OA19613A - Protective structure construction method and kit - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of constructing a protective structure, comprising the following steps: a) providing a supporting structure (10) comprising several parallel supporting rails (12); b) providing a group of panels (20); the panels (20) being able to be engaged and slidable on the supporting rails; d) the panels (20) are transferred from the storage position to a final position resting on the supporting rails, by carrying out the following operations: d1) at least one of the panels (20) is transferred from the storage position to a insertion position on the supporting rails (12), with the aid of a transfer device (40,140,240) lifting said at least one panel upwards; the transferred panels being placed one after the other on the supporting rails; d2) the transferred panels are moved along the supporting rails (12). Protective structure construction kit according to the previous process.

Description

Protective structure construction method and kit

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a protective structure construction method, a protective structure construction kit and by extension, the protective structure obtained from the construction method. The invention relates very particularly, but not only, to the case where the panels of the protective structure are photovoltaic panels.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

In this document, the expression "protective structure" designates any structure comprising panels placed one beside the other, generally horizontally, and which is thus capable of constituting a shelter, or at least of providing some protection. . The panels can provide more or less complete protection against rain, sun and other climatic hazards. The protective structure can for example be a building, or at the very least a building structure. The expression “protective structure” does not imply that the panels are contiguous, and even less watertight.

For example, document WO2008028677 discloses a solar roof consisting of solar panels mounted on poles.

This roof advantageously has a large surface area and therefore makes it possible to constitute a protective structure with a large surface area. However, the construction of this roof is relatively complex and the time required to erect it is important.

There is therefore a need for a construction method, a construction kit, making it possible to construct a protective structure in a simple and rapid manner.

This need exists particularly in the case where the roof of the protective structure thus constructed comprises photovoltaic panels. The protective structure can then be connected to an electricity distribution network and / or to an electricity storage system to provide electricity.

OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first objective of the invention is to provide a construction method, making it possible to build a protective structure with a relatively large surface area simply and quickly.

This objective is achieved through a protective structure construction process, comprising the following steps:

a) a supporting structure is provided comprising a plurality of parallel supporting rails;

b) providing a group of panels arranged parallel to each other in the storage position;

the panels and the supporting structure being configured such that the panels can be engaged on and supported by the supporting rails, and can then slide along them in an assembly direction;

c) a transfer device is set up;

d) the panels are transferred from the storage position to a final position in which all of said panels are supported by the supporting rails, carrying out the following operations so as to transfer all of the panels:

dl) at least one of the panels is transferred from the storage position to an insertion position in which said at least one of the panels rests on the supporting rails;

the transfer being carried out with the aid of the transfer device lifting said at least one of the panels upwards;

the transferred panels being placed one after the other resting on the supporting rails;

d2) at least one panel is moved along the supporting rails in the direction of assembly.

In step d2), several panels in place on the supporting rails can be grouped and moved together, forming a 'train of panels'.

During step d), depending on the mode of implementation chosen, steps d1) and d2) can be carried out sequentially, or simultaneously (or partly simultaneously), as the case may be. Steps d1) and d2) are generally repeated as many times as necessary. Furthermore, the successive transfers of the different panels may partially overlap (in time). For example, the end of the transfer of a panel can be done at the same time as the start of the transfer of the next panel.

The expression 'lifting a panel upwards' here means moving the panel so that the center of gravity of the panel, at the end of the movement, is at a greater height than at the beginning.

One or more of the panels can be photovoltaic panels. More generally, each of the panels can have any conceivable function; in particular the functions performed by a roof: protection against bad weather, thermal and sound insulation, and / or against the sun, etc.

A second objective of the invention is to provide a construction kit, making it possible to build a protective structure with a relatively large surface area simply and quickly.

This objective is achieved through a protective structure construction kit, comprising a container, a group of panels arranged parallel to each other in the storage position in the container, and a set of components allowing the construction of a supporting structure. comprising a plurality of parallel carrier rails, and a transfer device;

the panels and the supporting structure being configured such that the panels can be engaged on and supported by the supporting rails, and can then slide along them in an assembly direction; and the construction kit is configured so as to allow the transfer of the panels from the storage position to a final position in which all of said panels are supported by the supporting rails, performing the following operations so as to transfer the assembly Signs :

dl) transferring at least one of the panels from the storage position to an insertion position in which said at least one panel is resting on the supporting rails;

the transfer being carried out with the aid of the transfer device (40,140,240) lifting said at least one of the panels upwards;

the transferred panels being placed one after the other resting on the supporting rails; and d2) displacement of at least one panel along the supporting rails in the direction of assembly.

The construction kit is thus configured so as to allow the construction of a protective structure by implementing the protective structure construction method defined above.

In addition, the construction kit can be configured to allow the construction of a protective structure by implementing any protective structure construction method according to the present disclosure.

The present disclosure also relates to a protective structure obtained from a construction kit as defined above.

The protective structure obtained has a simple structure in which a set of panels are arranged side by side on a supporting structure. The panels are carried by two (or more) supporting rails which serve during construction to guide the panels until they reach their final position on the supporting structure, and which then serve as a support for the panels, possibly permanently. .

In one embodiment, said at least one panel is generally rectangular in shape; and in the insertion position and / or in the final position, or again continuously during the movement of said at least one panel in step d2) from the insertion position to the final position, each angle of said at least one panel rests directly or indirectly on the supporting rails via at least one fulcrum located at a small distance from the angle considered.

The expression “a small distance” here means a distance less than 50%, and preferably less than 20%, of the length of the panel in question measured according to the mounting direction.

This arrangement allows said one panel to rest stably on the carrier rails, being supported by them both by its front side and its rear side.

In particular, depending on the case, in the insertion position and / or in the final position, or in any intermediate position, said at least one panel bears on the supporting structure such that, even if no horizontal traction is applied to said at least one panel, said panel remains in stable support on the supporting rails.

Preferably, the front side and the rear side of said at least one panel rest directly or indirectly on the supporting rails via a plurality of support points by transmitting only to them a vertical force (resulting from the weight of the panels), but without horizontal component.

Likewise, in a preferred mode of implementation of the method, at the end of the construction of the protective structure, the panels are maintained in the final position without any external horizontal force being applied to them.

In one embodiment, for said at least one panel, in the final position, a front side and / or a rear side of said at least one panel is / are resting on the supporting rails, without said at least one panel being resting, even partially, on the side (s) considered, on one or more adjacent panel (s). The weight of the panel in question can be transmitted to the supporting rails directly or through supports.

Conversely, in one embodiment for said at least one panel, in the final position, a front side and / or a rear side of said at least one panel is supported on the supporting rails via one or more panel (s). adjacent (s).

The rear or front side of said at least one panel can thus be configured so, when the panel is in the final position on the supporting rails, to rest directly or indirectly (that is to say by means of a connector , or connecting piece) on the adjacent panel (s).

In one embodiment, the transfer of the panels is done so as to gradually constitute a train of panels on the supporting rails. The expression “train of panels” designates a set of panels arranged one after the other, and thus being able to move on the rails (carriers) like a train.

This train of panels is formed progressively as the panels are transferred (one by one, or group by group) from the storage position to the insertion position. If, for example, the panels are transferred one by one, in one embodiment, after each transfer of a panel from its storage position to the insertion position (which is a constant position allowing the insertion of the panels on the structure load-bearing), the train of panels (including the panel which has just been transferred) is moved in the direction of assembly, so as to release the insertion position on the supporting structure and thus to allow the transfer of the next panel in position insertion.

Panels are structures in the form of thin shells. They are generally substantially flat, but not necessarily. The panels are normally rigid, non-hinged panels.

