WO1996001349A1

WO1996001349A1 - Movable covering module

Info

Publication number: WO1996001349A1
Application number: PCT/FR1995/000893
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jacques Munsch
Original assignee: Jacques Munsch
Priority date: 1994-07-05
Filing date: 1995-07-04
Publication date: 1996-01-18
Also published as: FR2722224B1; FR2722224A1

Abstract

A module for a construction such as a stadium or a swimming pool, consisting of a number of panels of which at least one can slide along a load-bearing structure by means of a drive device. The load-bearing structure consists of two stationary parallel load-bearing members (22, 24) with side channels (28) having a generally C-shaped cross-section. Each sliding panel (6, 8) comprises at least two sets of side wheels (32) facing the load-bearing members (22, 24) and moving in the corresponding channel (28), and the drive device includes two drive chains for each sliding panel (6, 8), which chains are slidable in respective ones of the channels (28) forming guiding slides.

Description

MOBILE COVER MODULE

The present invention relates to mobile covers for a construction, in particular a stadium or a swimming pool, and, in particular, mobile covers produced by modular elements.

Current technical means make it possible to produce mobile covers for very large areas. However, their cost is very high. In addition, they often require very large additional volumes for the superstructures and the required engines. Finally, their movement is generally slow and delicate, which leads to maneuvering these covers only exceptionally.

The object of the present invention is to obviate these drawbacks, by proposing a mobile cover of economical production, simple and quick to maneuver.

Many documents relate mobile, removable or retractable covers. We can cite, for example, FR-A-2568288 which describes a swimming pool enclosure composed of telescopic elements mounted on removable rails. These elements are composed of an arch-shaped frame carrying a translucent material.

One can also cite FR-A-2 663 358 which describes a cover structure for a swimming pool, comprising a plate movable in translation in a frame comprising, on the one hand, a first part corresponding substantially to a coverable area of the swimming pool and , on the other hand, a second part extending the first part inside a box in which the tray can retract like a drawer.

We can also quickly quote FR-A-2 395 375 which also relates to a removable cover for playgrounds, FR-A-2 604 738 which relates to a folding cover consisting of a metal frame supporting a tarpaulin, FR-A-2565613 according to which a frame carrying a stretched canvas is used, or FR-A-2 282 517 which also relates to a removable cover device for a sports area.

Document US-A-3,566,555 describes, for its part, a conventional roof structure of which at least one panel is movable in the determined plane of the roof. This structure cannot work with arched load-bearing beams. Each module systematically includes a movable panel and a fixed panel. The movable panels are of the parallel type and are driven all together by a single shaft driven by a motor, this shaft comprising two toothed wheels per movable panel and meshing two transfer chains per panel, the two chains working exclusively in traction.

Document DE-A-2642802 describes, finally, a roof device of the telescopic type, the displacement of a motor panel of which results in the displacement of a slave panel. The motor panel, surprisingly, encloses its own motor means, with a chain working in traction. Each panel has a lateral rolling means adapted to the sliding of a telescopic system, but without specific slides or bogies allowing to evolve on a non-planar surface.

The present invention therefore relates to a mobile cover for a construction, in particular a stadium or a swimming pool, produced by means of a plurality of panels, at least one of which is sliding on a support structure by means of a drive device. More specifically, the invention relates to a module for such coverage.

According to the invention, the support structure consists of two stationary parallel support elements, at least one of the side faces of each of the support elements carrying a slide substantially in the general shape of a C in section; each sliding panel has laterally opposite supporting elements at least two bogies circulating in the corresponding slide; and the drive device comprises, for each sliding panel, two transfer chains sliding respectively in each of the slides forming guide slides, these chains having one end connected to the corresponding sliding panel, and a motor means driving two toothed wheels in meshing casing each one of the transfer chains respectively.

According to a preferred embodiment, each module comprises a fixed panel and two sliding panels. The bogies of one of the sliding panels run in the runners carried by the opposite side faces of the support elements, while the bogies of the other sliding panel run in the runners carried by the opposite faces of the support elements.

Preferably, the two load-bearing elements, which are straight or arcuate beams, are separated from each other by means of a plurality of discrete spacers. The supporting elements are, for example, made of glued laminated wood, and each of the slides is embedded in a groove formed in a lateral face of the supporting elements. The slides are favorably produced in an aluminum alloy profile.

