Thermally insulating casing for tank and tank device comprising such a casing

Abstract

Thermally insulating enclosure for tank and tank device comprising such an enclosure The invention relates to an insulating enclosure (1) for tank (2) at least two complementary side wall parts (3), assembled together by butting their opposite lateral edges (31, 32) to form together a hollow cylindrical body, the various parts (3) mentioned above together constituting an insulating shell, with the lateral assembly edges (31, 32) of the side wall parts (3) extending along the longitudinal direction (DL) of the cylindrical body.An insulating enclosure (1) characterized in that each assembly edge (31, 32) of a side wall portion (3) comprises at least two magnetically locking assembly means (311 or 321) cooperating respectively with at least two corresponding complementary magnetically locking assembly means (321 or 311) present on the assembly edge (32, 31) of the other side wall portion (3) with which it is butted together. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 2.

Description

Title of the invention: Thermally insulating casing for a tank and tank device comprising such a casing

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of liquid storage tanks having external thermal insulation, added and formed by assembling several parts.

[0002] It relates to a thermally insulating envelope for such tanks and a tank device comprising such an envelope.

[0003] Many embodiments of multi-part insulating enclosure for tank, in particular for water storage tank, are already known.

[0004] These enclosures generally comprise at least two complementary side wall sections, joined together by butting their opposite lateral edges to form a hollow cylindrical body with a round, square, or other cross-section (the lateral assembly edges of the side wall sections extend along the longitudinal direction of the profiled cylindrical body). They also optionally comprise two plate-shaped bodies closing the two opposing upper and lower openings of said cylindrical body. These various elements together constitute, by mutual assembly, an insulating shell that is either open or only partially closed (in the absence of one or both of the upper and lower closing plates), or closed (when both closing plates are present), and which is intended to surround and enclose said tank.

[0005] However, these known insulating envelopes or shells, as well as the tank devices which include them, have several limitations and shortcomings and there is a demand for solutions to overcome them.

[0006] Thus, it has been noted in particular that these known insulating envelopes or shells are cumbersome to assemble (requiring numerous separate assembly parts) and to disassemble (when disassembly is possible), do not sufficiently facilitate maintenance, and / or do not allow for optimized packaging of the constituent parts of the insulating envelope in the form of a ready-to-assemble kit. Furthermore, these known designs often do not provide sufficient thermal insulation in relation to expectations and new regulations (due to their construction, the assembly of their constituent elements, and their loose wrapping of the tank, which allows air circulation by convection), do not fit into an eco-design or recycling approach, do not allow for flexibility in terms of external appearance, and / or do not provide a sufficiently rigid and robust shell.

[0007] The present invention aims to meet at least partially the demand set out above and to overcome at least some of the limitations and shortcomings mentioned.

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to a multi-part insulating enclosure for a tank, in particular for a water storage tank, comprising at least two complementary side wall parts, joined together by butting their opposite lateral edges to form together a hollow cylindrical body, with a round or non-round cross-section, and, optionally, at least one plate-shaped body closing one or each of the two opposing upper and lower openings of said cylindrical body, the various aforementioned parts together constituting an insulating shell, optionally closed by at least one of the two bodies, intended to surround and enclose said tank, with the lateral assembly edges of the side wall parts extending along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical body,

[0009] insulating envelope characterized in that each assembly edge of a side wall part comprises at least two magnetic locking assembly means cooperating respectively with at least two corresponding complementary magnetic locking assembly means, present on the assembly edge of the other or another side wall part with which it is assembled with edge-to-edge butting.

[0010] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to preferred embodiments, given by way of non-limiting examples, and explained with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

[0011] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of an insulated tank device comprising an insulating shell-like envelope according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0012] [Fig.2] is an exploded view of the tank device shown [Fig.1];

[0013] [Fig.3] is a vertical cross-sectional view along AA and an elevation view of the device reservoir of the [Fig.l];

[0014] [Fig.4] is a view similar to that of [Fig.1], a part of the side wall of the insulating shell removed;

[0015] [Fig.5] is a view of the reservoir device similar to that of [Fig.1], of the upper portions of two side wall sections being removed;

[0016] [Fig.6] is an elevation view of a portion of a side wall forming part of the insulating casing of the tank device shown in figures 1, 2 and 4;

[0017] [Fig.7] is a cross-sectional view along BB of the lateral wall portion shown [Fig.6];

