Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
201~360
The present invention relates to an openable roof
apparatus comprising a movable roof arrangement which is
constructed above a large space or equipment or establishment
such as a stadium, a concert hall, an event site or the like
and which can freely be moved between an open position where
the space is open and a closed position where the space is
closed.
The prior art and embodiments of the present invention
will be described by reference to the accompanying drawings,
in which:
Fig. 1 is a top plan view of an openable roof apparatus
according to a first embodiment of the invention, showing
first and second movable roof structùres moved to a closed
position; ~ ~
Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line
II - II in Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line
III - III in Fig. l;
Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing an entire
construction of an openable roof apparatus according to a
second embodiment of the invention, showing first and second
movable roof structures moved to a closed position;
Fig. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along
the line V - V in Fig. 4;
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Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary front elevational view
of a support arrangement for each of movable roof units of
the openable roof apparatus illustrated in Fig. 4;
Fig. 7 is a side elevational view of the support
arrangement illustrated in Fig. 6;
Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing an entire
construction of an openable roof apparatus according to a
third embodiment of the invention, showing first and second
movable roof structures moved to a closed position;
Fig. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view take~ along
the line IX - IX in Fig. 8;
Fig. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary front elevational
view of a support arrangement for each of movable roof units
of the openable roof apparatus illustrated in Fig. 8;
Fig. 11 is a top plan view of an end of the movable roof
unit illustrated in Fig. 8;
Fig. 12 is a side elevational view of the end of the
movable roof unit illustrated in Fig. 11;
Fig. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view
of the support arrangement for the movable roof unit of the
openable roof apparatus illustrated in Fig. 8;
Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing an entire
construction of an openable roof apparatus according to a
fourth embodiment of the invention;
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Fig. 15 is a side elevational view of the openable roof
apparatus illustrated in Fig. 14;
Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of
the conventional openable roof apparatus;
Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional side elevational view
showing another conventional openable roof apparatus;
Fig. 18 is a top plan view of the openable roof
apparatus illustrated in Fig. 17;
Fig. 19, with Fig. 7, is an enlarged fragmentary front
elevational view of a support arrangement of another
conventional openable roof apparatus; and
Fig. 20, with Fig. 13, is an enlarged fragmentary front
elevational view of a support arrangement of still another
conventional openable roof apparatus.
An openable roof apparatus can fulfill such various
demands that it is possible to obtain an open feeling of the
outdoors, fresh air, and so on, and it is possible also to
remove or eliminate an evil due to rainy weather. These
demands are contrary to each other. Many openable roof
apparatuses have already been provided or proposed.
For instance, an openable roof apparatus is known which
is of collapsible type comprising a roof structure. The roof
structure is composed of a plurality of plane plates which
are folded up and extended or expanded to move the roof
structure between an open position where a space or roof
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building subject such as a stadium, a concert hall, an event
site or the like is open and a closed position where the
space is closed.
Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 16 of the drawings
attached hereto, an openable roof apparatus comprises a roof
structure which is composed of a stationary roof section 1
and a movable roof section 2. The movable roof section 2 is
moved to a position above or within the stationary roof
section l to open a part of the space S.
Further, as shown in Figs. 17 and 18, an openable roof
apparatus is also known which comprises a movable roof
section. The movable roof section is composed of at least
two roof units 3 and 3 each of which is formed into a
sectorial shape. The roof units 3 are moved angularly about
a post 4 which is located at a center of the sectorial shape,
whereby the movable roof section can open and close the space
S. The roof units 3 jointly use the common center of angular
movement. Moreover, a first support leg 5 and a second
lc
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23 ~ .,3~
support leg 6 supporting each roof unit 3 are arranged
respectively ad;acent an arc of the sectorial shape forming
the roof unit 3 and ad;acent the center of the angular
movement. The first and second legs 5 and 6 are provided
respectively with slide mechanisms which are movable
respectively along arcuate tracks 7 and 8.
By the way, in such conventional openable roof
apparatuses, an early ob~ect can be achieved in that the roof
structure can be moved between the open and closed positions.
However, the conventional openable roof apparatuses have the
following problems.
That is, in the openable roof apparatus of
collapsible type, an accommodating section is newly required
for the collapsible roof structure. Further, not only an
operating mechanism becomes troublesome or cumbersome, but
also a form of the roof structure is limited to a flat or
plain configuration in the form of plates from the viewpoint
of its construction. The openable roof apparatus lacks in
its decorative design when the building is viewed as a
whole.
Further, in the openable roof apparatus shown in
Fig. 16, since an escaping space is required for the movable
roof section 2 to be withdrawn or removed, a precise or
valuable space is sacrificed. Further, since the roof
arrangement becomes its form in which the movable roof
section 2 is supported by the stationary roof section 1, it
is required that the stationary roof section 1 is
strengthened in its construction. Moreover, since the
movable roof section 2 becomes also its form in which the
movable roof section 2 is supported in a cantilever manner,
its construction is required to be strengthened. Thus, the
cost increases.
On the other hand, the openable roof apparatus
shown in Figs. 17 and 18 has such an advantage that it is
possible to easily and optionally move the roof units 3
between the open and closed positions with respect to the
space S. However, the follow~ng various problems to be
improved arise. That is, the stability of the roof structure
in the closed position, driving of the roof units 3, and so
on are deteriorated so that the openable roof apparatus is
not necessarily practical in use. Further, presence of the
post 4 at the center of angular movement of the roof units 3
serves as a large restrlction or limitation when the space S
is designed above which the movable roof structure is built.
Moreover, in the type in which each of the roof units 3 is
supported at its center of angular movement, there are such
problems that stress is concentrated w$th respect to the post
4 at the center of angular movement, stress is concentrated
with respect to a central section of the roof unit 3 ~ se,
and so on. Accordingly, it becomes difficult to design the
movable roof structure at low cost from the viewpoi~ts of its
construction, at reduction in weight, and so on.
Furthermore, in order to move the movable roof structure
between its open and closed positions by lOO~, it is required
that a sidewall section of the movable roof unit 3 is also
moved, simultaneously with the roof unit 3, between a closed
position where the sidewall section surrounds the space S and
an open position where the sidewall section is moved away
from the space S. Accordingly, the cost increases.
By the way, a point, to which attention must be
paid, resides in how the roof arrangement is supported which
has its weight of the order of several tens of tons to
several hundreds of tons, and how the roof arrangement is
moved smoothly as occasion demands.
