DOME DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THEREOF

Abstract

 Dome device comprising a substantially flat first glass plate, a glass dome element and closed connecting device between a peripheral part of the first element and a peripheral part of the glass dome element, such that a closed space is formed between the first element and the glass dome element; wherein a gas is included in the closed space.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates a dome device and to a method for manufacture thereof.

Background

[0002] Dome devices in which one or more flat and/or domed plastic elements are combined are known. Multi-walled plastic domes are thus for instance known in which a number of dome-like shells are arranged at a distance from each other. Dome devices in which a flat transparent plastic plate is combined with a dome-like shell are also known. Examples hereof are described in the following patent publications in the name of applicant: Belgian patent application no. 2016/5645, Belgian patent no. 1020769 and Belgian patent no. 1019311. The text of these patent publications is included here by way of reference.

[0003] In addition, it is known to give windows a double-walled form, wherein two glass plates are provided at a mutual distance in a frame, for instance a PVC frame, an aluminium frame or a wooden frame.

Summary of the invention

[0004] Embodiments of the invention have the object of providing a dome device suitable for mounting on/in roofs and having improved properties relative to the existing roof devices.

[0005] A first aspect of the invention relates to a dome device comprising a substantially flat light-transmitting first element, a glass dome element and a closed connecting device between a peripheral part of the first element and a peripheral part of the glass dome element. This closed connecting device is such that a closed space is formed between the first element and the glass dome element. A gas is included in this closed space.

[0006] By using a glass dome element in combination with a flat light-transmitting element a dome device is obtained which on the one hand has the advantages of a multi-walled plastic dome device and on the other hand has the advantages of roof windows in which one or more flat glass plates are applied. A dome device has the advantage compared to flat roof devices that rainwater does not remain on the roof device. In addition, a glass dome element has the advantage that it also retains its good light-permeability after prolonged exposure to rain, wind and sun. Such a dome device also provides a better resistance to a static load, such as a snow load. Making a dome of glass will indeed make the dome device better resistant to a downward pressure. An economically improved dome device is obtained with the combination of a substantially flat element and a convex dome element.

[0007] The first element preferably comprises a light-transmitting plate, still more preferably a glass plate.

[0008] According to a possible embodiment, the first element comprises a light-transmitting film. One or more of such light-transmitting films can be combined with one or more light-transmitting plates, preferably at a distance from each other. Successive insulating gas layers in which the airflow is limited can in this way be created. It is however also possible to use only a light-transmitting film or only a light-transmitting plate. In a possible embodiment the light-transmitting film can be tensioned in a frame, and this frame is connected sealingly to the peripheral part of the glass dome element. An example of a suitable light-transmitting film is an ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) film. Such films can have a light transmission greater than 90%.

[0009] According to an advantageous embodiment, the closed connecting device comprises at least one spacer provided between the peripheral part of the first element and the peripheral part of the glass dome element. In this way the glass dome element can be placed at a distance from the first element. The distance between the peripheral part of the glass dome element and the peripheral part of the first element is preferably greater than 1 mm, more preferably greater than 3 mm and still more preferably greater than 10 mm. The thickness of the first element preferably lies between 2 and 10 mm, still more preferably between 3 and 7 mm. The thickness of the glass dome element preferably lies between 2 and 10 mm, still more preferably between 3 and 7 mm. The spacer preferably extends along the whole periphery of the first element and of the glass dome element, such that the closed space is bounded by the spacer, the first element and the glass dome element. In an advantageous embodiment the spacer is manufactured from aluminium, for instance a perforated aluminium filled with a desiccant. Other possible materials are plastic, for instance PVC, or rubbers such as EPDM. A desiccant, such as a silica gel, can optionally be incorporated in the material of the spacer. If vapour were present between the glass dome element and the first element, it could be absorbed into the desiccant, such that condensation in the closed space is avoided.

