EP1267018A1 - Transverse connection device for flexible covering elements - Google Patents

Abstract

The connecting system for the separate modules (M - M3) of a tensioned supple roof, esp with a metal framework (3), consists of metal profiles with one or more channels to receive joints along the transverse edges of the roof modules. The profiles extend transversely between lengthwise members for a distance equivalent to the length of the roof modules' edges, and each one can have two channels with restricted openings lying in the same plane.

Description

The invention relates to a transverse joining device for covering elements made of stretched flexible material, forming roof, between two beams defined by profiles provided at least one groove for receiving a ring bordering longitudinally said cover elements.

The present invention will find its application in the field constructions with flexible covers, in particular those comprising a three-dimensional composite metal frame.

In this regard, it is more particularly known through document EP-A-0.908.570 such a roofing construction flexible of which at least the part forming the roof is defined by a three-dimensional metal or composite framework. In particular, this framework consists of a structure of basis of a juxtaposition of several of these, including each has at least two parallel beams connected to using sleepers and from which extend diagonals defining, as the case may be, one or more farms returned united by their apex or one or a succession of pyramid shaped modules. Ultimately, in space internal bounded by such a basic structure is underpinned at least one flexible cover of the double curvature type.

It was particularly noted in the context of the presentation of the prior art in this document previous, that a construction of this type comprising, as that roof, a three-dimensional metal frame, proved to be a particularly long assembly time in the since we usually used lacing to stretch, at the level of such a framework, elements cover in flexible material with double curvature. Also, from such constructions were in no way suited to a temporary use so that despite their aesthetic particularly attractive, their usefulness was limited to the design of buildings for permanent use, while for hosting a temporary activity we had no other solution than using more conventional constructions.

In the end, to remedy this it is planned according to what document EP-A-0.908.570 that the two parallel beams of a basic structure are defined, each, by a profile comprising at least one shooting groove for receiving a rod fitted to the longitudinal edges of the cover (s) flexible double curvature intended to be subtended level of said basic structure. Furthermore, such a profile is provided with means for reception, with a view to fixing them ends of the diagonals and / or suitable cross members to be fixed on this spar.

Finally, through such a design it is possible to get rid of the knots of connection to which we usually do call for the design of this three-dimensional metal tube. In addition, the side members are in the form of profiles with grooves are able to accommodate, by sliding, the rods of flexible covers, the placement of which is therefore considerably facilitated.

Apart from the fact that such a construction conforms to the state of the technique came to answer the problem of the assembly time and dismantling, it was found that it offered the possibility for rental companies to optimize their stock of material. Indeed, through a simple juxtaposition of several basic structures it was ultimately possible, achieve all desired building dimensions whether it either in length or in width.

Nevertheless, this modularity was not found, until present at the level of the flexible cover elements. Indeed, due to their double curvature design the length of these flexible cover elements had to be strictly adjusted to the length of the building, i.e. the sum of the lengths stringers corresponding to the number of basic structures juxtaposed, otherwise there was a sealing problem that we knew how to resolve so far between two of these elements side by side. If such a seal can be very rigorously obtained through cooperation rods equipping the longitudinal edges of these elements of cover and grooved profiles corresponding to the side members, up to an interruption of such a cover element, either at the level of an interruption of the rod in the throat of the profile, we could not guarantee this tightness. To that added the difficulty that in case of heavy rain, due to the size of this type of construction and the almost impossible a slope at the level of the water spars can stagnate at the level of these. Also, the slightest flaw in the flexible cover element leads to a water leak, the flow is such that it cannot be evacuated simply by a runoff groove, as usually comprises these profiles defining said beams.

In this regard, it will also be noted that insofar as many of these basic structures can be, not only, aligned with each other, but also juxtaposed, such water leaks would occur, necessarily, in the central part of the construction.

Finally, the present invention has been able to respond to these difficulties so the length of the cover elements can be standardized. At least, after dismantling a construction some of its cover elements can be re-used in the case of a conception of another construction although of different size.

In short, it is no longer sufficient, just as for the design of the framework of such a construction as adjusting the number of these cover elements to any length of building.

Thus, the invention relates to a junction device cross for flexible material roofing elements stretched, forming a roof, between two beams defined by profiles provided with at least one groove for receiving a rod longitudinally bordering said cover elements, characterized in that it consists of a profile comprising at least one groove for receiving the rods fitted to each transverse edges of two cover elements juxtaposed, said profile extending transversely between two beams over a distance equal to the length of the said transverse edges reduced by a length corresponding to the width of a flange of flexible or semi-rigid material extending, beyond said profile, above said transverse edges of two cover elements and cooperating through means of connection, of screw or rivet type, with a counter-flange arranged under said cover elements.

