metal structure of an agricultural or horticultural greenhouse and method of assembling such a structure

Abstract

The invention relates to a metal structure for an agricultural or horticultural greenhouse, the roof of which comprises curved posts (20) supporting at least one roofing film. It comprises at least one multitubular profile (21) extending in the longitudinal direction of the greenhouse and being fixed to said posts (20). The multitubular profile (21) comprises: a first tubular profile (22), a second lateral tubular profile (23) having a groove for fixing the profile (24); and a third tubular profile (25). Said multitubular profile (21) is fixed to said posts (20) by a screw connecting two fixing brackets. Each fixing bracket has at least one through hole for the passage of said screw and a fixing portion adapted to fit through the opening of the fixing groove of the profile (24). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Metal structure for an agricultural or horticultural greenhouse and method for assembling such a structure. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a metal structure for an agricultural or horticultural greenhouse and the method for assembling such a structure. It is particularly applicable to greenhouses, especially of the "multi-span" type, composed of several naves, each covered with a roof made from plastic films. Previous technique

[0002] These greenhouses have a characteristic structure composed of several parallel trusses. Each truss consists of a vertical post, which provides the main support, and a curved upper section forming an arch. This curve is designed to offer optimal curvature to support the plastic film covering, for example, while maximizing the overall strength against loads such as wind or precipitation.

[0003] The trusses are regularly spaced and connected to each other by horizontal elements, such as purlins or tie rods, which provide additional rigidity and ensure the overall stability of the structure. This modular design allows for assembly and maintenance, while also enabling the size and configuration of the greenhouses to be adapted to the specific needs of the crops or local conditions.

[0004] Assembly begins by attaching a specific collar to the structure's arch at each post. This collar plays a central role, serving as an anchor point for the subsequent elements. This operation requires careful adjustment to ensure the collar is correctly positioned and aligned with the other structural elements.

[0005] Once the collar is in place, a square tube is inserted inside it. This square tube is designed to slide within the collar to allow for height or positional adjustment, according to the specific requirements of the structure. This step requires high precision to ensure correct alignment and prevent any imbalance.

[0006] After adjusting the square tube to the desired position, it is securely fixed in place using a screw and nut. This fastening is essential to ensure the stability of the assembly, but it requires particular attention to properly tighten the components without risk of loosening or premature wear.

[0007] Once the square tube is secured, a horizontal aluminum profile is positioned over the fixed square tube. This profile serves to connect the various vertical structures of the greenhouse.

[0008] Finally, the horizontal profile is fixed to the square tube using screws. This step requires precise alignment between the profiles and the square tubes to ensure the cohesion and strength of the structure. Any error in this phase could affect the load distribution and compromise the stability of the greenhouse.

[0009] The current process requires several successive steps, which increases the assembly time. First, the specific collar must be positioned on the arch of each post's structure, requiring precise adjustment to ensure correct alignment. Then, a square tube must be inserted inside the collar, where it slides before being secured with a screw and nut. This repetitive operation for each post and arch considerably lengthens the installation time.

[0010] Each connection requires several separate parts: a clamp, a square tube, a screw, a nut, then a horizontal aluminum profile and additional screws. This multiplicity increases the risk of errors or loss of components on the job site, which can slow down the work or necessitate further adjustments.

[0011] Once the square tube is fixed, a horizontal aluminum profile must be added, which must also be precisely aligned and fixed with screws. This final step depends on the quality of the previous assembly, which can increase the difficulties in the event of slight accumulated misalignments.

[0012] Due to the complexity and meticulousness required, the current assembly necessitates an experienced team and significant execution time. This results in higher labor costs and reduced competitiveness compared to simpler or standardized systems. Presentation of the invention

[0013] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks with a totally innovative approach.

[0014] More specifically, the invention aims to provide a technique with fewer components and assembly parts to save assembly time.

[0015] In particular, an objective of the invention is to provide such a technique making it possible to do away with any other complex adjustment system.