[0010] In a possible embodiment the dome device further comprises a second substantially flat element which is mounted substantially parallel to the first element. The second element is preferably a plate, preferably a glass plate. When two glass plates are used, the first glass plate is preferably adhered to the second glass plate. To this end, a film can for instance be provided between the first and the second glass plate, for instance a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) film. According to an alternative, a light-transmitting plastic layer, for instance a polycarbonate layer, can be provided between the first and the second glass plate. Such an embodiment has the advantage that the impact resistance is improved, that this embodiment is lightweight (the plastic layer contributes to the strength of the whole and is lighter than glass), and enables a better fire classification. The use of a plastic layer ensures that if the glass shatters as a result of fire, the plastic layer nevertheless prevents an opening from being created. The dome device is preferably of the class Broof (t1). The distance between the second glass plate and the first glass plate is preferably smaller than 5 mm, and still more preferably smaller than 3 mm. The thickness of the second glass plate preferably lies between 2 and 10 mm, still more preferably between 3 and 7 mm.

[0011] In another possible embodiment the second element comprises a second substantially flat plastic plate, preferably a polycarbonate plate, which is mounted substantially parallel to the first element. This second plastic plate can be provided between the first element and the dome element or on the underside of the dome device.

[0012] In an advantageous embodiment the first and/or the second glass plate is manufactured from a toughened (tempered) glass or a layered and toughened (tempered) glass. Toughened or tempered glass is glass which has been heated to a temperature above 600°C and then cooled with an air treatment.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment the peripheral part of the glass dome element and of the first element has a rectangular outer periphery. Such dome devices can then be placed as one integrated module on a rectangular upstand.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment the glass dome element has a central domed part and a peripheral part which fits against the central domed part. The peripheral part can be embodied as a flat frame-like part or can comprise four substantially flat parts running obliquely upward from the outer periphery, just as in a pyramid, and then fitting against the central domed part.

[0015] In a possible embodiment the connecting device comprises a sealing strip, such as a butyl strip, provided between the peripheral part of the first element and the peripheral part of the glass dome element. Such a sealing strip can optionally be combined with a spacer. A sealing strip can here be provided above and/or below the spacer.

[0016] Further advantageous embodiments are described in the appended claims.

Brief figure description

[0017] The above stated and other advantageous features and objects of the invention will become more apparent, and the invention better understood, on the basis of the following detailed description when read in combination with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic cross-section of a first embodiment of a dome device according to the invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a schematic cross-section of a second embodiment of a dome device according to the invention;

Figure 3 illustrates a schematic cross-section of a third embodiment of a dome device according to the invention;

Figure 4 illustrates a schematic cross-section of a fourth embodiment of a dome device according to the invention;

Figure 5 illustrates schematically a cut-away perspective view of a dome device according to the invention; and

Figure 6 illustrates schematically a cross-section of an embodiment of a dome device according to the invention during manufacture thereof; and

Figures 7-9 illustrate schematic cross-sections of further embodiments of a dome device with a light-transmitting film according to the invention.

Detailed embodiments

[0018] Figure 1 illustrates schematically a first embodiment of a dome device according to the invention. The dome device comprises a first substantially flat glass plate 10 (the first flat light-transmitting element), a second substantially flat plate 20 and a glass dome element 30. A closed connecting device 40 is provided in order to connect a peripheral part of first glass plate 10 sealingly to a peripheral part of glass dome element 30, such that a closed space R is formed between first glass plate 10 and glass dome element 30. A gas, for instance argon, is included in the closed space R. The gas layer ensures a good insulation of the dome device. In addition, the use of a glass dome element has the advantage that rainwater does not remain on glass dome element 30, this in contrast to known prior art window devices which use only flat glass plates. By providing a connecting device 40 the roof device can be installed as one integrated whole, for instance on an upstand which is provided on a roof. Connecting device 40 can further be adapted to allow a simple mounting on the upstand, for instance by using a profile which can be fixed by clamping (snap fitting) in a profile on the upstand.