The panels are normally rectangular in shape, with a front side, a back side and two side sides. The front side of a panel is the one that is in front of the panel during its transfer in step d).

The panels can in particular be photovoltaic panels. A photovoltaic panel is a panel comprising one or more photovoltaic modules; a photovoltaic module being a component of generally planar shape capable of generating electrical energy from sunlight.

The panels can in particular be of large size (more than four meters, or even five meters long), can weigh more than 75 kg, or even several hundred kg, then being too heavy to be transported by hand.

In the storage position, the panels are normally stored in a container.

A container here designates any packaging suitable for storage, in particular the storage of panels, in particular panels of parallelepiped shape. The containers can in particular be standardized containers for road or sea transport, for example containers conforming to the ISO 6346 standard, in particular 20 feet or 40 feet in length.

Preferably, in the storage position, the panels are stored near the ground; for example in a container placed on the ground.

By virtue of the transfer device, when the construction method according to the invention is implemented, the panels are lifted mechanically by the transfer device to pass from their initial position, called “storage position”, to an intermediate position. known as the “insertion position”, in which they rest on the supporting rails.

It is understood that in the storage position, the center of gravity of a panel is at a lower height (an altitude) than when the panel is in the insertion position resting on the supporting rails.

Preferably, the carrier rails extend in a horizontal direction.

Advantageously, the transfer device, by lifting the panels, therefore performs most of the mechanical force for transferring the panels from the storage position to the final position of the panels, on the supporting structure.

The method is therefore particularly suitable for the case where the panels are stored at ground level, the container being placed on the ground, and where the supporting structure is constructed so that the supporting rails are located at a certain height above the ground. ground, for example at least 1.7 meters or more preferably at least 2.2 meters above the ground.

When the supporting rails are located at such a height, it is possible to stand under the protective structure obtained, the panels then constituting the roof of the protective structure.

The implementation of the method according to the present disclosure does not present any difficulties. Each of the panels of the container (or at least from its storage position) is transferred to an insertion position on the supporting rails; the panels are inserted on the supporting rails forming a sort of train, and slide along the supporting rails until they reach their final position on the supporting structure.

In one embodiment, the panels are placed on the carrier rails without being linked to each other. In this case, for example, provision may be made to push the panels from the insertion position to the final position on the supporting structure; this pushing can for example be done by pushing only on the last panel integrated in the train of panels. The panels can also move under the effect of their own weight, if the supporting rails are sloping.

In another embodiment, in step dl), at the latest at the end of its transfer, said at least one transferred panel is attached to the other panels of the train of panels.

Thus, the various panels of the train of panels are integral with one another on the train of panels. As in the previous case, the panels can be pushed to be moved from the insertion position to the final position. However, this embodiment also allows that, simply by pulling on one of the panels, in particular the front panel, it is possible to move all of the panels of the train of panels along the supporting rails, in order to place them in the correct position. desired position on the supporting structure.

In one embodiment, adjacent panels are coupled in pairs when integrated within the panel train. For example, a front side or a rear side of at least one panel can be configured so that it can transmit traction to the next panel, directly or through a connector. The connection between adjacent panels can be used to transmit a pulling or pushing force in the direction of the supporting rails. It can also be used to transmit a force in the vertical direction, as will be detailed below.

Numerous possibilities are possible with regard to the transfer device.

In particular, while remaining within the scope of the invention, a panel can be requested (towed, pushed, guided, etc.) in different ways to go from its storage position to its insertion position. According to the invention, during the transfer to step dl) the panel is placed in an insertion position, in which the panel is placed behind the last panel of the train of panels and thus integrated into the train of panels. sign.

We now consider the generic case of a so-called “first panel” panel, to be integrated into the train of panels and of a “second panel”, intended to be engaged on the supporting rails after the first panel.

To cause the second panel to be placed in the insertion position following the first panel, in one embodiment, a front side of the first panel, or a rear side of a panel placed on the supporting rails to the front of the first panel is hooked to a front side of the second panel, in particular during the transfer and at the latest after the transfer of the first panel.

This operation can in particular be carried out during the transfer and at the latest after the transfer of the first panel.

Due to this connection between the panel train or the first panel and the second panel, when the panel train incorporating the first panel is moved on the supporting rails in step d2), the second panel is also subjected to traction. which forces him to position himself behind the first panel.

According to a variant of this embodiment, the panel train (which does not at this stage include the first panel) or a front side of the first panel is hooked to the front side of the second panel. Advantageously, this embodiment does not impose a complicated path for the first panel, or a complicated connection means with the second panel. For example, a cable or more generally a non-extensible connector can be used to provide the connection between the train of panels or the front side of the first panel and the front side of the second panel.

According to a variant of this embodiment, in step d), during the transfer of the first panel, a rear side of the first panel is passed close to a front side of the second panel, and one half is connected. back of the first panel to a front side of the second panel. This connection is generally made with a suitable connector. Once the connector is in place, it allows the first panel to pull out the second panel. The connector can be fitted by hand or mechanically.

The connector between the panel train or the first panel and the second panel is configured such that when the first and the second panel have been integrated with the panel train, the second panel is disposed behind the first panel. Consequently, if the train of panels is towed with the first panel, the second panel is pulled after the first panel.

Alternatively, in one embodiment of the present invention, in the storage position, the panels are stored in a zig-zag fashion, and a front side of each panel is hooked to a rear side of the previous panel.

To facilitate the transfer of the panels from the storage position to the supporting structure, preferably transfer rails may be provided to support the weight of the panels of the container during their transfer from the storage position to their insertion position on the container. the supporting structure. The transfer rails may or may not be horizontal; in the latter case, they serve to compensate or make up for a difference in height between the height of the panels in the storage position and the height they reach once placed on the supporting structure.

The use of transfer rails is particularly effective when the panels are stored resting on storage rails.

For example, in one embodiment, the panels are provided in step a) stored in a container comprising storage rails, and in the storage position, rest on these storage rails, and the transfer device comprises transfer rails.

In this case, during the installation of the transfer device in step c), the transfer rails are arranged such that the transfer rails connect the storage rails to the carrier rails; and during the transfer of said at least one panel from the storage position to the final position, said at least one panel is moved by being continuously supported successively by the storage rails, the transfer rails and the carrier rails.

In one embodiment, during the positioning of the step transfer device d), the transfer rails, or part of the transfer rails, are placed in an inclined position.

As a result, the transfer device makes it possible, with the aid of the inclined transfer rails, to hoist the panels so that the top of the panels is higher in the final position than in the storage position.

In one embodiment, the panels can bear directly on the storage rails, the transfer rails, and / or the carrier rails (for example by having polyethylene or even Teflon pads on the lateral sides).

In another embodiment, the panels may include supports allowing them to move on the rails. These supports can in particular include wheels allowing the panels to roll on the supporting rails, and where appropriate on the storage rails and possibly the transfer rails.

In this case for example, a front side and / or a rear side of at least one panel may include supports; said panel is supported by these supports, cooperating depending on the position of the panel with the storage rails, transfer and / or the carrier rails; said supports are configured to allow said panel to slide in relation to the storage rails, transfer rails and / or support rails.

Preferably, during the transfer step d1) from the storage position to the insertion position, all the panels perform a movement consisting of an initial movement of placing in an initial position, then a main movement of the position. initial to the insertion position; the initial movement from the storage position to the initial position being either a translation or a rotation, and the main movement being the same for all the panels. The initial movement may for example be a translation of the panel considered along the storage rails.

The main movement necessarily includes at least one displacement of the center of gravity of the panel.

In one embodiment, the main movement is the combination, simultaneous, partially simultaneous, or successive, of an upward vertical movement and a movement in a horizontal direction.

