EP0072382B1 - Roofing-structure for domes - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a covering structure for making, for example, a vault, generally transparent or translucent, intended to cover a defined area.

The structure according to the invention allows in particular, but not exclusively, portions of transparent or translucent surfaces in the roof of a building, the covering of corridors, passageways, shelters, awnings, etc.

Structures of this type generally consist of a plurality of transparent or translucent plates, for example of plastic, fixed by pinching between arches and possibly crosspieces, which define its frame.

Such structures must meet criteria of tightness, aesthetics, ease of assembly and occasionally ease of modification of the structure, for example by adding other surface levels while using the structure already laid. Furthermore, they generally use materials of different natures, which in particular have different coefficients of expansion. It is therefore necessary to take into account the differences in expansion in the materials assembled together, in the construction of the structure.

Currently existing structures are formed by plates, the edges of which are fixed by pinching between superimposed profiles which are assembled. These profiles are generally metallic, steel or aluminum alloy, and a seal is interposed between a plate and a profile, or between a plate and each of the overlapping profiles.

The profiles and plates are assembled by fixing the profiles together, for example by means of rivets, screws, or bolts which are distributed over the entire length of the profile. The plates are engaged between the profiles and fixed by pinching, as well as the seal, when the fastening means are tightened.

Such a structure has many drawbacks. First of all, the profiles must undergo special machining, since the holes for the screws, bolts or rivets must be provided in advance. On the other hand, the installation of the assembly members of the profiles requires specific tools. The installation operation of these assembly members in itself is inconvenient for an operator, in particular for members located in the central zone of the profiles because these members are not very accessible. In addition, the seals, in addition to their questionable aesthetics, complicate the assembly of the structure. They rarely ensure a perfect seal and therefore do not completely eliminate water infiltration in the structure, especially since certain types of joints age badly over time and lose their quality of sealing. In addition, these joints constitute, due to their adhesion, an obstacle to the expansion of the plates relative to the profiles. By way of illustration, this expansion can reach, in certain cases, several centimeters.

In other structures, the assembly of the superimposed profiles by means of rivets, screws or bolts, is completed by the fixing of the profiles at the location of their ends. This fixing to the ends of the profiles forming arches does not eliminate the use of seals and it requires an adjustment and a correspondence of the curvature of the profiles and the plates.

The aforementioned drawbacks are also encountered at the point of the junction between the connecting crosspieces perpendicular to the hoops and these hoops, when these crosspieces are present in the structure. The connection between the sleepers and the arches is generally not very tight.

Another structure is also known, as described in patent FR-A-2 112328, which comprises pairs of superimposed arches assembled without using fixing members distributed along the arches. In this structure, the superimposed arches of the same pair have, on their opposite faces, guide members extending across the level defined by the juxtaposed cover plates and comprising, on one of the arches, a rib and , on the other arch, a groove in which the rib engages, the latter being in contact with said groove. As a result, a thermal bridge is formed at this location between the air outside the structure and the indoor air, hence the risk of condensation forming inside the work.

One of the aims of the present invention is to provide a structure which overcomes the above drawbacks, which satisfies the criteria of tightness, aesthetics, ease of assembly and flexibility of adaptation of additional walls to an already laid structure. , and which also allows the plates to expand freely relative to the frame, without creating thermal bridges between the arches.

Another object of the invention is to propose a structure in which the assembly of the profiles constituting the arches and of the profiles constituting the connecting sleepers, when the latter are present, is homogeneous and the junction between the sleepers and the arches prevents possible water infiltration inside the structure.

To this end, this covering structure intended to produce for example a vault, possibly transparent or translucent, intended to cover an area situated between two substantially parallel supports in a longitudinal direction, composed of a plurality of juxtaposed covering plates located at one or several levels, and arches arranged transversely between the two longitudinal supports, each of these arches consisting of a pair of elementary arches comprising an inferior arcea laughing and an upper arch superimposed on the lower arch, the transverse edges of the plates being engaged between the lower and upper arches of each pair, means for causing the deformation of one of the superimposed arches by applying it under pressure against the 'other and thus achieve the clamping of the plates between the superimposed elementary arches, the superimposed arches having guide means extending across the level defined by the juxtaposed cover plates and comprising, on at least one of the arches, a rib and, on the other arch, a groove in which the rib of the first arch is engaged, is characterized in that the rib is engaged in the groove without being in contact with the latter so as to avoid thus formation, at this location , of a thermal bridge.

Preferred embodiments of the invention appear in the dependent claims.