[0018] [Fig.8A] and [Fig.8B] are cross-sectional views along CC of the side wall portion represented [Fig.6], illustrating two variant implementations;

[0019] [Fig.9A] is a perspective view, in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, of a male assembly means (without magnet or ferromagnetic element) intended to be integrated into a part of the side wall constituting the insulating envelope of the tank device shown in figures 7 and 8, and figures [Fig.9B] and [Fig.9C] are elevation views in two different directions of the means shown [Fig.9A];

[0020] [Fig.1OA] is a perspective view, in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, of a female assembly means (without magnet or ferromagnetic element) intended to be integrated into a part of the side wall constituting the insulating envelope of the tank device shown in figures 7 and 8, and figures [Fig.1OB] and [Fig.1OC] are elevation views in two different directions of the means shown [Fig.1OA];

[0021] [Fig. 11] is a view at a different scale of detail Y of [Fig.5];

[0022] [Fig. 12] is a view at a different scale of detail W of [Fig.3];

[0023] [Fig. 13] is a view at a different scale of detail Z of [Fig. 5], in accordance with the first variant of the realization of the male and female assembly means represented in figures 9 and 10 and achieving the magneto-mechanical assembly link between parts of the side wall;

[0024] [Fig. 14] is a top view of a plate-shaped body, intended to close the lower opening of the insulating casing of the tank device illustrated in figures 1 to 5, according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0025] [Fig.15A] and [Fig.15B] are top and perspective views respectively of a plate-shaped body, intended to close the lower opening of the insulating envelope of the tank device illustrated in figures 1 to 5, according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0026] [Fig. 16] is a top view of one of the three identical constituent parts of the plate-shaped body shown in figures 15;

[0027] [Fig. 17] is a view at a different scale of detail Z of [Fig. 5], in accordance with a second embodiment of the male and female assembly means providing the magneto-mechanical assembly link between side wall parts, and,

[0028] [Fig. 18] is an exploded view detail illustrating the placement of a male assembly means shown [Fig.17] at the assembly edge of a side wall part.

[0029] Figures 1 to 5 illustrate a multi-part insulating casing (1) for a tank (2), particularly for a water storage tank. This casing (1) comprises at least two complementary side wall parts (3), joined together by butting their opposite lateral edges (31, 32) to form a hollow cylindrical body (4), with or without a round cross-section, and, optionally at least one plate-shaped body (5, 6) closing one or both of the two opposing upper and lower openings of said cylindrical body (4). The aforementioned various parts (3) together constitute an insulating shell (11), optionally closed by at least one of the two bodies (5, 6), intended to surround and enclose said reservoir (2). The lateral assembly edges (31, 32) of the side wall parts (3) extend along the longitudinal direction (DL) of the cylindrical body (4).

[0030] According to the invention, the insulating envelope (1) is characterized in that each assembly edge (31, 32) of a side wall part (3) comprises at least two magnetically locking assembly means (311 or 321) cooperating respectively with at least two corresponding complementary magnetically locking assembly means (321 or 311) present on the assembly edge (32, 31) of the other or another side wall part (3) with which it is assembled with edge-to-edge butting.

[0031] Thanks to the aforementioned provisions of the invention, the insulating casing (1) is constructed in a way that is easy to mount on the tank (2) and easily removable (partially, for example for maintenance, or totally, for replacing the casing for final recycling or for a change in appearance). Furthermore, these mounting / dismounting operations can be carried out without the use of separate fasteners or assembly parts and without requiring any tools. In addition, the invention makes it possible to supply an insulating casing (1) in kit form, ready for assembly (where applicable, on the installation site), and whose packaging can be optimized with a limited number of parts, namely, for the hollow cylindrical body (4), only the side wall sections (3) with their integrated magnetic locking assembly means (311, 321).

[0032] Advantageously, and as shown in Figures 8, 13, and 17, the magnetically locking assembly means (311, 321) are provided to be of two different types, and each of the two assembly edges (31 and 32) of a side wall portion (3) comprises assembly means (311 or 321) of only one of the two types. By equipping each of the two opposing side assembly edges (31 and 32) of each side wall portion (3) with assembly means of one type that can cooperate with complementary coincident means of the other type present on the abutting edge, the assembly of the hollow cylindrical body (4) is facilitated and any assembly errors are avoided.