The main movement of the panels may further include one or more rotations. In this case, these rotations are preferably rotations with respect to the same fixed direction and in the same direction, or preferably a single rotation with respect to a fixed direction. This fixed direction is preferably parallel to an axis (longitudinal or transverse) of the container.

Once the panels are in the insertion position, their movement can simply be translation.

Thus in one embodiment, during step d2), said at least one panel is moved along the supporting rails so that said at least one panel performs a translation following the mounting direction.

Maintaining the panels in position must be ensured during the various stages not only of the construction of the protective structure, but also preferably after the protective structure is built.

Also in one embodiment, a front or rear side of at least one panel has holding brackets, configured such that when a panel is engaged on the supporting rails, said front side and / or the rear side of the panel thus engaged is held by said retaining supports; the retaining supports engaging the supporting rails so as to prevent relative movement of said front side and / or said rear side of the panel thus engaged with respect to the supporting rails downward and / or upward.

The retaining supports can in particular be supported on the supporting rails at support points located in the vicinity of the ends of the panel to ensure the stability of the latter.

By means of these holding brackets, the front side and / or the rear side of the panel can be held at the desired height position.

In one embodiment, in the insertion position and / or in the final position, or again continuously during the movement of said at least one panel in step d2) from the insertion position to the final position, part of said at least one panel. at least one panel is disposed under a flight prevention portion of a carrier rail. The panel is thus prevented in particular from flying away if there is wind. The flight prevention part can also serve as protection against the entry of dust or sand into the supporting rails.

The retaining supports must allow the panel to slide or move relative to the supporting rails during the transfer of the panels; they are therefore different from locking bolts that would be fixed at the end of assembly. For example, the holding brackets may include a wheel or a slide or a sliding shoe.

In particular, the retaining brackets can be configured to allow the panel (s) to be moved in the direction opposite to the mounting direction, to allow the structure to be folded or dismantled, and for example to put the panels back in the container.

When a panel is supported by holding brackets on both its front side and its rear side, these brackets allow the panel to remain in a stable horizontal position on the supporting structure. It can remain in this stable position even when no traction is applied to the panels.

The shape of the rails can be optimized in various ways.

In one embodiment, the carrier rails are sections of constant section. Thus advantageously, they are produced essentially without re-machining. While keeping a constant section, the rails may include some openings or local modifications, for example to allow the rails to be fixed to posts, or the like.

They can in particular be formed by profiles whose section has the general shape of the letter 'C'.

They may in particular include an upper wall, which extends in a horizontal plane, to prevent the entry of dust or sand into the rail.

The rails can have openings in the lower part, to facilitate the exit, the evacuation of dust or sand, out of the rail.

In a preferred embodiment, the holding brackets include wheels, and the bearing rails and wheels are configured so that the wheels engage inside the rails in the insertion position, and then roll until the panel reaches the final position.

As indicated above, the transfer device is arranged so as to be able to lift the panels to allow their transfer to the supporting rails.

The front (or rear) side of the panels can be lifted in particular by traction applied by cables. Alternatively, the lifting of the panels may result from the support of the panels (direct or indirect) on one or more support (s) integral with the supporting structure (or the ground, etc.).

This upward movement of the various panels can be in different ways, depending in particular on the position of the panels in the storage position.

In one embodiment, in the storage position, the panels are arranged horizontally one above the other, forming a stack, and the front sides of the panels are arranged on a lateral side of the group of panels.

Preferably in this case, the transfer device comprises a freight elevator, configured to lift the stack of panels. The term “freight elevator” here designates any device capable of lifting the stack of panels.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the freight elevator is configured to lift the stack of panels under the effect of a traction applied to the train of panels (in step d2)). The load lift may for example include a cable which is used to lift the platform on which the group of panels rests, and which is connected to the traction cable used to move the train of panels. Therefore, simply by applying traction to one of these cables, the panels can be transferred from the storage position to the insertion position and the panel train can be moved so as to place the panels in the final position on the structure. carrier.

In one embodiment, the transfer device is arranged such that the stack of panels lifts while moving in vertical translation upward from the position of storage of the panels in the container. In this case, advantageously the initial displacement of the panels is simply a vertical translation, without rotation or horizontal displacement.

Alternatively, in the storage position the panels are arranged vertically side by side, and the front sides of the panels are arranged on an upper side of the group of panels.

When the panels are stored in a vertical position, they must pivot to be placed in the insertion position, resting on the supporting rails. This pivotal or rotational movement can be done by resting on the supporting structure.

Thus in one embodiment, the transfer device comprises a support integral with the structure; and during step d), at least one panel comes into contact with said support which forces said at least one panel to rise.

The support can take different forms: inclined ramps, pulleys fixed to the structure, acting on cables linked to the panels, etc. The support indicated here is naturally distinct from the supporting rails (has bearing surfaces which are not those of the supporting rails). The support may comprise one or more horizontal support bars, in particular rotating, inclined rails, etc., separate from the supporting rails.

The support integral with the supporting structure is configured such that, when a panel is moved in step c) (in particular, is moved horizontally), the panel comes into contact with the support, receives a force of reaction of the support directed at least in part upwards, which forces the panel to rise and progressively reach the desired height, in the insertion position.

For example, in one embodiment the support comprises at least two inclined ramps; a front or rear side of at least one panel has at least two supports; the panel and the ramps are configured such that during the transfer of the panel, said at least two panel supports are supported respectively on said at least two ramps, thus forcing the panel to rise. The supports may include wheels for rolling on inclined ramps.

In one embodiment, the carrier rails include a first rolling surface for front support wheels of a panel; a second rolling surface for rear support wheels of a panel; an insertion opening to allow the rear wheels of the panel to be positioned on the second rolling surface; and in step c), during the transfer of at least one panel, the rear wheels roll on said ramps, then roll on said second rolling surface, passing through the insertion opening as they pass d 'one surface of the ramp to the second rolling surface.

It is particularly interesting to combine this embodiment with the previously mentioned embodiment in which the container further comprises two storage rails and the kit comprises two transfer rails, the kit being configured such that during its transfer, a panel can be successively supported by storage rails, transfer rails and carrier rails. In this case, the front side of the panel rests by its front supports on the storage rails; the front wheels roll on the storage rails, the transfer rails, the first rolling surface of the carrier rails. On the rear side, the rear panel supports are raised when the rear wheels contact the inclined ramps; the rear wheels roll on the ramps and then onto the second rolling surface.

The front end of the panel train, or at least the front side of one (or preferably all) panel (s) of the panel train can be pulled by wire (s) in the mounting direction . Thus in one embodiment, in step d2) the train of panels is moved using a winch; and in step dl), the transfer device is actuated by means of the winch.

The protective structure construction kit may preferably have some or all of the following characteristics. All or part of these characteristics can in particular be combined with one another, insofar as this combination is technically feasible.

The construction kit can thus be configured such that: - said panels are of generally rectangular shape; and in the insertion position and / or in the final position, or again continuously during the movement of said at least one panel in step d2) from the insertion position to the final position, each angle of said at least one panel rests directly or indirectly on the supporting rails via at least one fulcrum located at a small distance from the angle considered.

- in the final position, a front side and / or a rear side of said at least one panel is / are resting on the supporting rails, without said at least one panel being resting, even partially, on the side or sides considered (s), on an adjacent panel.

- in the final position, a front side and / or a rear side of said at least one panel is / are resting on the supporting rails via one or more adjacent panel (s).

- The carrier rails, once mounted, extend in a horizontal direction.

