SYSTEM FOR CLEANING WALLS OF AQUATIC BASINS WITH MOTORIZED TRAVELLER

Abstract

Device for treating internal walls of aquatic basins includes at least one suction cup head, a mobility assembly by means of which it is possible to move the suction cup head along a wall that is to be treated, the mobility assembly including a traveler having motorized wheels that can be oriented according to two unique rolling positions, these two positions being at 90 degrees to one another.

Claims

1. A device for treating internal walls of aquatic tanks, having at least two suction heads connected together by a framework and a mobility assembly for moving the treatment device along a wall to be treated, said mobility assembly having a motor-driven carriage with wheels, rollers or crawlers, said carriage being able to be activated or oriented in two unique running positions that are angularly spaced apart from one another by 90 degrees, wherein the carriage is independent of the suction heads, connected to the framework and positioned at the center of the latter.

2. The treatment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carriage is connected to the framework by a carriage support.

3. The treatment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carriage has at least two wheels, rollers or crawlers separated axially by at least one sealed motor connected to these wheels, rollers or crawlers.

4. The treatment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carriage has an angular actuator designed to allow the carriage to be oriented with respect to the treatment device in two unique operating positions, one oriented along an X axis, the other oriented along a Y axis.

5. The treatment device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the carriage has one or two motor-driven axles, connected to the wheels, rollers or crawlers, the angular actuator being disposed between the motor-driven axle(s).

6. The treatment device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the angular actuator comprises a rotary actuator shaft oriented perpendicularly to the plane formed by the wheels, rollers or crawlers of the carriage.

7. The treatment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the framework forms a peripheral frame in the form of a quadrilateral or triangle, the suction heads being disposed at the corners of the frame.

8. The treatment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the framework forms a straight line, the suction heads being disposed at the ends of the straight line.

9. The treatment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the suction head comprises a rotary disk that is designed to rotate and is connected to a rotary shaft capable of being driven by a disk motor, the rotary disk bearing a wall interface layer comprising a plurality of radial grooves connecting the rotational center of the disk to the periphery of the disk and at least one orifice that ensures, when in operation in an aquatic tank in the immediate vicinity of a wall to be treated, a flow of water between the rear of the disk and the radial grooves arranged in the portion of the disk that is situated next to the wall to be treated.

10. The treatment device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the suction head comprises an axial peripheral sleeve.

11. The treatment device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the interface layer has a treatment surface and the suction head serves both to fix the treatment device to a tank wall to be treated and to carry out a cleaning or polishing treatment on the wall with the aid of said treatment surface.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0043] All the embodiment details are given in the following description, supplemented by FIGS. 1 to 10, which are given only by way of nonlimiting examples and in which:

[0044] FIG. 1 is a schematic depiction of an exemplary embodiment of a treatment system, in particular for wall cleaning, using a mobility assembly with a motor-driven carriage;

[0045] FIG. 2 is a schematic depiction of an exemplary embodiment of a treatment system, in particular for wall polishing, using a mobility assembly with a motor-driven carriage;

[0046] FIG. 3 is a schematic depiction of an exemplary embodiment of a motor-driven carriage in side view;

[0047] FIG. 4 is a schematic depiction of an exemplary embodiment of a motor-driven carriage in top view;

[0048] FIG. 5 is a schematic depiction of an exemplary embodiment of a treatment system, in particular for wall cleaning, using a mobility assembly with a motor-driven carriage oriented to move along the Y axis;

[0049] FIG. 6 is a schematic depiction of an exemplary embodiment of a treatment system, in particular for wall cleaning, using a mobility system with a motor-driven carriage oriented to move along the X axis;

[0050] FIG. 7 is a face-on view from the exterior of an aquatic tank of an example of a working disk;

[0051] FIG. 8 is a face-on view of an embodiment variant of the working disk in FIG. 7;

[0052] FIG. 9 is a schematic depiction of an exemplary embodiment of a treatment head;