[0016] These objectives, as well as others that will appear subsequently, are achieved, according to a first aspect, by means of a metal structure of an agricultural or horticultural greenhouse, the roof of which comprises curved posts supporting at least one covering film, notable in that it comprises at least one multitubular profile extending in the longitudinal direction of the greenhouse and being fixed to said posts, said multitubular profile comprising: - a first closed tubular profile on four sides, called the central profile, having a square or rectangular cross-section - a second lateral tubular profile having a profile fixing groove having an opening; - a third lateral tubular profile opposite the second lateral tubular profile with respect to the first tubular profile, said third lateral tubular profile having a first film fixing groove cooperating with a profile forming a film fixing clip capable of deforming to fit into said first film fixing groove so as to fix a cover film by pinching, said film being interposed between the first film fixing groove and said profile forming a clip, said profile forming a clip being made of extruded plastic material; said multitubular profile being fixed to said posts by a screw connecting two fixing lugs, each fixing lug has at least one through hole for passage of said screw and a fixing part configured to enter through the opening of the fixing groove of the profile.

[0017] The system uses a multi-tubular profile and ingenious fixing tabs which greatly simplify the assembly process.

[0018] The term "curved posts" means having a straight part, a part of which is curved, or the straight post is connected to a curved part.

[0019] Unlike traditional systems, where several elements must be assembled separately (clamps, tubes, screws, nuts, etc.), the integrated profile allows for faster installation thanks to a reduction in the number of steps and components.

[0020] Traditional assembly can be physically demanding, involving numerous manual adjustments, screw tightening, and precise positioning of components. The new system minimizes these efforts through quick-release fasteners (clips and tabs), modular and lightweight components such as extruded aluminum profiles, and a design that reduces unnecessary handling, making installation more ergonomic.

[0021] During the previous assembly, it is possible for the screws securing the aluminum clip to the square tube to break. During tightening, the mechanical stresses can exceed the screw's resistance limits, causing failure. Once in place, additional forces due to tensioning can also overload the screws, leading to their breakage.

[0022] The advantage of having a single, one-piece profile is that we eliminate this risk and therefore secure the assembly over time. The multi-tubular profile is inherently more resistant to mechanical stress. The elimination of screws ensures increased durability, limiting the risk of accidents and maintenance interventions.

[0023] The specific half-collars allow the multitubular profile to be fixed to different types of posts or existing structures. This gives the invention universal adaptability, allowing its use on a wide variety of greenhouses, even those already installed, without requiring major structural modifications.

[0024] The invention is advantageously implemented according to the embodiments and variants set out below, which are to be considered individually or according to any technically operative combination.

[0025] In one embodiment, said multitubular profile further comprising: - a fourth lateral tubular profile opposite the second lateral tubular profile with respect to the first tubular profile and parallel to the third tubular profile, said fourth lateral tubular profile having a second film fixing groove cooperating with a profile forming a film fixing clip capable of deforming to fit into said second film fixing groove so as to fix a cover film thereon by pinching, said film being interposed between the second film fixing groove and said profile forming a clip, said profile forming a clip being made of extruded plastic material.

[0026] In one embodiment, said clip-forming profile being an open omega-type profile itself cooperating with the first film fixing groove or the second film fixing groove; said first film fixing groove or said second film fixing groove forming a locking means for the clip-forming profile which is forcibly fitted by a locking profile.

[0027] In one embodiment, between the third profile and the fourth tubular profile there is a support groove.

[0028] In one embodiment, each fixing tab comprises at least a first flat part in which there is at least one through hole and a fifth part parallel to the first part, said fifth part having lugs on each side, said fifth part has a section whose width is less than 0.5 to 3 mm than the width of the opening of the fixing groove of the profile, and a plurality of folds are found between the first part and the fifth part.

[0029] In one embodiment, each fixing bracket comprises at least a first flat portion in which there is at least one through hole, a second portion oblique to the plane of the first portion, a third portion configured to bear against one of the posts, the third portion being parallel to the first portion, a fourth portion perpendicular to the third portion, and a fifth portion parallel to the third portion or the first portion, said fifth part having lugs on each side, said fifth part includes a section whose width between the fourth part and the fifth part is less than 0.5 to 3 mm than the width of the opening of the profile fixing groove.

[0030] In one embodiment, a gutter is fixed to the support groove.

[0031] In one embodiment, one of the four sides of the first tubular profile is adapted to transport condensation water from the greenhouse between an edge of the second profile and an edge of the third profile or an edge of the second profile and an edge of the fourth profile.