- The panels are provided in step a) stored in a container comprising storage rails, and in the storage position, rest on these storage rails; the transfer device comprises transfer rails; during the installation of the transfer device in step c), the transfer rails are arranged such that the transfer rails connect the storage rails to the carrier rails; and during the transfer of said at least one panel from the storage position to the final position, said at least one panel is moved by being continuously supported successively by the storage rails, the transfer rails and the carrier rails.

- During the installation of the transfer device in step d), the transfer rails are in an inclined position.

- during the transfer step dl) from the storage position to the insertion position, all the panels perform a movement consisting of an initial movement of positioning in an initial position, then a main movement from the initial position to the insertion position; the initial movement from the storage position to the initial position being either a translation or a rotation, and the main movement being exactly the same for all the panels.

- During step d2), said at least one panel is moved along the supporting rails so that said at least one panel translates in the direction of assembly.

- a front side of a first panel is hooked to a front side of a second panel intended to be engaged on the supporting rails following the first panel, in particular during the transfer and at the latest after the transfer of the first panel.

- in step d), during the transfer of a first panel, a rear side of the first panel is passed close to a front side of a second panel intended to be engaged on the supporting rails following the first panel, and connecting a rear half of the first panel to a front side of the second panel.

- a front or rear side of at least one panel comprises holding supports, configured such that, when a panel is engaged on the supporting rails, said front side and / or rear side of the panel thus engaged is maintained by said holding supports; the retaining supports engaging the supporting rails so as to prevent relative movement of said front side and / or said rear side of the panel thus engaged with respect to the supporting rails downward and / or upward.

- in the insertion position and / or in the final position, or even continuously during the movement of said at least one panel in step d2) from the insertion position to the final position, a part of said at least one panel is placed under a flight prevention part of a carrier rail.

- the supporting rails are sections of constant section.

- the transfer device comprises a support integral with the structure; and during step d), at least one panel comes into contact with said support which forces said at least one panel to rise. Preferably, said support may include at least two inclined ramps; a front or rear side of at least one panel has at least two supports; the panel and the ramps are configured such that during the transfer of the panel, said at least two panel supports are supported respectively on said at least two ramps, thus forcing the panel to rise.

- In the storage position, the panels are arranged horizontally one above the other, forming a stack, and the front sides of the panels are arranged on a lateral side of the group of panels.

- the transfer device comprises a freight elevator, configured to lift the stack of panels.

the kit is configured such that, in the insertion position, said at least one transferred panel is hooked to the other panels of the train of panels.

a front side or a rear side of at least one panel is configured so as to be able to transmit, directly or via a connector, a traction to the next panel.

- the construction kit is configured such that, during the transfer or at the latest after the transfer of at least a first panel to be integrated into a train of panels, the train of panels or the first panel is hooked to a front side of a second panel intended to be integrated into the train of panels following the first panel.

- the panel train or the first panel is hooked to the front side of the second panel, in particular by a non-extensible connector;

- the construction kit further includes a connector configured to connect a rear half of the first panel to the front side of a second panel configured to be integrated into the train of panels following the first panel, the kit being configured to allow that, during the transfer of the first panel, the back side of the first panel passes close to the front side of the second panel, and the connector is then put in place so as to connect the back side of the first panel to the front side of the second panel.

- Said panel comprises supports on its front side, comprising wheels called front wheels; and supports on its rear side, comprising wheels called rear wheels; the carrier rails have a first rolling surface for the front wheels, a second rolling surface for the rear wheels, and an insertion opening; the kit is arranged so that the rear wheels, during the transfer of said panel roll on said ramps, then roll on said second rolling surface, passing through the insertion opening when they pass from a surface of ramp to the second taxiing surface.

- A rear or front side of at least one panel is configured so, when the panel is engaged on the supporting rails, to rest directly or indirectly on an adjacent panel, so as to be held in position in the vertical direction by said adjacent panel.

the construction kit comprises a winch, and the winch and the transfer device are configured such that, in order to transfer at least the panels other than the front panel, the transfer device is actuated by means of the winch.

A protective structure according to the present disclosure therefore comprises a supporting structure comprising a plurality of parallel supporting rails, and a group of panels engaged on and supported by the supporting rails; the panels being placed one after the other resting on the supporting rails. The supporting structure may have all or some of the characteristics indicated above (except if this is technically impossible). The panels of the supporting structure, at the time of assembly, are configured to be able to slide along the supporting rails in an assembly direction. However, after assembly, they can be blocked in a fixed position and thus lose their ability to slide along the supporting rails.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be well understood and its advantages will appear better on reading the following detailed description of embodiments shown by way of non-limiting examples. The description refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure IA is a schematic partial perspective view of a protective structure under construction, according to a first embodiment of the invention;

- Figures IB, IC, ID and 1E are four schematic views in partial longitudinal section of the protective structure of Figure IA, in four successive stages of construction;

- Figure 2 is a schematic partial perspective view of a panel during assembly, resting on a ramp and rails used for the construction;

- Figure 3 is a section in a vertical plane of the elements shown in Figure 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the different steps of an embodiment of the construction method according to the invention;

- Figure 5A is a schematic perspective view of a protective structure under construction, in a second embodiment of the invention;

- Figures 5B, 5C and 5D are schematic partial perspective views of the protective structure under construction shown in Figure 5A, in three successive stages of the attachment of a panel to a subsequent panel;

- Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of a protective structure under construction, in a third embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of a protective structure under construction, in a fourth embodiment of the invention; and

- Figures 8A, 8B and 8C are three schematic views in partial longitudinal section of a protective structure under construction, in a fifth embodiment of the invention, in three successive stages of its construction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the sake of simplicity, the elements having substantially the same function and / or the same structure in the different embodiments which will be presented bear the same reference signs.

The construction of a protective structure according to a first embodiment of the invention will now be presented in relation to FIGS. 1A-1E, 2, 3 and 4.

The protective structure is mounted by transferring panels 20 progressively from a container 30 to a supporting structure 10. The transfer takes place by moving the panels along a horizontal mounting axis X, from the moment when the panels are placed in position. support on the supporting structure.

Although this is not detailed further below, all of the components used are symmetrical with respect to the vertical plane containing the assembly axis X.

The main components of the protective structure are a load-bearing structure 10 and panels 20. The panels are collectively referred to as panels 20; they are furthermore individually referenced panel 201, panel 202, etc.

The supporting structure 10 can be produced in many ways: It can be a metal, wooden, inflatable, composite, etc. structure.

In the example presented, the structure is metallic, and consists mainly of a set of rails assembled together, in a manner known per se.

These rails are mainly divided into two carrier rails 12, supported by a number of vertical posts 14 fixed to the ground.

The carrier rails 12 are metal sections parallel to one another, arranged horizontally. In other embodiments, there may be three or more parallel carrier rails. The main function of the supporting rails 12 is, when the panels are in the final position on the structure, to hold the panels in place and to support the weight of the panels, and to prevent them from taking off.

In addition, as will be explained, the carrier rails 12 serve to guide and support the panels 20 during their transfer to their final position.

In the present case, the rails 12 are provided at the lateral ends of the panels; they could also be in intermediate positions in the direction of the width of the panels (the width is measured in the direction perpendicular to the mounting direction X shown in Fig.lA).

In other embodiments, an additional carrier rail may be provided midway between the side ends of the panels, to reduce overhang.

The panels 20 are rectangular photovoltaic panels.

Initially, at the start of the construction of the protective structure, all the panels 20 are arranged parallel to each other in a container 30, in the storage position. The container 30 is a container having standard dimensions and exterior characteristics for road, sea or rail transport.