[0053] FIG. 10 is a schematic depiction of another exemplary embodiment of a treatment head.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Wall Treatment Device

[0054] FIG. 1 is a schematic depiction of an exemplary embodiment of a device 1 for treating a wall by cleaning. A set of four dynamic suction heads 10 having a dual function make it possible both to fix the system 1 to a wall 3 to be cleaned and to clean the wall by means of a mechanical non-abrasive rubbing action, for example with the aid of a wall interface layer 14 which is specifically designed to carry out this cleaning function, as described below with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9. In the example illustrated, the dynamic heads 10 are provided at the four corners of the treatment system in order to make it easier to access the edges and corners of the walls 3 to be treated. The suction heads 10 are connected together by a framework 2, in this example in the form of an assembly of tubes in the form of a square or rectangle. The framework 2 forms a peripheral frame in the form of a quadrilateral inside which a carriage (described below) is arranged centrally. Other types of configuration can be provided.

Carriage Having Motor-Driven Wheels

[0055] In order to move the treatment device, a carriage 30 comprises one or more wheels 31 or rollers or crawlers disposed so as to be in contact with the wall 3 to be treated so as to roll over the latter.

[0056] For the sake of simplicity, FIGS. 1 to 6 illustrate only exemplary embodiments in which the carriage has wheels or rollers 31. In these different examples, the wheels or rollers may be replaced by crawlers.

[0057] When the carriage 30 has a single wheel or roller, the latter can pivot through 90° at the center of the treatment device 1 by virtue of an angular actuator, and it is driven by a sealed motor.

[0058] When the carriage 30 has a plurality of wheels or rollers, two of its parallel sides each have a sealed drive capable of driving all the wheels on one and the same side. When the carriage 30 has crawlers, two of its parallel sides each have a sealed drive capable of driving the crawler on one and the same side. All of these examples are preferably remote controlled for example with the aid of a suitable remote control.

[0059] The action of the wheels, rollers or crawlers against the wall makes it possible to move the treatment device. The suction power of the dynamic suction heads is regulated and adapted so as to allow both a fixing force against this wall and sufficient rubbing of the interface layer 14 to clean the wall, while allowing the movement along the latter through the action of the wheels, rollers, crawlers. The value of this adapted suction force can be obtained through the assistance and the action of one or more calibrated springs advantageously arranged between the framework 2 of the treatment device and the carriage 30 having wheels, crawlers or rollers, and thus allow the latter to grip the wall 3 optimally.

[0060] A carriage support 36, in this example a rod, makes it possible to connect the carriage 30 to the framework 2 of the treatment device. For more stability and a good dynamic equilibrium, the carriage 30 is arranged at the center of the framework 2. The drives and the disks of the suction heads are preferably provided to rotate in opposite directions in order to compensate for the torque effect that tends to turn a single head in the opposite direction to the actuating motor of the disk.

[0061] Various configurations that are not illustrated are likewise provided, for example an architecture with two suction heads separated by a carriage disposed between the heads. The framework 2 then forms a straight line or bar bearing the suction heads at its ends and the carriage 30 in the middle. A triangular arrangement, with three heads and a central carriage, is likewise possible. The peripheral framework is then arranged in the form of a triangle. The suction heads are disposed at the corners of the triangle. The carriage is positioned at the center of the triangular framework, and fixed for example by a carriage support 36.

[0062] The carriage 30 bearing wheels, rollers or crawlers can pivot on itself. According to a first configuration, the pivoting is effected, for example: by setting the wheels, rollers or crawlers in rotation simultaneously and at an equivalent speed, but in opposite directions for each side of the carriage. After pivoting, the wheels, rollers or crawlers can be set in rotation simultaneously and at an equivalent speed in the same direction and thus allow the treatment system to be moved in all necessary directions.

[0063] A second pivoting configuration uses a rotary actuator 33 connected to all of the wheels, rollers or crawlers by a rotary actuator shaft 34.