Fig. 19 shows an example of a support arrangement
of the conventional openable roof apparatus. In Fig. 19, a
movable roof 31 has its ends which is supported by a truck 33
through a pin 32. The truck 33 rests on a rail 35 in a
transportable manner, which is laid on a horizontal surface
34a of a support structure 34, so that the truck 33 is
movable along the support structure 34. The truck 33 has its
~D - ~ -hand, light- hand and upper portions to which three
-guide rollers 36 are mounted respectively. Three guide rails
37 in contact respectively with the guide rollers 36 are laid
respectively on left-hand and right-hand vertical surfaces
34b and 34c and an upper horizontal surface 34d. Thus, the
2~
movable roof 31 can smoothly be moved against horizontal
force and tension force. In the conventional
openable roof apparatus shown in Fig. 19, however, only one
truck 33 is provided at the end of the movable roof 31, and
the roof apparatus comprises fundamentally a single support
structure. Thus, the movable roof 31 increases in its
construction. Accordingly, in case where a load applied to
the truck 33 is excessive, or in case where the movable roof
31 ~_ se has its complicated structure so that loads in
various directions are applied to the truak 33, there is such
a fear that reliability with respect to support and movement
of the movable roof 31 cannot sufficiently be ensured.
Furthermore, Fig. 20 shows another example of a
support arrangement of the conventional openable roof
apparatus which comprises a movable roof 41. The movable
roof 41 has its end which is supported by a truck 43 through
a pin 42. The truck 43 has a pair of wheels 44 and 44 which
rest, in a transportable manner, respectively on a pair of
rails 46 and 46 laid on an obligue or inclined surface 45a of
a support structure 45. Thus, the movable roof 41 is movable
along the support structure 45. A groove 47 is formed in the
support structure 45 at a location between the pair of rails
46 and 46. A guide roller 48 is arranged on the truck 43 and
pro~ects into the groove 47. A pair of guide rails 49 and 49
are laid within the groove 47 so as to clamp the guide roller
48. Thus, the movable roof 41 can smoothly be moved against
horizontal force and tension force.
In the openable roof apparatus shown in Fig. 20,
however, the movable roof 41 is supported by the truck 43
through the pin 42. Accordingly, in case where the movable
roof 41 increases in its co,nstruction so that a load applied
to the pin 42 is excessive, the pin 42 must be strengthened
in its construction. This leads to an increase in weight of
the movable arrangement as a whole so that the movable
arrangement becomes complicated. Further, in case where the
movable roof 41 per se has its complicated structure so that
loads in various directions are applied to the pin 42, there
is such a fear that reliability with respect to support and
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movement of the movable roof 41 cannot sufficiently be
ensured.
on the other hand, although not limited to the openable
roof apparatus, a mechanism for moving a construction, which
is large in weight, is generally complicated in its
structure, so that it is difficult to apply the mechanism to
the openable roof apparatus in view of economical efficiency
and reliability.
The invention provides an openable roof apparatus for a
space, in which it is possible to take large an area of the
open space, the sense of vision of the openable roof
apparatus is superior, and an accommodating area for a
movable roof arrangement can be reduced.
The invention also provides an openable roof apparatus
for a space, in which an affection or influence of the shade
can be reduced to the utmost, whereby it is possible to
reduce a shady area or region within the space.
The invention further provides an openable roof
apparatus for a space, which is applicable to the space large
in size, which is simple in structure or construction, and in
which it is possible to realize smooth opening and closing
operation.
For the purpose, according to the invention, there is
provided an openable roof apparatus for a space having a
central axis, comprising:
a pair of stationary parallel support structures
arranged respectively on both sides of the space and
extending in parallel relation to each other;
a first and a second movable roof structures having
their respective both ends which are supported respectively
by the pair of stationary support structures for movement
therealong; and
a pair of guide means arranged respectively on the pair
of stationary support structures and extending
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2 ~ i3
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perpendicularly to a plane including the central axis of the
space, the first and second movable roof structures being
movable toward and away from each other along the pair of
guide means,
wherein the first movable roof structure includes a
plurality of movable roof units having their respective axes
which extend perpendicularly to the pair of guide means,
wherein the first and second movable roof
structures are movable between a closed position where the
movable roof units of the first movable roof structure
cooperate with the second movable roof structure to close the
space, and an open position where the movable roof units of
the first movable roof structure are moved away from the
second movable roof structure to open the space, and
wherein, in the open position, the movable roof
units of the first movable roof structure are overlapped with
each other,
With the above arrangement of the invention, in the
case where there is such a fear that an influence of the
shade is exerted upon the space for the reason that the sun
is located at the lower position, the second movable roof
structure is moved from the closed position on the space to
the open position, whereby it is possible to restrain the
influence of the shade to the utmost. Thus, it is possible
to restrain the influence of the shade region within the
space to the utmost.
Preferably, the second movable roof structure
includes a plurality of movable roof units which, in the open
position, are overlapped with each other. The pair of
stationary support structures extend in one direction in
parallel relation to each other. The pair of stationary
support structures are formed respectively with surface means
extending in the one direction. The openable roof apparatus
further includes a pair of truck means supported respectively
by the surface means of the respective stationary support
structures and movable respectively along the surface means.
The both ends of the respective first and second movable roof
structures are supported respectively by the pair of truck
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means. A pair of load-equalizing means are arranged
respectively between the pair of truck means and the both
ends of the respective first and second movable roof
structure for equalizing loads applied respectively to the
pair of truck means. With the above arrangement of the
invention, the both ends of each of the movable roof units
are supported respectively by the pair of truck means.
Further, even in the case where loads from the movable roof
units are complicated, the loads can equally be dispersed to
the truck means by the load equalizing means. Thus, even in
the case where the movable roof units are large in size and
complicated, the movable roof units can be moved smoothly and
reliably.
Preferably, the second movable roof structure includes a
plurality of movable roof units which, in the open position,
are overlapped with each other. The pair of stationary
support structures have their respective upper surfaces.
Each of the pair of guide means has a plurality of groove
means formed in a corresponding one of the upper surfaces of
the respective support structures. The openable roof
apparatus further includes a plurality of truck means each of
which is associated with a corresponding one of the both ends
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of a corresponding one of the movable roof units of the first
and second roof structures. The plurality of truck means are
received respectively in the plurality of groove means for
movement therealong between the open and closed positions.
With the above arrangement of the invention, a support
arrangement for the movable roof units can be made simple and
can be reduced in weight. Even if the loads from the movable
roof units are complicated, the loads can smoothly be
transmitted to the truck means. Thus, even if the movable
roof units are large in size and complicated, the movable
roof units can be moved smoothly and reliably.
