MULTI-SPANLED MARKET GARDEN GREENHOUSE WITH A FULLY OPENING ROOF

Abstract

Multi-span market garden greenhouse with a fully opening roof. The roof of each section is made of rectangular plastic film, FPE No. 31. Each section is attached along its long edges to a lateral beam, LL No. 32, which is itself connected to load-bearing cables, CP No. 21, by a lateral beam support, SLL No. 34. Viewed from the gable end, the film of each section forms a V shape. With the posts, it forms an M shape. The film is tensioned by the weight of a clipped winding tube, TEC No. 35, attached to the film at its midpoint, parallel to the lateral beams, LL. Moving the lateral beams with traction cables allows the greenhouse to be opened or closed. Rainwater is collected by the plastic film and not by a gutter.

Description

Title of the invention: MULTI-CHAPEL MARKET GARDENING GREENHOUSE WITH FULLY OPENING ROOF FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-chapel greenhouse made of plastic film with a fully opening roof, particularly for market gardening. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] To date, the different types of greenhouses protecting crops can be classified

[0003] according to several criteria:

[0004] • The covering material, polyethylene plastic film

[0005] or glass (or materials having characteristics close to

[0006] those of glass);

[0007] • The form: fixed tunnel, mobile tunnel, two-tunnel, multi-chapels

[0008] with rounded roof, multi-chapels with sloping roof type

[0009] Venlo;

[0010] • The presence or absence of a heating system;

[0011] • Cultivation in soil or above ground;

[0012] • Opening and ventilation systems: absence of

[0013] door, manual or motorized doors, manual or side openings

[0014] motorized, roof openings, ...

[0015] Greenhouses with fully opening roofs exist, but are very sensitive to wind and therefore cannot be opened permanently.

[0016] PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Thanks to a simple multi-span structure consisting mainly of vertical posts and horizontal cables, the suspended plastic film roof of the biological multi-span greenhouse which is the subject of the present invention can be retracted totally or partially manually, or motorized and / or automatically.

[0018] Total openness allows for the sustainable management of the life of all living organisms.

[0019] in the soil and thus avoid the phenomenon known as “soil fatigue”. Statement of the invention

[0020] a) General

[0021] The invention is a multi-chapel greenhouse made of plastic film with an opening roof

[0022] total.

[0023] Traditionally, the ridge of greenhouses is located between two lines of posts. Rainwater collection EP is ensured by a gutter located at the top of the posts. In the present invention, the positioning of the ridge and the rainwater collection are reversed: the ridge is above the posts and the rainwater collection is located between the posts. There is no gutter. The water runs off the plastic roof film. See [Fig. 1].

[0024] Traditionally, the plastic roofing film rests on a metal structure. In the case of the invention, the plastic roofing film is suspended between the lines of posts. Its tension is ensured by the weight of a tube, called a TEC clip-on winding tube, fixed to the lowest point of the plastic roofing film of each chapel. Seen from the gable, the polyethylene plastic film roof forms a V. Including the posts, this forms an M.

[0025] b) The main positions of the roof:

[0026] • Roof in closed position. This is what is shown in Figures 1 and 2A.

[0027] • Open roof unrolled. See figure 2B. The traction cables of group no. 2 have moved the side spar to the East (right) to approach it to the West spar (left). Thanks to the FPE film in

[0028] double thickness, this position can be used to reduce the sun's rays on crops.

[0029] • Rolled open roof. See figure 2C. The rotation of the clipped winding tube TEC, Equipped with a manually or motor-driven reducer, it allows the plastic film to be rolled up. Its exposure to wind and the sun's UV rays is thus reduced.

[0030] c) Details of the parts specific to the present invention:

[0031] • SC cable support, part no. 12, see [Fig.3].

[0032] At the top of each post is fixed a part called SC cable support. This support is made up of different elements: 121, 122, 123 and 124. This part has several functions: to fix the carrier cable CP n°21 using a cable clamp n°122, to channel and allow one or more pairs of traction cables CT n°221 to 224 to slide, to support the spar n°13 and the ridge covering CF n°14

[0033] .• SLL side rail support, part no. 34, see [Fig.4].

