Pitched roof construction

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a pitched roof structure with several panels, preferably made of glass, and at least two rows of panels, wherein an upper row of panels with upper panels projects over a lower row of panels with lower panels.

[0002] Such pitched roofs can serve as roofs for buildings or can be largely free of vertical walls and used, for example, as a pergola, a terrace, or a parking area for vehicles. It is essential that the roof structure is as waterproof as possible. At the same time, the installation should be as simple and quick as possible.

[0003] When using larger panels such as glass panels, it is important for both the tightness and the structural integrity of adjacent components that the components of the pitched roof structure are well-aligned. Otherwise, an uneven structure can result in gaps or projections that cause gaps in the seal or interfere with adjacent components such as walls.

[0004] DE 201 10 896 U1 discloses a roof structure comprising wedge-shaped support rails mounted on roof battens, with the rear end of the lower rail and the front end of the upper rail being guideable. This structure is very complex and difficult to assemble.

[0005] US 2,546,430 A discloses wedge-shaped covers for placement on top of panels, with upper covers projecting over lower covers.

[0006] US 2021 / 0054629 A1 describes a pitched roof in which the panels extend beyond the panels directly below them, i.e., the upper panels extend beyond the lower panels along the slope line. This allows rainwater to flow from the upper panels onto the lower panels and onto the panels below them, until the lower end of the roof is reached. Several wedge-shaped, spaced-apart spacers are arranged along the length of the panels, positioning the panels so that the upper sides of the lower panels are below the lower sides of the upper panels. This ensures a secure and largely airtight position of the panels, but is very complex to construct. The position of all spacers must be precisely measured to prevent crooked panels and to prevent the gap between the panels from becoming too large in the area of ​​the overlap.

[0007] DE 3003865 A1 discloses roof tiles with a wedge-shaped construction on their sides, which also results in a scalloped arrangement. Due to the small number of different parts, the assembly is quite simple and quick. This is hardly feasible for pitched roof structures with panels due to their size and material, as the manufacturing process for panels of such a complex shape is very difficult and costly.

[0008] EP 2 886 973 A1, DE 20 2019 002746 U1, JP 2003 147910 A, US 2010 / 313501 A1, and WO 2013 / 092682 A2 disclose pitched roof structures whose rafter support beams overlap to drain rainwater. However, if photovoltaic panels or illuminated panels are used, the cables must be routed between the rafter support beams, which is complex. Furthermore, the cables are thus exposed.

[0009] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a pitched roof structure that is as tight and safe as possible, but also as easy to assemble as possible.

[0010] This object is achieved according to the invention by the characterizing features of claim 1. According to the invention, the rafter support beams of the upper row of panels project beyond the rafter support beams of the lower row of panels.

[0011] This allows for a tighter seal at the panel meeting point. This is because two adjacent panels in a row of panels can be arranged so that they do not lie directly against each other while resting on the same rafter support beam. In this space, water can run down along the fall line and could otherwise penetrate the lower end of the rafter support beam into the area between it and the rafter support beams below. This is prevented by the overlap.

[0012] The overhang protects an area that would otherwise be particularly vulnerable to rainwater ingress. This is because up to four panels meet at this point. Because the upper rafter beam extends over the lower rafter beam, the water running down the slope is diverted from the upper beam directly to the lower rafter beam, preventing it from penetrating the area between the rafter beams. This also applies to water running at an angle, for example, due to wind.

[0013] At the same time, the construction of the roof structure is made easier, as the lower rafter support beam already indicates the future position of the upper rafter support beam. This allows for the assembly and positioning of one rafter support beam after the other very quickly and precisely.

[0014] It may be provided that, in the areas where the rafter support beams of the upper panel row and the rafter support beam of the lower panel row overlap, wedge seals are arranged at least partially between the rafter support beams, and that the wedge seals are preferably attached to the rafter support beams of the upper panel row. These wedge seals can prevent water from penetrating the gap between the rafter support beams against the direction of gravity. This ensures the most airtight pitched roof structure possible, even under particularly unfavorable wind conditions.