According to a feature of the present invention, said flange is integral with a sheath extending over the end part said profile accommodating the rods of the transverse edges of the curvature elements.

Advantageously, the counter flange also extends under the scabbard and cooperates with it via connecting means such as screws, rivets or the like.

According to another feature of the present invention, the flange flexible or semi-rigid material is tapered on its edge in look of the longitudinal rods of the cover elements juxtaposed and adjoins said rods.

As already indicated above, the cover elements can be designed to standard lengths so that when construction, just juxtapose several of them to adjust them to any length of building.

If, in the past, it was necessary to have for each different length of a construction of an element of well adapted cover, i.e. in one piece, limiting therefore the use of this cover element, this is not no longer the case through the present invention.

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows relating to an illustrated embodiment in the attached drawings.

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a soft cover construction of which the roof is made by a three-dimensional framework.

Figure 2 is a schematic and partial representation of the roof of this building.

Figure 3 is a schematic, partial and plan view of the junction device according to the invention.

Figure 4 is a schematic and exploded view of this device junction.

As shown in the figures of the attached drawings the present invention relates to the field of constructions 1 to flexible cover of which at least the part forming the roof 2 is defined by a metal frame 3, even composite, of the type three-dimensional.

In fact, it consists of a basic structure 4 or again, as shown in figure 1, of a juxtaposition of many of these.

As shown in Figure 2, such a basic structure 4 has at least two parallel beams 5, 6 between which are intended to extend double cover elements curvature 7, 7A, these longitudinal members 5, 6, being, moreover, connected between them using sleepers 8.

In addition, from these beams 5, 6 are caused to extend from diagonals 9, 9A, 9B, 9C coming to define, or farms rendered united by their top, either one or a succession of modules M, M1, M2, M3 pyramid-shaped.

As for the longitudinal members 5, 6, they each consist of a profile 10 comprising at least one shooting groove 11A; 11B for the reception of a rod 12, more particularly visible in the Figure 4, coming to equip the two longitudinal edges 13, 14 a flexible cover element 7, 7A intended to be subtended on this basic structure 4.

Ultimately, the invention relates, more particularly, to a transverse joining device 15 for such elements cover 7, 7A.

According to the invention and as shown in Figures 3 and 4, such a joining device 15 consists, first of all, in a profile 16 comprising at least one groove 17, 17A, for the reception of rods 18, 18A with which each of the edges is provided transverse 19, 19A of these cover elements 7, 7A juxtaposed.

According to an advantageous embodiment, said profile 16 comprises two grooves 17, 17A whose openings, in the form choke 20, 20A, lie in the same plane and are facing down so that once the rods transverse 18, 18A introduced into these grooves 17, 17A of the profile 16, it extends on the external side 21 of the elements of cover 7, 7A.

Advantageously, the profile 16 has a certain flexibility so as to be able to adapt to the curvature taken by the cover elements 7, 7A at their junction, say at the level of their transverse edges 19, 19A. otherwise this profile 16 can itself be bent to adjust, at better, to the curvature taken by these transverse edges 19, 19A of the cover elements 7, 7A once it has been placed under voltage.

According to another feature of the present invention, said profile 16 extends transversely over a distance equal to the length of said transverse edges 19, 19A of the elements of cover 7, 7A reduced by a length 22 corresponding to the less than the width 23 of a flange 24, of flexible material or semi-rigid. Consequently, this flange 24, also coming located on the upper face 25 of the cover elements 7, 7A, extends beyond the profile 16 above the edges transverse 19, 19A of these cover elements 7, 7A. Through elsewhere, it comes to cooperate through connecting means 26, more particularly of screws or rivets, with a against flange.

Advantageously, said flange 24 is integral with a sheath 28 coming to extend it on an end part 29 of the profile 16, while the counter flange 27 preferably extends, at level of the underside of the covering elements 7, 7A, under the flange 24 and said sleeve 28. Again, means for screw-type connection, rivets or the like 26, connect advantageously the sheath 28 at the counter flange 27 through transverse edges 19, 19A of these cover elements 7, 7A.

To return to the connecting means 26, according to a mode of preferential realization, they consist of end pieces 30 forming a nut formed at the level of the counter flange 27 and with which are able to cooperate fixing screws 31 wide head 32. These are still rounded so as not to not define, through possible angular parts a aggressive part for cover elements 7, 7A in flexible material.

Obviously, like the flange 24 the sleeve 28 is bordered of support blades 33 whose width is at least equal to the section of this head 32 of said screws 31.