Referring first to Fig. 1, there is shown, in plan, an
openable roof apparatus, generally designated by the
reference numeral 100, according to a first embodiment of the
invention. The openable roof apparatus 100 is applied to a
large space 112 (refer to Figs. 2 and 3) such as, for
example, a stadium, which is substantially elliptic in plan.
The space 112 is formed into an ellipse in plan as a whole.
The space 112 is one in which a plurality of audience seats
are provided around a sports stadium.
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A pair of stationary parallel support structures 111 and
111 are arranged respectively on both sides of the space 112
and extending in parallel relation to each other. A first
and a second movable roof structures 150 and 115 have their
respective both ends which are supported respectively by the
- pair of stationary support structures 111 and 111 for
movement therealong.
A pair of guide arrangements 151 and 151 are arranged
respectively on the pair of stationary support structures 111
and 111 and extend perpendicularly to a plane including the
central axis of the space 112. The pair of guide
arrangements 151 and 151 extend horizontally. The first and
second movable roof structures 150 and 115 are movable toward
and away from each other along the pair of guide arrangements
151 and 151.
2~
The first movable roof structure 150 includes at
least two, three in the illustrated embodiment, first, second
and third movable roof units 116, 117 and 118 which have
their respective axes which extend perpendicularly to the
pair of guide arrangements 151 and 151. Each of the first,
second and third movable roof units 116, 117 and 118 of the
first movable roof structure 150 has an arcuate cross-
sectional shape that is a divlsion of a spherical surface as
shown in Fig. 2. The first and second movable
roof structures 150 and 115 are movable between a closed
position where the movable roof units 116, 117 and 118 of the
first movable roof structure 150 cooperate with the second
movable roof structure 115 to close the space 112, and an
open position where the movable roof units 116, 117 and 118
of the first movable roof structure 150 are moved away from
the second movable roof structure 115 to open the space 112.
In the open position, the movable roof units 116, 117 and 118
of the first movable roof structure 150 are overlapped with
each other as shown in Fig. 2.
The movable roof units 116, 117 and 118 of the
first movable roof structure 150 are formed into an outer
configuration at the closed position, which covers an upper
portion of the space 112 as a whole.
A stationary roof structure 114 is arranged on one
of both sides of the space 112 at a location on the opposite
side of the space 112 from the second movable roof structure
115. The stationary roof structure 114 extends between the
pair of stationary support structures 111 and 111
perpendicularly thereto. In the closed position, the
stationary roof structure 114 cooperates with the second
movable roof structure 115 and the movable roof units 116,
117 and 118 of the first movable roof structure 150 to close
the space 112. In the open position, the movable roof units
116, 117 and 118 of the first movable roof structure 150 are
overlapped with each other at a location above the stationary
roof structure 114 as shown in Fig. 3.
The stationary roof structure 114 and the second
movable roof structure 115 cover respectively the left-hand
2 ~
and right-hand end portions of the space 112. In the closed
position, the movable roof units 116, 117 and 118 of the
first movable roof structure 150 cooperate with each other to
cover a central portion of the space 112.
More specifically, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the
first movable roof structure 150 is composed of the first,
second and third movable roof units 116, 117 and 118. In the
open position, the first movable roof unit 116 is overlapped
with the stationary roof structure 114 which ls located at
one end of the space 112, that i8, at the left-hand end
thereof in Fig. 1. Referring back to Figs. 2 and 3, in the
closed position, the first movable roof unit 116 is located
ad~acent the second movable roof structure 115 which is
located at the other end of the space 112, that is, at the
right-hand end thereof in Flg. 1. In the closed position,
the second movable roof unit 117 is located ad;acent the
first movable roof unit 116. In the open position, the
second movable roof unit 117 is overlapped with the first
movable roof unit 116. In the closed position, the third
movable roof unit 118 is located ad~acent the second movable
roof section 117. In the open position, the third movable
roof unit 118 is overlapped with the second movable roof unit
117.
Further, as clearly illustrated in Fig. 1, in the
closed position, the first movable roof unit 116 has its side
located ad~acent a side of the second movable roof structure
115. The side of the first movable roof unit 116 projects
arcuately ~n plan toward the side of the second movable roof
structure 115, and the side of the second movable roof
structure 115 is concave arcuately in plan correspondingly to
the projecting side of the first movable roof unit 116.
In connection with the above, the manner of
overlapping of the first through third movable roof units
116, 117 and 118 is optional. Any one of the first through
third movable roof units 116, 117 and 118 may be located at
the uppermost position or at the lowermost position.
The movable roof units 116 through 118 have their
respective both ends which are supported respectively by the
2~ q3
pair of stationary support structure 111 and 111 under such a
condition that the movable roof units 116 through 118 are
movable in the extending direction of the pair of stationary
support structures 111 and 111. That ls, each of the pair of
guide arrangements 151 and 151 lncludes a plurality of guide
rails 119, 120 and 121 corresponding in number to the
plurality of movable roof units 116, 117 and 118 of the first
movable roof structure 150. Each of the movable roof units
116, 117 and 118 has both ends which are supported by a
corresponding one of the guide rails 119, 120 and 121 on one
of the pair of stationary support structures 111 and a
corresponding one of the guide rails 119, 120 and 121 on the
other stationary support structure 111.
A plurality of wheels (not shown) are mounted to
the both ends of the respective movable roof units 116
through 118, and are laid on the gulde rails 119 through
121. The wheels travel along the guide rails 119 through
121, whereby the movable roof units 116 through 118 are
movable along the extending direction of the pair of support
structures 111 and 111.
The pair of stationary support structures 111 and
111 have their respective extensions 153 and 153 which are
located respectively at the both ends of the second movable
roof structure 115. The extensions 153 and 153 have their
respective upper surfaces 122 and 122 which are inclined
downwardly away from the space 112. The second movable roof
structure 115 has its both ends which are supported
respectively on the inclined upper surfaces 122 and 122 of
the respective extensions 153 and 153 for movement therealong
between the closed and open positions. The extensions 153
and 153 of the respective stationary support structures 111
and 111 extend to their respective positions which are spaced
sufficiently away from the space 112. In this connection,
the extensions 153 and 153 of the respective stationary
support structures 111 and 111 extend to such a location that
movement of the second movable roof structure 115 toward and
away from the first movable roof unit 116 of the first
movable roof structure 150 does not cause the shade to occur
2 ~
within the space 112.