• La figure 1 est une vue en perspective de l'ensemble d'une structure suivant l'invention.
• La figure 2 est une vue en coupe transversale schématique illustrant la déformation de l'arceau élémentaire supérieur, par traction, par rapport à l'arceau inférieur.
• La figure 3 est une vue en coupe transversale schématique illustrant la déformation de l'arceau élémentaire inférieur, par poussée par rapport à l'arceau supérieur.
• Les figures 4 et 5 sont des vues partielles en coupe faites suivant la ligne A-A de la figure 1, pour le mode de déformation schématisé sur la figure 2, respectivement dans le cas d'une structure à un et à deux niveaux de surface.
• Les figures 6 et 7 sont des vues partielles en coupe faites suivant la ligne A-A de la figure 1, pour le mode de déformation schématisé sur la figure 3, respectivement dans le cas d'une structure à un et à deux niveaux de surface.
• La figure 8 est une vue en perspective d'une variante de réalisation de l'ensemble de la structure.
• La figure 9 est une vue en coupe transversale schématique illustrant la déformation en traction de l'arceau supérieur, dans le cas de la structure de la figure 8.
• La figure 10 est une vue en coupe transversale schématique illustrant la déformation en poussée de l'arceau inférieur, dans le cas de la structure de la figure 8.
• Les figures 11 et 12 sont des vues partielles en coupe faites suivant la ligne C-C de la structure représentée sur la figure 8, pour le mode de déformation schématisé sur la figure 9, respectivement dans le cas d'une structure à un et à deux niveaux de surface.
• Les figures 13 et 14 sont des vues partielles en coupe faites suivant la ligne C-C de la structure représentée sur la figure 8, pour le mode de déformation schématisé sur la figure 10, respectivement dans le cas d'une structure à un et à deux niveaux de surface.
• La figure 15 est une vue en perspective éclatée de la partie extrême des arceaux représentés sur la figure 11.
• La figure 16 est une vue en coupe transversale faite suivant la ligne D-D de la figure 11.
• La figure 17 est une variante de la figure 16.
• La figure 18 est une vue en perspective d'un détail de réalisation de la structure représentée sur la figure 8.
• La figure 19 est une vue partielle en coupe suivant la ligne B-B des structures représentées sur les figures 1 et 8.
• Les figures 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26 et 27 sont des vues en coupe transversale de différents profils constituant des arceaux.
• Les figures 24, 28 et 29 sont des vues en perspective de variantes de réalisation de l'extrémité d'arceaux supérieurs et d'arceaux inférieurs.
• La figure 30 est une vue en élévation d'un arceau supérieur composé de plusieurs tronçons disposés bout à bout.
• Les figures 31 et 32 sont respectivement des vues de profil et en élévation d'une variante d'exécution des moyens de déformation en traction de l'arceau supérieur.
• La figure 33 est une vue d'ensemble en perspective d'une structure présentant des traverses et un ouvrant.
• La figure 34 est une vue en coupe longitudinale de la zone de liaison entre une traverse et des arceaux, cette coupe étant faite suivant la ligne E-E de la figure 35.
• La figure 35 est une vue en coupe transversale faite suivant la ligne F-F de la figure 34.
• La figure 36 est une vue en coupe transversale faite suivant la ligne G-G de la figure 34.
• La figure 37 est une vue en coupe de la zone de liaison entre l'extrémité d'un ouvrant et une traverse de liaison de la structure.
• La figure 38 est une vue en coupe de la zone de liaison entre des arceaux d'un ouvrant et des arceaux de la structure fixe.

Various embodiments of the present invention will be described below, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended drawing in which:

• Figure 1 is a perspective view of the assembly of a structure according to the invention.
• Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the deformation of the upper elementary arch, by traction, relative to the lower arch.
• Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the deformation of the lower elementary arch, by thrust relative to the upper arch.
• Figures 4 and 5 are partial sectional views taken along the line AA of Figure 1, for the deformation mode shown schematically in Figure 2, respectively in the case of a structure with one and two surface levels.
• Figures 6 and 7 are partial sectional views taken along the line AA of Figure 1, for the deformation mode shown schematically in Figure 3, respectively in the case of a structure with one and two surface levels.
• Figure 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the entire structure.
• FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-section view illustrating the deformation in traction of the upper arch, in the case of the structure of FIG. 8.
• FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic cross-section view illustrating the deformation in pushing of the lower arch, in the case of the structure of FIG. 8.
• Figures 11 and 12 are partial sectional views taken along the line CC of the structure shown in Figure 8, for the deformation mode shown schematically in Figure 9, respectively in the case of a structure with one and two levels of surface.
• Figures 13 and 14 are partial sectional views taken along the line CC of the structure shown in Figure 8, for the deformation mode shown schematically in Figure 10, respectively in the case of a structure with one and two levels of surface.
• FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the extreme part of the arches shown in FIG. 11.
• FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD of FIG. 11.
• FIG. 17 is a variant of FIG. 16.
• FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a detail of the structure shown in FIG. 8.
• FIG. 19 is a partial sectional view along line BB of the structures shown in FIGS. 1 and 8.
• Figures 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26 and 27 are cross-sectional views of different profiles constituting arches.
• Figures 24, 28 and 29 are perspective views of alternative embodiments of the end of upper hoops and lower hoops.
• Figure 30 is an elevational view of an upper hoop composed of several sections arranged end to end.
• Figures 31 and 32 are respectively side views and elevation of an alternative embodiment of the tensile deformation means of the upper arch.
• Figure 33 is an overall perspective view of a structure having crosspieces and an opening.
• FIG. 34 is a view in longitudinal section of the connection zone between a cross member and arches, this section being made along the line EE in FIG. 35.
• FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line FF of FIG. 34.
• FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line GG in FIG. 34.
• Figure 37 is a sectional view of the connection area between the end of an opening and a cross member of the structure.
• Figure 38 is a sectional view of the connection area between the arches of a door and arches of the fixed structure.