[0033] Preferably, each assembly link (33) formed by the cooperation of a pair of assembly means (311 and 321) of different types consists of a mechanically engaged link of conjugate shapes combined with a magnetic link, which advantageously locks said engagement. Thus, each The assembly link (33) is a double link incorporating two links of different types, the magnetic link automatically ensuring the locking of the link by mechanical engagement. The assembly between two lateral wall parts (3) is achieved by means of at least two of the aforementioned assembly links (33) (of the magnetomechanical type), advantageously at least three, and preferably at least four, distributed along the abutting lateral edges (31 and 32).

[0034] To facilitate assembly, and in particular guidance during the final approach movement between two side wall sections (3) to be joined, each assembly joint (33) exhibits, through its mechanical engagement of conjugate shapes, a self-centering capability, enhanced at least at the end of the mutual engagement of the two assembly means (311 and 321) involved by the action of the magnetic connection. Thus, possibly even during, and especially at the end of, the reciprocal engagement of the assembly means (311 and 321), the assembly movement will be assisted and the final engagement secured, then locked, by magnetic attraction.

[0035] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, shown in [Fig. 13] and Figures 8 and 17, each mechanically engaged connection locks the assembly between two side wall sections (3) considered in the contact plane (PC) of their respective mutually abutted assembly edges (31 and 32), and each magnetic connection locks the mechanically engaged connection and secures the assembly between the two side wall sections (3) considered in a direction perpendicular to said contact plane (PC). Such an embodiment of the assembly connections (33) combines the achievement of high structural rigidity of the composite cylindrical body (4), with the possibility of disassembly and reassembly with controlled, repeatable, and non-destructive force.

[0036] As can be seen from Figures 8 to 10, 13 and 17, and in accordance with a favorable embodiment of the invention, the magnetic locking assembly means (311, 321) are of two different types, a first type (311) consisting of an added male part, protruding from the surface of the assembly edge (31) on which it is mounted and comprising at least one magnet (3111) or ferromagnetic element (3112), preferably at its free end (3110), and a second type (321) consisting of an added female part, conjugate in shape to the shape of the male part (311), defining a recess in relation to the surface of the assembly edge (32) on which it is mounted and comprising at least one magnet (3211) or ferromagnetic element (3212), preferably at its bottom (3110).

[0037] The magnetic attraction force at the contact between each magnet / ferromagnetic element pair is preferably greater than about 20kg, for example in the order of 25kg to 35kg (Neodymium magnet).

[0038] For their attachment to the side wall sections (3), and in accordance with a first embodiment illustrated in particular in Figures 8 to 10 and 13, each magnetically locking assembly means (311, 321) may include a thread (3113, 3213) for screw mounting in the relevant assembly edge (31, 32). Each assembly means (311, 321) is then substantially in the form of a screw with a tapered head.

[0039] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention (see Figures 17 and 18), allowing for less destructive disassembly, each magnetically locking assembly means (311, 321) may include an anchor pin (3114, 3214), lockable in the mounted position by a transverse nail (3115, 3215), preferably rotatably mounted and equipped with an eccentric (3116, 3216). Each assembly means (311, 321) may further include a fastening pin (3117, 3217) attaching the folded lateral portion (371) of the cladding panel (37) to the relevant lateral edge (31, 32). As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the nail (3115, 3215) can be provided with a wing nut to facilitate its rotation, and the lateral edge (31, 32) and the side of the compressible material layer (71) include a hole for the installation of said locking nail (3115, 3215). Figures 8 to 10, 13 and 17 illustrate,In accordance with an advantageous practical embodiment of the invention, the magnetic locking assembly means (311, 321) are of two different types: a first type (311) consisting of a male frustoconical piece projecting from the surface of the assembly edge (31) on which it is mounted and comprising at least one magnet (3111) or ferromagnetic element (3112), preferably at its apex (3110); and a second type (321) consisting of a female frustoconical piece, complementary in shape to the male piece (311), defining a recess in the surface of the assembly edge (32) on which it is mounted and comprising at least one magnet (3211) or ferromagnetic element (3212), preferably at its base (3210). The assembly means (311, 321) further have either a thread (3113, 3213), for example a screw-like part, i.e., an anchor pin (3114, 3214),lockable in the mounted position by a transverse nail (3115, 3215), for their mounting in the relevant assembly edge (31, 32).

[0040] In relation to the first variant of figures 8 to 10 and 13, the edge (32) receiving the female part (321) is milled before screwing the latter, in order to create a cavity to receive this part (321) with flushness.