[0064] In both cases, the axis of rotation of the carriage 30 lies at the center of the framework 2 of the treatment device.

[0065] In a variant, the carriage 30 may be fixed with respect to the framework 2: in this case, the wheels, rollers or crawlers can be disposed in the following manner: along the X axis, at least one wheel, roller or crawler each are disposed on two parallel sides, with their sealed drive. Along the Y axis, at least one wheel, roller or crawler each are disposed on two parallel sides opposite to the X axis with their sealed drive. These movement systems comprising motor-driven wheels, rollers or crawlers along the X and Y axis are alternately retractable by virtue of the actuators. This makes it possible to remain in contact with the wall at all times without losing the X or Y reference. During a change of direction, the treatment device 1 is immobilized in order that the part of the carriage comprising wheels, rollers or crawlers that have been retracted is deployed and, once in contact with the wall, the part of the carriage dedicated to the other axis is retracted in turn, and then the rotation of the elements against the wall can resume in the new direction offset by 90°.

[0066] Another variant provides at least one motor-driven wheel, roller or crawler that is retractable from the wall on its carriage 30 by virtue of an actuator. The carriage 30 can pivot on itself through 90° by virtue of a rotary actuator. Once the new angular position along the X or Y axis has been reached, at least one motor-driven wheel, roller or crawler each are redeployed and placed in contact with the wall 3. Then, their rotation against the latter allows the treatment device 1 to be moved in another direction along the X or Y axis.

[0067] It may also be noted that, regardless of the variant chosen, locking shoes that adhere to the wall 3 can be deployed by the actuators between two suction heads 10 for example in order to improve the stability and the maintenance of the positional reference of the suction heads 10 when the carriage 30 pivots on itself or when the elements thereof are retracted. This example is a nonlimiting option.

[0068] The pivotably mounted carriage allows all of the wheels, rollers or crawlers to be oriented in two unique and exclusive reference X and Y directions. By default, movements in any other direction are prevented or blocked. This configuration is illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. This configuration ensures good tracking of the path followed and to be followed along the wall to be treated, ensuring that the entire surface is treated. For example, in order to carry out a treatment along a succession of parallel lines, the system moves along the X axis as far as the end of a line, then moves along the Y axis as far as the following line, then resumes moving along the X axis in the opposite direction. The system can thus move over the entire surface to be treated, avoiding any deviation from the path. The fact that tracking is maintained by maintaining the starting reference makes it easier to manage the treatment route, without any untreated areas being left. This configuration also ensures movement in successive parallel columns or a hybrid configuration for example by carrying out successive rectangles. In a variant, the configuration of movement exclusively along the X or Y axis by default can be deactivated, for example for an occasional movement in which there is a desire to head directly for a specific point on a wall, in order to carry out a localized touch-up or the like.

[0069] According to another variant, the treatment device 1 has an automated system. This system makes it possible, when a change in direction is ordered via the remote control, to stop the movement of the treatment device 1, then to reposition the carriage 30 along the X or Y axis, then to resume the movement of the treatment device 1 in the desired direction automatically, as soon as the repositioning end-of-travel system is activated. This driving assistance for the treatment device 1 further optimizes its configuration of movement in two unique and exclusive reference X or Y directions mentioned above.

[0070] FIG. 2 is a schematic depiction of an exemplary embodiment of a system for treating a wall by polishing. A set of four single-acting dynamic suction heads 10 make it possible to fix the device 1 to the wall 3 to be cleaned. Four working heads 40 designed for polishing tasks are provided at the four corners of the device in order to polish the wall by means of a slightly abrasive mechanical rubbing action of known type.

[0071] In the example illustrated, the independent heads 40 are provided at the four corners of the treatment system in order to make it easier to access the edges and corners of the walls 3 to be treated. Other types of configuration can be provided. The movement of the system along the wall to be treated is ensured by a carriage 30 having motor-driven wheels as described above.

