THERMAL INSULATION TERRACE

The mobile terrace with an overhead crane and polycarbonate insulating plates addresses inefficiencies in thermal insulation and adaptability, achieving improved energy savings, water quality, and mold prevention.

FR3157455A1Active Publication Date: 2025-06-27P A C
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Patent Information

Application Number
FR2023014618
Authority / Receiving Office
FR · FR
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-12-20
Publication Date
2025-06-27
Estimated Expiration
2043-12-20

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing mobile terraces for pools are inefficient in thermal insulation, bulky, difficult to implement, and can lead to mold and odor issues, while also being unsuitable for modified pool configurations and potentially polluting the pool water.

Method used

A mobile terrace with an overhead crane and thermally insulating plates made of polycarbonate, featuring a watertight barrier with a double seal, adjustable height, and a peripheral seal to minimize air circulation and prevent water pollution.

Benefits of technology

The solution provides enhanced thermal insulation, prevents mold and odors, adapts to varying pool configurations, and maintains water quality by effectively limiting thermal exchanges and guiding condensation back into the pool.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a mobile terrace intended to cover a pool, the terrace comprising:- a floor (16); and- a rolling crane (14), on which the floor is fixed, the rolling crane comprising a support structure (18), wheels (20) fixed on the support structure, and a thermally insulating plate (361, 362, 363) rigidly fixed on the support structure, the insulating plate being inserted into slides (381, 382, ​​383) of the support structure. Abstract figure: figure 1
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Description

Title of the invention: THERMAL INSULATION TERRACE Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a mobile terrace intended to thermally insulate a pool. It also relates to an installation comprising a pool and such a mobile terrace. Prior art

[0002] To limit energy losses from a pool, for example a swimming pool or a spa, it is known to cover it with a mobile terrace, which the user can move from a storage position to a position for covering the pool. The movement is generally exclusively in translation along a direction of movement X. In particular, the terrace conventionally comprises wheels which roll in rails fixed to the ground, to the right and possibly also to the left of the terrace.

[0003] The mobile terrace is covered with a floor that the user can, in the storage position, use for example to place deckchairs or a table and chairs. In the covering position, the terrace limits the heat exchanges between the water contained in the pool and the external environment. It thus contributes to maintaining the temperature of the water and in particular to energy savings. It also contributes to the cleanliness of the water, by limiting the entry of impurities into the pool (leaves, sand, earth, etc.).

[0004] To further limit these thermal exchanges, it is known to place foam blocks or expanded polystyrene or polyurethane under the terrace floor. However, tests have shown that these solutions are inefficient, bulky and difficult to implement, particularly because the foam must be protected by a peripheral membrane.

[0005] Furthermore, the floor, generally in the form of an assembly of slats, can sometimes color the rain which passes through it and thus contribute to polluting the water in the pool.

[0006] Furthermore, it is common for the construction of the pool to not be completed when the terrace is designed. When late modifications are made around the pool, the movable terrace may prove unsuitable for the modified pool. In particular, the height under the terrace may prove insufficient.

[0007] Finally, current insulating terraces can, after some time of use, develop mold and give off unpleasant odors.

[0008] An aim of the invention is to respond, at least partially, to these problems. Summary of the invention

[0009] The invention proposes a mobile terrace intended to cover a pool, in particular to thermally insulate it, the terrace comprising: - a floor; and - an overhead crane, on which the floor is fixed, the overhead crane comprising a support structure, wheels fixed on the support structure, and a thermally insulating plate rigidly fixed on the support structure.

[0010] According to a first main aspect of the invention, the insulating plate, preferably each insulating plate, rests on the support structure, along its entire periphery. In other words, at the periphery of the insulating plate, there is no gap between the insulating plate and the support structure.

[0011] The insulating plate thus makes it possible to constitute a substantially watertight barrier limiting thermal exchanges between the air above the pool and the ambient air surrounding the terrace.

[0012] The support may be direct or, preferably, via a seal, preferably made of a polymeric material, preferably an elastomer, for example silicone. The seal further improves the seal.

[0013] The peripheral edges of the insulating plate can be placed on an edge of the support structure, for example on angle irons.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the peripheral edges of the insulating plate are inserted into slides of the support structure. The upper face and the lower face of the insulating plate thus bear on the support structure, along its entire periphery, forming a double seal.