[0041] In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, shown in [Fig.8A], each part of the side wall (3) can be made entirely of a rigid foamed or alveolar material, and optionally be covered on its outer face with a cladding layer or wall (37).

[0042] However, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, providing better thermal insulation and illustrated by way of example in [Fig.8B], each side wall part (3) has a composite structure with a main body (34) made of a rigid foamed or cellular material and provided with at least one cavity or recessed area (341) at the level of the inner face (35) of the side wall part (3) facing the tank (2), and at least one vacuum insulation panel (36), extending over a portion of the surface of the side wall part (3) concerned, is disposed in said at least one cavity or recessed area (341), preferably in a fitted manner.

[0043] Thanks to these features, and in particular the presence of vacuum-insulated panels (36), the invention provides an insulating tank casing (1) with significantly higher thermal insulation performance than existing casings of equal thickness. Because of their integration within the thickness of the main body (34) and their inner covering by the layer (7) of compressible material, these relatively fragile panels (36) are well protected. Furthermore, this at least one layer (7) of compressible material, by filling the space between the rigid main body and the outer face of the tank (2), prevents any chimney effect (air circulation by convection between the tank and the casing).

[0044] Regardless of the embodiment of the side wall parts (3), the latter can be placed opposite or in direct contact with the outer wall of the tank (2).

[0045] However, alternatively and to avoid the circulation of an airflow (in particular generated by convection), between the hollow cylindrical body (4) and the tank (2), the insulating envelope (1) may also include at least one layer (7) of compressible material arranged to be located at least between the main bodies (34) of the side wall parts (3), incorporating or not at least one vacuum insulating panel (36), and the tank (2).

[0046] This layer (7) is advantageously at least slightly compressed when the lateral wall sections (3) are joined together by butting their opposite lateral edges (31, 32) and establishing hybrid mechanical-magnetic assembly connections (33) to form the hollow cylindrical body (4). Thus, this layer (7) not only prevents air circulation along the exterior of the tank, but also compensates for manufacturing and assembly clearances and ensures flexible contact under pressure between the hollow cylindrical body (4) and the tank (2) with a surface distribution and adaptation of said pressure. The thickness of this compressible layer (7), for example between 10 mm and 30 mm, preferably on the order of 20 mm (in the uncompressed state), is determined in such a way, in relation to the respective diameters of the reservoir (2) and the cylindrical body (4), that all the side wall parts (3) can be assembled butted together to form said body (4) while at least partially compressing said layer (7) between these parts (3) and the wall of the reservoir (2).

[0047] According to a first embodiment, the layer (7) of compressible flexible material, for example a non-woven synthetic fiber, located between the main body (34) of each side wall part (3) and the reservoir (2) consists of a layer independent of the side wall parts (3), formed of a continuous sheet of compressible material wound on at least one turn, preferably several turns, around the reservoir (2).

[0048] According to a second embodiment, shown in particular in Figures 8, each side wall portion (3) comprises a side (71) of compressible flexible material attached to its inner face (35), for example a side (71) of non-woven material of synthetic fibers, this side (71) covering at least said inner face (35) and the vacuum insulation panel(s) (36) incorporated in the side wall portion (3) considered, and a lateral band of said side (71) advantageously extending over a part of the thickness of at least one of the two lateral assembly edges (31, 32) of the side wall portion (3) considered, these different side (71) forming by butted juxtaposition of the side wall portions (3) which include them, the layer (7) of compressible flexible material.This flank (71) also advantageously extends partially over part of the edge of one of the lateral assembly edges (31, 32), being compressed when the two lateral wall parts (3) concerned are joined together (see figures 8 and 13).

[0049] As shown in [Fig. 8B], the main body (34) advantageously consists of a plate configured to house said at least one vacuum insulation panel (36) and providing assembly edges (31, 32, 38, 39) peripheral to the side wall portion (3) considered. These various assembly edges (31, 32, 38, 39) comprise two opposing lateral edges (31, 32) for assembly between side wall portions (3), an upper edge (38) for assembly with the plate-shaped body (5) closing the upper opening of the cylindrical body (4), and a lower edge (39) for assembly with the plate-shaped body (6) closing the lower opening of the cylindrical body (4). Said assembly edges (31, 32, 38, 39) are associated with respective peripheral edges (343) at the level of the inner face (35) of the main body (34), which delimit between them the cavity or recessed area (341) housing said at least one vacuum insulating panel (36).