According to a preferred embodiment, each of the bogies comprises two sets of axles symmetrically arranged with respect to a transverse axis of the bogie, orthogonal to each other, each set of axles carrying, of course, a means of rolling and guiding the bogie . The bogie is connected to the panel by means of a junction having a swivel-shaped end piece cooperating with the bogie substantially at its transverse axis and comprising a shaft perpendicular to the slide, this shaft being free in translation relative to the panel and having a ball-shaped end cooperating with the bogie substantially at its transverse axis.

Favorably, a second module is arranged symmetrically with a first module, the load-bearing elements of the two opposite modules being connected to each other and determining a central key capable of being articulated.

According to the invention, the movable cover is made up as a whole by a plurality of modules as previously described, these modules being arranged parallel to each other, either in the assembly or by separate sub-assemblies, spacers being provided. between one of the load-bearing elements of one of the modules and the adjacent load-bearing element of the next module.

Obviously, such a cover can be produced with several modules oriented differently between them depending on the shape, nature and surface to be covered. The invention will be better understood, and other objects, advantages and characteristics thereof will appear more clearly on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment given without limitation in an application to the coverage of the invention. '' an athletics stadium with grandstands. Three drawing plates are appended to this description, on which:

Figure 1 shows schematically in section in a vertical plane parallel to the supporting structure the symmetrical junction of two modules according to the invention for covering a stadium; Figure 2 schematically represents an open module according to the invention in section in a vertical plane perpendicular to the support structure of the module in line with the stands represented Figure

1;

Figure 3 shows in elevation an embodiment of a bogie used for the implementation of the invention;

Figure 4 schematically illustrates in section in a vertical plane perpendicular to the support structure the means of joining the sliding panels and one of the elements of the support structure; Figure 5 schematically illustrates in section the tree constituting an essential element of the means shown in Figure 4;

Figure 6 shows schematically a part of the transfer chain forming part of the device for driving the sliding panels of the cover according to the invention; and FIG. 7 schematically represents a toothed wheel forming part of the drive device and used to move the chain represented in FIG. 6.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a model of the mobile cover according to the invention for an athletics stadium comprising, on either side, stands 2 opposite a sports track 4 The cover is here consisting, for each module, of two sliding panels 6 and 8 and of a fixed panel 10 covering the stands 2. Two modules are arranged symmetrically for total coverage. The support structure 12 here consists of arcuate beams determining a central key 14 forming the aforementioned axis of symmetry. The central key 14 is preferably of an articulated type. In an exemplary embodiment where runway 4 has a width of 95 m. approximately, the range of the arches is 150 m. approximately and the boom has a height of 20 m. approximately at key 14 for stands of 12 m. about height. A abutment 16 takes up the thrust forces generated by the cover via tie rods 18 and 20, if necessary.

Contrary to the general ideas according to which, even for very large surfaces, it would be necessary that the whole structure of the cover is completely retractable so that the area used is entirely in the open air, the supporting structure of the cover according to the present invention remains in place and is therefore immobile. This, far from detracting from the aesthetics, makes it possible to have fixed load-bearing elements for lighting projectors, for speakers, etc., and also makes it possible to greatly facilitate the opening and closing operations, since the moving parts are much lighter and less bulky than in the prior art. This also allows partial opening if necessary (due to side winds, for example).

The supporting structure 12 consists, for each module, of two stationary parallel supporting elements 22, 24 (FIG. 2) in the form of arcs resting on the abutment 16 by means of an articulation (FIG. 1). The two bearing elements are separated by a plurality of discrete spacers (not shown) arranged as a function of the axial compression stresses with buckling. Although any material can be used to make the beams of the load-bearing elements, it is preferred, for large spans like those of the above example, to use glued laminated wood arches, this material having, in addition to the aesthetic advantage, the advantages that the load-bearing elements can be prepared outside the final site and that the wood resists well to the various possible attacks, notably due to the environment.

As seen in Figures 2 and 4, each carrier element 22,

24 carries, on its lateral faces a slide 28. This slide 28 is preferably embedded in a groove 30 formed in the lateral faces of the carrier element. The slide 28 has the general cross-sectional shape of a C and is advantageously made from an aluminum alloy profile with a high elastic limit in order to be able to match the curvature of the cover and take up the various forces to which it may be subjected. Flanges 42 hold the slides 28 in place in the groove 30, slides which do not have to be fixed firmly to the support elements 22, 24 to allow relative thermal expansion.