[0015] Preferably, at least one rafter support beam has a main body and an extension that is operatively separable from the main body, and the extension comprises at least part of the area, preferably the entire area, of the rafter support beam that projects beyond another rafter support beam. Operably separable means that the extension can be assembled or disassembled by a specialist during construction of the pitched roof without the parts being destroyed. Therefore, it is preferably provided that the extension and the main body can be connected via a plug-in connection or another form-fitting connection, and / or that they can be connected by means of screws, rivets, clamps, or other fastening means.

[0016] The extension can also be made up of two or more pieces.

[0017] It may also be provided that the main body and the extension are welded together.

[0018] Such a design is particularly advantageous because it allows for simple production of the main body regardless of the shape of the extension. The extension, in turn, can be designed more freely, allowing the main body to be adapted more easily and cost-effectively to its primary function of force transmission, and the extension to its primary function of connecting two adjacent rafter support beams and other adjacent parts.

[0019] Rafter support beams typically rest on rafters, which serve as load-bearing elements. Depending on the substructure, however, they can also rest on other elements of the substructure, such as roof slabs.

[0020] Directional or positional specifications such as "top" or "bottom" assume the pitched roof structure's intended application position, where it is positioned diagonally relative to the substructure along the slope line. If the pitched roof structure has multiple sloping surfaces, such as a gable roof, this applies to each of the sloping surfaces. Accordingly, the upper side of a panel is the side closest to the roof ridge in its intended installation position, while the lower side is the side facing the eaves.

[0021] By wedge-shaped, we mean that the rafter support beams decrease in thickness or height along their longitudinal extent. They preferably decrease from one end to the other, particularly preferably continuously and linearly. However, it can also be provided that the rafter support beam has a profile of essentially constant thickness and has a cutout at one end and / or at least one spacer element at one end. Thus, the cutout reduces the thickness at one end and / or increases the thickness by the spacer element. A wedge shape according to the invention can also be achieved in this way. Of course, several spacer elements can also be provided, which are distributed along the longitudinal extent of the rafter support beam and have increasing thickness towards one end. This enables better force dissipation.

[0022] Overhanging refers to a staggered arrangement of the panel rows or rafter supports. In other words, a lower edge of an upper element, such as the upper panel row, is positioned above (or "over") an upper edge of a lower element, such as the lower panel row, and beyond the upper edge of the lower element. This results in an overlap, although this overlap area is usually limited to a few centimeters, i.e., usually less than 20 cm, for the panel rows and / or rafter supports.

[0023] The panels of a panel row are preferably arranged next to each other and therefore do not overlap.

[0024] The upper row of panels is arranged along the pitched roof structure above a lower row of panels with lower panels.

[0025] Preferably, each panel rests on at least two rafter support beams.

[0026] A pitched roof structure refers to a roof structure that has at least one surface inclined toward the ground, for example, a pent roof in a simple case. More complex designs can also include gable roofs, shed roofs, hip roofs, etc.

[0027] It is particularly advantageous if the rafter support beams extend essentially the entire length of the panels they support. This ensures that the panel's weight is evenly distributed across the rafter support beam and, subsequently, across the load-bearing part on which the rafter support beam is mounted. Furthermore, only one rafter support beam is required per panel along its length, allowing the rafter support beams to all have the same thickness and shape.

[0028] Preferably, the rafter support beams are substantially the same length as the panels. This ensures that the rafter support beams are arranged in the same rhythm along the fall line as the panels.

[0029] It is particularly advantageous if the panels are mounted on rafter support beams which are wedge-shaped and the rafter support beams lie against each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0030] The fact that the rafter support beams are arranged lengthwise, usually in the fall line, makes assembly much easier. The rafter support beams can be easily arranged and attached one after the other on the supporting structure, usually parallel rafters. Precise measurements for exact positioning are no longer necessary, as one rafter support beam already indicates and determines the position of the next rafter support beam. The wedge-shaped form of the rafter support beams determines the position of the panels, meaning they do not have to be adjusted to the exact angles of the arrangement; instead, a staggered arrangement is automatically created. This also results in greater flexibility, as the same panels can be used for rafter support beams of different designs and thus the same panels can be used for different roof structures.