[0019] In the exemplary embodiment of figure 1 the closed connecting device 40 comprises a spacer 41 which is provided between a peripheral part 31 of glass dome element 30 and a peripheral part 11 of first glass plate 10, such that glass dome element 30 lies at a distance from first glass plate 10. Spacer 41 preferably extends along the whole periphery of first glass plate 10 and of glass dome element 30, such that the closed space R is bounded by spacer 41, first glass plate 10 and glass dome element 30. Sealing strips 42, 43 can optionally be provided between spacer 41 and, respectively, glass dome element 30 and first glass plate 10. A sealing strip 44 can optionally further be provided on an outer edge of spacer 41, between glass dome element 30 and first glass plate 10. The thus formed assembly of first glass plate 10, second plate 20, glass dome element 30 and spacer 41 can optionally be accommodated in a frame 45.

[0020] An adhesive layer 47 can be provided in order to fix the thus formed assembly 10, 20, 30, 41 in frame 45. In addition, a sealant 46 can be provided between a peripheral edge of the thus formed assembly and an inner wall of frame 45. Spacer 41 optionally comprises a desiccant, for instance a silica gel. If moisture were present in the closed space R, the desiccant could absorb this moisture and thus prevent condensation in the space R.

[0021] The second substantially flat plate 20 is mounted parallel to first glass plate 10, is preferably a glass plate and is preferably adhered to first glass plate 10. A film 50 can optionally be provided between the first and the second glass plate 10, 20, for instance a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) film. This is a transparent adhesive film which helps to absorb energy in the case of an impact on the roof device, wherein possible fragments stick to the PVB layer. According to a variant, a polycarbonate layer 50 can be laminated between first glass plate 10 and second glass plate 20. Such a layer can also realize a good adhesion between first glass plate 10 and second glass plate 20. At least the first glass plate 10 is preferably manufactured from a toughened glass, also referred to as tempered glass. Still more preferably, both the first and the second glass plate 10, 20 are manufactured from toughened glass.

[0022] According to yet another variant, the second plate 20 is a plastic plate, for instance a polycarbonate plate which is laminated against first glass plate 10. Second plate 20 can also be situated between first glass plate 10 and glass dome element 30. In this case second plate 20 can also function as spacer, and spacer 41 can optionally be omitted. In this case the closed space is bounded by second plate 20 and glass dome element 30.

[0023] Figure 2 illustrates a second embodiment of a roof device according to the invention. The roof device comprises a first glass plate 10, a second glass plate 20, a glass dome element 30 and a spacer 41 arranged between glass dome element 30 and first glass plate 10 in a manner similar to that described above for the embodiment of figure 1. The thus formed assembly 10, 20, 30, 41 is provided with a frame 45' which can for instance be arranged using a reaction injection moulding process (RIM). To this end, a curable composition can be injected under pressure into a closed mould which is formed around the periphery of assembly 10, 20, 30, 41. An example of a technique which can be used for forming the frame 45' is described in US 7,631,464.

[0024] Figure 3 illustrates a third embodiment of a roof device. In this embodiment the roof device comprises a first substantially flat glass plate 10, a second substantially flat glass plate 20 and a glass dome element 30. Glass dome element 30 is here arranged directly on first glass plate 10. A peripheral part 31 of glass dome element 30 here makes contact with a peripheral part 11 of first glass plate 10. The closed connecting device 40 is here formed by a frame-like peripheral part 45". The frame-like peripheral part 45" can for instance be formed by arranging a mould all the way round the assembly 10, 20, 30 in a manner which is somewhat similar to that described in the European patent EP 2 799 201 B1 in the name of Webasto SE. A first mould part is here arranged all the way round the assembly 10, 20, 30, wherein the first mould part extends to a position against an underside of second glass plate 20. A second mould part is further arranged all the way round assembly 10, 20, 30, wherein the second mould part is adjacent to an upper side of glass dome element 30. The first and/or the second mould part are provided with a flexible tongue such that an injection part can be arranged in a space bounded by the first and the second mould part. This injection part is movable along the periphery of assembly 10, 20, 30 for injecting of a curable polymer composition for the purpose of forming the frame-like peripheral part 45" which extends along the whole periphery of assembly 10, 20, 30. The frame-like peripheral part 45" extends as seen in vertical direction from the second glass plate 20 to the glass dome element 30, and thus forms a seal whereby a closed space R is created. The closed frame-like peripheral part 45" preferably extends as far as an upper side of glass dome element 30 and as far as an underside of second glass plate 20.