In the container 30, the panels are arranged vertically (the direction perpendicular to the panels is horizontal; more precisely, it is oriented in the direction of assembly X). The sides of the panels which are intended to be arranged on the front side (according to the mounting direction X) are arranged at the top (on the upper side of the panels).

The container 30 has four storage rails, namely two upper storage rails 34sup, and two lower storage rails 34inf.

In this example, all panels 20 are identical.

Each panel 20 is equipped with four supports 22, namely two front supports 22A and two rear supports 22B (Fig.2,3). Each support 22 mainly comprises a wheel (front wheels 24A, rear wheels 24B) and a hub fixed to the panel 20. The two wheels 24A of the supports 22A are connected by a shaft 26A fixed to the front of the panel 20 which constitutes the common hub. to the two front wheels 24A. The two wheels 24B of the supports 22B are connected by a shaft 26B fixed to the rear of the panel 20 which constitutes the hub common to the two rear wheels 24B.

Of course, other types of support can be chosen as supports for the panels 20: carriages each having several wheels, runners configured to slide in or on the supporting rails, etc.

In container 30, the front side of each of the panels is connected to the front side of the panel which follows it by two cables (one cable on the left side, one cable on the right side). These cables are collectively referred to as cables 21; they are also referenced by pairs of cables 211 for the panel 201, cables 212 for the panel 202, etc.

Each of the carrier rails 12 is a metal profile of constant section, having the general shape of the letter 'C' to allow the passage of the wheel shafts on a side face. The section of these rails has two wheel arches 14,15. The lower part of these wheel arches 14 and 15 respectively comprises a first rolling surface 141 and a second rolling surface 151.

Each of the wheel arches 14,15 is closed towards the top by a horizontal wall (142,152 respectively). The walls 142 and 152 together constitute a fly-off prevention part of the supporting rails 12, as long as they prevent the wheels 24A, 24B from moving upward (apart from some play of course), and thus prevent the panels. to move upwards, and so to fly away if a gust of wind lift them.

The storage rails 34sup, 34inf have the same section as the carrier rails 12.

During the construction of the protective structure, as soon as the panels are placed in the insertion position, their wheels 24A, 24B are resting on the rolling surfaces, respectively 151 and 141. Thus, the four angles of each panel are in support (via the wheels 24A, 24B) on the carrier rails 12, whether in the insertion position, in the final position, and at any time during the movement of the panels as soon as they are in the insertion position. Thanks to these supports at the four angles, in these different positions the front side and the rear side of the panels rest on the supporting rails 12 via support points which are the support points for the wheels 24A, 24B on the rolling surfaces. 151 and 141.

The transfer of the panels 20 from the container 30 to the supporting structure 10 is carried out using a transfer device 40.

The transfer device 40 mainly comprises transfer rails 42sup and 42inf, two ramps 44 and a winch 50.

The transfer rails 42sup and 42inf are rails having the same section as the carrier rails 12.

The transfer rails 42sup are arranged at the same height as the carrier rails 12 and the storage rails 34sup. They continuously connect the storage rails 34sup to the carrier rails 12.

The transfer rails 42inf are arranged at the height of the lower sides of the panels; thus in the storage position, the rear wheels 24B of the panels are located in the wheel arches of the transfer rails 42inf.

The transfer device 40 further comprises a winch 50, fixed in the upper part of the container 30 and equipped with a traction cable 52.

The different steps of the protective structure construction process will now be presented in relation to Figures 1A1E, 2 and 3 and the diagram of Figure 4.

In step a), the supporting structure 10 is constructed from its various components.

In step b), the container 30 is provided containing the panels 20, arranged vertically side by side in the container 30. Each of the panels 20 is supported both on its rear supports 22B (the rear wheels 24B are arranged in the first wheel arches 14, resting on the running surfaces 141 of the lower storage rails 34inf) and the front supports 22A (the front wheels 24A are arranged in the second wheel arches 15, resting on the running surfaces 151 34sup top storage rails).

In step c), the transfer device 40 is put in place.

In step d), the panels 20 are transferred from their storage position in the container 30 to a final position in which all of the panels are supported by the supporting rails 12.

This transfer is done by performing (possibly iteratively) the following operations so as to transfer all of the panels 20:

dl) one of the panels 20 is transferred from the storage position to an insertion position in which the panel in question is supported on the supporting rails 12;

d2) simultaneously, the panels already resting on the supporting rails are moved along the latter, in the assembly direction X.

The transferred panels are placed one after the other resting on the supporting rails 12 and gradually form a train of panels 60 resting on the supporting rails 12.

At the start of step c), the cable 52 is deployed from the winch 50 so that the cable 52 passes through a return pulley 54 fixed to the front of the structure 10, and returns to a point of fastener P located in the middle of the front side of the first panel 201. Using the winch 50, the front panel 201 is towed using the cable 52. Under the effect of the traction applied to it, the front panel 201 is placed on the carrier rails 12 in the engaged position. It then constitutes the first element of a “train of panels” 60 which will gradually be formed to produce the protective structure.

Once the front panel 201 has been put into the insert position, the following panels are all mounted in the same manner.

The transfer of a panel 202 (by way of example) from its mounting position to its insertion position at the rear of the panel train (step c1) will now be explained in relation to FIGS. 1B-1E. These figures represent four successive instants t1, t2, t3 and t4 of the transfer of the panel 202 from its storage position to its insertion position on the supporting structure 10.

Instant tl (Fig.lB)

At the instant t1, the transfer of the panel 201 from its storage position to its insertion position is almost completed; conversely, the transfer of panel 202 begins.

At this stage, the panel 202 has just separated from the panel 203 (which is still in the storage position). The front side of panel 202 is pulled by cables 211, which are attached to the front side of panel 201. Under the effect of this pulling, the front side of panel 202 moves forward (in the mounting direction X ).

The front wheels 24A of the panel 202 after having briefly rolled over the upper storage rail 34sup are now resting on the transfer rail 42sup; and the rear wheels 24B of the panel 202 after having briefly rolled over the lower storage rail 34inf and passed over the transfer rail 42inf, have just engaged on the ramps 44. The cables 212 connecting the front side of the panel 202 to the front side of panel 203 are not yet tensioned.

Instant t2 (Fig.lC)

The rear wheels 24B of the panel 201 have just passed through the insertion openings 16 (Fig.2) provided on the underside of the transfer rails 42sup and are now resting on the rolling surfaces 141 of the first wheel arches 14. The panel 201 has therefore reached its insertion position, resting on the supporting rails 12.

The transfer of the panel 202 to its insertion position is in progress. During this movement, the panel 202 is lifted by the transfer device 40, as its rear wheels 24B rise by rolling on the ramps 44 which ascend towards the rails 12, while its front wheels 24A roll towards it. 'front (according to the mounting direction X) in the second wheel arch 15 of the rails 42sup.

During the transfer of the panel 202, the cables 212 which connect the front of the panel 202 to the front of the panel 203 gradually stretch. As soon as they are stretched, the panel 203 begins to move forward (in the mounting direction X, Fig.lA); its front / rear wheels roll first in the 34sup / 34inf storage rails, then in the 42sup / 42inf transfer rails.

Instant t3 (Fig.lD)

The front panel 201 (which at this stage constitutes the train of panels 60) is continued to be pulled forward steeply from the winch 50, via the cable 52.

The panel 202 is about to reach its insertion position, its rear wheels 24B are moving up the ramps 44 but have not yet passed through the openings 16 and are not yet in the first wheel passage 14 of the supporting rails 12.

The panel 203 is being transferred, under the effect of the traction applied to it by the cables 212; its rear wheels have just entered the ramps 44.