The second movable roof structure 115 is so
constructed as to be movable along the inclined upper
surfaces 122 and 122, whereby the second movable roof
structure 115 is movable toward and away from the upper
portion of the space 112. That is, the pair of guide
arrangements 151 and 151 lncludes a pair of rack-type rails
123 and 123 arranged respectively on the inclined upper
surfaces 122 and 122 of the extensions 153 and 153 of the
respective stationary support structures 111 and 111. The
second movable roof section 115 has its both ends which are
supported respectively by the pair of rack-type rails 123 and
123. The second movable roof structure 115 has its both
lower ends which are provided respectively with driving
mechanisms (not shown). The driving mechanisms are engaged
respectively with the rack-type rails 123 and 123. By
operation of the driving mechanisms, the second movable roof
structure 115 is movable along the inclined upper surfaces
122 and 122 of the respective stationary support structures
111 and 111.
The operation of the openable roof apparatus 100
according to the first embodiment, constructed as above will
be described below.
In the case where the second movable roof structure
115 and the movable roof units 116 through 118 of the first
movable roof structure 150 are located above the space 112 as
shown in Fig. 1, the second movable roof structure 115 and
the movable roof units 116 through 118 cooperate with the
stationary roof structure 114 to cover the upper portion of
the space 112, to form a large roof arrangement on the space
112. By doing so, the space 112 can take shelter from the
rain and wind. Thus, even if it is bad in weather, people
can sufficiently enjoy a match or contest and a watch.
On the other hand, in order to move the first and
second movable structures 150 and 115 to the open position,
driving mechanisms (not shown), which are located
respectively at the both ends of the movable roof units 116
through 118 are operated to move the movable roof units 116
13
~ai ~7~)'J~
through 118 toward the stationary roof unit 114 which is
located at the one end of the space 112. As a result, the
movable roof units 116 through 118 are moved to the open
position where the movable roof units 116 through 118 are
overlapped with the stationary roof structure 114. By doing
so, a space between the stationary and movable roof
structures 114 and 115 are open largely so that the roof
arrangement is removed from the upper portion of the space
112. Thus, the people can en~oy sunshlne, a gentle breeze
and so on from the open space 112.
Further, in the case where an influence of the
shade due to the second movable roof structure 115 which is
located at the other end of the space 112 is exerted on the
space 112 for the reason that the sun is located at a lower
position or the like, or in the case where there is a fear of
the shade, the driving mechanisms (not shown) located at the
both lower ends of the second movable roof structure 115 are
operated to downwardly move the second movable roof structure
115 along the inclined surfaces 122 and 122 of the respective
stationary support structures 111 and 111. As a result, the
second movable roof structure 115 is moved away from the
upper portion of the space 112. Thus, the portion of the
stadium 112 except for the movable roof units 116 through 118
which are moved to their open position and which are
overlapped with each other, and except for the second movable
roof structure 115 which is moved to its open position, is
open entirely. Accordingly, the shade area or region within
the space 112 due to the roof arrangement can be reduced to
the utmost so that it is possible to restrain, to the
R utmost, an influence of the ~ ~Z~with respect to the people
-which has a match or which,watches a game.
Moreover, the upper portion of the space 112 can be
made large whereby it is possible to restrain, to the utmost,
turbulent flow formed due to bending of the surrounding wind
by the roof arrangement or the like. Likewise, it is also
possible to restrain, to the utmost, an influence due to the
wind.
Furthermore, in order to move the roof arrangement
14
from the above-mentioned open position to the closed position
shown in Fig. 1, the movable roof units 116 through 118 and
the second movable roof unit 115 should be moved in a
direction which is opposite to the above-mentioned direction.
As described above, according to the openable roof
apparatus 100 constructed as described above, the movable
roof units 116 through 118 and the second movable roof
structure 115 are moved in the extending direction of the
pair of stationary support structures 111 and 111, whereby it
is made possible to move the movable roof units 116 through
118 and the second movable roof structure 115 between the
open and closed positions. Thus, opening and closure of the
upper portion of the space 112 can freely and simply be done
so that it is possible to cope with weather at person's beck
and call.
Further, the second movable roof structure 115 is
so constructed as to be movable with respect to the space
112. Accordingly, in the case where there is such a fear
that an influence of the shade is exerted upon the space 112
for the reason that the sun is located at the lower
position, the second movable roof structure 115 is moved from
the closed position on the space 112 to the open position
indicated by the bro~en lines in Fig. 3, whereby it is
possible to restrain the influence of the shade to the
utmost.
In connection with the above, various variations or
modifications can be made to the openable roof apparatus 100.
For example, the configuration of each of the movable roof
units 116 through 118 and the second movable roof structure
115 are optional. Moreover, although the second movable roof
structure 115 located at the other end of the space 112 is so
constructed as to be moved between the open and closed
positions as a whole, if an inlet or entrance is formed in
the second movable roof structure 115, only an upper end
portion thereof may be moved between the open and closed
positions.
Referring next to Fig. 4, there is shown, in a
perspective view, an openable roof apparatus, generally
designated by the reference numeral 200, according to a
second embodiment of the invention, which is applied to a
space 212 (refer to Fig. 5) such as a stadium. The openable
roof apparatus 200 comprises a movable roof arrangement which
covers an upper portion of the space 212, similarly to the
first embodiment described with reference to Figs. 1 through
3.
The space 212 i8, for example, one in which a
plurallty of audience seats are provided around a sports
stadium. In this second embodiment, the space 212 is formed
into an ellipse, like the first embodiment shown in Figs. 1
through 3.
A pair of stationary parallel support structures
211 and 211 are arranged respectively on both sides of the
space 212 and extend in parallel relation to each other. The
movable roof arrangement comprises a first and a second
movable roof structures 251 and 252. The first and second
movable roof structures 251 and 252 have their respective
both ends which are supported respectively by the pair of
stationary support structures 211 and 211 for movement
therealong. A pair of guide arrangements 253 and 253 are
arranged respectively on the pair of stationary support
structures 211 and 211 and extend perpendicularly to a plane
including the central axis of the space 212. The first and
second movable roof structures 251 and 252 are movable toward
and away from each other along the pair of guide arrangements
253 and 253.
The first movable roof structure 251 includes a
plurality of movable roof units 261 and 262 having their
respective axes which extend perpendicularly to the pair of
guide arrangements 253 and 253. The second movable roof
structure 252 also includes a plurality of movable roof units
263 and 264 which have their respective axes which extend
perpendicularly to the pair of guide arrangements 253 and
253. The movable roof units 261 through 264 of the first and
second movable roof structures 251 and 252 have their
respective both ends which are supported respectively by the
pair of stationary support structures 211 and 211 such that
16
$
the movable roof units 261 through 264 are movable in the
extending direction of the pair of stationary support
structures 211 and 211.