Note that between the counter flange 27 and the cover elements 7, 7A can be inserted a protective seal 34, plus particularly foam, to avoid damaging said cover elements 7, 7A under the action of the tightening which comes to exercise through connecting means in accordance with the invention. Furthermore, the flange 24 and its sleeve 28, as well that the blades 33 bordering the latter, being formed in a flexible or semi-rigid material, themselves constitute a means for protecting these cover elements 7, 7A.

• pour pouvoir venir sensiblement en appui sur ces joncs 12, par ailleurs introduits dans la gorge filante 11A, 11B des longerons 5, 6 ;
• et assurer, du côté externe à la construction, l'étanchéité, d'une part, entre lesdits éléments de couverture 7, 7A et le profilé correspondant à un tel longeron 5 6 et, d'autre part au niveau de la jonction de deux éléments de couverture 7, 7A juxtaposés.

According to another feature of the invention, the flange 24 is provided capable of extending substantially up to the longitudinal rods 12 bordering, at the height of the longitudinal members 5, 6, such a covering element 7, 7A. At this front edge 35, adjoining the rods 12 in a way, said flange is, moreover, bevelled so that its thickness attempts to decrease with the immediate approach of these rods 12, this in a double interest, namely :

• to be able to come into substantial abutment on these rods 12, moreover introduced into the shooting groove 11A, 11B of the longitudinal members 5, 6;
• and ensuring, on the external side of the construction, the seal, on the one hand, between said covering elements 7, 7A and the profile corresponding to such a spar 5 6 and, on the other hand at the junction of two cover elements 7, 7A juxtaposed.

It will be noted that the flange 24 and / or the supporting blades 33 bordering the sheath 28 can be doubled, on their side opposite the heads 32 of the fixing screws 31 by a metal plate 36. That adopts, thus, a general shape in U, more particularly visible in Figure 3. Note that such metal plate 36 improves pressure distribution exerted by said fixing screws 31 on the flange 24 and these support blades 33.

In addition, the gain in rigidity provided by said plate metallic 36 allows the design of the flange 24 and the sleeve 28 made of a relatively flexible material, such as rubber.

Claims (10)

Transversal joining device for covering elements (7; 7A) made of stretched flexible material, forming a roof between two beams (5, 6) defined by profiles (10) provided with at least one groove (11A; 11B) for the receiving a rod (12) longitudinally bordering said covering elements (7, 7A), characterized in that it consists of a profile (16) comprising at least one groove (17, 17A) for receiving the rods ( 18, 18A) equipping each of the transverse edges (19, 19A) with two juxtaposed covering elements (7, 7A), said profile (16) extending transversely between two longitudinal members (5, 6) over a distance equal to the length said transverse edges (19, 19A) reduced by a length (22) corresponding to the width (23) of a flange (24) of flexible or semi-rigid material extending, beyond said profile (16), above said transverse edges (19, 19A) of the two covering elements (7, 7A) and cooperating, through connecting means (26), of the screw or rivet type, with a counter-flange (27) disposed under said covering elements (7, 7A). Joining device according to claim 1, characterized in that said profile (16) has two grooves (17, 17A) whose throttle-shaped openings (20, 20A) lie in the same plane. Joining device according to any one of claims, characterized in that the flange (24) is integral with a sleeve (28) extending from it on an end part (29) of the profile (16). Joining device according to claims 1 and 3, characterized in that the counter-flange (27) extends, at the level of the underside of the cover elements (7, 7A), under the flange (24) and said sleeve ( 28), connecting means of the screw, rivet or similar type (26), connecting said sleeve (28) to said counter flange (27) through the transverse edges (19, 19A) of the covering elements (7, 7A). Joining device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting means (26) consist of end pieces (30) forming a nut formed at the level of the counter flange (27) and with which they are able to cooperate fixing screws (31) with large head (32) of rounded shape. Joining device according to claims 3 and 5, characterized in that the sleeve (28) is bordered by support blades (33) whose width is at least equal to the section of the head (32) of said screws (31 ). Joining device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the counter flange (27) and the covering elements (7, 7A) is interposed a protective seal (34), more particularly made of foam. Joining device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flange (24) is provided capable of extending substantially up to the longitudinal rods (12) bordering, at the height of the side members (5, 6) the cover elements (7, 7A), at the front edge (35) adjoining said rods (12) said flange (24) being, moreover, bevelled so that its thickness attempts to decrease with the immediate approach of these rods (12). Joining device according to claims 1 and 6, characterized in that the flange (24) and / or the support blades (33) bordering the sleeve (28) are doubled, on their side opposite the heads (32) fixing screws (31), by a metal plate (36). Joining device according to any one of claims 1, 3 and 6, characterized in that the flange (21) and the sleeve (28), like the support blades (33) bordering the latter are formed in a flexible material, especially rubber.

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