The panel 202, then behind it the panel 203, pivot little by little during their respective transfers, while rising, and gradually and successively come into a horizontal position at the level of the carrier rails 12.

Instant t4 (Fig.lE)

The panel 202 has just passed its insertion position, and is now integrated into the train of panels 60. The latter is therefore at this stage formed by the panels 201 and 202, and moves in the assembly direction X. Just behind panel 202, panel 203 has performed a large part of its transfer, and panel 204 has also started to move under the effect of the tension applied to it by cables 213.

During its transfer, the panel 202 moves only under the effect of the traction applied to it by the cables 211 (it being noted that its wheels 24A and 24B remain in support at all times on the storage rails, transfer , supporting rails and / or ramps, as the case may be).

The length of the cables 21 is calculated such that in the insertion position the front side of a panel 20 is just behind the rear side of the previous panel 20. The cables 21 constitute connectors within the meaning of the invention, and consist of a non-extensible material (metal for example).

In this embodiment, the operations d2) of moving the train of panels 60 and the operations d1) of transferring the panels 20 occur at the same time. During the transfer of a panel 20 from its initial position to its insertion position, the panel train 60 moves substantially the length of a panel (in the mounting direction X).

All of the panels 20 are thus successively pulled out of the container 30 and placed in the insertion position. Each panel 20, as soon as it reaches its insertion position, can be considered as being integrated into the 'train of panels' 60. It is then gradually moved forward as the winch 50 pulls the cable. 52.

As the wheels 24A, 24B of each of these panels 20 roll in the rails 12, the panels of the train 60 can easily move along the rails 12 in the mounting direction X.

Also, under the effect of traction, all of the panels 20 are successively taken out from the container 30 and placed in the final position on the supporting structure 10.

Advantageously, the panel mounting operations are reversible. It is thus possible to easily and quickly dismantle the protective structure by performing the reverse operations of operations d1) and d2).

The supports 22 of the panels serve both as means for supporting the panels in the storage position in the container 30, and as support and guide means, during the transfer of the panels 20 from their storage position to their insertion position. and up to their final position on the structure 10.

In addition, the supports 22 also serve as a retaining support for the panels. Indeed, when a panel 20 is engaged on the carrier rails 12, as the wheels 24A and 24B respectively are required to move only in the direction X in the wheel arches 14 and the carrier rails 12, this prevents (at play near) any movement of the front or rear of the panels down and up in relation to the supporting rails 12.

In this position, thanks to the supports 22 resting directly on the rails 12, the front side and the rear side of the panels are supported on the supporting rails 12, but without the panel 20 being supported, even partially, whatsoever. on the front side or the back side, on an adjacent panel.

The construction of a protective structure according to a second embodiment of the invention will now be presented in relation to FIGS. 5A to 5D.

This construction method is quite similar to the construction method presented previously. Also, unless otherwise indicated, it should be considered that the second mode of implementation is identical to the first mode of implementation.

In this embodiment, the panels 20 are stored horizontally in the container 30 and form a stack of panels 200.

The panels 20 in this embodiment are slightly different from the panels 20 of the first embodiment.

In the present case, each of the panels 20 comprises front supports 22A which are identical to the front supports 22A of the first embodiment.

On the other hand, the rear side of the panels 20 comprises specific supports 22B, which are constituted by hooks, collectively called hooks 22. Each panel 20 thus comprises two hooks fixed to the two ends of its rear side. (Panel 201 has two hooks 221, panel 202 has two hooks 222, etc.)

The attachment of a panel 20 to the previous panel is therefore not done using the cables 21 as before, but using the hooks 22.

FIGS. 5B, 5C and 5D represent three stages of the hooking of the panel 204 to the panel 203. The panel 204 is linked or hooked to the panel 203 at the start of its transfer to the insertion position, using two hooks 223 attached to panel 203.

On the rear side, each hook 223 has a hook-shaped portion curved downwards; each hook 223 is thus formed so as to be able to catch on the axis 26A of the front wheels 24A of the following panel

204, the shaft 26A passing for this purpose through a 'shaft passage' 28 provided in the hook 223.

The transfer device 140 used to transfer the panels 20 from the container 30 to their insertion position on the supporting structure 10 is naturally configured to allow this mode of attachment of the panels.

This transfer device 140 comprises a winch 150, as the only actuator: this winch is used first of all, as before, to pull the panels of the train of panels 60 along the assembly direction X using the cable 52, according to the direction F; but in addition, the winch 150, in association with a set of cables 152 and a tray 154, constitutes a load lift which allows the stack of panels 200 to be lifted or hoisted upwards.

Another particularity of this embodiment is that the carrier rails 12 extend to the container 30; there are no transfer rails.

The construction of the protective structure is carried out as follows.

In a first step a), the supporting structure 10 is built.

Furthermore (step b), the stack of panels 200 is provided, stored in the container 30.

The transfer device is then put in place (step c).

Then in a step d), the panels 20 are transferred from their storage position in the container 30 to a final position on the supporting structure 10.

At the very beginning of step d), the cable 52 of the winch 50 is attached to the front side of the panel 201 by passing through the pulley 54.

The following operations are then carried out:

- The stack of panels 200 is hoisted so as to carry the panel located at the top of the stack, called the 'upper panel', at the level of the supporting rails 12.

- In the case of the first panel 201, the front wheels 24A thereof are engaged in the supporting rails 12;

- for each of the following panels, the rear side of the last panel engaged on the supporting rails is hooked to the front side of the next panel.

This hooking operation is illustrated by Figures 5B, 5C and 5D, which show the hooking of a 'second panel', panel 204, to a 'first panel', panel 203:

. the first panel 203 is slowly pulled forward (in the mounting direction X) with the aid of the winch 150 until the hooks 223 begin to pass over the front side of the remaining panels in the container.

This situation corresponds to the instant t1 shown in Fig.5B.

. Simultaneously, the stack of panels 200 is raised (upward vertical direction indicated by the arrow U).

These two movements are coordinated so that on either side of panels 203 and 204, shaft 26A can engage with shaft passage 28.

At the instant t1 (Fig.5B), the shaft 26A of the front wheels 22A of the panel 204 arrives just below the opening of the shaft passage 28 made in the hook 223.

. The horizontal movement of the panel 203 and the vertical movement of the stack of panels 200 continue so that the shaft 26A engages the shaft passage 28. At the time t2 shown in Fig.5C, 1 26A shaft is engaged in passage 28.

Immediately thereafter, the winch 150 is disengaged from the cables 152, so that the stack of panels 200 stops rising when the shaft 28 reaches the top of the passage 28.

Conversely, the panel 203 continues to be pulled forward by the cable 52. The shaft 26A therefore locks at the rear of the passage 28 (Fig.5D). In this position, the panel 204 is hooked to the panel 203: as one continues to pull the train of panels forward, the panel 204 also moves forward, so as to come in. insertion position on the carrier rails 12, to be integrated into the train of panels. It is then moved on the supporting rails 12 until it reaches its final position.

This procedure is repeated identically for the different panels. The operations of hooking up the various panels are therefore carried out successively (steps c1) while the panel train 60 is moved (step c2) so as to transfer all of the panels 20 to their final position on the structure. carrier 10.

Advantageously in this mode of implementation, the winch 150 serves both to pull the train of panels 60 in the direction of assembly (horizontal displacement of the panels) and to lift the stack of panels 200 upwards (vertical displacement or lifting. stack of panels).

A particularity of this embodiment is that the rear side of the panels 20 does not include supports 22B (wheels 24B). In the container 30, the panels 20 are only supported by their front supports 22A (except for the last panel of course).