[0050] In order to mechanically reinforce the butt joint and promote thermal insulation in the contact plane (PC), the two opposite lateral assembly edges (31 and 32) of each side wall portion (3) have The respective recesses (312, 322) are mutually complementary, forming, when two lateral wall parts (3) are joined by butting, an assembly interface (IA) which is surface-contiguous, with at least one profiled baffle formed along the longitudinal direction (DL) of the cylindrical body (4). This results in at least two contact half-planes (PC) at each assembly interface (IA), offset from each other by said recesses.

[0051] According to a first variant of the external appearance of the insulating envelope (1), shown in Figures 2, 6, 7 and 13, each side wall part (3) comprises a cladding wall (37) attached to the outer face (344) of its main body (34) and secured to the latter at the two opposing lateral assembly edges (31 and 32) by folded lateral portions (371), the latter being advantageously pinched between the lateral assembly edges (31 and 32) of the abutting side wall parts (3) forming the cylindrical body (4).

[0052] Providing a cladding panel (37) in the form of an attached part, removably connected to the main body (34), not only allows for standardization in the manufacture of the side panel components (3), but also for a wide range of aesthetic options and for modifying the external appearance of the insulating shell (11) over time. Finally, this arrangement also facilitates recycling at the end of its life.

[0053] The folded side portions (371) have cutouts for the passage of the assembly means (311, 321). Advantageously, these means ensure the attachment of the folded side portions (371) of the cladding panels (37) to the side edges (31, 32) thanks to their screw or nail-head shapes.

[0054] According to a second embodiment of the external appearance of the insulating envelope (1), shown for example in [Fig.8A], the main body (34) of each side wall part (3) has at its external face (344) a skin, where appropriate with a treated surface, forming an integrated cladding wall (37).

[0055] In the various variants mentioned above, the cylindrical body (4) is advantageously made up of two to six lateral wall parts (3), preferably of four.

[0056] Preferably, in order to exhibit the desired rigidity and thermal insulation, the main body (34) of the side wall parts (3) is formed of a graphite-enhanced cellular foam material, advantageously polystyrene or polyurethane, with a density of at least 25g / L. The same is favorable for the plate-shaped body (5) closing the upper opening of the cylindrical body (4), when this body (5) is present.

[0057] The vacuum insulation panel(s) (36) may, in particular, consist of a panel comprising a multilayer plastic / aluminum casing hermetically enclosing a mineral powder such as silica powder. When this casing is drawn under vacuum, it transforms into a rigid, formable mat, for example, a curved concave / convex panel. Panels of this type are notably marketed by the company va-Q-tec.

[0058] These panels (36) are housed in corresponding cavities in the main bodies (34), foamed around them to form the side wall sections (3), or hollowed out in a suitable manner. The panels (36) advantageously extend over the entire height of the tank (2) around the latter and have, for example, a thickness of between 15 and 30 mm, preferably in the range of 18 to 20 mm. The main bodies (34) may, for example, have a thickness of in the range of 100 to 120 mm.

[0059] For the purpose of creating an insulating shell (11) closed at least at the upper opening of the cylindrical body (4), as shown by way of example in [Fig. 11], said plate-shaped body (5) is fitted onto or into the cylindrical body (4) at the upper assembly edges (38) of the side wall portions (3) that compose it, and said plate-shaped body (5) has peripheral formations (51) cooperating by means of conjugate form engagement with formations (381) of the upper assembly edges (38), for example, inverted rib / groove pairs or complementary step-outs, to create a baffle configuration. Furthermore, at least one side (52) of a flexible, compressible material, for example, a (discoidal) side of a non-woven synthetic fiber material, is advantageously associated with the plate-shaped body (5), on its inner face facing the reservoir (2), separately or not.A covering cover (9) may optionally cover the body (5) externally, being, for example, of the same material as the covering walls (37). It may also, where appropriate, cover the upper edges (38) of the bodies (34) and the side wall sections (3). Furthermore, a (discoidal) plate having the same composition as a vacuum insulation panel (36) may optionally be interposed between the side (52) of compressible flexible material and the plate-shaped body (5).

[0060] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the abutting lateral assembly edges (31 and 32) of at least two side wall parts (3) have cutouts (313, 323) which cooperatively form passage openings (42) in the cylindrical body (4) for conduits or similar tubular elements (8), at least one of the side walls (3) possibly also being provided with at least one such passage opening (42).