In Figure 1 is shown a structure 1 made in the form of a vault which covers an area defined by two longitudinal supports 2, generally parallel, connected or not at their ends by transverse supports 3. All of these supports define , for example, a curb, which projects relative to the surface of a roof and which delimits an opening in this roof that covers this structure 1. The upper surface 4 of the supports 2 is substantially horizontal. The structure 1 also comprises longitudinal edge profiles 11 and 19 integral with the supports 2. It also comprises arches oriented transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction defined by the supports 2 and spaced apart longitudinally. Each of these arches is in fact made up of two elementary arches superimposed, namely an upper arch 5 and a lower arch 6.

Between the upper 5 and lower 6 arches are engaged the transverse edges of cover plates 7, generally transparent or translucent. These plates are for example made of a plastic material or a resin and they have a flexibility allowing their bending during assembly.

Structure 1 has one or more surface levels. In the case where the structure has more than one surface level, an intermediate hoop is interposed between an upper hoop 5 and a lower hoop 6 of the same pair, all these hoops 5, 6, 8 being superimposed. Unless otherwise indicated, an intermediate hoop 8 will be considered as an upper hoop with respect to a lower hoop 6 and as a lower hoop with respect to an upper hoop 5.

The transverse edges of the cover plates 7 are pinched between the upper 5 and lower 6 arches and the pinching is carried out by the deformation of one of the elementary superimposed arches and the pressure exerted by this deformed arch on the other. This pinching is carried out without the member for fixing the arches distributed over their length, or a seal between the plates and the arches. This pinching is however carried out in a completely sealed manner vis-à-vis the interior of the structure, while allowing the free expansion of the plates.

Figures 2 and 3 schematically show two modes of deformation of one of the elementary arches allowing such a pinching of the plates.

In FIG. 2, the ends 9 and 10 of the lower elementary arch 6 are respectively immobilized in position relative to the wing of the longitudinal edge profile 11 secured to each support 2, this wing being oriented substantially perpendicular to the defined curve by the arch 6. This immobilization can be a stop or it can be ensured by a clamping screw. In this case, it is the upper arch 5 which is deformed and this deformation consists in exerting traction on the ends 12 and 13 of the upper arch 5, this traction being substantially parallel to the tangent at the low point of the curve. that it defines. Such traction is shown diagrammatically by the arrows 14 and 15. This traction causes tension stresses inside the upper arch 5 which therefore applies by deformation, over its entire length, to the lower arch 6 This results in the appearance of a pressure exerted by the upper arch 5 on the lower arch 6, this pressure being perpendicular at each point of the curve defined by the upper arch 5. Such a pressure is shown diagrammatically by the arrows 16. The transverse edges of the cover plates 7 which are interposed in and between the elementary arches 5 and 6 are thus pinched over their entire length.

In the alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, it is the ends 17 and 18 of the upper arch 5 which are respectively immobilized in position, for example relative to the wing of a longitudinal edge profile 19 integral with each of the supports 2. This immobilization can be an abutment or it can be ensured by a clamping screw. In this case, the deformation mode consists in exerting a push on the ends 20 and 21 of the lower arch 6, this push being shown diagrammatically by the arrows 22. This push is oriented parallel to the tangent at the low point of the curve that defines the lower arch 6. It causes, over the entire length of the lower arch 6, a pressure oriented perpendicularly at each point of the curve defined by the lower arch 6, this pressure being shown schematically by the arrows 23. The lower arch 6 is thus applied under pressure, over its entire length, against the upper arch 5 and the edges of the plates are interposed and pinched between the arches 5 and 6.

The two deformation modes which have just been described make it possible to adjust the assembly between the upper hoops 5, the lower hoops 6 and the cover plates 7, without having recourse to fasteners distributed over the length of the hoops, nor to seals, since one exerts a deformation by traction or by pushing one hoop relative to the other.

FIGS. 4 and 5 relate to an embodiment corresponding to the deformation mode shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2. In FIG. 4, the end 9 of the lower arch 6 is in abutment against a wing 25 of the profile 11. A clamping screw 26 is provided to exert traction on the end 12 of the upper arch 5. This screw 26 is oriented parallel to the tangent at the low point of the curve of the arch 5. Its head rests on a wing 27 of the profile 11, this wing being oriented perpendicular to the axis of the screw and offset towards the outside with respect to the wing 25 for a reason which will be specified later. The threaded part of the screw 26 is screwed into one or more threaded housings of the end 12 of the upper arch 5.

As can be seen in FIG. 4, profiles 29 are inserted between the different upper arches 5, these profiles 29 ensuring a sealed connection between the upper faces of the cover plates 7 and a wing 28 of the longitudinal edge profile 11. This profile 29 has any suitable shape, for example that shown in FIG. 4 which advantageously allows it to fit into the end part of the wing 28 of the longitudinal edge profile 11. When tightening the screw 26, the upper part 28 of the profile 11 closes and exerts pressure on the upper face of the upper arch 5, the profile 29 being made integral with the profile 11 by its fitting onto the wing 28. The profile 29 follows the movement of the wing 28 and exerts a pressure on the upper face of the cover plate 7 which itself, by this pressure, is applied to the lower wing and parallel to the wing 28 of the profile 11 and thus forms a tight assembly in the longitudinal direction .