[0031] It is particularly advantageous if the rafter support beams of the lower panel row are inserted into the rafter support beams of the upper panel row. This allows for a particularly dense arrangement and, at the same time, particularly easy handling during assembly. The longitudinal contact of the rafter support beams can be achieved by the tapering of the nested rafter support beams. Alternatively, the rafter support beams can also have support walls oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the rafter support beams have a recess at their thicker end to accommodate the thinner ends of other rafter support beams. This ensures good insertion and improves water drainage along the fall line.

[0033] It can be provided that the rafter support beams each have at least one cable duct, which preferably extends over their entire length, and that the rafter support beams have entry openings to the cable duct, particularly preferably at their thicker and thinner ends. This is particularly useful when lines such as cables or pipes are to be routed within the roof structure, for example, from solar or photovoltaic systems. The cable ducts ensure the safe and protected routing of the lines; at the same time, they are not visible and do not detract from the visual appearance of the pitched roof structure.

[0034] It is particularly advantageous that the rafter support beams have at least one lateral recess near their thinner end for cable routing. This is particularly useful for photovoltaic panels.

[0035] According to the invention, the rafter support beams have at least one anti-slip device at their thicker ends to secure the panels from sliding down, which preferably has a retaining lug. Since pitched roof structures can typically have gradients of up to 45° or even more, the panels can be prevented from slipping in this way.

[0036] It can also be provided that the anti-slip protection of the rafter support beams of the upper panel row extends beyond the lower panels of the lower panel row. This is particularly advantageous, as the anti-slip protection can prevent both slipping and the penetration of rain into the transition area between the panel rows.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, two panels are each supported on at least two rafter support beams. The rafter support beams are thus arranged on the sides of the panels, and the two adjacent panels each rest on the rafter support beams. This ensures good force dissipation while simultaneously minimizing material consumption.

[0038] To achieve a particularly tight design, a transverse seal is arranged in the overlap area between at least one upper panel and at least one lower panel. This transverse seal preferably extends over the entire upper side of the lower panel and particularly preferably extends between the lower panel and the anti-slip devices of the rafter support beams of the upper panel. The transverse seal can be clamped between the lower panel and the anti-slip device.

[0039] The transverse seal thus extends essentially perpendicular to the fall line and seals the gap between two panels arranged one above the other in the overlapping area. By extending across the entire upper side of the lower panel, it is ensured that the seal is reached across the entire width of the panel. When the transverse seal is clamped between the lower panel and the anti-slip devices of the rafter support beams of the upper panel, the meeting point of the adjoining rafter support beams is also further sealed. This achieves complete closure of the area. Preferably, the transverse seal is glued to one panel, particularly preferably the lower panel, and at least partially pre-tensioned towards the other panel. This causes the transverse seal to press against the other panel, thus forming a tight seal.

[0040] In this sense, it is provided that the transverse seal has an attachment portion for attachment to one of the panels and a tongue portion for attachment to the other panel, preferably with a curved cross-section.

[0041] According to the invention, the part of the tongue section that is located between two anti-slip devices is not clamped between the lower panel and the anti-slip devices. In this case, it is provided that the transverse seal does not have a tongue section in the area between the lower panel and the anti-slip devices of the rafter support beams of the upper panel, or that the tongue section in the area between the lower panel and the anti-slip devices of the rafter support beams of the upper panel is at least partially separated from the remaining tongue section. This can be achieved, for example, by a cut at the edge of the anti-slip device that severs at least part of the tongue section, preferably the entire tongue section. This is particularly advantageous because the tongue section in the area between the anti-slip device and the lower panel is usually strongly compressed.Outside of this compressed area, the preload of the spring section causes it to cling to the upper panel and seal the gap. However, at the edge of the anti-slip device, the spring section may not be able to completely close a larger gap because it is pulled downward by the anti-slip device, which can create a gap in the seal. However, if the spring section is not clamped, it can also expand freely at the edge of the anti-slip device and seal the gap to the upper panel.