Thus each panel, with the exception of the last panel, has only front supports 22A, but no rear supports. The rear side of each panel is therefore configured so as to rest, via the hooks 22, on the next panel (which is adjacent). Thus it is the following panel, and more precisely the front supports 22A of the following panel which ensure the maintenance of the rear side of the panel considered in the vertical direction (both upwards and downwards).

The construction of a protective structure according to a third mode of implementation of the invention will now be presented in relation to FIG. 6. This third mode of implementation is quite similar to the first mode of construction presented above. Also, unless otherwise indicated, it should be considered that the third mode of implementation is identical to the first mode of implementation.

In this mode of implementation, the panels 20 are stored vertically side by side in the container 30. They are furthermore connected to each other by cables 21 identical to the cables 21 used in the first mode of implementation.

Steps a), b), c) and d) of construction of the protective structure are substantially identical to the corresponding steps of the first mode of implementation.

The main specificity of the third embodiment is due to the transfer device 240 used to move the panels 20 from the container 30 to the supporting structure 10.

In fact, in the first embodiment, the transfer device 40 comprises ramps 44 which raise the rear wheels 24B of the panels 20. These ramps constitute a part of the transfer rails which is in an inclined position.

By contrast in the third embodiment, the transfer device 240 comprises lifting bars 23 which have the function of lifting the panels 20 during their transfer to the insertion position.

These bars (collectively, the bars 23) are individually referenced bar 231, bar 232, bar 233 and bar 234, following the order in which they interact with a panel to raise it progressively, during the assembly of the protective structure.

These bars 23 constitute supports integral with the supporting structure 10 and are in practice fixed to the supporting structure 10.

These are horizontal bars, perpendicular to the mounting direction, and which are arranged at increasing heights on the front side of the container 30.

The heights of the bars 23 are set so that during step c1), the panels successively come into contact with the bars 231, 232, 233 and 234, which forces the panel or panels 20 being transferred to rise. .

FIG. 6 represents an intermediate position reached by the panel 204 during its transfer to the supporting structure.

This transfer takes place as follows.

The transfer of the panel 205 (as an example of a panel) begins when the cables 214 of the panel 204 tension. The panel 205 is then pulled by the panel 204, itself integrated into the train of panels 60 and pulled by the winch 50. The front side of the panel 205 is pulled forward; its front wheels 24A roll in the storage rails 34sup then in the transfer rails 42sup then in the carrier rails 12.

At some point, the panel 205 contacts the first lifting bar 231, which is the lowest. As the front side of panel 204 continues to advance forward (mounting direction X), panel 205 is therefore forced to lift.

When the movement of the front side 204 continues, the panel 205 then successively comes into contact with the lifting bars 232, 233 and 234, which forces it to lift more and more, until finally reaching the horizontal position; the front and rear wheels of the panel 205 are then supported in the wheel arches 14 and 15, and the panel 205 is in the insertion position.

During this movement, the panel 205 pivots. The position of the insert openings 16 on the transfer rails 42sup is so arranged that the rear wheels 24B of the panel 205 (or other panels) during the transfer can enter the wheel arches 14, as in the first mode. implementation.

In the first as in the third embodiment, it is the reaction force applied to the panels by supports integral with the structure (ramps 44, lifting bars 23 respectively) which causes the panels 20 to rise and to reach the insertion position. Naturally, this support can take many forms as shown by the examples of the first and third implementation modes.

The construction of a protective structure according to a fourth mode of implementation of the invention will now be presented in relation to FIG. 7. This fourth mode of implementation is largely similar to the first mode of construction presented above. . Also, unless otherwise indicated, it should be considered that the fourth mode of implementation is identical to the first mode of implementation.

In this embodiment, the panels 20 are stored vertically side by side in the container 30.

Moreover, unlike the previous embodiments, they are connected to each other, even in the storage position. More specifically, for each panel, the back side of the panel is connected to the front side of the next panel. The panels are thus connected 'in zig-zag' in the container 30.

Consequently, during the construction of the protective structure, when a panel is placed resting on the supporting rails 12 and integrated into the train of panels, and when it is pulled forward, it drives the following panel in its wake. , which itself drives the next panel, and so on (See Fig. 7).

The binding can be done by any means. In the example proposed, each panel 20 is identical to the panels 20 of the first embodiment; it therefore comprises supports 22A and 22B identical to the supports 22A and 22B of the panels used in the first embodiment, and shown in Figures 2 and 3.

During their transfer, the panels 20 are held and lifted by their front wheels 24A and rear 24B substantially in the same way as in the first embodiment:

On the upper side, the front wheels 24A roll successively, resting on the storage rails 34sup, then the transfer rails 42sup, then the carrier rails 12; on the lower side, the rear wheels 24B roll resting on the lower storage rails 34inf, the lower transfer rails 42inf, the ramps 44, then the carrier rails 12.

During this movement it is possible that the wheels of certain panels are temporarily raised above the transfer rails 42inf, the panels of which these wheels form part then only being supported by their wheels resting on the upper transfer rails 42sup; however, the presence of the ramps 44 ensures that the panels reach the insertion position, with engagement of their rear wheels in the transfer rails 42sup.

A detail view in Figure 7 shows part of the lower end of panels 205 and 206.

As long as the panels 205 and 206 are not disposed substantially in the same plane, each of the rear wheels 24B of the panel 205 is in contact with a corresponding front wheel 24A of the panel 206. The axes 26B and 26B respectively of these two wheels are linked. one to the other by a link 225. (Any other connecting device, preferably non-extensible, could be suitable, for example a hook connecting the axis 26A of the panel 206 to the axis 26B of the panel 205, etc. ).

Thanks to the links 225, when the panel 205 is transferred to its insertion position, then to its final position, it drives the panel 206 in its wake.

The construction of a protective structure according to a fifth embodiment of the invention will now be presented in relation to FIGS. 8A to 8C.

This embodiment is identical to the first embodiment (Figs. 1A to 1E), except for the differences explained below.

In the first embodiment, the transfer device comprises inclined ramps 44. During the transfer of the different panels, the rear wheels 24B of the panels are supported on these ramps 44, which forces the panels to rise.

In the fifth embodiment, the transfer device 440 differs from the transfer device 40 in that it does not have inclined ramps 44. Instead, on each upper transfer rail (42sup) is mounted a mast. 46. On this mast is mounted a double groove pulley 47. Two identical slings 48A and 48B are used in association with the pulley 47, as shown in Figs.8A-8C:

During the transfer, for example, of a first panel 201 (Fig.8A), the ends of one of these slings (the cable 48A) have been previously fixed to the front and rear sides of this first panel; for example, to the shafts 26A, 26B of the wheels 24A, 24B. (The same operations are carried out on the left and right side of the panels). The sling 48A therefore has a first strand 48A1 located between the pulley 47 and the front side of the panel 201, and a rear strand 48A2 located inversely between the pulley 47 and the rear side of the panel 201.

In parallel, the ends of the other sling (sling 48B) have been previously attached to the front and rear sides of the second panel 202, in the same manner as the first sling 48A.

As in the first embodiment, the panel 201 is pulled forward, that is to say in the direction of assembly, by the cable 52. Under the effect of this traction, its front wheels engaged on the carrier rails 12 move forward by rolling horizontally on these rails. Thus, the front end of the sling 48A connected to the front of the panel 201 moves forward; which increases the length of the front strand 48A1 and conversely reduces the length of the rear strand 48A2. This change forces the rear of panel 201 to move up, while moving forward. At the end of this movement (Fig.8B), the panel 201 has reached a horizontal position, which is the insertion position, in which the rear wheels 24B engage in the supporting rails 12. The sling 48A is then detached from panel 201, and attached to third panel 203.