The first and second movable roof structures 251
and 252 are movable between a closed position where the
movable roof units 261 through 264 of the first and second
movable roof structures 251 and 252 cooperate with each other
to close the space 212, and an open position where the
movable roof units 261 throu~h 264 of the first and second
movable roof structures 251 and 252 are moved away from each
other to open the space 212.
In the open position, as shown in Fig. 5, the
movable roof units 261 and 262 of the first movable roof
structure 251 are overlapped with each other. Likewise, the
movable roof units 263 and 264 of the second movable roof
structure 252 are overlapped with each other. In the closed
position, the movable roof units 261 through 264 of the first
and second movable roof structures 251 and 252 are formed
generally into an ellipse. Each of the first and second
movable roof units 261 through 264 of the respective first
and second movable roof structures 251 and 252 has an arcuate
cross-sectional shape that is a division of a spherical
surface.
A pair of stationary roof structures 213 and 213
are arranged respectively on both sides of the space 212 and
extend between the pair of stationary support structures 211
and 211 perpendicularly thereto. In the closed position, the
pair of stationary roof structures 213 and 213 cooperate with
the movable roof units 261 through 264 of the respective
first and second movable roof structures 251 and 252 to close
the space 212. In the ope~ position, the movable roof units
261 and 262 of the first movable roof structure 251 are
overlapped with each other at a location above one of the
pair of stationary roof structures 213 and 213. The movable
roof units 263 and 264 of the second movable roof structure
252 are overlapped with each o*her at a location above the
other stationary roof structure 213.
n connection with the above, it is preferable that
17
~3 ~ ~ J~
each of the movable roof units 261 through 264 of the first
and second movable roof structures 251 and 252 and the pair
of stationary roof structures 213 and 213 is of a light-
weight construction such as a steel truss structure, for
example. Further, it is preferable that prestress is
introduced into each of the truss structures to restrain
deflection of various members or elements at construction or
building.
A support constructlon for the movable roof units
261 through 264 will be described with reference to Fig. 5.
The pair of stationary support structures 211 and 211 have
their respective upper surfaces 268 and 268 which are formed
respectively into a plurality of steps having a plurality of
first surface sections 214 and a plurality of second vertical
surface sections 215 extending perpendicularly respectively
to the first surface sections 214. In the illustrated second
embodiment, the first surface sections 215 extend
horizontally. The second vertical surface sections 215 on
the respective stationary support structures 211 and 211 are
opposed to each other so that the stepped upper surfaces 268
of the respective stationary support structures 211 and 211
diverge toward the first and second movable roof structures
251 and 252. As shown in Fig. 6, each of the pair of guide
arrangements 253 and 253 has a plurality of pairs of rails
216. Each two pairs of rails 216 extending in the extending
direction of the pair of stationary support structures 211
and 211 are arranged respectively on the first and second
surface sections 214 and 215 of the step of the stationary
support structure 211.
The movable roof units 261 through 264 of the first
and second movable roof st~uctures 251 and 252 have their
respective
both ends which are the same in structure or construction as
each other. Thus, only one of the both ends of the movable
roof unit 261 will be described below on behalf of the other
movable roof units 262 through 264. The movable roof unit
261 of the first movable roof structure 251 is supported on
the two pair~ of rails 216 arranged respectively on the first
2 ~ .J il3 ~
and second surface sections 214 and 215 of the step of the
stationary support structure 211.
The end of the movable roof unit 261 has a
plurality of pairs of trucks or bogie cars 220. The pair of
trucks 220 are supported respectively on the two pairs of
rails 216 arranged on the first and second surface sections
214 and 215 of the step of the statlonary support structure
211.
Each of the trucks 220 has a base 221 mounted to
the end of the movable roof unlt 261 and a plurality of
wheels 222 supported on the pair of ralls 216 and 216. The
base 221 has its outer conflguratlon which is like a box. In
the illustrated second embodiment, the four pairs of wheels
are associated with each of the trucks 220, that is, the
total eight wheels 222 are associated wlth the truck 220.
Four support boxes 223 and 223 are provided for supporting
respectively the four pairs of wheels 222 and 222 in a
rotatable manner. An equalizer-beam arrangement 270 is
arranged between the base 221 and the wheels 222. The
e~ualizer-beam arrangement 270 includes a pair of equalizer-
beam mechanisms 224 which are interposed between the base 221
and the support boxes 223. The equalizer-beam mechanisms 224
are arranged at the four corners of the base 221. Each of the
equalizer-beam mechanisms 224 has a support member 224a
pro~ecting downwardly to a location below the base 221 and a
pair of pins 224b and 224c which are mounted to a lower end
of the support member 224a. The pins 224b and 224c have
their respective pivotal axes which extend perpendicularly to
each other, that is, in the rotational direction of the
wheels 222 and 222 and in the extending direction of the
rails 216. The equalizer-beam mechanism 224 disperses
equally a load acting upon the base 221 of the truck 220 by
pivotal movement of the pins 224b and 224c.
An axle 225, which is common to the pair of wheels
222 and 222 provided on the right-hand and left- hand sides.
The axle 225 has its one end to which engagement between the
one end of the axle 225 and a driving mechanism 226 transmits
a driving force. The driving mechanism 226 can suitably be
19
2 V .... ~ J i.
controlled in driving and stop by the well-known remote
control.
The axle 225 for the truck 220, which is located in
parallel relation to the horizontal surface 214 of the
stationary support structure 211, is provided with an
engaging member 227 whose end has an inverted T- shaped
configuration. A guide rail 228 is provided in the
horizontal surface 214 and extends in the extending direction
of the stationary support structure 211. The inverted T-
shaped engaging member 227 i8 engaged with the guide rail
228. Thus, even if an upward tension force transmitted from
the movable roof arrangement acts upon the truck 220, the
truck 220 arranged above the horizontal surface 214`is
prevented from floating.
The trucks 220 arranged on the horizontal surface
214
and the vertical surface 215 are connected to both ends of a
connecting member 217 having its inverted L-shaped
configuration, through a pair of pins 229 and 229 which have
their respective pivotal axes extending substantially in
parallel relation to the rotational axes of the respective
wheels 222 and 222. That is, the connecting member 217 is
provided which is associated with the end of the movable roof
unit 261. The end of the movable roof unit 261 is connected
to the connecting member 217 through a first pin 218. The
pair of trucks 220 supported respectively on the pairs of
rails 216 arranged on the first and second surface sections
214 and 215 of the step of the stationary support structure
211 are connected to the connecting member 217 respectively
through the pair of second pins 229.