[0061] The cylindrical body (4) can be made up of either a single row of side wall sections (3) or at least two rows of side wall sections (3), superimposed in the longitudinal direction (DL). Consequently, the insulating casing (1) can be adapted to tanks of varying sizes in the direction (DL), the superimposed side wall sections (3) of two successive rows being advantageously nested with each other with their respective upper (38) and lower (39) edges.

[0062] The cylindrical body (4) can of course have cross-sections of various shapes, along a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal direction (DL), but preferably it has a circular cross-section. In this latter case, each part of the lateral wall (3) will have a suitable curved shape.

[0063] In order to be able to constitute a closed insulating shell (11) and to ensure good insulation, combined with easy assembly and disassembly possibilities despite the presence of the feet (21) of the tank (2), the plate-shaped body (6) sealing the lower opening of the cylindrical body (4) consists of a rigid foamed or cellular material, is provided with openings (61) for the passage of the support feet (21) of the tank (2), advantageously at least three, and is composed of at least two mutually complementary constituent parts (62), the assembly line(s) (63) between constituent parts (62) passing through said passage openings (61).

[0064] As shown in [Fig. 14], the plate-shaped body (6) can consist of only two constituent parts (62) of different shape, but preferably it consists of three identical constituent parts (62) and advantageously includes three passage openings (61) for the three feet of the tank.

[0065] The plate-shaped body (6) is made of at least two constituent parts as described above, allowing for its installation, as well as its partial or total disassembly, while the tank (2) is resting on its feet (21). This installation should normally take place before the cylindrical body (4) is installed around the tank (2), but can also take place after partial assembly of said body (for example, after assembly of three of the four side wall sections that can form said body).

[0066] In order to achieve effective insulation in the lower region of the cylindrical body (4) and to obtain a closed insulating shell (11) at this point, the plate-shaped body (6) is peripherally fitted into the cylindrical body (4) at the lower assembly edges (39) of the side wall portions (3) that compose it. For this purpose, said plate-shaped body (6) comprises peripheral formations (64) cooperating by engaging conjugate shapes with formations (391) of the lower assembly edges (39), for example, inverted rib / groove pairs or complementary recesses, to achieve a baffle configuration, where appropriate at least one side of compressible flexible material, for example a side of non-woven material of synthetic fibers, being associated with the plate-shaped body (6), on its inner face facing the reservoir (2), separately or not.

[0067] Advantageously, the plate-shaped body (6) also consists of a graphite-enhanced alveolar foam material, advantageously polystyrene or polyurethane, with a density of at least 25g / L.

[0068] As shown in Figures 15, the plate-shaped body (6) may, in the case of a tank (2) with a domed bottom, have a complementary concave shape for surface and centered contact with this bottom. In addition, grooves for connecting conduits (8) may be present.

[0069] Alternatively, the plate-shaped body (6) can also be made of a flexible fibrous material, such as, for example, a polyester fiber mat cut to the shape and size of the lower opening, and thus be made in one piece.

[0070] The invention also relates to a thermally insulated tank device comprising a tank (2) provided with an external insulating envelope, characterized in that said insulating envelope is an insulating envelope (1) as described above, in particular a composite added insulating envelope, advantageously easily removable.

[0071] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Insulating enclosure (1) in several parts for a tank (2), in particular for a water storage tank, comprising at least two complementary side wall parts (3), joined together by butting their opposite lateral edges (31, 32) to form together a hollow cylindrical body (4), with a round or non-round cross-section, and, optionally, at least one plate-shaped body (5, 6) closing one or both of the two opposing upper and lower openings of said cylindrical body (4), the various parts (3) mentioned above together constituting an insulating shell (11), optionally closed by at least one of the two bodies (5, 6), intended to surround and enclose said tank (2), with the lateral assembly edges (31, 32) of the side wall parts (3) extending along the longitudinal direction (DL) of the cylindrical body (4), insulating enclosure (1) characterized in that each assembly edge (31,32) of a side wall portion (3) comprises at least two magnetically locking assembly means (311 or 321) cooperating respectively with at least two corresponding complementary magnetically locking assembly means (321 or 311) present on the assembly edge (32, 31) of the other or another side wall portion (3) with which it is butted together, and in that the magnetically locking assembly means (311, 321) are of two different types, in that each of the two assembly edges (31 and 32) of a side wall portion (3) comprises assembly means (311 or 321) of only one of the two types, and in that each assembly joint (33) formed by the cooperation of a pair of assembly means (311 and 321) of different types consists of a mechanically engaged joint of conjugate shapes combined with a magnetic joint.