[0015] The supports are preferably by means of a seal, preferably made of a polymeric material, preferably of an elastomer, for example silicone.

[0016] According to a second main aspect of the invention, the insulating plate is made of polycarbonate, and preferably cellular, the cells preferably forming rectilinear and parallel conduits. Advantageously, such a plate is very insulating and has low porosity, which prevents odors and mold.

[0017] According to a third main aspect of the invention, the overhead crane comprises several superimposed attachments, each attachment being adapted to the fixing of a wheel. Advantageously, the height of the terrace can thus be easily adapted, in particular when the configuration of the basin has been modified late. It is thus possible to minimize the gap between the support structure and the ground, and therefore to minimize the heat exchanges between the air above the basin and the ambient air surrounding the terrace.

[0018] According to a fourth main aspect of the invention, the terrace comprises a peripheral seal rubbing on the ground over the entire periphery of the overhead crane. The seal therefore extends to a height less than the height of the lower end of the wheels. In other words, when the terrace rests on horizontal ground via the wheels, the seal rests on the ground and thus forms a barrier limiting the circulation of air between the support structure and the ground. Thermal insulation is further improved, the terrace forming a sort of cage trapping the air above the pool.

[0019] The rubbing joint may consist of one or more brushes and / or one or more flaps, rubbing on the ground. In a preferred embodiment, the overhead crane comprises a rectangular edge frame formed by the assembly of two edge plinths and two edge beams, at least one brush rubbing on the ground along each edge plinth and at least one flap rubbing on the ground along each edge beam.

[0020] According to a fifth main aspect of the invention, the terrace comprises a deflector, preferably fixed along an edge plinth of the support structure, preferably fixed along each of the edge plinths of the support structure, the deflector being configured to guide drops of condensation appearing under said insulating plate so that they fall into the basin.

[0021] Advantageously, the ground around the pool can remain dry despite this condensation. In addition, the water is advantageously recovered, which limits water loss.

[0022] Of course, the characteristics, optional or not, of the different main aspects of the invention can be combined, to the extent that they are technically compatible.

[0023] Regardless of the main aspect, a terrace according to the invention preferably has one or more of the following optional characteristics: - the insulating plate is inserted into longitudinal slides, i.e. parallel to the direction of movement, of the support structure, and / or into front and rear slides, preferably transverse, i.e. perpendicular to the direction of movement, of the support structure; - said bar, preferably a plinth, is pierced with at least one evacuation orifice arranged so as to evacuate, in the covering position, towards the inside of said plinth, water flowing over the insulating plate, said bar preferably having a window for the evacuation of said water towards the outside of the overhead crane, preferably a window crossed by a said wheel; - the support structure is an assembly of two lateral edge plinths parallel to the direction of movement, two edge beams, preferably perpendicular to the direction of movement, preferably forming a rectangular edge frame with the two edge plinths, and optionally one or more intermediate beams; - the support structure comprises two hollow side edge plinths, parallel to the direction of movement, each edge plinth comprising a plurality of windows, each window being pierced with a respective wheel mounted to rotate around a pivot fixed inside said plinth on a fastener, the plinth preferably comprising, for each window, a plurality of said superimposed fasteners so that the pivot of the wheel associated with said window can be fixed at different heights, preferably at 2, 3 or 4 different heights; - the terrace comprises several said superimposed insulating plates, preferably spaced apart by a distance greater than 2 mm, preferably greater than 3 mm, preferably greater than 5 mm, and / or less than 30 mm, preferably less than 20 mm, preferably less than 10 mm, so as to maintain air gaps between them, the insulating plate closest to the floor being called the “upper insulating plate”; - the upper insulating plate has a thickness less than the other insulating plates, called “lower”; - the upper insulating plate is shaped and / or oriented to guide rainwater having passed through the floor towards the edge frame, preferably towards at least one of the edges of the rolling crane which are parallel to the direction of movement of the terrace; - the upper insulating plate is flat and inclined, or the upper insulating plate is curved, the top of the upper insulating plate preferably being a ridge line parallel to the direction of movement, and preferably substantially at mid-width of the upper insulating plate; - the pivot of a wheel, preferably of each pivot, is fixed inside a hollow bar, preferably a hollow plinth, of the support structure, the wheel emerging from said bar, downwards through a window; - the terrace comprises a set of said insulating plates defining, with the support structure, one or more boxes which open, preferably exclusively, towards the inside of hollow bars of the support structure, preferably exclusively towards the inside of hollow plinths of the support structure, by one or more water drainage holes, said plinths preferably opening towards the outside only by said windows crossed by wheels.