FIG. 5 represents a variant of the mode execution shown in Figure 4, variant in which the structure 1 has two levels of cover plates. Preferably, the traction members 30 and 31, such as screws, are respectively engaged in the ends of the upper hoop 5 and of the intermediate hoop 8. Naturally, the screw 31 engaged in the intermediate hoop 8 is tightened before the screw 30 engaged in the upper hoop 5, so as to first deform the intermediate hoop 8 on the lower hoop 6, then the deformation of the upper hoop 5 on the intermediate hoop 8. The edge profile 11 has substantially the same shape as that described with reference to FIG. 4, apart from the fact that its wing 27 has a greater width which constitutes a bearing surface for the heads of the screws 30 and 31. preferably, a profile 32 is interposed between the ends of the various successive intermediate arches. The profiles 29 and 32 seal the assembly longitudinally when tightening the screws 30 and 31, according to the same principle previously described.

Figures 6 and 7 relate to embodiments corresponding to the deformation mode shown schematically in Figure 3. In these figures the end 34 of the lower arch 6 is subjected to a thrust produced using a screw 35 bearing on a wing of the longitudinal edge profile 19. The thrust exerted by the screw 35 can optionally be effected by means of a profile 41 oriented longitudinally.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 7, the end of the longitudinal profiles 11 and 19 formed by a U-shaped section, oriented towards the outside of the structure and whose lower level is located below level 4 of the support 2, has means for collecting, channeling and evacuating the condensation water from the structure and any infiltration water. In addition, the profiles 11 and 19 have means for preventing the water collected by these profiles from flowing inside the structure.

FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of a structure 60 in which the longitudinal supports 61 have either an inclined upper face 62, substantially parallel to the tangent at the low point of the curve of the arches at their ends , or a substantially horizontal face, in which case the inclination is caught up using an appropriate fixing bracket. As in the previous case, the pinching of the transverse edges of the cover plates 7 is obtained by deformation of one of the arches superimposed on the other.

FIG. 9 illustrates a deformation by traction at the location of the ends 63 and 64 of the upper arch 5, the ends 65 of the lower arch 6 being immobilized relative to the supports 61, by means of a square by example.

FIG. 10 illustrates a deformation by pushing at the location of the ends 66 and 67 of the lower arch 6, the ends 68 of the upper arch 5 being immobilized with respect to the supports 61.

The stresses caused by these deformations are similar to those which have been described respectively with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIGS. 11 to 16 relate to embodiments more particularly adapted to the nature of the supports 61. In FIG. 11, the end of the lower arch 6 is made directly integral with the support 61. In other words, longitudinal profiles, such as profiles 11 or 19, are absent. This connection can be effected, for example, by screwing the internal face of the arch 6, at the point of its end, to the upper surface 62 of the support 61. Optionally, a seal can be arranged there. The end 65 of the lower arch 6 projects from the support 61. The deformation of the upper arch 5 on the lower arch 6, by traction, is preferably carried out by means of an intermediate piece 69 which is illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 17, relative to a determined embodiment of the arches 5 and 6.

The deformation by traction is carried out by means of a screw 70 which is tightened in a tubular rib 71 of the upper arch 5, tapped at least at the location of its end part. This tubular rib is open in its lower part and during the superposition of the arches, a rib 72 of the lower arch 6 engages in the tubular rib 71. When tightening the screw 70, its end 73 exerts pressure on the end of the part 69 engaged in the rib 71. As this part 69 bears on the end 74 of the rib 72 of the lower arch 6, the pressure is transferred to the rib 72 of the lower arch 6 and as this lower hoop is integral with the support 61, the screw 70 therefore exerts traction on the upper hoop 5 by bearing on the end of the part 69.

The part 69 has a part 75 parallel to the cover plates and of thickness equal to or slightly less than the latter. It further comprises a rib 76 oriented towards the upper arch 5 and similar to the upper part of the rib 72, this rib 76 engaging in the open tubular rib 71.

In addition, the intermediate piece 69 comprises means for applying the end of the upper hoop 5 to the end of the lower hoop 6. These means act from the inside of the hoops, which is shown on the Figures 15 and 16, or from the outside, as shown in Figure 17. In Figures 15 and 16 these means consist of two ribs 78 and 79, C-shaped, whose opening is oriented laterally towardsl ' outside the hoops. These ribs in C trap the pinching means of the arches 5 and 6 for the transverse edges of the plates, these means being described later.

In the case of FIG. 17, the means for applying the intermediate piece 69 comprise two ribs 80 and 81, in the shape of a C, the opening of which is oriented laterally towards the interior. of the arches. These ribs trap the arches 5 and 6 by resting respectively on their upper face and on their lower face. The assembly method is identical to that described above.