[0025] It is the case for both the second embodiment of figure 2 and for the third embodiment of figure 3 that the peripheral part 45', 45" can be formed with additional protruding ribs or flanges so as to enable a simple placing on an upstand.

[0026] Figure 4 illustrates a fourth embodiment of a roof device comprising a first glass plate 10 and a glass dome element 30. Arranged between glass dome element 30 and first glass plate 10 is a sealing strip 41, for instance a double-sided adhesive tape. A sealing frame 45" is further arranged around the assembly formed by first glass plate 10 and glass dome element 30. Frame 45" can for instance be provided in the manner described above with reference to figure 3. The thus formed assembly can further optionally be accommodated in an additional outer frame 45, for instance a frame manufactured from aluminium. Outer frame 45 can optionally be provided with ribs, tongues or flanges, such as the protruding ribs 45, in order to enable placing of the thus integrated assembly on or in an upstand profile in simple manner.

[0027] Figure 5 illustrates a possible method for manufacturing an embodiment of a dome device according to the invention. According to the method illustrated in figure 5, a first substantially flat glass plate 10 and a glass dome element 30 are provided. First glass plate 10 is preferably rectangular. The peripheral edge of glass dome element 30 preferably likewise describes a rectangle. The peripheral dimensions of glass plate 10 and of glass dome element 30 are preferably roughly equal. A frame-like spacer 41 is provided between a peripheral part 31 of glass dome element 30 and a peripheral part 11 of glass plate 10. Spacer 41 is preferably fixed between first glass plate 10 and glass dome element 30, for instance by glueing. According to an alternative, an insulating double-sided adhesive tape can be used in order to adhere spacer 41 to the peripheral part 11 on one side and the peripheral part 31 on the other.

[0028] Figure 6 illustrates another possible embodiment of a method for manufacturing a dome device. According to this embodiment, a first glass plate 10 and a glass dome element 30 are arranged between two mould parts 110, 120. The first glass plate 10 was here arranged at a distance from the glass dome element 30, for instance by providing spacer elements (not shown) in the corners of the assembly formed by first glass plate 10 and glass dome element 30, which spacer elements are then removed during arranging of the curable polymer composition. One of the mould parts 110, 120 is provided with a flexible tongue, here tongue 121. By bending tongue 121 to some extent (as drawn in figure 6) an injection part 130 can be arranged for the purpose of injecting, preferably in pressureless manner, a curable polymer composition, for instance a PUR material, into a cavity bounded by mould parts 110, 120. The polymer composition preferably has a viscosity such that it has hardened after it has been moved over a short distance between first glass plate 10 and glass dome element 30. Injection part 130 can be moved along the whole periphery of assembly 10, 30 for the purpose of injecting the curable composition all the way round assembly 10, 30. When a part of the introduced composition has cured, the spacer elements can be removed such that a closed sealing frame 45"' is formed around the whole periphery of assembly 10, 30. Before completing the whole sealing frame 45"' a gas can be injected between first glass plate 10 and glass dome element 30 for the purpose of obtaining a good insulating value.

[0029] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a method for manufacturing a dome device with one substantially flat glass plate 10. The skilled person will appreciate that the same method can be used for dome devices wherein two or more glass plates 10, 20 are arranged parallel to each other or wherein a clamping profile 60 with one or more light-transmitting films 61, 62 is used, as in the embodiments of figures 7-9.