[0024] The invention also relates to an installation comprising a basin, preferably a swimming pool or a spa, and a terrace according to the invention, movable between covering and storage positions in which said terrace covers the basin, so as to limit energy losses, and leaves free access to the basin so that a bather can enter it, respectively.

[0025] Preferably, the installation comprises rails, preferably rectilinear, fixed to the ground, guiding the wheels of the terrace. Brief description of the figures

[0026] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon examination of the description which follows and with regard to the appended drawing in which: - [Fig. 1][Fig. 1] represents, in perspective, an installation according to the invention, the terrace being in the storage position (IA) and in the covering position (IB); - [Fig.2][Fig.2] represents, in cross-section at mid-length, the installation of [Fig.l] in the covering position; - [Fig.3] [Fig.3] represents a detail of [Fig.2]; - [Fig.4][Fig.4] represents, in perspective, seen from above, the terrace of [Fig.l], the floor having been dismantled; and - [Fig.5][Fig.5] represents a cross-section of an edge plinth of the terrace of [Fig.l], the numbers indicating preferred dimensions, in mm. In the various figures, identical references are used to designate identical or similar parts. Definitions

[0027] For the sake of clarity and conventionally, a bar of the support structure which extends perpendicular to the direction of movement is called a "beam" and a bar of the support structure which extends parallel to the direction of movement horizontally is called a "plinth".

[0028] By "rolling crane" we conventionally mean a bridge capable of rolling on the ground. "Rolling" does not imply that the bridge is in motion.

[0029] A "wheel" is an assembly consisting of a roller, a pivot on which the roller is rotatably mounted. The pivot is adapted to be fixed to a fastener on the support structure. By "fixing a wheel" is meant the rigid fixing of the pivot to the support structure.

[0030] We distinguish between the “edge” bars, plinths and beams, which delimit the outer frame of the overhead crane, or “edge frame”, and the intermediate bars, plinths and beams which extend inside this edge frame.

[0031] For the sake of clarity, and unless otherwise indicated, "horizontal" and "vertical", "upper" and "lower", "above" and "below", "top" and "bottom", refer to a position in which the terrace is placed on its wheels on horizontal ground. The same applies to "height", measured in the vertical direction. "Right" and "left" are assessed by considering a displacement in the direction of displacement, towards the overlapping position. "Width" is measured transversely or "laterally", that is to say perpendicular to the direction of displacement of the terrace, between right and left.

[0032] Except for the length of the bars, the “length” is measured longitudinally, i.e. parallel to the direction of movement of the terrace. “Longitudinal” therefore refers to a direction parallel to the direction of movement of the terrace.

[0033] Unless otherwise indicated, a "superposition" of two objects means that these objects are one on top of the other.

[0034] Two axes are considered to be perpendicular to each other when planes normal to these axes are themselves perpendicular to each other.

[0035] Unless otherwise indicated, “fix” implies a rigid fixation.

[0036] “Behave” or “understand” or “present” must be interpreted non-limiting manner. Detailed description

[0037] [Fig. 1] represents an installation 2 comprising a basin 4, preferably a swimming pool or a spa, and a terrace 10, movable between covering (Figure 1B) and storage (Figure 1A) positions, in which said terrace covers the pool, so as to limit energy losses, and leaves free access to the pool so that a bather can enter it, respectively.

[0038] Preferably, the installation comprises rails 12, preferably rectilinear, fixed to the ground, guiding the wheels of the terrace.

[0039] The basin 4 contains a liquid, typically water, optionally heated by a heating device, such as a heat pump. The basin may in particular be a swimming pool or a spa. The dimensions of the terrace are adapted to those of the basin.

[0040] Classically, the terrace presents: - a width ho greater than 1 m and / or less than 10 m, and / or - a length Li0 greater than 1 m and / or less than 15 m, and / or - a height hi0 greater than 10 cm, preferably greater than 20 cm, and / or less than 40 cm, preferably less than 30 cm.

[0041] The terrace is movable in translation, following a direction of movement X, between the covering and storage positions.

[0042] The terrace comprises an overhead crane 14 and a floor 16 which covers the overhead crane.