Rotary Disk And Suction Effect

[0072] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate exemplary embodiments of rotary disks 11 as seen from the face that is able to be in contact with the wall of the tank 4 to be treated. It is apparent that the disk 11, of radius R, comprises a plurality of radial grooves 15 or slots, i.e. ones that are oriented in the direction of the radius R. The grooves are oriented radially from the rotational center of the disk. In the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 7, a plurality of orifices 16 are arranged around the rotary shaft. Each of these orifices 16 communicates with a groove 15. In the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 8, a single orifice 17 is arranged centrally in the rotary shaft 12 connecting the disk 11 to a motor 13 that is visible in FIGS. 9 and 10. The central orifice 17 communicates with each of the grooves 15. On account of this or these orifice(s) 16 or 17 and the grooves 15, when the disk is set in rotation in the immediate vicinity of a wall to be treated in an aquatic environment, a flow of water is generated between the rear and the front of the disk, i.e. from the rear of the disk 11, then through the disk and passing along the grooves 15 arranged radially in the portion of the disk situated next to the wall. This hydrodynamic flow generates a suction effect that tends to press the disk against the wall to be treated. The level of the suction effect is variable depending on the number and the dimensions of the grooves, on the diameter of the disk, on the material used, and especially on the speed of rotation of the disk. This suction effect allows the disks to fulfill various hydromechanical functions, as explained below.

Single- or Dual-Function Suction Head

[0073] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate, in cross section, examples of a dynamic suction head 10 bearing a disk such as the one illustrated in FIG. 7 or 8. As illustrated, the disk 11 has a wall interface layer 14 on the side of the disk intended to interface, with or without contact, with the wall 3 to be treated. The interface layer 14 is either separate from the disk 11 or integral with or in one piece with the disk. The disk 11 is made of a rigid and preferably nonporous material, for example aluminum. The grooves 15 and the orifices 16 and 17 are advantageously made in the mass of the disk 11.

[0074] Depending on the embodiments, the dynamic suction head implements one or two functions. Specifically, it can generate a suction function as described above. It can also generate a suction effect coupled with a wall treatment effect, for example a cleaning or polishing effect (dual mode).

[0075] In the case of the dual mode, the interface layer 14 comprises a treatment surface made of a material that makes it possible to carry out cleaning work on a wall of an aquatic tank 4, often made of PMMA, without otherwise risking damaging said wall. The treatment surface may be made for example: of polyurethane or of polyethylene with variable hardnesses and densities and (open or closed) cell dimensions and porosities that are variable depending on the objectives of the treatment.

[0076] In the case of the dual mode, a variant can provide an interface layer made up of more or less flexible lips disposed in the continuation of the walls of the grooves 15 and made directly from the mass of the disk 11 or from that of the interface layer 14. What is being referred to in this case are walls of the grooves 15 perpendicular to the wall to be treated 3. These lips protrude by several millimeters from the surface of the disk 11 or from the interface layer 14. They can have a length more or less equal to the radius R of the disk 11 and may be single or double.

[0077] Specifically, the presence of these lips, positioned in the grooves 15, favors the flow of water in the latter in order to evacuate the biofilm scraped off the wall during the rotation of the disk 11.

[0078] Thus, in this dual-function mode, the interface layer 14 is in contact with the wall to be treated.

[0079] In the case of the single-function mode with a simple holding effect, the disk 11 is located preferably at a small distance from the wall, for example a few millimeters therefrom, in order to ensure the hydrodynamic effect, while avoiding contact with the wall.