[0032] In one embodiment, each length of the multitubular profile has a length of 2 to 6 m, and each of the multitubular profiles is assembled to each other by tubular elements with a square or rectangular cross-section that fit into the first profile. According to this aspect, alignment is ensured.

[0033] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for assembling a metal structure of an agricultural or horticultural greenhouse according to one of the preceding claims, comprising one of the following steps: - insert two fixing tabs into a fixing groove opening of the profile; - turn each fixing bracket that rests on one of the roof posts a quarter turn; - secure the mounting brackets by screwing a screw into a through hole in each mounting bracket.

[0034] The advantages, purposes and particular characteristics of this process being similar to those of the metal structure of an agricultural or horticultural greenhouse which is the subject of the present invention, they are not recalled here. Brief description of the figures

[0035] Other advantages, purposes and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, given for explanatory purposes only and not as a limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0036] Fig. 1 represents a perspective view of a metallic structure of an agricultural or horticultural greenhouse composed of a multitubular profile which is the subject of the present invention;

[0037] Fig. 2 represents a perspective view of a fixing bracket of the multitubular profile that is the subject of the present invention;

[0038] Fig. 3 represents a side view of the multitubular profile with a cover film;

[0039] Fig. 4 represents a gutter fixed to the multitubular profile;

[0040] Fig. 5 represents the assembly of several multitubular profiles;

[0041] Fig. 6 represents different post sections that fit the fixing bracket;

[0042] Fig. 7 represents, in the form of a flowchart, three steps of the assembly process of a metal greenhouse structure;

[0043] Fig. 8 represents the step of turning the fixing tab a quarter turn. Description of the implementation methods

[0044] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a metal structure of an agricultural or horticultural greenhouse composed of a multitubular profile.

[0045] The roof comprises posts 20 curved at the top supporting at least one roofing membrane. Between each post 20, spaced for example between 1 and 5 m, there is a multi-tubular profile 21.

[0046] The multitubular profile 21 comprises: a first closed-on-four-sided tubular profile 22, referred to as the central profile, having a square or rectangular cross-section; a second lateral tubular profile 23 having a groove for attaching the profile 24, which has an opening. A third lateral tubular profile 25 is positioned opposite the second lateral tubular profile 23 with respect to the first tubular profile 22. The third lateral tubular profile 25 has a first film attachment groove that cooperates with a profile forming a film clip 26, which is deformable and can be fitted into said first film attachment groove so as to secure a covering film by pinching. The film is interposed between the first film attachment groove and the profile forming the clip 26.

[0047] The profile forming a clip 26 is made of extruded plastic material.

[0048] A fourth lateral tubular profile 27 is opposed to the second lateral tubular profile 23 with respect to the first tubular profile 22 and parallel to the third tubular profile 25. The fourth lateral tubular profile 27 has a second film-fixing groove cooperating with a profile forming a film-fixing clip 26 adapted to deform and fit into said second film-fixing groove so as to secure a covering film by pinching. The film is interposed between the second film-fixing groove and said profile forming a clip 26.

[0049] The profile forming a clip 26 is an open profile of the omega type itself cooperating with the first fixing groove of the film 25 or the second fixing groove of the film 27. The first fixing groove of the film 25 or said second fixing groove of the film 27 form a locking means of the profile forming a clip 26 which is forcibly fitted by a locking profile.

[0050] Between the third profile 25 and the fourth tubular profile 27 there is a support groove.

[0051] Naturally, the invention is described above by way of example. It is understood that a person skilled in the art is able to carry out different embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0052] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a fixing bracket of the multitubular profile 21.

[0053] The multi-tubular profile 21 is fixed to said posts 20 by a screw connecting two fixing brackets. Each fixing bracket has at least one through hole for the passage of said screw and a fixing portion. The fixing bracket is configured to fit through the opening of the fixing groove of the profile 24.