[0034] Each chapel has a removable roof made of a rectangular polyethylene film. Each long section of this rectangle is fixed, by a clipping system, to a lateral beam. To make the roof mobile, the LLs are connected to the CP using part no. 34, the subject of the present invention. This part, thanks to a roller no. 124, allows the beam to move while being suspended from the CP carrier cable.

[0035] The position of the spar is determined by one of the traction cables. In the example of [Fig.4], it is cable No. 221 which, connected to part No. 34 by a cable clamp No. 122, allows the position of the spar to be chosen. The movement of the cable is ensured in one direction by winding it around a shaft driven by a geared motor, and in the other direction by a counterweight. These devices are located on each of the long sides of the greenhouse.

[0036] d) Complementarity of exhibits no. 12 and 34

[0037] When the roof is closed, a lateral beam LL n°32 is located a few centimeters from the top of the first line of posts of each chapel, on the east side, and the second beam LL in the same way on the west side. Rain protection between two tarpaulins of two adjoining chapels is ensured by a ridge sheet TF n°14, fixed above the posts and the lateral beams LL by the supports SC. Cf [Fig.5]. The rectangular tarpaulin is suspended by its two long sides. Seen from the south, it forms a V.

[0038] e) Roofing film winding system

[0039] The center line in the lower position of the plastic film allows the collection of EP rainwater. A TEC winding tube is clipped to the tarpaulin in its center along its entire length (North-South). It is connected to an MTEC motor which allows it to be wound around the TEC tube. This winding action has two functions. See figures 2B and 2C. On the one hand, to stretch the tarpaulin to prevent it from

[0040] to deteriorate by flapping in the wind. On the other hand, wind the tarpaulin to open the roof. This action is then synchronized with the bringing together of the LL side members, thanks to the CT traction cables. The motors of the MTC traction cables and those of the MTEC winding motors are controlled by a PLC.

[0041] ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0042] In current greenhouses where the soil is cultivated, a phenomenon called soil wear is observed after a few years, which is the expression of the reduction in the biological activity of the soil, and often an imbalance of the fauna with the development of certain pests. This is explained by the modification of the climate due to the greenhouse. Excessive temperatures in summer, lack of ventilation and the absence of rain are the main causes. The total opening of the roof for long periods permitted by the present invention allows the soil and the biotope to return to open field conditions (sun, rain, wind and even frost). This promotes the restoration of soil life and the fight against pests. This makes it possible to sustainably grow vegetables in the open ground and avoids the use of soilless production techniques. AB certification, organic farming, is thus possible.

[0043] Rolling up the roof film is a major innovation that allows the roof to be opened even in strong winds, which is not the case with current opening systems. When the film is fully rolled up, it is also protected from the sun's UV rays and bad weather. Its lifespan is thus extended. Presentation of the drawings.

[0044] [Fig. 1]: view of the pinion of the present invention

[0045] [Fig.2]: presentation of 3 possible positions of the roof

[0046] 2A: closed

[0047] 2B: open, film unrolled

[0048] 2C: open, film rolled up

[0049] [Fig.3]: part no. 12, object of the present invention

[0050] 3A: side view, from East to West

[0051] 3B: view of the gable, from South to North

[0052] [Fig.4]: part no. 34, object of the present invention

[0053] 4A: side view, from East to West

[0054] 4B: view of the gable, from South to North

[0055] [Fig.5]: complementarity of parts no. 12 and no. 34 Brief description of the drawings.

[0056] [Fig.l]: [Fig.l] shows an example of the invention. The structure is composed of posts which can be made of wood. They are connected to each other in the East-West axis by cables and in the South-North axis by ridge beams. The polypropylene film roof forms a V between two lines of posts. The assembly with the posts forms an M. Rainwater is collected by the polyethylene film. There is no gutter.

[0057] [Fig.2]: 3 possible positions of the roof

[0058] Figure 2A shows the closed position of Figure 1B.

[0059] Figure 2B: By activating a towing cable, the spar located to the East moves closer to the spar located to the West. The two sides of the roofing film are then parallel. This allows the crops to be ventilated and shaded, particularly at the beginning and end of the day in this example. This position does not allow the film to withstand strong winds.

[0060] Figure 2C: By activating the TEC tube winding system No. 35, the film rolls up and rises near the two side rails. The film can withstand strong winds.