FIG. 12 represents a variant of FIG. 11 for a structure having two levels of cover plates. The principle is similar to that which has been described previously and two intermediate parts 82 and 83 ensure the connection of the ends of the arches 5 and 8 on the one hand, 8 and 6 on the other hand. The screw corresponding to the intermediate piece 82 is tightened in a tapped tubular rib of the upper hoop 5 while the screw corresponding to the intermediate piece 83 is tightened in a tapped tubular rib of the intermediate hoop 8. Furthermore, preferably , two longitudinal profiles 84 and 85, fitted one inside the other, have wings which act, when tightening, in the manner of pliers vis-à-vis the longitudinal edges of each level of cover plate and maintain a constant spacing between the cover plates 7 ensuring sealing at this location between the arches. These profiles have for example a section similar to that shown in Figure 12. In order to ensure sealing, a seal 86, single or double, is interposed between the upper face 62 of the support 61 and the face lower of the cover plates 7. The seals 86 are arranged between the different arches and provide sealing between the cover plates and the support 61.

An embodiment of the deformation mode shown diagrammatically in FIG. 10 is shown in FIG. 13. In this case, the hoops bear on or are deformed with respect to a bracket 87 having a width substantially equal to that of the hoops. The bracket 87 has a wing 88 which is made integral, for example by screwing, with the upper face 62 of the support 61. The end of the upper arch 5 is made integral with the other wing 89 of the bracket 87 , for example by means of a screw 90. A screw 91, a combination, for example, with a threaded nut 92, pushes on the end of the lower arch 6, possibly via an intermediate longitudinal profile 93 of substantially length equal to the width of the arches. One or more seals 94 interposed between the cover plates and the upper face 62 of the support 61 and arranged between two consecutive lower arches, provide sealing vis-à-vis the interior of the structure.

FIG. 14 represents an alternative embodiment of that of FIG. 13, in the case where the structure has two levels of cover plates. This embodiment is similar to the previous mode except that the wing 89 of the bracket 87 has a greater length. Furthermore, a longitudinal profile 95 is interposed between the longitudinal edges of the cover plates 7, constituting the two levels, and disposed between two consecutive intermediate arches ensuring sealing at this location and the spacing between the two superimposed plates.

The structure 60 shown in Figure 8 further preferably has retaining tabs 96 for the longitudinal edges of the cover plates 7. These retaining tabs 96 are distributed between consecutive superimposed arches. In Figure 18 is shown a non-limiting embodiment of a tab 96 which has a flattened C shape, a branch 97 is secured to the upper face 62 of the support 61, for example by screwing. Preferably, this branch 97 is longer than the other. The longitudinal edges of the cover plates 7 are engaged in the groove formed by the flattened C shape and are thereby held there. It should be noted that the spacing between the horizontal branches of the C is determined as a function of the thickness of the seals 86 or 94, so that the longitudinal edges of the plates exert a substantially constant and uniform pressure on the seals, between two sets of consecutive superimposed arches.

FIG. 19 illustrates an embodiment of a longitudinal end of the structure shown in FIGS. 1 and 8. At this point there is a pair of elementary upper 5 and lower 6 arches between which is pinched on the inside, the transverse edge 48 of a cover plate 7. On the outside of the structure a profile 49 has a wing 50 of thickness substantially equal to that of the cover plate 7 and which is pinched between the arches 5 and 6. The profile 49 also has a part 51 in the form of an inverted U which is situated opposite another part 52, in the form of a U, of a profile 53 secured to the support 3. The upper and lower transverse edges of a plate vertical end 54 are engaged in the two U-shaped parts 51 and 52 of the profiles 49 and 53. The assembly of the profile 49 and more precisely of its wing 50 between the arches 5 and 6 is similar to that of the end 48 of the cover plate 7, and the wing 50 is pinched between the arches during tightening, which makes the end piece, formed by the plate 54 and the profile 49, integral with the longitudinal structure.

In addition to the deformation means which have just been described, the upper, lower and possibly intermediate arches also include guide means which preferably are continuous over their length. These guide means generally consist of at least one rib for one of the hoops, which is oriented towards the other hoop which is engaged in a groove of the latter. This groove can be formed by two parallel ribs or can be obtained by shaping the profile constituting the arch. It should also be noted that the guide means pass through the level defined by the cover plates 7, between two juxtaposed plates, this in order to avoid the disengaging cover plates outside the arches due to their free expansion.

Figures 20 to 29 illustrate different alternative embodiments of the cross section of the profiles constituting the upper and lower arches. These figures illustrate the plate clamping means, the guide means and the means which allow the clamping of the arches at their ends. In general, the profiles of the arches are symmetrical with respect to a substantially vertical plane and they present, on either side of this plane, means for gripping the cover plates 7. These gripping means are preferably constituted by wings of the profiles, opposite for a lower hoop and an upper hoop superimposed, these wings possibly being reinforced by internal edges. The means for tightening the screws, for a deformation by traction or by pushing, are preferably constituted by a tubular rib open over the entire length of the profile and tapped at each end.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 28, the means for guiding the lower arch 6 are produced by means of brackets 138 and 139 secured to the support 61 and the distance of which is substantially equal to the width of the lower arch 6. The upper hoop 5 is guided using the pulling screw of the upper hoop 5, this screw passing through and bearing on the wing of a bracket fixed to the support 61.

Furthermore, the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 29 advantageously make it possible to produce the upper arch 5 in a plurality of sections assembled end to end. There is shown, by way of example, in FIG. 30, an upper hoop composed of three sections 144, 145, 146 assembled by screwing or by bolting end to end. This cissage can also intervene as a means of deformation of the upper arch 5 on the lower arch 6. In fact, it suffices, in this case, to provide a space between the different tabs integral with the upper arch 5, such as tabs 141, 142 (figure 24) and 143 (figure 29), and to make a tightening or a bolting for the assembly of the sections of the upper steel, similar to that which is carried out at the ends of a hoop .