[0042] It can also be provided that at least one panel, preferably all panels, comprise a photovoltaic element. A construction according to the invention is particularly useful for photovoltaic panels, as it allows for good support of the panels and numerous cable routing options. Since each photovoltaic element must be connected with cables, practical routing is important.

[0043] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if the material thickness of at least one rafter support beam is reduced in the area in which it projects over at least one other rafter support beam. This means that the area in which at least one rafter support beam projects over at least another rafter support beam has a lower material thickness. By lower we mean that the material thickness is lower than in the other area of ​​the rafter support beam, i.e. in the areas that are primarily designed to transfer the weight of the panels. Due to their high material thickness, these can easily support and secure even heavy panels. The projecting areas, however, only absorb a small amount of weight and are primarily used to connect and cover the adjacent rafter support beams. Therefore, they do not have to be as thick and can therefore be shaped better.

[0044] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the non-limiting figures. They show: Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a pitched roof structure according to the invention in a perspective view; Fig. 2 shows a first embodiment of a rafter support beam according to the invention in a perspective view; Fig. 3 shows a detail of the rafter support beam from Fig. 2 ; Fig. 4 a detail of a side view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 5 shows a detail of a second embodiment of a pitched roof structure according to the invention in a perspective view; Fig. 6 shows a detail of a non-inventive embodiment of a pitched roof structure in a perspective view; Fig. 7 shows a detail of a second embodiment of a rafter support beam according to the invention in a perspective view; Fig. 8 shows the extension of the second embodiment of the rafter support beam from Fig. 7 shown alone Fig. 9 a detail of a third embodiment of a rafter support beam according to the invention in a perspective view; Fig. 10 a section of two rafter support beams of the third embodiment from Fig. 9 in an assembled position.

[0045] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a pitched roof structure as a pent roof, which has several rows of panels 21, 22, whereby only the last two along the fall line, i.e., the lowest ones in the area of ​​the eaves, are shown. The panels 23, 24 of each row of panels 21, 22 lie next to each other, without projecting laterally. They each rest on two rafter support beams 1. These rafter support beams 1 are arranged on rafters 10, which serve as supports and substructure and extend essentially along the fall line F of the pitched roof structure.

[0046] The panels 23 of the second-to-lowest panel row 21 border the panels 24 of the lowest panel row 22 and extend a few centimeters beyond them. Thus, the second-to-lowest panel row 21 represents an upper panel row 21 relative to the lowest panel row 22, and the lowest panel row 22 represents a lower panel row 22 relative to the second-to-lowest panel row 21.

[0047] Not shown is a third-to-bottom panel row, which borders the second-to-bottom panel row on the upper side and extends beyond the panels of the second-to-bottom panel row. Thus, in relation to the third-to-bottom panel row, the second-to-bottom represents a lower panel row, and the third-to-bottom represents an upper panel row in relation to the second-to-bottom panel row.

[0048] Each panel 23, 24 is supported on both sides by a rafter support beam 1. Each rafter support beam 1 supports two adjacent panels 23, 24 and thus closes the gap between them.

[0049] Fig. 2 shows a rafter support beam 1 in detail. This beam is designed as a construction profile and is wedge-shaped. It has a length L along its longitudinal direction, along which its thickness decreases continuously, preferably linearly, from one end to the other. At a thicker end, the rafter support beam 1 has a greater thickness D and at a thinner end, a smaller thickness d.

[0050] Mounting holes 2 are provided at regular intervals along the rafter support beam 1, which serve to secure it to the substructure. For example, the rafter support beam 1 can be screwed to a rafter 10 using screws.