[0054] The fixing bracket comprises at least a first flat portion 28 in which there is at least one through hole. A second portion 29 is oblique to the plane of the first portion 28. A third portion 30 is configured to bear against one of the posts 20. The third portion 30 is substantially parallel to the first portion 28. A fourth portion 31 is perpendicular to the third portion 30. A fifth portion 32 is parallel to the third portion 30 or to the first portion 28. The fifth portion 32 has lugs 33 on each side. The fifth portion 32 has a section whose width between the fourth portion 31 and the fifth portion 32 is 0.5 to 3 mm less than the width of the opening of the fixing groove of the profile 24.

[0055] According to another example, the first flat part 28, in which there are two through holes, is parallel to the fifth part 32. Between the first part 28 and the fifth part 32, there are a plurality of folds.

[0056] According to another example, the first flat part 28, in which there are two through holes, is perpendicular to the fifth part 32. Between the first part 28 and the fifth part 32, there are a plurality of folds.

[0057] Fig. 3 shows a side view of the multitubular profile with a cover film.

[0058] This figure incorporates some of the elements described above.

[0059] On one of the two mounting brackets, the first flat part 28 and the fifth part 32 are visible. The mounting bracket is inserted into the mounting groove 24. The mounting bracket rests against a post 20 and is secured by two screws passing through through holes. On the other side are nuts and another mounting bracket.

[0060] One of the four sides of the first tubular profile 22 is adapted to transport condensation water from the greenhouse between an edge of the second profile 23 and an edge of the fourth profile 27. According to an embodiment, one of the four sides of the first tubular profile 22 is adapted to transport condensation water from the greenhouse between an edge of the second profile 23 and an edge of the third profile 25.

[0061] Fig. 4 shows a gutter fixed to the multitubular profile.

[0062] This figure shows a gutter 34 fixed to the support groove by a screw. The gutter 34 allows for the efficient collection of rainwater falling on the greenhouse roof.

[0063] The gutter is designed to be inserted or positioned directly into the support groove integrated into the multitubular profile 21. This groove serves as a guide and anchor to hold the gutter in place.

[0064] A through screw is used to firmly fix the gutter to the groove.

[0065] Thanks to direct integration into the support groove, this system can adapt to different models of greenhouses or multi-tubular profiles.

[0066] The screws used are generally made of corrosion-resistant materials (such as stainless steel or treated alloys), ensuring the longevity of the system, even in humid environments.

[0067] Fig. 5 shows the assembly of several multitubular profiles.

[0068] Between each multitubular profile 21 there is a tubular element or a sleeve to increase the size and extend the length of each multitubular profile 21. The sleeve is fixed by screws. The tubular element has a square or rectangular cross-section.

[0069] Fig. 6 shows different post sections that fit the fixing bracket.

[0070] This figure shows a post 20 having a square, oval or round section.

[0071] Fig. 7 shows, in the form of a flowchart, three steps of the assembly process of a metal greenhouse structure.

[0072] The first step 101 is to insert fixing tabs into the fixing groove of the profile 24.

[0073] The second step 102 is to rotate each fixing tab a quarter turn.

[0074] The third step 103 is to lock the fixing lugs by screwing a screw into a through hole in each mounting bracket.

[0075] Fig. 8 shows the step of turning the fixing tab a quarter turn.

[0076] This figure shows the action of rotating the fixing tab a quarter turn to that it clicks into place and is fixed in the groove of the multi-tubular profile 21. This step is essential to ensure a secure and stable fixing of the various elements of the greenhouse.

[0077] The fixing bracket, designed with precise dimensions, is inserted into the opening of the fixing groove of the profile 24 and the multitubular profile 21.

[0078] At this stage, the fixing tab is positioned in an orientation that allows it to be easily inserted into the groove opening. Once inserted, the tab is rotated 90 degrees (a quarter turn).

[0079] This rotation has the effect of engaging the specific parts (lug) of the fixing tab in the inner walls of the groove, thus blocking its retraction movement.

[0080] The rotation mechanism simplifies installation by eliminating the need for more complex fastening systems, such as clamps.