In addition, as is visible in particular in the embodiments shown in Figures 20 to 29, the lower arch 6 has one or more channels. The channel or channels are delimited by the wings constituting the pinching means, the lower wall of the lower arch 5 and part of the guide means. These channels are watertight along the length of the arch. They channel the water which could possibly infiltrate between a cover plate 7 and an arch. Naturally, the longitudinal support profiles have suitable means for discharging this water, for example water outlet orifices. Thus these channels contribute to the tightness of the structure since they evacuate the water coming from the outside which could infiltrate between the cover plates and the arches, more particularly the upper arch.

In addition, it will be noted in FIGS. 20 to 29 that the means for guiding the upper and lower arches are not in contact, this in order to avoid a thermal bridge between the air outside the structure and the inside air and thus eliminating as much as possible the risks of condensation forming inside the structure.

The deformation modes which have been described previously mainly use screws. This is not, however, limiting and any other device making it possible to exert traction on the upper arch or pressure on the lower arch is suitable. By way of example, FIGS. 31 and 32 show a device of the "toggle" 98 type.

FIG. 33 represents a structure 150 whose range requires lengths of plates making mounting of the structure expensive and difficult. It has cover plates 7 which are juxtaposed both in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction. The plates are joined in the transverse direction by means of arches 151, similar to those which have been described. The junction of the cover plates 7 in the longitudinal direction is carried out by means of connecting crosspieces 152. These crosspieces connect two sets of successive superimposed arcs and their number depends on the span of the structure. The connecting crosspieces also make it possible to produce an opening, such as the opening 153, by delimiting, in a longitudinal direction, the periphery of the opening and that of the opening itself, the arches 151 delimiting the opening in the transverse direction. The hoops are of any suitable nature and for example have one of the shapes shown in Figures 20 to 29. However, the lower hoop has a longitudinal tubular reinforcing chamber 173 in its lower part (fig. 34).

Figures 34 to 36 show in cross section the cross-section profiles and the connection between a cross-member and the arches, in the case where the cross-member has two surface levels. In FIGS. 34 and 35, one can see an upper hoop 5, a lower hoop 6 and an intermediate hoop 8. The connecting crosspiece has, in correspondence with the hoops, an upper profile 155, a lower profile 156 and an intermediate profile 154. The profiles of the cross member, as well as the roll bars pinch the edges of cover plates 7.

The cross-sections 155, 156 and 154 are superimposed and held in position with one another by guide means.

The upper profile 155 has approximately a very open, inverted V shape, the ends of the two branches 158 and 159 of which constitute part of the clamping means for the upper level of the cover plates 7.

The lower profile 156 has approximately a U shape, the ends of the two branches 160 and 161 of which constitute part of the clamping means of the lower level of the cover plates 7.

The intermediate transverse profile 154 has approximately an H shape, the upper and lower ends of the branches 162 and 163 of which are respectively opposite the ends of the branches 158, 160 and 159, 161 and constitute the complement of the clamping means of the cover plates 7 .

The guide means are constituted, for the lower profile 156, by a central rib 143, oriented longitudinally relative to the cross member, which engages in a rib 164, in the form of an inverted U, of the intermediate element 154. The rib 164 is extended vertically by a single rib 165, in the axis of the rib 143, and which engages in a rib 166 in the form of an inverted U of the upper profile 155. It will be noted that the means for guiding the profiles 154, 155, 156 are in the same longitudinal plane, which allows the profile 155 to be fitted directly into the profile 156 in the case of a single level of cover plates.

In addition, the simple ribs 143 and 165 and the associated inverted U-shaped ribs 164 and 166 do not preferably have mechanical contact with one another, so as to avoid thermal bridges.

The ends of the branches of the ribs 164 and 166, in the shape of an inverted U, are extended laterally by respective flanges 167,168. The upper face of the flanges 167 and 168 is located at a level equal to or slightly greater than the level of the lower face of the cover plates 7. The thickness of the flanges 167 and 168 is substantially less than the thickness of the cover plates 7 arranged at their level. Furthermore, the lower face of the lower profile 156 of the crosspieces has at least one projecting rib. By way of illustration, two ribs 169 and 170 have been shown in FIG. 35.

The dimensions of the profiles constituting the crosspiece are determined so as to be in relation to those of the arches of which they provide the connection, mainly in the height direction. The purpose of these relationships between dimensions is to ensure continuity between the longitudinal and transverse nip areas of the edges of the cover plates.

The connection between a cross member and superimposed arches is achieved by nesting or pinching the ends of the profiles of the cross member in the arches and between the superimposed arches.