[0043] The floor is flat and adapted to the environment of the pool. It is preferably non-slip so that users can walk on it without slipping. Finally, it is preferably designed to withstand water splashes. In a preferred embodiment, the floor is an assembly of wooden plates or wooden slats.

[0044] The overhead crane 14 comprises a support structure 18 carrying the floor and a wheel assembly 20 configured so that the terrace can be moved in the direction of travel, preferably by the sole push of a user, preferably exclusively in the direction of travel ([Fig.2]).

[0045] The support structure is an assembly of bars ([Fig.3]), preferably profiles, preferably hollow, preferably tubular, preferably metallic. These bars define an edge frame 22, preferably rectangular, constituted by the assembly of two transverse edge beams 24 and two longitudinal edge plinths 26.

[0046] The edge plinths 26 preferably define corner pieces 27 on which the floor can be laid ([Fig.5]).

[0047] The edge beams may be in several pieces. The length of a piece of an edge beam is preferably greater than 1 m, which advantageously limits thermal bridges. The beam pieces of the prior art typically have a length of approximately 0.5 m.

[0048] The edge plinths may be in several pieces. The length of a piece of an edge plinth is preferably greater than 1 m, which advantageously limits thermal bridges. The pieces of plinth of the prior art conventionally have a length of approximately 0.8 m.

[0049] The space delimited by the edge frame 22 can be partitioned by means of one or more intermediate plinths 28 and one or more intermediate beams 30, as illustrated in [Fig.4]. Seen from above, the structure thus defines one or more openings 32. Each opening is thus framed by four bar portions, that is to say four portions of a beam or a plinth, forming an elementary frame. Each opening is completely closed by means of a respective insulating plate 34, forming a substantially hermetic cover.

[0050] The thermally insulating plate preferably has a thermal transmission coefficient, at 20°C, greater than 0.7 W / m2.K, preferably greater than 0.9 W / m2.K, preferably greater than 1.0 W / m2.K and / or less than 2 W / m2.K. The thermal transmission coefficient represents the quantity of energy which passes through the insulating plate, in the direction of the thickness, for a difference of 1 K between the temperatures on each side of the insulating plate.

[0051] The thermally insulating plate is preferably made of polycarbonate. Advantageously, unlike polystyrene or foam in particular, polycarbonate is substantially free of pores that could retain water and thus cause hygiene problems (mold, odors, etc.).

[0052] Preferably, the insulating plate has: - a thickness greater than 20 mm, preferably greater than 30 mm, and / or less than 65 mm, preferably less than 50 mm, preferably less than 40 mm, preferably less than 35 mm, and / or - a width greater than 1 m and / or less than 10 m, and / or - a length greater than 0.5 m, preferably greater than 0.8 m, preferably greater than 1.0 m, preferably greater than 1.1 m and / or less than 2.5 m.

[0053] Preferably, the width of the insulating plate allows it to extend between the two edge plinths.

[0054] The above characteristics preferably apply to each insulating plate.

[0055] The set of insulating plates which extend in the same horizontal plane forms an “insulating layer”, as shown in [Fig.4].

[0056] Advantageously, the insulating layer and the support structure together form, in the covering position, a substantially hermetic barrier between the pool and the external environment, in particular opposing the circulation of air between the pool and the external environment.

[0057] Preferably, the overhead crane comprises several insulating layers superimposed on each other, preferably identical. With the support structure, two superimposed insulating layers form a box 36 which is substantially airtight. The air gap contained in a box considerably improves the thermal insulation. Preferably, the vertical distance between successive insulating layers is greater than 3 mm, preferably greater than 5 mm and less than 3 cm.

[0058] [Fig. 3] illustrates an embodiment in which the overhead crane comprises superimposed insulating plates 34b 342 and 343, delimiting boxes 36i and 362. The insulating plate 34i which is located immediately under the floor is called “upper”.

[0059] Each box preferably has a height greater than 0.5 cm, and / or less than 3 cm, preferably less than 2 cm, preferably less than 1 cm. The provision of an air-filled space between two insulating plates has allowed a remarkable improvement in the insulation. Surprisingly, the results have proven better than inserting a cork plate in this space. Each box preferably has a width and length substantially identical to those of the superimposed insulating plates, preferably - a width greater than 1 m and / or less than 10 m, and / or - a length greater than 0.5 m, preferably greater than 0.8 m, preferably greater than 1.0 m, preferably greater than 1.1 m and / or less than 2.5 m.