A major component 219 located at the end of the
movable roof unit 261 is connected to the central section of
the connecting member 217 through the pin 218 which extends
in the extending direction of the stationary support
structure 211. Thus, the trucks 220 and 220 arranged on the
horizontal and vertical surfaces 214 and 215 are moved in
unison through the connecting member 217. By angular
movement of the pins 218 and 229, a load acting upon the
2 ~
trucks 220 and 220 from the movable roof uni~ is dispersed
equally. That is, the connecting member 217 and the pins 218
and 229 cooperate with each other to constitute a load
dispersing or equalizlng mechanism 230 for dispersing
equally the load to the trucks 220 and 220.
The operation of the openable roof apparatus 200
according to the second embodlment, constructed as above will
be described below.
When the first and second movable roof structures
251 and 252 are moved to the closed position where the
movable roof units 261 through 264 are located on the upper
portion of the space 212, the movable roof units 261 through
264 cooperate with the pair of stationary roof strubtures 213
and 213 to cover the upper portion of the space 212 in
unison. In this manner, a single large roof arrangement is
formed above the space 212. By doing so, the space 212 can
take shelter from the rain and wind. Thus, even if it is bad
in weather, people can sufficiently en~oy a match or contest
and a watch.
On the other hand, in order to move the movable
roof structures 251 and 252 to the open position, an operator
commands, by remote control, beginning to start operation of
the driving mechanisms 226 of the respective trucks 220 which
are located at the end of the movable roof unit 261. By
doing so, the trucks 220 move along the rails 216 toward the
stationary roof structure 213 so that the movable roof units
261 and 262 or 263 and 264 are moved with the movement of the
trucks 220. As a result, the movable roof units 261 and 262
or 263 and 264 are moved to a location where the movable roof
units 261 and 262 or 263 and 264 are overlapped with each
other and with the stationary roof structure 213. In this
manner, a portion of the space 212 between the pair of
stationary roof structures 213 and 213 is open largely so
that the movable roof units 261 through 264 are removed from
the portion of the space 212. Thus, the people can enjoy
sunshine, a gentle breeze and so on from the open space 212.
At this time, a resultant force of a horizontal
force component and a tension force component acts upon the
. . ~, .. ..... . . .
2 ~ 3 ~ ~
connecting member 217 from the end of the movable roof unit
261, 262, 263 or 264. By the horizontal force component, the
movable roof unit 261, 262, 263 or 264 tends to spread out
laterally due to its own weight or gravitational weight. By
the tension force component, the movable roof unit 261, 262,
263 or 264 tends to be pushed up. Since the movable roof
unit 261, 262, 263 or 264 and the connecting member 217 are
connected to each other through the pin 218, and since the
connecting member 217 and the trucks 220 and 220 are
connected to each other through the pins 229 and 229, howev-
er, a load applied to the trucks 220 and 220 is equalized by
angular movement of the pins 218 and 229. Further, the truck
220 located on the horizontal surface 214 is restricted in
its upward movement by engagement between the engaging member
227 and the guide rail 228. Accordingly, the truck 220 is
prevented from floating due to the tension force from the
movable roof unit 261, 262, 263 or 264.
Moreover, even in the case where the both ends of
each of the movable roof units 261 through 264 are not
equally moved due to slight deviation or divergence of moving
speed, imbalance of a frictional force between the truck 220
and the rails 216, and so on, the horizon of the truck 220 is
maintained due to rotational movement of the pin 229. Thus,
it is prevented that the truck 220 is separated from the
rails 216. Furthermore, even in the case where the load from
the connecting member 217 acts only upon one side of the
truck 220, the load on each of the wheels 221 is equalized
due to rotational movement of the pins 224b and 224c of the
equalizer-beam mechanisms 224.
Further, in order to move the movable roof units
261 through 264 from the o~en position to the position
illustrated in Fig. 4, that is, to the closed position, the
trucks 220 should be moved, by remote control, in a direction
which is opposite to that described previously.
As described above, according to the openable roof
apparatus 200 constructed as above, movement of the movable
roof units 261 through 264 in the extending direction of the
pair of stationary roof structures 211 and 211, whereby the
22
. . - - .:
2 ~
first and second movable roof structures 251 and 252 can be
moved to the open position. Thus, opening and closure of the
upper portion of the space 212 can freely and simply be done
so that it is possible to cope with weather at person's beck
and call.
Moreover, the both ends of each of the movable roof
units 261 through 264 are supported by the pair of trucks 220
and 220. Further, even in the case where the loads from each
of the movable roof units 261 through 264 are complicated,
the loads can equally be dispersed to the trucks 220 and 220.
Thus, even if the movable roof units 261 through 264 are
large in size and complicated, the movable roof units 261
through 264 can be moved smoothly and reliable.
Referring next to Fig. 8, there is shown, in a
perspective view, an openable roof apparatus, generally
designated by the reference numeral 300, according to a third
embodiment of the invention, which is applied to a space 312
(refer to Fig. 9) such as a stadium. The openable roof
apparatus 300 comprises a
movable roof arrangement which covers an upper portion of the
space 312. The space 312 is similar to that of the first
embodiment described previously with reference to Figs. 1
through 3.
A pair of stationary parallel support structures
311 and 311 are arranged respectively on both sides of the
space 312 and extend in parallel relation to each other. The
movable roof arrangement comprises a first and a second
movable roof structures 351 and 352. The first and second
movable roof structures 351 and 352 have their respective
both ends which are supported respectively by the pair of
stationary support structu~es 311 and 311 for movement
therealong. A pair of guide arrangements 353 and 353 are
arranged respectively on the pair of stationary support
structures 311 and 311 and extend perpendicularly to a plane
including the central axis of the space 312. The first and
second movable roof structures 351 and 35Z are movable toward
and away from each other along the pair of guide arrangement
353 and 353.
~ 3
The first movable roof structure 351 includes a
plurality of movable roof units 361 and 362 having their
respective axes which extend perpendicularly to the pair of
guide arrangements 353 and 353. The second movable roof
structure 352 also includes a plurality of movable roof units
363 and 364 which have their respective axes which extend
perpendicularly to the pair of guide arrangements 353 and
353. The movable roof units 361 through 364 of the first and
second movable roof structures 351 and 352 have their
respective both ends which are supported respectively by the
pair of stationary support structures 311 and 311 such that
the movable roof units 361 through 364 are movable in the
extending direction of the pair of stationary support
structures 311 and 311.