2. Insulating envelope (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that each assembly link (33) has, through its mechanical engagement of conjugate shapes, a self-centering ability, favored at the end of mutual engagement of the two assembly means (311 and 321) by the action of the magnetic link.

3. Insulating envelope (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each mechanically engaged connection blocks the assembly between two side wall parts (3) considered in the contact plane (PC) of their respective mutually abutted assembly edges (31 and 32) and in that each magnetic connection locks the mechanically engaged connection and blocks the assembly between the two side wall parts (3) considered in a direction perpendicular to said contact plane (PC).

4. Insulating envelope (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the magnetic locking assembly means (311, 321) are of two different types, a first type (311) consisting of an added male piece, projecting from the surface of the assembly edge (31) on which it is mounted and comprising at least one magnet (3111) or ferromagnetic element (3112), preferably at its free end (3110), and a second type (321) consisting of an added female piece, conjugate in shape to the shape of the male piece (311), defining a recess in relation to the surface of the assembly edge (32) on which it is mounted and comprising at least one magnet (3211) or ferromagnetic element (3212), preferably at its bottom (3210).

5. Insulating envelope (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each magnetic locking assembly means (311, 321) includes a thread (3113, 3213) for its mounting by screwing into the relevant assembly edge (31, 32).

6. Insulating envelope (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each magnetic locking assembly means (311, 321) comprises an anchor pin (3114, 3214), lockable in the mounted position by a transverse nail (3115, 3215), preferably rotatably mounted and equipped with an eccentric (3116, 3216), each assembly means (311, 321) comprising optionally a fastening pin (3117, 3217) hooking the folded lateral portion (371) of the cladding wall (37) to the relevant lateral edge (31, 32).

7. Insulating envelope (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the magnetically locking assembly means (311, 321) are of two different types, a first type (311) consisting of a male frustoconical piece, projecting

8.

9. relative to the surface of the assembly edge (31) on which it is mounted and comprising at least one magnet (3111) or ferromagnetic element (3112), preferably at its apex (3110), and a second type (321) consisting of a female frustoconical piece, of complementary shape to the shape of the male piece (311), defining a recess relative to the surface of the assembly edge (32) on which it is mounted and comprising at least one magnet (3211) or ferromagnetic element (3212), preferably at its base (3210), said assembly means (311, 321) further having either a thread (3113, 3213), for example a screw-like portion, or an anchoring pin (3114, 3214), lockable in the mounted position by a transverse pin (3115, 3215), for their mounting in the assembly edge (31, 32) concerned. Insulating envelope (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that each side wall part (3) has a composite structure with a main body (34) made of a rigid foamed or cellular material and provided with at least one cavity or recessed area (341) at the level of the inner face (35) of the side wall part (3) facing the tank (2), and in that at least one vacuum insulating panel (36), extending over a portion of the surface of the relevant side wall part (3), is disposed in said at least one cavity or recessed area (341), preferably in a fitted manner, said insulating envelope (1) also comprising at least one layer (7) of compressible material arranged to be located at least between the main bodies (34) of the side wall parts (3) and the tank (2).Insulating envelope (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the main body (34) consists of a plate configured to house said at least one vacuum insulating panel (36) and providing assembly edges (31, 32, 38, 39) peripheral to the side wall portion (3) considered, and in that these assembly edges (31, 32, 38, 39) comprise two opposing lateral edges (31, 32) for assembly between side wall portions (3), an upper edge (38) for assembly with the plate-shaped body (5) closing the upper opening of the cylindrical body (4) and a lower edge (39) for assembly with the plate-shaped body (6) closing the lower opening of the cylindrical body. (4), said assembly edges (31, 32, 38, 39) being associated with respective peripheral edges (343) at the level of the inner face (35) of the main body (34), which delimit between them the cavity or recessed area (341) housing said at least one vacuum insulating panel (36).

