the intermediate volume and having two axes (76, 78; 76', 78'; 86, 88; 86', 88';116,124) each of which is rotatably mounted on a respective web, said device being advantageously made at least in part and, preferably, in its entirety from a moldable material.;

2. Device according to the preceding claim, in which each sail (3, 4; 5, 6) comprises two end flanges (30, 31, 40, 41; 50, 51, 60, 61) as well as an intermediate strip (32, 42; 52, 62) of lower height, each axis being rotatably mounted on a respective flange, each flange advantageously comprising a first wing (33, 34, 43, 44) ensuring the junction with the intermediate strip, as well as a second wing (35, 36, 45, 46) called stabilization, extending to a respective end of the base.

3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the wheel delimits a rolling track (73,73'; 83,83'; 154), the diameter (D73) of said track being greater than 20 mm (millimeters), preferably 70 mm, the track being advantageously extended radially by a collar (74,74'; 84,84'), the radial dimension of said collar between the track and the peripheral end of this collar being advantageously greater than 2 mm, preferably 15 mm.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which each wheel is made in a single piece (7, 7', 8, 8'), each wheel advantageously comprising a hub (72) made in one piece with the two axles, each axle being separated from the hub by a respective shoulder (77, 79).

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which each wheel (107) comprises a hub (110), a bearing (130) and a rim (150) mutually independent, said hub being equipped with the two axles (116, 124) and said rim being advantageously provided with said rolling track (154), the device further comprising first removable securing means (114), in particular by elastic snap-fastening, between the hub and the bearing, as well as second removable securing means (162), in particular by elastic snap-fastening, between the bearing and the rim.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a connecting member (9) capable of mutually connecting the two supports (9, 10), this connecting member being advantageously composed of several tubular connecting elements (90, 92; 190) capable of being mutually fixed in a removable manner, each sail, in particular each strip, being advantageously provided with a housing (37, 47) capable of receiving a respective end of the connecting member, by elastic snap-fastening.

7. Device according to claim 6, in which at least one tubular connecting element is provided, at its periphery, with a plurality of grooves (191) delimiting receiving sections (192) for the webs of the support, said grooves ensuring that these webs are held in a longitudinal direction of the connecting member.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, which is capable of adopting a storage position in which the wheels (7, 7', 8, 8') of one (1, 2) of the supports are at least partly received in the intermediate volume (V2, VI) of the other (2, 1) of these supports, each support advantageously comprising material recesses (16, 17; 26, 27) capable of receiving the outer periphery, in particular the collar, of the other support.

9. Use of a holding device (I) according to any one of the preceding claims, for holding in rotation a filtration element (1000) for aquatic equipment during its cleaning.

10. Use according to the preceding claim, in which a jet of liquid is projected onto the filtration element at a pressure greater than 2.5 bars, in particular 3 bars, and advantageously rotating this filtration element at a speed greater than 20 rpm, in particular greater than 50 rpm.

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