[0051] The rafter support beam 1 is designed as a hollow profile and preferably has a U-shape with facing support tabs 5 on the open side for support against the substructure. Thus, the rafter support beam 1 forms a cable duct 15 within it, which extends from an inlet opening 17 at one end to an inlet opening 17 at the other end.

[0052] Preferably, the difference between the thickness d at the thinner end and the height of the entrance opening 17 at the thicker end substantially corresponds to the thickness of a panel at its upper side. If a buffer element such as a support damper or the like is provided between the panel and the rafter support beam 1 on which it rests, the difference between the thickness d at the thinner end and the height of the entrance opening 17 at the thicker end may substantially correspond to the thickness of a panel and the buffer element at its upper side.

[0053] At the thinner end of the rafter support beam 1, it has lateral recesses 3 on the underside, i.e., the side facing away from the panel, preferably on both sides. These serve to route cables from the cable duct 15 when several rafter support beams 1 are arranged one behind the other. In other embodiments, this recess 3 or recesses 3 can be arranged at a different location along the longitudinal extent L, for example, approximately midway or in the region of the thicker end.

[0054] The thicker end of the rafter support beam 1 is in Fig. 3 Shown enlarged. It can be seen that the thicker end of the rafter support beam 1, on the side facing the panels, i.e., the top side, has an anti-slip device 16. This anti-slip device 16 extends along the longitudinal direction and has a retaining lug 6 at its end, which extends upwards transversely to the longitudinal direction, i.e., away from the rafter 10. If panels 23, 24 are placed on the rafter support beam 1, the retaining lug 6 prevents them from slipping in the longitudinal direction.

[0055] On an underside, i.e., on the side facing the substructure, the anti-slip device 16 has a wedge seal 7, which is preferably made of an elastic material such as plastic. On the side of the retaining lugs 6 facing the rafter support beam 1, support buffers 4, preferably made of rubber, are arranged, which prevent the panels from cracking in the area of ​​contact with the retaining lugs 6. The anti-slip device 16 also has two mounting openings 8. These mounting openings 8 serve to attach a flashing to the roof edge.

[0056] Fig. 4 shows a section of a side view in the area of ​​the transition from an upper row of panels 21 to a lower row of panels 22, whereby the last rafter and the rafter support beams 1 arranged on it are not shown for the sake of clarity. It can be seen that an upper panel 23 of the upper row of panels 21 rests on an upper rafter support beam 1 and a lower panel 24 of a lower row of panels 22 rests on a lower rafter support beam 1. The rafter support beams 1 are adjacent to one another in their longitudinal direction, with the anti-slip device 16 of the upper rafter support beam 1 projecting beyond the thinner end of the lower rafter support beam 1. The upper side of the lower panel 23 extends up to or almost up to the upper rafter support beam 1 and rests against its wedge seal 7. This prevents water from penetrating this gap.Extending laterally from the anti-slip device 16 is a transverse seal 13, which extends along the upper side of the lower panel 24 transversely to the rafter support beams 1. The transverse seal 13 has an attachment section 13a, via which it is bonded to the lower panel 23. Furthermore, it has a spring section 13b, which has an arched shape and is elastically prestressed toward the upper panel. This causes it to press against the upper panel 24.

[0057] The panels 23, 24 rest on their rafter support beams 1. For better support and to avoid cracks, glass retaining bands 14 are provided between the panels 23, 24 and the rafter support beams 1, which act as a sealing element and ensure secure support.

[0058] Fig. 5 shows a second embodiment of the invention in detail, with a portion of an upper panel 24 cut out for clarity. This embodiment is very similar to the first, so only the most important differences will be discussed here. Elements with the same functional characteristics have the same reference numerals.