[0030] It is possible both in the method of figure 5 and in that of figure 6 to integrate one or more components into the curable material which is injected into the mould. Possible components which can be integrated are for instance hinges, sensors, lighting elements, cables, brackets, ventilation elements and so on.

[0031] In the above illustrated embodiments the glass dome element 30 can have a peripheral part 31 consisting of substantially flat parts, for instance four substantially flat parts running obliquely upward from the outer periphery, just as the sides of a pyramid, and then fitting against a central domed part 32, see also figure 5. According to another variant, glass dome element 30 can be provided with a flat, substantially horizontal frame-like peripheral part 31 which fits against a central domed part 32, see for instance the embodiment of figure 1.

[0032] The glass dome element 30 can for instance be obtained by gradually heating a flat glass plate in a bending oven to a temperature just above its softening temperature, after which the glass takes on the desired curvature in a concave and/or convex form, for instance under the influence of the force of gravity. The glass is then cooled in a controlled manner, whereby a substantially tension-free glass dome element can be obtained. This technique can be applied to different types of glass, such as clear glass, coloured glass, coated glass etc. Glass dome element 30 can also be formed from laminated glass, for instance two glass layers adhered to each other by means of a film, for instance a PVB film. More generally, any suitable shaping technique can be used to manufacture glass dome element 30.

[0033] The distance between glass dome and 30 and first glass plate 10 is preferably greater than 1 mm, more preferably greater than 3 mm, and still more preferably greater than 10 mm. The thickness of the first and/or the second glass plate 10, 20 preferably lies between 2 and 10 mm, still more preferably between 3 and 7 mm. The thickness of the glass dome element 30 preferably lies between 2 and 10 mm, still more preferably between 3 and 7 mm. The dimensions of first and/or second glass plate 10, 20 and of glass dome element 30 are preferably at least 50 cm x 50 cm.

[0034] The first and/or second glass plate and the glass dome element are preferably manufactured from one of the following types of glass: float glass, toughened glass, laminated glass, toughened laminated glass, heat-resistant glass, single-walled or multi-walled glass and so on.

[0035] Figures 7-9 illustrate further embodiments of a dome device with a light-transmitting film. Figure 7 illustrates schematically an embodiment of a dome device with a first substantially flat glass or plastic plate 10, a dome element 30 (glass or plastic) and two light-transmitting films 61, 62, for instance ETFE films. A closed connecting device 40 is provided in order to connect a peripheral part of first plate 10 sealingly to a peripheral part of dome element 30, such that a number of closed spaces R1, R2, R3 are formed between first plate 10 and dome element 30. A gas, for instance argon, is preferably included in the closed spaces R1, R2, R3. The gas layers ensure a good insulation of the dome device. The gas volumes of each layer can be smaller, and the gas flow within a layer will be limited, by making use of several gas layers. Connecting device 40 can further be adapted (not illustrated) to allow a simple mounting on the upstand, for instance by using a profile which can be fixed by clamping (snap fitting) in a profile on the upstand.

[0036] In the exemplary embodiment of figure 7 the closed connecting device 40 comprises two spacers 41a, 41b and a clamping profile 60, which are provided between a peripheral part 31 of dome element 30 and a peripheral part 11 of first plate 10, such that dome element 30, first film 61, second film 62 and first plate 10 each lie at a distance from each other. Spacers 41a, 41b preferably extend along the whole periphery of respectively first plate 10 and dome element 30, such that a first closed space R1 is bounded by spacer 41a, dome element 30 and first film 61; that the closed space R2 is bounded by first film 61, clamping profile 60 and second film 62; and that the closed space R3 is bounded by second film 62, spacer 41b and first plate 10. Additional sealing strips (not shown) can optionally be provided for the purpose of improving the sealing. The thus formed assembly of first plate 10, clamping profile 60 with tensioned films 61, 62, dome element 30 and spacers 41a, 41b can optionally be accommodated in a frame 45. Frame 45 can optionally also contribute to the sealing and thus form part of the closed connecting device. The distance d2 between first film 61 and second film 62 is preferably greater than 5 mm. The distance d3 between second film 62 and first plate 10 is preferably also greater than 5 mm.