The first and second movable roof structures 351
and 352 are movable between a closed position where the
movable roof units 361 through 364 of the first and second
movable roof structures 351 and 352 cooperate with each other
to close the space 312, and an open position where the
movable roof units 361 through 364 of the first and second
movable roof structures 351 and 352 are moved away from each
other to open the space 312.
In the open position, as shown in Fig. 9, the
movable roof units 361 and 362 of the first movable roof
structure 351 are overlapped with each other. Likewise, the
movable roof units 363 and 364 of the second movable roof
structure 352 are overlapped with each other. In the closed
position, the movable roof units 361 through 364 of the first
and second movable roof structures 351 and 352 are formed
generally into an ellipse. Each of the first and second
movable roof units 361 thr~ugh 364 of the respective first
and second movable roof structures 351 and 352 has an arcuate
cross-sectional shape that ls a division of a spherical
surface.
A pair of stationary roof structures 313 and 313
are arranged respectively on both sides of the space 312 and
extend between the pair of stationary support structures 311
and 311 perpendicularly thereto. In the closed position, the
24
pair of stationary roof structures 313 and 313 cooperate with
the movable roof units 361 through 364 of the respective
first and second movable roof structures 351 and 352 to
close the space 312. In
the open position, the movable roof units 361 and 362 of the
first movable roof structure 351 are overlapped with each
other at a location above one of the pair of stationary roof
structures 313 and 313. The movable roof units 363 and 364
of the second movable roof structure 352 are overlapped with
each other at a location above the other stationary roof
structure 313.
As described above, the movable roof units 361
through 364 are the same in construction or structure as
those of the second embodiment described with reference to
Figs. 4 through 7.
A support construction for the movable roof units
361 through 364 will be described with reference to Figs. 10
through 13. The pair of stationary support structures 311
and 311 have their respective upper surfaces 368 and 368.
Each of the pair of guide arrangements 353 and 353 has a
plurality of grooves 314 formed in the upper surfaces 368 and
368 of the respective support structures 311 and 311. A
plurality of trucks or bogie cars 318 are provided each of
which is associated with a corresponding one of the both ends
of a corresponding one of the movable roof units 361 through
364. The plurality of trucks 318 are received respectively
in the plurality of grooves 314 for movement therealong
between the open and closed positions. Each of the grooves
314 has a bottom surface 315 extending perpendicularly to an
extension of the end of the movable roof unit 361, 362, 363
or 364, and a pair of side surfaces 316 and 316 extending
perpendicularly to the bottom surface 315 and along the
extension of the end of the movable roof unit 361, 362, 363
or 364. A plurality of pairs of rails 317 are arranged
respectively on the bottom surfaces 315 of the respective
grooves 314. Each of the plurality of trucks 318 is
supported within the of groove 314 for movement therealong
between the open and closed positions. The pair of rails 317
extend in parallel relation to each other.
Each of the trucks 314 has a base 319 connected to
the end of the movable roof unit 361, 362, 363 or 364. The
base 319 has its size or configuration which is substantially
like a box and which is capable of being received in the
groove 314. A plurality of wheels 320 are mounted to and
engaged with the rails 317 and are supported on the rails
317. An electrically- driven driving mechanism 321 gives its
driving force to the wheels 320. The driving mechanism 321
is suitably controllable in lts driving and stop by remote
control.
A plurality of second rails 323 are arranged
respectively on the side surfaces 316 of the respective
grooves 314. The second ra$1s 323 extend in the extending
direction of the pair of stationary support structures 311
and 311. Each of the trucks 318 has a plurality of pairs of
second wheels 322 mounted to the base 319 and supported
respectively on the second rails 323. With the above
arrangement, the trucks 318 can stably be moved in the groove
314, and there are no such fears that the horizontal force
and the tension force from the movable roof units 361, 362,
363 or 364 cause the trucks 318 to be turned over.
Each of the movable roof units 361 through 364 com-
prises a main member 327 which is located at the end of the
movable roof unit. As shown in Fig. 13, each of the both
ends of the movable roof unit 361, 362, 363 or 364 has its
lower end at
which a spherical body 324 is provided. A receiving section
325 for supporting the spherical body 324 in a rollable
manner is provided on the upper surface of the base 319 of
the truck 318. The spherical body 324 and the receiving
section 325 cooperate with each other to form a pivot
arrangement 326. By the pivot arrangement 326, the end of
the movable roof unit 361, 362, 363 or 364 is pivoted onto
the trucks 318. Thus, the movable roof units 361 through 364
are movable in the extending direction of the pair of
stationary support structures 311 and 311.
In connection with the above, as shown in Figs. 11
26
2 ~ ,3~
through 13, the trucks 318 are arranged in a close or
intimate fashion at the end of each of the movable roof units
361 through 364 in the moving direction thereof. The eight
(8) wheels 320 are mounted to the truck 318 located at the
end of the group of trucks in the moving direction. The four
(4) wheels 320 are arranged on each of the trucks 318 other
than the truck 318 located at the end of the group of trucks.
Thus, the reaction force from each of the movable roof units
361 through 364 are effectively received by the wheels 320.
The operation of the openable roof apparatus 300
according to the third embodlment, constructed as above will
be described below.
When the first and second movable roof structures
351 and 352 are moved to the closed position where the
movable roof units 361 through 364 are located on the upper
portion of the space 312, the movable roof units 361 through
364 cooperate with the pair of stationary roof structures 313
and 313 to cover the upper portlon of the space 312 in
unison. In this manner, a single large roof arrangement is
formed above the space 312. By doing so, the space 312 can
take shelter from the rain and wind. Thus, even if it is bad
in weather, people can sufficiently en~oy a match or contest
and a watch.
On the other hand, in order to move the movable
roof structures 351 and 352 to the open position, an operator
commands, by remote control, beginning to start operation of
the driving mechanisms 321 for the trucks 318 which are
located at each of the ends of the movable roof units 361
through 364. By doing so, the trucks 318 move along the
rails 317 and 323 toward each of the stationary roof
structures 313 and 313 so that the movable roof units 361
through 364 are moved with the movement of the trucks 318.