The lower profile 156 has, at each end, a projecting part 171 which is constituted by the lower face and the lower part of the wings of the U. This part 171 is fitted into an orifice 172 in the side wall of the lower arch 6 , orifice having a substantially corresponding shape. This orifice is pierced in the side wall with a sealed tubular chamber 173 located in the lower part of the lower arch 6. The lower edge of the orifice 172 is located at a sufficient distance above the lower face of the tubular chamber 173, in order to allow the flow inside the lower arch 6 of the water recovered by the connecting crosspieces. For the upper profile 155 and the intermediate profile 154, the flanges 168 and 167 extend beyond the ends of these profiles and constitute respective projections 174 and 175. The projections 174 and 175 are located substantially at the level of the cover plates 7 and they extend respectively between the upper arch 5 and the intermediate arch 8 and between the intermediate arch 8 and the lower arch 6.

In the projecting part 171 of the lower profile 156, the projecting ribs 169 and 170 each have a notch 176 which straddles the lower edge of the orifice 172 provided in the side wall of the lower arch 6, which avoids disengaging. when the structure is assembled.

Thus, the various profiles constituting a crossbar are fitted into the hoops or between the hoops and the assembly of the hoops by deformation, by traction or by pushing, causes the profiles constituting the crossbar to be assembled and the cover plates 7 to be pinched between the arches and between the profiles of each crosspiece.

The central open tubular rib of the lower profile 156 can optionally be tapped at the ends so as to make this profile 156 integral with a door jamb, window, etc.

It should be noted that the cover plates 7 are mounted directly between the profiles constituting a crosspiece, without having to use seals, and they allow free expansion.

Like the hoops, the crosspieces present means for collecting and evacuating any external infiltration water which would infiltrate between the cover plates and the profiles constituting the crosspieces.

As for the arches, channels are defined for the profiles constituting a raverse and in particular the lower profile 156 and the intermediate profile 154. These channels are delimited laterally by the wings of the profiles and by the ribs constituting the guide means. They are delimited in their lower part by the lower part of the profiles. It should be noted that at the lower profile, the projecting part 171 extends the channels of this profile inside the sealed tubular chamber 173. Thus the runoff water which can infiltrate into the profiles of a cross member towards the lower profile 156 is channeled and it is evacuated towards the outside through the sealed tubular chamber 173 of the lower arch 6, which is provided at each of its ends with means of evacuation towards the outside.

Generally a cross is inclined transversely since it follows the curvature of the arches at the location of the connection. Thus, water that can infiltrate only accumulates side of the cross, that is to say the one facing the top of the slope. In Figure 35, it has been assumed that the left side of the figure is oriented towards the slope. It is therefore necessary to provide orifices for discharging the infiltration water from the intermediate profile 154 to the lower profile 156. The means for channeling the runoff water to the lower profile 156 include, for the intermediate profile 154 , orifices 177 which are drilled in the horizontal branch of the H formed by this profile and on the left side in FIG. 35. These orifices 177 allow water, which can flow towards the lower part of the lower profile 156 infiltrate between the upper level of the cover plates 7 and the upper profile 155.

The orifices 177 of the intermediate profile 154 located on the right side of FIG. 35, that is to say towards the lower level of the slope, are equipped with funnels 179 which define, with each orifice 177, a sealed pipe tube opening below the level of the cover plates 7 of the lower level. Thus, any infiltration water is directly channeled to the channels of the lower profile 156 without risk of infiltration between the upper face of the cover plate 7 of the lower level and the lower edge of the wing 163 of the intermediate profile 155 .

At the ends of the intermediate profile 154, the stops 178 seal the water evacuation channels defined by this profile. These stops are for example assembled to the horizontal part of the H, by screwing.

The channels of the lower profile 156 and more particularly the channel oriented towards the top of the slope channel the water towards the interior of the sealed tubular chamber 173 of the lower arch 6, through which it is discharged towards the outside. It should be noted that the channels of the lower profile 156 open into the sealed tubular chamber 173 at a level at least equal to the level that the water could reach in this chamber, so as to avoid saturation or overfilling of this chamber.

Thus the seal is ensured inside the structure, since all the water likely to infiltrate between the cover plates and the arches or the cross-section profiles is discharged to the outside via the inside. hoops and cross profiles.

Furthermore, the lower profile 156 of the cross member laterally preferably has two gutters 181 and 182 which collect the condensation water from the structure. These gutters extend into the projecting part 171 and open into the sealed tubular chamber 173 via the opening 172. Thus, the condensation water is also collected, channeled and evacuated.

Figure 37 shows schematically the connection between an opening, such as the opening 153 shown in Figure 33, and a cross which defines the opening in a longitudinal direction. This cross which is indicated by the reference 183 in Figure 33, is similar to the cross which has been described with reference to Figures 34 and 36, except that the upper profile 184 is truncated on the side of the opening. On the other hand, the cover plates located on the side of the opening are absent and the plate on the lower level is replaced by a shim 185. At its ends, the cross-member 183 has the same means of interlocking in the arches and pinching between the arches as that which was previously described. The connection between the cross member and the end of the opening is made substantially leaktight by means of seals which are preferably three in number and which are indicated in FIG. 37 by the references 186, 187 and 188. The seal 186 takes support on the wing 162 of the intermediate profile 154 and, at the location of each of its ends, on the upper face of the upper arch 5 of the fixed structure. The seal 187 is supported on the upper part of the upper profile 184, as well as on the upper face of the upper arch 5 of the fixed structure. The seals 186 and 187 are flexible and housed in cavities 189 and 190 which are delimited, for example, by the wings of a profile integral with the end of the opening 153. These two seals thus make the lateral part of the watertight opening structure at this location.