[0060] Each plate is preferably rectangular, and is delimited by first and second longitudinal peripheral edges, i.e. right and left edges, and by first and second transverse peripheral edges, i.e. front and rear edges.

[0061] As illustrated in [Fig.3], along its entire periphery, that is to say without discontinuity following the peripheral edges of the insulating plate, the upper faces and lower part of each insulating plate 34b 342 and 343 are supported on the support structure, so as to eliminate any space, or “open space”.

[0062] A peripheral support line 35 has been shown in [Fig.4], for the insulating plate 34, in a broken and thick line.

[0063] The support may be direct, such as the supports of the lower faces of the insulating plates 34i, 342 and 343, or indirect, by means of an elastomeric seal 37, elastically deformable, for example made of silicone.

[0064] the first longitudinal edge of each insulating plate 34b 342 and 343 is inserted into a respective first longitudinal slide 38b 382 and 383, formed in a first plinth, preferably a first edge plinth 26.

[0065] Each slide rests on the entire length of the insulating plate that it receives, on the upper and lower faces of the insulating plate. It thus forms a double insulating seal, which prevents the circulation of air, and preferably water, between the environment of the terrace and the space under the terrace.

[0066] Preferably, the first transverse edge of each insulating plate 34b 342 and 343 is also inserted into a respective first transverse slide, formed in a first beam.

[0067] Preferably, the second transverse edge of each insulating plate 34b 342 and 343 is also inserted into a respective second transverse slide, formed in a second beam.

[0068] At least one of the first and second transverse slides is formed in an edge beam.

[0069] More preferably, each edge of each insulating plate 34b 342 and 343 is inserted into a respective slide, so that the insulating plate is framed.

[0070] A slide, preferably each slide, may be made in one piece with the bar which supports it, i.e. form a monolithic part with this bar, or be added, i.e. fixed to said bar.

[0071] The upper insulating layer, i.e. the layer located immediately under the floor, also advantageously forms a barrier preventing water from entering the pool through the floor. The sealing of the upper insulating layer thus makes it possible to preserve the quality of the water, in particular when the floor is covered with a varnish or a dye likely to rub off in the event of rain. More preferably, the upper insulating layer is shaped so as to ensure rapid evacuation of rain to the outside, preferably towards the edge plinths. In the preferred embodiment, the upper insulating layer is curved outwards, preferably exclusively towards the edge plinths. In particular, the curvature may result from a deformation of at least one insulating plate having a width greater than the distance between the two slides between which it is inserted, as shown in [Fig.3].

[0072] More preferably, the upper insulating layer has a thickness of less than 15 millimeters, and / or preferably greater than 5 millimeters.

[0073] The pivots 40 of the wheels 20 are fixed on respective fasteners 42, as illustrated in [Fig. 3]. The fasteners 42 are fixed, or preferably made of the same material as the edge plinths 26, the axes of rotation of the wheels being horizontal and perpendicular to the direction of movement.

[0074] Preferably, the edge plinths are hollow, thus having a tubular shape. However, they have, for each wheel that they carry, a window 44 opening downwards. The wheel is fixed on a fastener 42i inside the plinth which receives it and opens towards the outside of the plinth through the window 44. Preferably, the wheel is housed inside the plinth for more than 50%, preferably more than 60% of its height. It is thus protected.

[0075] More preferably, several superimposed fasteners are provided for the same window. In [Fig. 3], a fastener 422 is thus provided above the fastener 42b. The vertical position of the wheel can thus be advantageously chosen, in particular to adapt to the configuration of the terrain. This characteristic is particularly advantageous because it makes it possible to easily adapt the terrace to any modification of the pool not initially planned.

[0076] Preferably, the fasteners are accessible from outside the plinth, through the window, so as to allow mounting and dismounting of the wheel through the window 44. The vertical position of the wheel can thus advantageously be easily modified.

[0077] Preferably, an insulating plate, preferably each insulating plate extends over more than 80%, preferably more than 90%, or more than 95% of the width of the overhead crane, the support structure preferably extending so as to constitute the complement to 100% of the width of the overhead crane.