As a result, the two pairs of movable roof units 361 and 362
and 363 and 364 are moved away from each other to their
respective locations where the movable roof units 361 and 362
and 363 and 364 are overlapped respectively with each other
and with the stationary roof structures 313 and 313. Thus, a
portion of the space 312 between the stationary roof
structures 313 and 313 is open largely so that the movable
roof units 361 through 364 are removed from the portion of
the space 312. Thus, the people can enjoy sunshine, a gentle
breeze and so on from the open space 312.
At this time, a resultant force of a horizontal
force component and a tension force component acts upon the
trucks 318 from the both ends of the respective movable roof
units 361 through 364. By the horizontal force component,
the movable roof units 361 through 364 tend to spread out
laterally due to their
own weight or gravitational weight. By the tension force
component, the movable roof units 361 through 364 tend to be
pushed up. Since each of the movable roof units 361 through
364 and each of the trucks 318 are connected to each other
through the pivot arrangement 326, however, a load applied to
the truck 318 is equalized by rolling movement of the
spherical body 324 of the pivot arrangement 326. Further,
the truck 318 is restrained in its left-hand and right-hand
movement by engagement between the guide rails 323 and 323
laid on the groove 316 and the wheels 322 on the respective
side surfaces of the truck 318. Accordingly, the truck 318
is prevented from being turned over due to the horizontal
force and the tension force from the movable roof unit 361,
362, 363 or 364.
Moreover, even in the case where the both ends of
each of the movable roof units 361 through 364 are not
equally moved due to slight deviation or divergence of moving
speed, imbalance of a frictional force between the truck 318
and the rails 317, and so on, the horizon of the truck 318 is
maintained due to rolling movement of the spherical body 324.
Thus, it is prevented that the truck 318 is separated from
the rails 317.
Further, in order to move the movable roof units
361 through 364 from the open position to the position
illustrated in Fig. 8, that is, to the closed position, the
trucks 318 should be moved, by remote control, in a direction
which is opposite to that described previously.
As described above, according to the openable roof
28
2~ 93~
apparatus 300 constructed as above, movement of the movable
roof units 361 through 364 in the extending direction of the
pair of stationary support structures 311 and 311, whereby
the flrst and second movable roof structures 351 and 352 can
be moved to the open position. Thus, opening and closure of
the upper portion of the space 312 can freely and simply be
done so that it is possible to cope with weather at person's
beck and call.
Moreover, since the both ends of each of the
movable roof units 361 through 364 are supported by the pair
of trucks 318 and 318, the support construction or
arrangement can be made simple and can be reduced in weight.
Further, even in the case where the loads from the movable
roof units 361 through 364 are complicated, the loads can
smoothly be transmitted to the trucks 318 and 318. Thus,
even if the movable roof units 361 through 364 are large in
size and complicated, the movable roof units 361 through 364
can be moved smoothly and reliably.
Referring next to Fig. 14, there is shown, in a
perspective view, an openable roof apparatus, generally
designated by the reference numeral 400, according to a
fourth embodiment of the invention, which is applied to a
space such as a stadium. The openable roof apparatus 400
comprises a pair of first and second movable roof structures
451 and 452 which cooperate with each other to cover an upper
portion of the space. The space is similar to that of the
second embodiment described previously with reference to
Figs. 4 through 7.
A pair of stationary parallel support structures
411 and 411 are arranged respectively on both sides of the
space and extending in parallel relation to each other. The
first and second movable roof structures 451 and 452 have
their respective
both ends which are supported respectively by the pair of
stationary support structures 411 and 411 for movement
therealong. A pair of guide arrangements 453 and 453 are
arranged respectively on the pair of stationary support
structures 411 and 411 and extend perpendicularly and
29
2~ 3'~3~
obliquely to a plane including the central axis of the space.
The first and second movable roof structures 451 and 452 are
movable toward and away from each other along the pair of
guide arrangements 453 and 453.
The first movable roof structure 451 includes a
plurality of movable roof units 461 and 462 having their
respective axes which extend perpendicularly to the pair of
guide arrangements 453 and 453. The second movable roof
structure 452 also includes a plurality of movable roof units
463 and 464 which have their respective axes which extend
perpendicularly to the pair of guide arrangements 453 and
453. The movable roof units 461 through 464 of the first and
second movable roof structures 451 and 452 have their
respective both ends which are supported respectively by the
pair of stationary support structures 411 and 411 such that
the movable roof units 461 through 464 are movable in the
extending direction of the pair of stationary support
structures 411 and 411.
The first and second movable roof structures 451
and 452 are movable between a closed position where the
movable roof units 461 through 464 of the first and second
movable roof structures 451 and 452 cooperate with each other
to close the space, and an open position where the movable
roof units 461 through 464 of the first and second movable
roof structures 451 and 452 are moved away from each other to
open the space.
In the open position, the movable roof units 461
and 462 of the first movable roof structure 451 are
overlapped with each other. Likewise, the movable roof units
463 and 464 of the second movable roof structure 452 are
overlapped with each other. In the closed position, the
movable roof units 461 through 464 of the first and second
movable roof structures 451 and 452 are formed generally into
an ellipse. Each of the first and second movable roof units
461 through 464 of the respective first and second movable
roof structures 451 and 452 has an arcuate cross-sectional
shape that is a division of a spherical surface.
A pair of stationary roof structures 413 and 413
2 ~ 3 ~ ~
are arranged respectively on both sides of the space and
extend between the pair of stationary support structures 411
and 411 perpendicularly thereto. In the closed position, the
pair of stationary roof structures 413 and 413 cooperate with
the movable roof units 461 through 464 of the respective
first and second movable roof structures 451 and 452 to close
the space. In the open position, the movable roof units 461
and 462 of the flrst movable roof structure 451 are
overlapped with each other at a location above one of the
pair of stationary roof structures 413 and 413. The movable
roof units 463 and 464 of the second movable roof structure
452 are overlapped with each other at a location above the
other stationary roof structure 413.
The movable roof units 461 through 464 are the same
in construction or structure as those of the second and third
embodiments described with reference to Figs. 4 through 7 and
8 through 13. The guide arrangements 453 and 453 are
similar in
construction to the guide arrangements 253 and 253 of the
second embodiment illustrated in Figs. 4 through 7 and to the
guide arrangements 353 and 353 of the third embodiment
illustrated in Figs. 8 through 13. However, the guide
arrangements 453 and 453 have thelr respective upper surfaces
which are inclined with respect to a horizontal plane.
It will be seen that the fourth embodiment can
obtain functional advantages similar to those obtained in the
second and third embodiments described with reference to
Figs. 4 through 7 and 8 through 13.