The mobile panels 6, 8 or non-mobile 10 can also be produced by any possible means or material. However, glued-laminated wood is also preferred here because of the conditions of use, this material being particularly suitable because of the mechanical stresses and the natural aggressiveness of an ambient environment which can be saline or acid (rain and snow). . Preferably, these panels are composed of elements hinged together so as to also conform to the curvature of the cover, in particular when the curvature is variable. Each element can thus be easily produced outside the final site and be transported without problem. Such an element can be a monocoque structure or else a frame structure and covering elements. Link couplings (not shown) secure an element to the adjacent element with a certain degree of freedom. Each element of the sliding panels 6 and 8 is provided laterally with a bogie 32 at least (Figure 3) opposite each of the two load-bearing elements. These bogies 32 are intended to circulate in the corresponding slides 28.

Each bogie 32 comprises two sets 34, 36 of axles symmetrically disposed with respect to the transverse axis of the bogie, the two games being orthogonal to each other and carrying rolling and guide means. These rolling and guiding means are, for example, wheels or rollers made of a hard metallic material. Each bogie 32 is therefore perfectly guided inside the C 28 slides. In addition, in the abovementioned transverse axis, the end secured to a ball-shaped end piece 40 of a junction 44 cooperates with the bogie 32 to give the appropriate degrees of freedom to the connection between the sliding panel and each bogie 32. This junction 44 comprises a shaft 38 which is free in translation relative to the panel which carries it, as seen in Figure 5, so as to ensure a complementary degree of freedom in the face of the various constraints, in particular related to the problems of relative thermal expansions and to the defects of parallelism of the supporting structure. A bellows 46 protects the tree 38 from the weather, and pads 48 are provided to promote the movement of this tree.

An automatic centering means can also be favorably provided.

The ball 40 is a direct extension of the shaft 38 for the junction 44 relating to the sliding panel 6; on the other hand, it is linked to the shaft 38 by means of a support arm for the junction 44 relating to the sliding panel 8. In fact, as shown in FIG. 2, when the cover is fully open, the panel 8 is placed above the panel 6, these two sliding panels then being placed above the fixed panel 10 acting as protection for the stands 2.

As can be seen in this connection, the bogies of one of the sliding panels circulate in the slides 28 carried by the opposite lateral faces of the support elements 22, while the bogies of the other sliding panel 6 circulate in the slides

28 carried by the facing faces of the same load-bearing elements.

The sliding panel drive comprises, for each panel, two transfer chains housed in and guided by the corresponding slides. Therefore, these transfer chains are hooked directly or indirectly by a suitable piece to the first element of the corresponding panel. Obviously, the chain end link will have the corresponding required shape. Thus, due to the curvature of the cover, these transfer chains will work in compression. This will be the case for the vast majority of applications.

As shown in Figure 6, a link of a first type of the transfer chain comprises two rigid lateral flanges 50 parallel to the slide 28 and mounted on shafts 52 perpendicular to the slide 28. A link of a second type of chain transfer also comprises two rigid lateral flanges 54 mounted on the shafts 52 of the first type links which are on either side of the second type link, the shafts 52 forming hinge axes. A bolt 60 can close certain shafts 52 to join different sections of chains to the links normally riveted. The rolling of the rollers is favored by having smooth bearings 56 on the shafts 52. Guide pads 58, made of a material with a low coefficient of friction, are favorably provided on the flanges 50 to cooperate with the slide 28. The flanges 50 , 54 can, for example, be made of an aluminum alloy, and the shafts 52 of nickel bronze or aluminum bronze.

Figure 7, there is shown schematically a toothed wheel 62 in casing 64 and meshing a transfer chain such as the chain which has just been described. For a chain with a pitch of 160 mm, the wheel has, for example, twelve teeth and a diameter of approximately 620 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, this toothed wheel is rotated at the speed of 5 revolutions per minute, which gives the transfer chain a linear speed of about 0.16 m / s. Thus, for the aforementioned application to the stadium cover, the time required to fully open or close the cover will be of the order of five minutes. The drive means consists of at least one engine provided with suitable reducers and an electro-brake, connected to the toothed wheel by means of a blocking device. Favorably, the casing 64 of the toothed wheel 62 and the drive means are fixed to the abutment 16, and a rigid guide slide can optionally connect the casing 64 to the slide 28 to guide the transfer chain, although a such a guide slide is not necessarily necessary.