[0078] Preferably, the structure does not include an intermediate plinth, i.e. it only includes a right-hand edge plinth and a left-hand edge plinth. The insulating plates thus extend substantially over the entire width of the terrace. The lateral drainage of rainwater or, inside a box, of condensation water is improved.

[0079] Preferably, for an insulating plate, preferably for each insulating plate, the right edge plinth and / or the left edge plinth comprise(s) one or more through-drainage orifices 46, preferably oblong, arranged to drain water flowing over the plate, and in particular water resulting from condensation inside a box. Advantageously, the risk of mold and unpleasant odors is considerably reduced.

[0080] Preferably, the drain holes are provided on a hollow edge plinth and the drain holes open towards the inside of the hollow edge plinth. Preferably, the inside of said plinth only opens towards the outside through the windows provided for the wheels. The fluid communication between the basin and the outside is thus limited.

[0081] In particular, when a said discharge orifice opens towards the interior of a box, there is no direct communication between the interior of the box and the external environment. The only possible communication is indirect, through the windows provided for the wheels and the water discharge orifice, which are not aligned. In other words, the surrounding air can only enter the box by winding its way through the window and then the discharge orifice.

[0082] Preferably, the terrace comprises a seal 46i rubbing on the ground so as to hinder the circulation of air between the external environment and the volume which extends under the overhead crane.

[0083] Preferably, the friction seal has - a thickness greater than 1 mm and / or less than 20 mm, and / or - a height greater than 10 mm and / or less than 50 mm.

[0084] Preferably, the friction seal 461, called “peripheral”, extends over the entire periphery of the overhead crane, so as to surround the basin in the overlapping position. It thus very effectively limits said air circulation.

[0085] Preferably, the friction seal 46i is inserted into a groove 48 of the support structure, preferably into a groove provided in the edge plinths and the edge beams.

[0086] The peripheral friction seal forms a peripheral barrier which extends substantially, preferably vertically, under the edge frame. This peripheral barrier further limits fluid communication under the edge frame between the basin and the external environment.

[0087] In a preferred embodiment, the terrace comprises several peripheral friction joints 46i and 462, the wheels preferably extending between two said peripheral joints.

[0088] The friction seal may comprise or be constituted by one or more brushes and / or flaps. A flap is a flexible blade, conventionally made of plastic, which extends substantially vertically.

[0089] Preferably, at least one brush scrubs the floor along each edge plinth. Preferably, at least one flap scrubs the floor along each edge beam.

[0090] In a preferred embodiment, the terrace further comprises a deflector 50 configured to guide drops of condensation appearing under the floor, in particular particular in the boxes 36. The deflector 50 is in particular intended to guide the drops which run down to the basin, under the insulating plate closest to the basin, until they reach an edge plinth.

[0091] The deflector may in particular have the shape of a blade, for example substantially horizontal, for example made of a polymer.

[0092] The deflector 50 is preferably fixed on an edge plinth. In the embodiment of [Fig. 3], the deflector is inserted into a groove 52 for this purpose. Preferably, a deflector extends along at least one edge plinth. Preferably, a deflector extends along each of the edge plinths.

[0093] By gravity, the condensation drops flow along the deflector 50 (dotted arrows), then fall into the basin. The condensation water, resulting mainly from the evaporation of the water from the basin, is therefore recovered to return to the basin, which limits the consequences of the evaporation on the water level in the basin. In addition, the drops do not fall on the beach around the basin, and more precisely, in the functional space between the edge of the basin and the edge plinth.

[0094] The operation of the mobile terrace follows directly from the preceding description.

[0095] Tests were carried out to evaluate the thermal insulation performance. In particular, the thermal transmission coefficients U of two terraces of the same external dimensions were evaluated. Each terrace was covered with the same floor, formed of wooden slats.

[0096] Terrace 1 was a terrace according to the invention, similar to that which is the subject of the figures. It comprised three superimposed insulating layers, the upper layer being made up of a 10 mm thick cellular polycarbonate insulating plate, and the other layers each being made up of a 32 mm thick cellular polycarbonate insulating plate.

[0097] Each insulating plate was separated from the adjacent insulating plate(s) by a 5.5 mm air gap. Each insulating plate was inserted into slides forming a frame all around the insulating plate. Each terrace was provided with a peripheral brush.

[0098] Terrace 2 was a terrace outside the invention, comprising a single insulating layer consisting of a 60 mm thick expanded polystyrene plate, placed on a grid supported by the edge frame.