[0061] [Fig.3]: part no. 12, SC cable support

[0062] This part is fixed to the top of the post. Using a cable clamp No. 122, the carrier cable 21 is secured to post No. 11. This allows the posts to be connected together in the East-West axis. The rollers 123 allow the various traction cables to pass freely through the structure. The ridge beams No. 13 connect the posts together, in the North-South axis.

[0063] [Fig.4]: part no. 34, SLL side member support

[0064] This part allows on the one hand to support the plastic film of the roof by the carrier cable n°21. The wheel 124 allows each side member to move on the carrier cable n°21, between two lines of posts, within the same chapel. On the other hand On the other hand, this part allows you to choose the towing cable to which you want to connect the spar. In this case, the cable clamp 122 fixes the cable no. 221. In Figure 4B, we see the film 31 fixed to the spar.

[0065] [Fig.5]: complementarity of parts no. 12 and no. 34

[0066] Room #34 is near room #12. The roof is in the closed position. Ridge sheet #14 protects the crops from the rain above post #1. Air can circulate between the ridge sheet and the plastic film of roof #31 thanks to fixing clips #33.

[0067] NOMENCLATURE OF MAIN ELEMENTS

[0068] 1 - Post assembly, composed of:

[0069] 11 - Wooden or metal post, planted in the ground, with or without a foundation

[0070] in concrete, PO

[0071] 12 - SC cable support, composed of

[0072] 121 - SC cable support metal chassis

[0073] 122 - Cable clamp

[0074] 123 - Tractor cable guide wheel

[0075] 124 - Wheel for carrying the roofing film assembly

[0076] 13 - Ridge beam

[0077] 14 - Folded ridge sheet

[0078] 2 - Cable assembly, composed of:

[0079] 21 - CP carrier cable

[0080] 221 - Tractor cable of group no. 1 CTI

[0081] 222 - Tractor cable of group no. 2 CT2

[0082] 231 - Winding shaft for the traction cables of group no. 1

[0083] 232 - Winding shaft for the traction cables of group no. 2

[0084] 241 - Counterweights of the traction cables of group no. 1

[0085] 242 - Counterweight of the traction cables of group no. 2

[0086] 3 - Roofing film assembly, composed of

[0087] 31- FPE polyethylene roofing film

[0088] 32 - Lateral spar LL

[0089] 33 - Clips for fixing the FPE to the LL

[0090] 34 - SLL side member support, consisting of:

[0091] 341 - Metal frame of the spar support

[0092] 123 - Tractor cable guide roller

[0093] 124 - Wheel for carrying the roofing film assembly

[0094] 35 - TEC clip-on winding tube

[0095] 36 - TEC clip-on winding tube reducer

Claims

1. Claims Greenhouse comprising one or more chapels (multi-chapels). The chapels, rectangular in shape, are contiguous except in the case where there is only one chapel. They each have two rows, called vertical, of posts PO (11). These posts PO (11) are fixed vertically in the ground equidistant from each other. The roof of each chapel is composed of a polyethylene (or similar) film FPE (31) of rectangular shape. Each edge of the two long sides of the rectangle of the film FPE (31) is clipped to a lateral beam LL (32). A lateral beam LL (32) is fixed to the top of the posts PO (11) of the same row called vertical and the other lateral beam LL (32) of the same film FPE (31) is fixed to the other row called vertical of posts PO (11). Fixed by its two long sides, the FPE film (31) is therefore suspended. Seen from the gable of a chapel, the FPE polyethylene film (31) forms a V.Seen from the same point, the assembly of the FPE film (31) and the PO posts (11) form an M. A clipped tube TEC (35) to the FPE film (31), in the hollow of the V, parallel to the two lateral side members LL, on the mediator of a small side of the rectangle formed by the FPE film (31) allows, by its weight, to tension the latter. Rainwater is evacuated by the plastic film in the hollow of the V. There is no gutter. The present invention is characterized by the V shape of the roof of each chapel, by the suspension of the polyethylene roof film FPE (31) between two lateral side members LL (32) and finally by the tension of the FPE film (31) by the weight of the clipped tube TEC (35). The lateral side members LL (32) are movable. This mobility is made possible by a set of CP carrier cables (21), CT towing cables (221) (222) (223) (224), SLL side member supports (34) and SC cable supports (12).Perpendicular to the so-called vertical rows of PO posts (11) of the chapels, carrier cables CP (21) parallel to each other are fixed to the top of each PO post (11) of the so-called horizontal rows. The fixing of each carrier cable CP (21) to a PO post (11) is ensured by the cable clamp (122) of a part called SC cable support (12). This cable support (12) also makes it possible to guide the CT traction cables (221) (222) (223) (224) aligned above the CP carrier cable (21), thanks to guide rollers (123). It also supports the.