[0059] The second embodiment has a transverse seal 13 that extends across the entire width of the lower panel 24. This clamps the transverse seal 13 between the anti-slip device 16 and the lower panel 24. However, after clamping and before placing the upper panel 23 in place, a cut was made through the tongue section 13b along the side edge of the anti-slip device 16. This separates the part of the tongue section 13b that is clamped from the part that is not, and is located directly between the upper and lower panels 23, 24. This allows the tongue section 13b to move freely and unfold towards the upper panel 23. The attachment section 13a, on the other hand, runs continuously and uninterrupted, thus achieving a seamless seal.

[0060] Fig. 6 shows a detail of an embodiment not according to the invention, with a portion of an upper panel 24 cut out for clarity. This embodiment is very similar to the second, so only the most important differences will be discussed here. Elements with the same functional characteristics have the same reference numerals.

[0061] This non-inventive embodiment corresponds to the first, wherein the described cut was not made in the spring portion 13b and the one-piece spring portion 13b is clamped under the anti-slip device 16. This results in a buckling of the spring portion 13b in the area to the side of the anti-slip device 16 and indentation, whereby sealing of the gap between the upper and lower panels 23, 24 is sometimes incomplete.

[0062] In the Figuren 7 and 8 an alternative embodiment of a rafter support beam 1 is shown, which corresponds to the first embodiment in Figs. 2 - 4 is very similar. Therefore, only the most important differences are discussed here, and equivalent parts are given the same reference symbols.

[0063] The illustrated rafter support beam 1 is essentially constructed in two pieces and comprises a main body 1a and an extension 1b. The main body represents the part that primarily absorbs the weight of the panels 23, 24. The extension 1b, on the other hand, forms the area of ​​the rafter support beam 1 below which the next rafter support beam 1 is arranged. The extension 1b is therefore essentially the area that projects beyond the next rafter support beam 1.

[0064] The extension 1b is at the distal end of the rafter support beam 1 essentially like the same area of ​​the rafter support beam 1 from the Figuren 2-4 constructed, it has a rafter support anti-slip device 16, as well as support buffers 4 and a wedge seal 7.

[0065] At its opposite end, it has an anchoring region 18, which in this embodiment has an underpass region 19 for engaging the material of the main body and an insertion tab 20 for passing through a corresponding opening 21 on the top side of the main body 1a. This achieves a positive connection between the main body 1a and the extension 1b.

[0066] The main body 1a of this embodiment also has two insertion openings 22 on its upper side for inserting cross braces. These cross braces can be arranged as a cross connection between two rafter support beams 1 at the same height and serve to transversely stiffen the panel substructure. These insertion openings 22 can also be used with any other embodiment of rafter support beams 1 and can preferably be arranged at the ends of the rafter support beams 1 and / or at other heights along their longitudinal extent. Furthermore, the main body 1a has two semicircular recesses 23 at its thicker end, i.e., at the end where the extension 1b is arranged. These serve for a common screw connection with a directly adjoining rafter support beam 1.

[0067] In addition, the main body has hooks 24 at its thicker end on the side facing the panel, which can engage behind and fix the rafter support beam 1, which is overlapped by the extension 1b.

[0068] In Fig. 9 A third embodiment is shown which does not have an operatively separable extension. However, like the second embodiment, it has the hooks 24 and the recesses 23, clearly showing that these features are applicable to either embodiment, together or separately.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rafter support beam 1 has a structural profile with a substantially constant cross-section; thus, the profile does not taper in height from one end to the other as shown in the first embodiment. However, to still achieve a wedge shape, the rafter support beam 1 has two spacer elements 25 arranged on the underside of the structural profile. These provide increased support for this end of the structural profile, causing the upper surface 27 of the rafter support beam 1 to be inclined relative to a flat surface, thus resulting in an overall wedge shape.

[0070] The insertion openings 22 are arranged at the same height as the fastening openings 26 located on the underside of the rafter support beam 1. This allows for particularly simple assembly, since fastening elements 27, such as screws, can be inserted and attached through the insertion openings 22 into the fastening openings 26. This can also be provided in any other desired embodiment. In this embodiment, the spacer elements 25 are preferably arranged at the same height and can also be fixed using the same fastening elements 27.