[0037] Figure 8 illustrates schematically an embodiment of a dome device with a first substantially flat glass or plastic plate 10, a dome element 30 and a light-transmitting film 61, for instance an ETFE film. A closed connecting device 40 is provided in order to connect a peripheral part of first plate 10 sealingly to a peripheral part of dome element 30, such that a number of closed spaces R1, R2 are formed between first plate 10 and dome element 30. A gas, for instance argon, is preferably included in the closed spaces R1, R2. Connecting device 40 can further be adapted (not illustrated) to allow a simple mounting on the upstand, for instance by using a profile which can be fixed by clamping (snap fitting) in a profile on the upstand.

[0038] In the exemplary embodiment of figure 8 the closed connecting device 40 comprises a clamping profile 60 provided between first plate 10 and film 61, wherein a peripheral edge 71 of film 61 is fixed in clamping profile 60. Clamping profile 60 can for instance be adhered to the peripheral part 11 of first plate 10. Connecting device 40 further comprises a frame 45 between a peripheral part 31 of dome element 30 and a peripheral part 11 of first plate 10, such that dome element 30 and first plate 10 lie at a distance from each other, this distance being greater than the distance between film 61 and first plate 10. Frame 45 and clamping profile 60 preferably extend along the whole periphery of first plate 10 and dome element 30, such that a first closed space R1 is bounded by dome element 30, frame 45 and film 61; and that the closed space R2 is bounded by film 61, clamping profile 60 and first plate 10. Additional sealing strips (not shown) can optionally be provided for the purpose of improving the sealing. The distance d2 between film 61 and first plate 10 is preferably greater than 5 mm.

[0039] Figure 9 illustrates schematically an embodiment of a dome device with a dome element 30 and two light-transmitting films 61, 62, for instance ETFE films, wherein the two light-transmitting films 61, 62 thus form the first flat light-transmitting element. A closed connecting device 40 is provided in order to connect a peripheral part of second film 62 sealingly to a peripheral part of dome element 30, such that a number of closed spaces R1, R2 are formed between second film 62 and dome element 30. A gas is preferably included in the closed spaces R1, R2. Connecting device 40 can further be adapted (not shown) to allow a simple mounting on the upstand, for instance by using a profile which can be fixed by clamping (snap fitting) in a profile on the upstand.

[0040] In the exemplary embodiment of figure 9 the closed connecting device 40 comprises a clamping profile 60 provided between second film 62 and first film 61, wherein peripheral edges 71, 72 of first and second film 61, 62 are fixed in clamping profile 60. Clamping profile 60 can for instance be adhered to a peripheral part 41 of a frame 45 of closed connecting device 40. Frame 45 connects a peripheral part 31 of dome element 30 to a peripheral part 11 of second film 62 or of clamping profile 60, such that dome element 30 and second film 62 lie at a distance from each other. Frame 45 and clamping profile 60 preferably extend along the whole periphery of second film 62 or clamping profile 60 and of dome element 30, such that a first closed space R1 is bounded by dome element 30, frame 45 and first film 61; and that the closed space R2 is bounded by first film 61, clamping profile 60 and second film 62. Additional sealing strips (not shown) can optionally be provided for the purpose of improving the sealing. The distance d2 between first film 61 and second film 62 is preferably greater than 5 mm.

[0041] According to yet another variant (not illustrated) it is possible to make use of one film which is arranged against the peripheral part of the dome element, for instance stuck on or adhered to the peripheral part of the dome element or tensioned to a position over the peripheral part of the dome element. The film could for instance already be arranged during the manufacturing process of the dome element.