2. roof ridge. This fixed ridge is located above the CT traction cables (221) (222) (223) and (224). It is composed of a ridge beam (13), connecting all the PO posts (11) of the same so-called vertical row, and a ridge sheet (14). It is a sheet folded into a V, the point of the V facing the sky. It prevents rain from penetrating under the greenhouse between the FPE polyethylene film roofs (31) of two adjoining chapels. It is located several centimeters above the LL side beams (32). This ensures permanent ventilation through the ridge, between the FPE films (31) and this small ridge roof (14). The supports of each SLL side beam (34), equipped with rollers (123) (124), are fixed to the LL side beams (32). These supports (34) allow the lateral side members LL (32) to be suspended from each carrier cable CP (21).The rollers (124) allow the LL side rails (32) to move parallel between two rows of PO posts (11). The positioning of each LL side rail (32) is ensured by a set of traction cables, CTA (221) or CTB (222) or CTC (223) or CTC (224) or other, to which it is connected, thanks to a cable clamp (122) of the side rail support, SLL (34). Each multi-span greenhouse can be equipped with 2 or 4 groups of CT traction cables, possibly more. Each pair of CT traction cables allows the pairs of side rails to be moved in predetermined spans. For example, the set of CTA towing cables (221) allows the control of the LL side rails (32) of the chapels numbered 1 to 4 located on the East side on the one hand, and the set of CTB towing cables (222) allows the control of the LL side rails (32) located on the West side of the same chapels on the other hand.The set of CTC towing cables (223) moves the LL side rails (32) of the chapels numbered 5 to 10 on the East side on the third hand, and finally the CTD set (224) the LL side rails (32) of the same chapels on the West side. Greenhouse according to claim 1, and each TEC clipped tube (35) to the FPE film (31) is equipped with a reducer (36) and / or a motor allowing the FPE plastic film (31) to be wound in order to completely open the roof of each chapel. This winding system is characterized by the positioning of the TEC winding tube (35) on the mediator of one of the sides of the rectangle formed by the FPE plastic film (no. 31) of a chapel. The rotation of the TEC tube (35) causes the winding of two sections of FPE film (31).

3. Cable support SC (12). This is a support which is fixed above each post PO (11) of a market garden greenhouse defined by claims 1 and 2. It consists of a metal frame (121), a cable clamp (122) for fixing a carrier cable CP (21). Above this cable clamp (122) is one or more rollers (123) allowing to support the weight of the traction cables CT (221) (222) (223) (224) while allowing them to slide freely. Finally, at the top of this piece SC (12) is a ridge roof support. This support, which is a part of the frame (121) is intended to receive a ridge beam (13) to connect all the posts PO (11) of the same so-called vertical row, and a roof (14) such as a folded sheet, fixed on the beam (13), in the shape of an upside-down V, the point of which is oriented towards the sky.

4. SLL side rail support (34). In a market garden greenhouse defined by claims 1, 2 and 3, these SLL parts (34) are fixed on the LL side rails (32). Each SSL side rail support (34) is composed of a metal frame (341). At the bottom of this frame is fixed a LL side rail (32). Above is a roller (124) allowing the SLL side rail support (34) to move on the CP carrier cable (21). Above this wheel (124) are other wheels (123) for guiding the various CT traction cables (221) (222) (223) (224) and a cable clamp (122) for connecting the SLL side member support (34) to one of the CT traction cables (221) (222) (223) (224). This allows the position of the SLL supports (34), and therefore of the LL side members (32), and consequently of half of the FPE film (31) of a chapel, to be changed remotely.And therefore, to open or close half of the roof of a chapel or a group of chapels.

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