[0080] A motor 13 and a shaft 12 oriented along the axis A-A, which are provided in the suction head, allow the rotary disk 11 to be set in rotation. When the disk is submerged and situated at a small distance (for example 1 to 2 cm for a disk with a diameter of 100 mm) from a wall to be treated, the rotation of the grooved disk produces a negative pressure that tends to move the working disk toward the wall 3, the latter being fixed. The suction head 10 is designed to be able to move toward the wall by virtue of this effect. In the case of a disk with a diameter as mentioned above, the speed of rotation that makes it possible to produce the hydrodynamic effect that tends to press the disk against the wall to be treated is for example between 800 and 1200 rpm (purely by way of example).

[0081] The arrows in FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate an example of water flow when a suction head is in position against a wall of an aquatic tank 4. The water comes from the rear of the working disk, passes through the orifices 16 and 17 and then communicates with the radial grooves 15. Once the disk is in position, the flow of water takes place continuously as long as the rotation of the disk is maintained. In addition to contributing to the suction effect, this flow makes it possible to ensure that the treatment surface is cleaned in order to prevent the biofilm and other dirt removed during the cleaning of the wall from collecting on the disk and saturating the treatment surface, preventing the cleaning treatment from being continued. In this dual-function embodiment, the suction disk is in direct contact with the wall to be treated. It acts on the latter by rubbing in order to carry out a cleaning action.

[0082] The suction head 10 preferably comprises a peripheral sleeve 18 arranged coaxially with the rotary shaft 12. This sleeve has a circumferential side wall 19 designed to surround the rotary disk 11. In the examples in FIGS. 9 and 10, the sleeve continues toward the rear of the rotary disks so as to surround a portion of the shaft 12. The sleeve makes it possible to delimit a working zone W inside which the disk carries out a cleaning action against the wall to be treated. This working zone W is also delimited at the rear of the disk 11 by a cover 24, closing the sleeve 18. In the examples illustrated, the cover 24 is in the form of an inverted U, with a central opening for the shaft 12 of the motor to pass through. Complementary orifices 23 provided in the cover 24 ensure fluidic communication between the working zone W and the zone of the motor M. The cover 24 may also be flat or in the form of a non-inverted U.

[0083] An evacuation hole 20 is arranged through the side wall 19 of the axial peripheral sleeve 18. This tunnel allows the flow of water to leave the sleeve to return to the tank. The tunnel is advantageously positioned so as to be located in the upper zone of the suction head 10 during cleaning phases. This prevents the exiting flow of water from acting against the bottom of the tank, which would risk pushing stones or particles or dirt toward the working head. If a hard and/or abrasive foreign body were ever to be located between the working disk and the wall to be treated, there would be significant risks of the wall being scratched or damaged in some other way. The peripheral sleeve 18 provides additional protection against the ingress of such contaminants into the working zone W. A filtration element or system can be connected to this evacuation hole 20.

[0084] In order to prevent the peripheral sleeve 18 from exerting an excessive force on the wall 3, one embodiment provides for the rotary disk 11 to cooperate with this sleeve via at least one spring 21. Use is made for example of a peripheral spring arranged axially in the continuation of the opposite end of the peripheral sleeve 18 from the working zone W. The spring 21 acts on the sleeve 18 on one side and on the cover 24 on the other.

[0085] In contrast to the assembly formed by the disk 11 and the interface layer, the peripheral sleeve 18 is designed to remain angularly fixed, without rotation, with respect to the wall to be treated. A circumferential seal or a material with a hardness less than the wall to be treated is advantageously provided at the contact end of the peripheral sleeve 18. This seal or material allows gentle contact with the wall, without risking damaging it. The connection between the angularly fixed part of the head and the rotary part of the head is provided by a bearing 22, for example a plain bearing or rolling bearing. FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate two embodiments of a suction head 10. In the embodiment in FIG. 10, the parts that can be set in rotation comprise the shaft 12, the disk 11, the interface layer 14 and the cover 24. The bearing 22 is arranged between the cover and the spring 21. In the embodiment in FIG. 9, the parts that can be set in rotation comprise only the shaft 12, the disk 11 and the interface layer 14. In this case, the bearing 22 is arranged between the shaft 12 and the cover 24.