At the same time, the second panel 202 is pulled forward by the cable 211. Like the first panel, while the front wheels 24A of the second panel 202 roll forward on the rails 12, the rear of the second panel. the panel is gradually raised under the effect of the traction applied to it by the rear leg 48B2 of the sling 48B (Fig.8C). In the subsequent step not shown, at the end of this lifting movement, the panel 202 reaches the insertion position; sling 48B is detached.

These operations are carried out successively until all the panels have been placed in the final position on the rails 12.

In the various embodiments presented, the panels 20 are photovoltaic panels. To implement the photovoltaic panels, they must naturally then be electrically connected to an electricity conditioning and / or storage installation.

Furthermore, the invention can naturally be implemented with all types of panels, in particular panels without a photovoltaic module.

The installation of the panels according to the invention generally constitutes only the first phase of the construction of the protective structure. The construction of the protective structure usually involves other subsequent planning steps, for example:

- Laying of joints or other between the panels, or installation of a tarpaulin under the panels, to ensure the waterproofing of the roof formed by the panels;

- Installation or manufacture of vertical walls on the sides of the supporting structure, in order to close the interior space arranged under the panels.

Although in the embodiments presented, the tensile force applied to the train of panels is applied by a winch, other means can be used. For example, the train of panels can be moved, and in particular towed, by a truck or an agricultural tractor.

Claims (21)

1. A method of constructing a protective structure, comprising the following steps: a) providing a supporting structure (10) comprising a plurality of parallel supporting rails (12); b) providing a group of panels (20) stored parallel to each other in a container, in the storage position; the panels being, in the storage position, resting on storage rails (34sup, 34inf) of said container; the panels (20) and the supporting structure (10) being configured such that the panels can be engaged on and supported by the supporting rails, and can then slide along them in an assembly direction ( X); c) setting up a transfer device comprising transfer rails (42sup, 42inf); during the installation of the transfer device (40,140,240), the transfer rails are arranged so that the transfer rails connect the storage rails to the carrier rails; and d) the panels (20) are transferred from the storage position to a final position in which all of said panels are supported by the supporting rails, carrying out the following operations so as to transfer all of the panels (20): dl) at least one of the panels (20) is transferred from the storage position to an insertion position in which said at least one panel is supported on the supporting rails (12); the transfer being carried out with the aid of the transfer device (40,140,240) lifting said at least one of the panels upwards; the transferred panels being placed one after the other resting on the supporting rails; d2) at least one panel (60) is moved along the supporting rails (12) in the mounting direction (X); and wherein, during the transfer of said at least one of the panels from the storage position to the final position, said at least one of the panels is moved by being continuously supported successively by the storage rails, the transfer rails and the carrier rails . 2. Construction method according to claim 1, wherein said at least one panel is generally rectangular in shape; and in the insertion position and / or in the final position, or again continuously during a movement of said at least one panel in step d2) from the insertion position 5 to the final position, each angle of said at least one panel rests directly or indirectly on the supporting rails via at least one fulcrum located at a small distance from the angle considered. 3. Construction method according to claim 1 or 2 wherein, in the final position, a front side and / or a rear side of said at least one panel is / are resting on the supporting rails (12), without said at least one. unless a panel is resting, even partially, on the side or sides considered, on an adjacent panel. 15 4. Construction method according to claim 1 or 2 wherein, in the final position, a front side and / or a rear side of said at least one panel is / are resting on the supporting rails (12) via one or more panels ( x) adjacent. 20 5. Construction method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the supporting rails (12) extend in a horizontal direction. 25 6. Construction method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which during the installation of the transfer device in step d), the transfer rails, or part of the transfer rails, is / are in an inclined position. 30 7. Construction method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which during the transfer step d1) from the storage position to the insertion position, all the panels perform a movement consisting of an initial movement of placing in an initial position, then a main movement from the initial position to the insertion position; the initial movement from the storage position to the initial position being either a translation or a rotation, and the main movement being the same for all the panels. 8. Construction method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein during step d2), said at least one panel is moved along the supporting rails so that said at least one panel translates. in the direction of assembly (X). 9. A construction method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a front side of a first panel or a rear side of a panel placed on the supporting rails at the front of the first panel is hooked on a. front side of a second panel intended to be engaged on the supporting rails following the first panel, in particular during the transfer and at the latest after the transfer of the first panel (20). 10. A construction method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein in step d), during the transfer of a first panel, a rear side of the first panel is passed close to a front side. of a second panel intended to be engaged on the supporting rails following the first panel, and a rear half of the first panel is connected to a front side of the second panel. 11. A construction method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a front or rear side of at least one panel (20) has retaining brackets (22A, 22B), configured such that, when a panel is engaged on the supporting rails (12), said front side and / or rear side of the panel thus engaged is held by said holding brackets; the retaining supports engaging the supporting rails so as to prevent relative movement of said front side and / or said rear side of the panel thus engaged with respect to the supporting rails downward and / or upward. 12. Construction method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein in the insertion position and / or in the final position, or even continuously during the movement of said at least one panel in step d2) from the position. insertion at the final position, a portion of said at least one panel (20) is disposed under a flight prevention portion (142,152) of a carrier rail (12). 13. Construction method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein said carrier rails (12) are sections of constant section. 5 14. Construction method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, in which the transfer device (40,240) comprises a support (44,23) integral with the structure; and during step d), at least one panel (20) comes into contact with said support which forces said at least one panel to rise. 15. The construction method according to claim 14, wherein said support comprises at least two inclined ramps (44); a front or rear side of at least one panel (20) has at least two supports (22A, 22B); the panel and the ramps are configured such that during the transfer of the panel, said at least two panel supports rest respectively on said at least two ramps, thereby forcing the panel to rise. 16. Construction method according to any one of claims 20 to 15, wherein in the storage position, the panels (20) are arranged horizontally one above the other, forming a stack (200), and the front sides. panels are disposed on a lateral side of the panel group. 25 17. The construction method of claim 16, wherein the transfer device comprises a freight elevator (150,152,154), configured to lift the stack of panels. 18. Protective structure construction kit, comprising: A container (30) having storage rails; a group of panels (20) arranged parallel to each other in the storage position in the container, resting on the storage rails; a set of components for constructing a supporting structure (10) comprising a plurality of parallel supporting rails (12), and a transfer device (40,140,240) including transfer rails (42sup, 42inf); The transfer device being configured to be placed such that the transfer rails connect the storage rails to the carrier rails; the panels and the supporting structure being configured such that the panels can be engaged on and supported by the supporting rails, and can then slide along them in an assembly direction; and the construction kit being configured so as to allow the transfer of the panels from the storage position to a final position in which all of said panels are supported by the supporting rails, performing the following operations so as to transfer the assembly Signs : dl) transferring at least one of the panels from the storage position to an insertion position in which said at least one panel is resting on the supporting rails; the transfer being carried out with the aid of the transfer device (40,140,240) lifting said at least one of the panels upwards; the transferred panels being placed one after the other resting on the supporting rails; d2) displacement of at least one panel along the supporting rails in the direction of assembly; the construction kit being configured so as to allow that, during said transfer of the panels from the storage position to the final position, said at least one of the panels is moved while being continuously supported successively by the storage rails, the transfer rails and the supporting rails. 19. Construction kit according to claim 18, configured so as to allow the construction of the protective structure by implementing the protective structure construction method according to any one of claims 2 to 17. 20. Construction kit according to claim 18 or 19, wherein at least one of the panels is a photovoltaic panel. 21. A protective structure constructed from a protective structure construction kit according to one of claims 18 to 20.