10. Insulating envelope (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the layer (7) of compressible flexible material, for example a non-woven synthetic fiber, located between the main body (34) of each side wall portion (3) and the tank (2) consists of a layer independent of the side wall portions (3), and formed of a continuous sheet of compressible material wound in at least one turn, preferably several turns, around the tank (2), or, in that each side wall portion (3) comprises a flange (71) of compressible flexible material attached to its inner face (35), for example a flange (71) of non-woven synthetic fiber material, this flange (71) covering at least said inner face (35) and the vacuum insulating panel(s) (36) incorporated in the side wall portion (3) considered,and a lateral band of said side (71) advantageously extending over a portion of the thickness of at least one of the two lateral assembly edges (31, 32) of the side wall portion (3) considered, these various sides (71) forming, by abutting juxtaposition of the side wall portions (3) which comprise them, the layer (7) of compressible flexible material.

11. Insulating envelope (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the two opposite lateral assembly edges (31 and 32) of each side wall part (3) have respective mutually complementary recesses (312, 322), forming when two side wall parts (3) are butted together an assembly interface (IA) which is surface contiguous, with at least one baffle being formed, profiled along the longitudinal direction (DL) of the cylindrical body (4).

12. Insulating envelope (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that each side wall portion (3) comprises a cladding wall (37) attached to the outer face (344) of its main body (34) and secured to it last at the level of the two lateral assembly edges (31 and 32) opposed by folded lateral portions (371), the latter being advantageously pinched between the lateral assembly edges (31 and 32) of the abutting lateral wall parts (3) forming the cylindrical body (4), the latter being advantageously made up of two to six lateral wall parts (3), preferably of four, or, in that the main body (34) of each lateral wall part (3) has at the level of its outer face (344) a skin, where appropriate with a treated surface, forming an integrated cladding wall (37), the cylindrical body (4) being advantageously made up of two to six lateral wall parts (3), preferably of four.

13. Insulating envelope (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the main body (34) is formed of a graphite-enhanced cellular foam material, advantageously polystyrene or polyurethane, with a density of at least 25g / L.

14. Insulating envelope (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the plate-shaped body (5) closing the upper opening of the cylindrical body (4) consists of a graphite-enhanced cellular foam material, advantageously polystyrene or polyurethane, with a density of at least 25 g / L, in that said plate-shaped body (5) is fitted onto or into the cylindrical body (4) at the upper assembly edges (38) of the side wall portions (3) composing it, and in that said plate-shaped body (5) comprises peripheral formations (51) cooperating by conjugate form engagement with formations (381) of the upper assembly edges (38), for example, inverted rib / groove pairs or complementary offsets, to create a baffle configuration, at least one flank (52) of a compressible flexible material, for example, a flank of material non-woven synthetic fibers,being associated with the plate-shaped body (5), on its inner face turned towards the reservoir (2), separately or not.

15. Insulating envelope (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the abutting lateral assembly edges (31 and 32) of at least two side wall parts (3) have cutouts (313, 323) which cooperatively form passage openings (42) in the cylindrical body (4) for conduits or similar tubular elements (8), at least one of the side walls (3) possibly also being provided with at least one such passage opening (42).

16. Insulating envelope (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the cylindrical body (4) is made up of at least two rows of side wall parts (3), superimposed in the longitudinal direction (DL).

17. Insulating envelope (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the cylindrical body (4) has a circular section along a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal direction (DL).

18. Insulating envelope (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the plate-shaped body (6) sealing the lower opening of the cylindrical body (4) consists of a rigid foamed or cellular material, is provided with openings (61) for the passage of the support feet (21) of the tank (2), advantageously at least three, and is composed of at least two mutually complementary constituent parts (62), the assembly line(s) (63) between constituent parts (62) passing through said passage openings (61).

19. Insulating envelope (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that the plate-shaped body (6) is made up of three identical constituent parts (62) and advantageously has three passage openings (61).

20. Insulating envelope (1) according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the plate-shaped body (6) is peripherally fitted into the cylindrical body (4), at the lower assembly edges (39) of the side wall parts (3) which compose it, and in that said plate-shaped body (6) has peripheral formations (64) cooperating by engagement of conjugate forms with formations (391) of the lower assembly edges (39), for example reversed rib / groove pairs or complementary step-ins, to achieve a baffle configuration, where applicable at least one flank of compressible flexible material, for example a flank of non-woven material of synthetic fibers, being associated with the plate-shaped body (6), on its inner face facing the tank (2), separately or not.

21. Thermally insulated tank device comprising a tank (2) provided with an external insulating envelope, characterized in that said insulating envelope is an insulating envelope (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 20.