[0099] The following table provides the main characteristics of the materials used:

[0100] [Tables] Density (kg / m3) Thermal conductivity (W / mK)œ Specific heat (J / Kg.K) 10 mm thick polycarbonate sheet 170 0.0302 1300 32 mm thick polycarbonate sheet 118.5 0.04224 1300 60 mm thick polystyrene sheet 18 0.039 1450

[0101] (1): thermal transmission coefficient * thickness

[0102] The following table provides the results obtained:

[0103] [Tables2] Heat flux (W) Tint (K) Text (K) Projected area (m 2) U (W / m2 •K) Terrace 1 25 291.7 284.1 4.18 0.786 Terrace 2 29 291.5 284.2 4.18 0.95

[0104] The heat flux is the flux that crosses the terrace.

[0105] Tint designates the temperature of the lower face of the terrace (facing the pool).

[0106] Text denotes the temperature of the outer face of the terrace (exposed to the external environment).

[0107] The projected area is the area of ​​the terrace, seen from above.

[0108] The results show that the thermal transmission coefficient U of terrace 1 is much higher than that of terrace 2, without the invention, the improvement being approximately 20%. Such a level of performance was a surprise to the inventors.

[0109] As is now clearly apparent, a mobile terrace according to the invention has, in the preferred embodiment, a remarkable thermal insulation capacity, in particular due to the fact that: - several insulating layers are formed between the floor and the pool; - the insulating layers are separated by air layers trapped between the insulating layers, in the boxes; - each insulating layer is formed of insulating plates, in alveolar polycarbonate, fixed in slides, so as to form superimposed covers; - one or more peripheral joints substantially completely isolate, in the overlapping position, the space between the supporting structure and the ground; - the mobile terrace ensures that rainwater is guided towards the periphery of the terrace, thus preventing it from cooling the water contained in the basin; - the edge frame is formed from hollow, insulating profiles; and - long single-piece profiles are used to form the support structure, thus limiting thermal bridges.

[0110] Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment, the guidance of the rainwater towards the periphery of the terrace prevents any pollution of the rainwater as it flows onto the floor, for example by tannins, from contaminating the water contained in the basin.

[0111] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown.

Claims

Claims

1. Mobile terrace intended to cover a pool, the terrace comprising: - a floor (16); and - an overhead crane (14), on which the floor is fixed, the overhead crane comprising a support structure (18), wheels (20) fixed on the support structure, and a thermally insulating plate (36i, 362, 363) rigidly fixed on the support structure, the insulating plate resting on the support structure, along its entire periphery.

2. Terrace according to the immediately preceding claim, in which the peripheral edges of the insulating plate are inserted into slides (38b 382, ​​383) of the support structure.

3. Terrace according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the insulating plate is made of polycarbonate and is cellular, the cells forming rectilinear and parallel conduits.

4. Terrace according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the rolling crane comprises several superimposed attachments (42b 422), each attachment being adapted for fixing a wheel (20).

5. A deck according to any preceding claim, wherein the pivot (40) of a wheel is secured within a hollow plinth (26) of the support structure and the wheel extends downwardly through a window (44).

6. Terrace according to the immediately preceding claim, in which said plinth is pierced with at least one drainage orifice arranged so as to evacuate, towards the interior of said plinth, water flowing over the insulating plate.

7. Terrace according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a peripheral seal (46i, 462) rubbing on the ground over the entire periphery of the overhead crane.

8. A deck according to any preceding claim, comprising a deflector (50) fixed along an edge plinth of the support structure and configured to guide drops of condensation appearing under said insulating plate so that they fall into the basin.

9. A terrace according to any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of said insulating plates (34b 342, 343) superimposed, two said adjacent insulating plates being separated by a air gap with a thickness greater than 3 mm.

10. Terrace according to the immediately preceding claim, in which the insulating plate (34J closest to the floor (16) is shaped and / or oriented to guide rainwater having passed through the floor towards at least one of the edges of the rolling bridge which are parallel to the direction of movement of the terrace.

11. Installation comprising a pool (4) and a terrace (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, movable between covering and storage positions in which said terrace covers the pool, so as to limit energy losses, and leaves free access to the pool so that a bather can enter it, respectively.

12. Installation according to the immediately preceding claim, in which the basin is a swimming pool or a spa.

Citation Information

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