The foregoing description always refers to a single covering module comprising a fixed panel 10 and two sliding panels 6 and 8, except with reference to FIG. 1 in which two substantially identical modules are arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of the key 14, the support structure of one of the modules extending to form the support structure of the other ^{9 01349} PCI7 R95 / 00893

11 module. In practice, the cover, as a whole, consists of a plurality of modules, some arranged symmetrically with respect to the key 14, others being arranged parallel to the aforementioned modules. In this case, a plurality of spacers 68 (Figure 2) is provided between one 24 'of the carrier elements of one of the modules and the carrier element 22 adjacent to the next module. To ensure the circulation of rainwater, the spacers 68 are capable of carrying a gutter receiving the water from the adjacent panels by means of covering elements.

Watertightness can be achieved by simple covering as in any conventional covering (which has been schematically shown here). Air and snow tightness, in particular powder snow, will be absolute or relative depending on the nature of the use of the covered surfaces. In any case, it must be treated with an appropriate sealing system.

Furthermore, the fixed supporting structure can be advantageously used for the installation of a mesh network for protecting people and sensitive equipment (electrical, electronic, computer, etc.) during lightning strikes.

Finally, it can be seen that the coverage which has just been described is largely achievable by elements of small bulk outside the final site by conventional industrial means. This brings the advantage of a significant reduction in its cost.

Although we have represented and described what is currently considered to be the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is obvious that those skilled in the art will be able to make various changes and modifications without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined below.

Claims

R E V E N D I C A T I O N S

1 - Mobile cover module for a construction, in particular a stadium or a swimming pool, produced by means of a plurality of panels, at least one of which is sliding on a support structure by means of a drive device, the support structure being consisting of two stationary parallel support elements (22, 24), at least one of the lateral faces of each of said support elements carrying a slide (28) substantially in the general shape of a C in section, the drive device comprising, for each sliding panel (6, 8), two transfer chains sliding respectively in each of said slides (28) forming guide slides, said chains having one end connected to said sliding panel, characterized in that each sliding panel (6, 8) comprises laterally opposite said load-bearing elements (22, 24) at least two bogies (32) circulating in the corresponding slide (28); that said drive device further comprises, for each sliding panel (6,8), a motor means driving two toothed wheels (62) in the casing (64) each meshing respectively one of said transfer chains, and that the so-called transfer chains are likely to work in compression.

2 - Module according to claim 1 characterized in that each module comprises a fixed panel (10) and two sliding panels (6, 8). 3 - Module according to claim 2 characterized in that the bogies (32) of one (8) of the sliding panels circulate in the slides carried by the opposite side faces of said load-bearing elements (22, 24), while the bogies of the other sliding panel (6) circulate in the slides (28) carried by the side faces opposite the said load-bearing elements (22, 24).

4 - Module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said load-bearing elements (22, 24) are separated from one another by means of a plurality of discrete spacers.

5 - Module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said load-bearing elements (22, 24) are straight or arched beams and are made of glued laminated wood.

6 - Module according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that each of said slides (28) is embedded in a groove (30) formed in a side face of said carrier elements (22, 24).

7 - Module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said slides (28) are produced in an aluminum alloy profile.

8 - Module according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that each of said bogies (32) comprises two sets of axles orthogonal to each other and symmetrically arranged with respect to a transverse axis of said bogie, each set said axles carrying respectively rolling and guiding means (34, 36).

9 - Module according to claim 8 characterized in that said bogie (32) is connected to said panel (6, 8) by means of a junction 44 comprising a shaft (38) perpendicular to said slide (28), the said shaft (38) being free in translation relative to said panel (6, 8) and having one end secured to a ball-shaped end piece (40) cooperating with said bogie (32) substantially at the level of said transverse axis .

10 - Module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said transfer chain is of the type comprising, alternately a link of a first type and a link of a second type, articulated together, each link of the first type comprising two rigid lateral flanges (50) parallel to the said slide (28) and mounted on two shafts (52) perpendicular to the said slide (28), each link of the second type comprising two rigid lateral flanges (54) mounted on the said trees (52).

11 - Module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said panels (6, 8) are composed of elements hinged together and chosen from the group comprising monohull structures and frame structures and covering elements, and combinations thereof.

12 - Module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said support structure (22, 24) rests in an articulated manner on at least one abutment. 13 - Module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second module is arranged symmetrically with said module, the carrier elements (22, 24) of the two opposite modules being connected to each other and determining a central key ( 14) capable of being articulated.

14 - movable cover constituted by a plurality of modules according to any one of the preceding claims, said modules being arranged parallel to each other, either in the assembly, or by separate sub-assemblies, spacers (68) being provided between one (24 ') of the carrier elements of one of the modules and the carrier element (22) adjacent to the next module.