The seal 188, meanwhile, is preferably in the form of a lip. It is semi-rigid and rests against the wall of the gutter 181 of the lower profile 156. This joint 188 provides insulation between the internal and external parts of the structure and thus avoids condensation water inside as much as possible. of the book.

FIG. 38 schematically illustrates the connection between arches 5, 6 and 8 of the fixed structure and arches 191, 192 and 193 of the opening structure. This connection comprises two profiles 194, 195 in the shape of a U arranged head to tail. The profile 194 is pinched between the upper arch 5 and the intermediate arch 8 of the fixed structure while the profile 195 is pinched between the upper arch 191 and the intermediate arch 193 of the opening. Naturally, the profile 195 of the opening is above the profile 194 of the fixed structure and overlaps one of its branches.

In the profile 195 is housed a seal 196, thus avoiding as much as possible any seepage water.

Sealing is thus ensured by a lip-shaped seal 197 which is pinched between the intermediate arch 8 and the lower arch 6 of the fixed structure and the end of which rests under and against the underside of the lower arch. 192 of the opening. This joint allows, with joint 196, double insulation from the outside.

Claims (9)

1. Roofing structure for forming for example a vault, possibly transparent or translucent, adapted to cover a zone located between two supports (2, 61) substantially parallel in a longitudinal direction, composed of a plurality of juxtaposed roofing plates (7) located at one or more levels, and of hoop elements disposed transversaly between the two longitudinal supports, each of these hoop elements being constituted by a pair of elementary hoop elements comprising a lower hoop element (6) and an upper hoop element (5) superposed on the lower hoop element, the transverse edges of the roofing plates (7) being engaged between the lower and upper hoop elements (6, 5) of each pair, means for provoking the deformation of one of the superposed hoop elements (5, 6) by applying it under pressure against the other and thus effecting gripping of the roofing plates (7) between the superposed elementary hoop elements (5,6), the superposed hoop elements (5, 6) presenting guide means (71, 72) extending across the level defined by the juxtaposed roofing plates (7) and comprising, on at least one of the hoop elements, a rib (72) and, on the other hoop element, a groove (71) wherein the rib (72) of the first hoop element is engaged, characterized in that the rib is engaged in the groove (71) without being in contact with said groove, in order to avoid the formation of a thermal bridge at this location.

2. Structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide groove (71) consists in a tubular rib opened upon the length of the section and tapped at each end, this guide groove being thus a part of the means provoking the deformation of one of said hoop elements.

3. Structure according to any of claims 1 and 2, comprising connecting cross members (183) between the hoop elements (5, 6) and extending perpendicularly thereto, characterized in that the connecting cross members (183) are composed of superposed sections (155, 154, 156) comprising mutual guiding means (166, 165, 164, 143) between which are engaged the longitudinal edges of the roofing plates (7), and the means provoking deformation of one of the superposed elementary hoop elements (5, 6) with respect to the other also provoke the assembly in compression of the superposed sections (155, 154, 156) constituting the connecting cross member (183).

4. A structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower section (156) of a cross member, at each end, comprises a projecting part (171) which extends through an opening (172) in the side wall of the lower hoop element (6), which opening is at a height ensuring continuity between the zone of gripping of the transverse edge of a roofing panel (7) between the hoop elements (5, 6) and of its longitudinal edge between the sections (154, 156) of the cross member (183), and the projecting part (171) having anchoring means (176) for engaging the lower hoop element (6).

5. A structure according to claim 4, characterized in that the projecting part (171) has a cross section substantially in the form of a U and, on its lower face, has at least one notch (176) engageable on the lower edge of the opening (172) in the side wall of the lower hoop element (6).

6. A structure according to any of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the upper section (155) of the cross member (183) presents at each end a projecting part (174) of a thickness less than or equal to the thickness of the roofing panels (7) and whereof the upper face is located at the level of the upper face of the roofing panels (7) and which is engaged between two superposed hoop elements (5, 8).

7. A structure according to any of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the lower section (156) of the cross member (183) has means (160, 161 ) for channelling any infiltrating water towards the projecting part (171) which provides communication with the hollow part (173) in the lower hoop element (6).

8. A structure according to any of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the upper section (155) of the cross member (183) is provided with a guiding rib (166) of inverted U section in which is engaged a rib (165) of the intermediate section (154), the intermediate section (154) is provided with a guiding rib (164) of inverted U section in which is engaged a rib (143) of the lower section (156), and the part (174) of the upper section (155) which is engaged between the superposed hoop elements is constituted by an extension of the lower part of the rib (166) of the upper section (155).

9. A structure according to any of claims 3 to 8 of double glazed construction and comprising two superposed levels of roofing panels (7) of which the transverse edges are engaded between superposed upper, intermediate and lower hoop element (5, 8, 6) and the longitudinal edges are engaged between superposed upper, intermediate and lower sections (155,154,156) of a cross member, characterized in that the intermediate section (154) is formed with orifices (177) ensuring flow of any infiltrating water to the lower section (156) of the cross member, and there is provided at each end of the intermediate section means (178) for hermetically sealing the water evacuation channels defined by this intermediate section.

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