[0071] In the Fig. 10Two rafter support beams 1 of the third embodiment are shown in their intended assembled position on a flat surface not shown in the figure. It can be seen that the spacer elements 25 of the upper rafter support beam 1 lead to a higher position of the end of the structural profile, which points towards the lower rafter support beam 1 and thus partially projects beyond the lower rafter support beam 1. The hooks 24 of the upper rafter support beam engage in openings provided for this purpose in the lower rafter support beam 1 and secure it.

Claims

1. Pitched roof structure, comprising a plurality of panels (23, 24), preferably made of glass, and at least two rows of panels (21, 22), wherein an upper row of panels (21) with upper panels (23) extends beyond a lower row of panels (22) with lower panels (24), wherein the panels (23, 24) are mounted on rafter support beams (1) which are wedge-shaped, and that the rafter support beams (1) of the upper row of panels (21) project beyond the rafter support beams (1) of the lower row of panels (22) and wherein the rafter support beams (1) have at least one anti-slip guard (16) at their thicker ends to secure the panels against slipping down, characterised in that a transverse seal (13) is arranged in the region of the overhang between at least one upper panel (23) and at least one lower panel (24), which seal extends over the entire upper side of the lower panel (24) and is clamped between the lower panel (24) and the anti-slip guards (16) of the rafter support beams (1) of the upper panel (22), and in that the transverse seal (13) has an attachment section (13a) for attachment to one of the panels (23, 24) and a spring section (13b) for abutment against the other panel (23, 24), wherein it is provided - that the transverse seal (13) has no spring section (13b) in the region between the lower panel (24) and the anti-slip guards (16) of the rafter support beams of the upper panel (23), or - that the spring section (13b) in the region between the lower panel (24) and the anti-slip guards (16) of the rafter support beams of the upper panel (23) is at least partially separated from the remaining spring section (13b); so that the portion of the spring section (13b) located between two anti-slip guards (16) is not clamped between the lower panel (24) and the anti-slip guards (16).

2. Pitched roof structure according to claim 1, characterised in that wedge seals (7) are arranged at least partially between the rafter support beams (1) in the regions in which the rafter support beams (1) of the upper panel row (21) and the rafter support beams (1) of the lower panel row (22) project, and in that preferably the wedge seals (7) are attached to the rafter support beam (1) of the upper row of panels (21).

3. Pitched roof structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that at least one rafter support beam (1) has a main body and an extension that can be operationally separated from the main body, and in that the extension encompasses at least part of the region, preferably the entire region, of the rafter support beam (1) that extends over another rafter support beam (1).

4. Pitched roof structure according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the rafter support beams (1) are adjacent to one another in the longitudinal direction.

5. Pitched roof structure according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the rafter support beams (1) of the lower row of panels (22) are inserted into the rafter support beams (1) of the upper row of panels (21).

6. Pitched roof structure according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the rafter support beams (1) have a recess at their thicker end for receiving the thinner ends of other rafter support beams (1).

7. Pitched roof structure according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that that the rafter support beams (1) each have at least one cable duct (15), which extends preferably over their entire length (L), and in that the rafter support beams (1) preferably have entrance openings (17) to the cable duct (15) particularly preferably at their thicker ends and thinner ends.

8. Pitched roof structure according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the rafter support beams (1), preferably in the region of their thinner end, have at least one lateral recess (3) for the passage of cables.

9. Pitched roof structure according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the anti-slip guard (16) has a holding nose (6).

10. Pitched roof structure according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the anti-slip guard (16) of the rafter support beams (1) of the upper row of panels (21) extends over the lower panels (24) of the lower row of panels (22).

11. Pitched roof structure according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that two panels (23, 24) are mounted in each case on at least two rafter support beams (1).

12. Pitched roof structure according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the spring section (13b) for application to the other panel (23, 24) has a curved cross-section.

13. Pitched roof structure according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the material thickness of at least one rafter support beam (1) is reduced in the region where it overlaps at least one other rafter support beam (1).