[0081] It is emphasized that all features, as they are apparent to a person skilled in the art from the present description, drawings and attached features, even if in practice they have only been described in relation to other specific features, both individually and in any combinations, can be combined with other features or groups of features disclosed herein, provided that this has not been expressly excluded or that technical circumstances do not render such combinations impossible or meaningless. List of reference signs

[0082] [Tables 1] References Designations 20 post 21 multitubular profile 22 first profile 23 second profile 24 profile fixing groove 25 third profile 26 clip-forming profile 27 fourth profile 28 first part 29 second part 30 third part 31 fourth part 32 fifth part 33 lug 34 gutter

Claims

Demands

1. Metal structure of an agricultural or horticultural greenhouse, the roof of which comprises curved posts (20) supporting at least one covering film, characterized in that it comprises at least one multitubular profile (21) extending in the longitudinal direction of the greenhouse and being fixed to said posts (20), said multitubular profile (21) comprising: - a first closed tubular profile (22) on four sides called the central profile having a cross-section of square or rectangular shape, - a second lateral tubular profile (23) having a groove for fixing the profile (24) having an opening;- a third lateral tubular profile (25) opposite the second lateral tubular profile (23) relative to the first tubular profile (22), said third lateral tubular profile (25) having a first film fixing groove cooperating with a profile forming a film fixing clip (26) capable of deforming to fit into said first film fixing groove so as to fix a cover film thereon by pinching, said film being interposed between the first film fixing groove and said profile forming a clip (26), said profile forming a clip (26) being made of extruded plastic material; said multitubular profile (21) being fixed to said posts (20) by a screw connecting two fixing lugs, each fixing lug having at least one through hole for the passage of said screw and a fixing portion configured to enter through the opening of the fixing groove of the profile (24).

2. Structure according to claim 1, wherein said multitubular profile (21) further comprising: - a fourth lateral tubular profile (27) opposite the second lateral tubular profile (23) with respect to the first tubular profile (22) and parallel to the third tubular profile (25), said fourth lateral tubular profile (27) having a second film-fixing groove cooperating with a profile forming a film-fixing clip (26) capable of deforming to fit into said second film-fixing groove so as to fix a covering film thereon by pinching, said film being interposed between the second film-fixing groove and said profile forming a clip (26), said profile forming a clip (26) being made of extruded plastic material.

3. Structure according to claim 2, wherein said clip-forming profile (26) is an open omega-type profile itself cooperating with the first film fixing groove (25) or the second film fixing groove (27); said first film fixing groove (25) or said second film fixing groove (27) forming a locking means for the clip-forming profile (26) which is forcibly fitted by a locking profile.

4. Structure according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein between the third profile (25) and the fourth tubular profile (27) is a support groove.

5. Structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each fixing tab comprises at least a first flat part (28) in which there is at least one through hole and a fifth part (32) parallel to the first part (28), said fifth part (32) having lugs (33) on each side, said fifth part (32) comprising a section whose width is less than 0.5 to 3 mm than the width of the opening of the fixing groove of the profile (24), and a plurality of folds are found between the first part (28) and the fifth part (32).

6. Structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each fixing lug comprises at least a first flat part (28) in which there is at least one through hole, a second part (29) oblique to the plane of the first part (28), a third part (30) being configured to bear against one of the posts (20), the third part (30) being parallel to the first part (28), a fourth part (31) perpendicular to the third part (30), and a fifth part (32) parallel to the third part (30) or the first part (28), said fifth part (32) having lugs (33) on each side, said fifth part (32) comprising a section the width of which between the fourth part (31) and the fifth part (32) is less than 0.5 to 3 mm than the width of the opening of the fixing groove of the profile (24).

7. Structure according to claim 4, wherein a gutter (34) is fixed to the support groove.

8. Structure according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein one of the four sides of the first tubular profile (22) is adapted to carry

9.

10. of the condensation water from the greenhouse between an edge of the second profile (23) and an edge of the third profile (25) or an edge of the second profile (23) and an edge of the fourth profile (27). Structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each multitubular profile (21) has a length of 2 to 6 m, and each of the multitubular profiles (21) being assembled to each other by tubular elements with a square or rectangular cross-section fitting into the first profile (22). Method for assembling a metal structure for an agricultural or horticultural greenhouse according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising one of the following steps: - insert two fixing tabs into a fixing groove opening of the profile (24); - turn each fixing bracket that rests on one of the roof posts (20) a quarter turn; - secure the mounting brackets by screwing a screw into a through hole in each mounting bracket.