[0042] The skilled person will appreciate that the invention is not limited to the above described embodiments and that many modifications and variants are possible within the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the following claims.

Claims

1. Dome device comprising a substantially flat first light-transmitting element, a glass dome element and closed connecting device between a peripheral part of the first element and a peripheral part of the glass dome element, such that at least one closed space is formed between the first element and the glass dome element; wherein a gas is included in the closed space.

2. Dome device according to claim 1, wherein the first element comprises a light-transmitting plate, preferably a glass plate.

3. Dome device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first element comprises a light-transmitting film, preferably a light-transmitting film which is tensioned in a clamping profile.

4. Dome device according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the closed connecting device comprises at least one spacer provided between the peripheral part of the first element and the peripheral part of the glass dome element, such that the glass dome element lies at a distance from the first element.

5. Dome device according to claim 4, wherein the spacer extends along the whole periphery of the first element and the glass dome element, such that the closed space is bounded by the spacer, the first element and the glass dome element.

6. Dome device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the spacer comprises a desiccant, for instance a silica gel.

7. Dome device according to any one of the foregoing claims, further comprising a second substantially flat element which is mounted substantially parallel to the first element.

8. Dome device according to the foregoing claim, wherein the first element and the second element are glass plates.

9. Dome device according to the foregoing claim, wherein a film is provided between the first and the second glass plate, preferably a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) film.

10. Dome device according to claim 8, wherein a plastic layer, preferably a polycarbonate layer, is provided between the first and the second glass plate.

11. Dome device according to claim 7, wherein the second element is a plastic plate or a light-transmitting film.

12. Dome device according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the first element is manufactured from toughened (tempered) glass.

13. Dome device according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the peripheral part of the glass dome element and of the first element has a rectangular outer periphery.

14. Dome device according to the foregoing claim, wherein the peripheral part comprises four substantially flat parts running obliquely upward or horizontally from the outer periphery and fitting against a central domed part of the glass dome element.

15. Dome device according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the closed connecting device comprises a sealing strip, such as a butyl strip, which sealing strip is arranged between the first element and the glass dome element.

16. Dome device according to any one of the foregoing claims, further comprising a frame profile configured for mounting on an upstand, wherein the frame profile is arranged all the way round an outer edge of the first element.

17. Dome device according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the gas is argon.

18. Dome device according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the closed connecting device is arranged by applying a curable polymer composition along and/or between the peripheral part of the glass dome element and the first element.

19. Method for manufacturing a dome device according to any one of the foregoing claims, comprising of:

a. placing a substantially flat first glass plate and a glass dome element in a mould, wherein a peripheral edge of the glass dome element is aligned with a peripheral edge of the first element, and

b. arranging a sealing material between a peripheral part of the first element and a peripheral part of the glass dome element, such that a closed space is formed between the first element and the glass dome element and a gas is included in the closed space.

20. Method according to the foregoing claim, wherein the sealing material is arranged between the peripheral part of the first element and the peripheral part of the glass dome element.

21. Method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the sealing material is arranged in pressureless manner by moving an injection part in the mould, along the peripheral part of the first element and of the glass dome element.

22. Method according to any one of the claims 17-19, wherein one or more of the following components are incorporated in the mould: a sensor, a ventilation component, a lighting element, a cable, a bracket, a hinge.

23. Method according to any one of the claims 19-22, wherein the first element comprises a light-transmitting plate, preferably a glass plate.

24. Method according to any one of the claims 19-23, wherein the first element comprises a light-transmitting film, preferably a light-transmitting film which is tensioned in a clamping profile.

25. Dome device comprising a substantially flat first light-transmitting element, a dome element and closed connecting device between a peripheral part of the first element and a peripheral part of the dome element, such that at least one closed space is formed between the first element and the glass dome element; wherein a gas is included in the at least one closed space; wherein the first element comprises a light-transmitting film, preferably a light-transmitting film which is tensioned in a clamping profile.

26. Dome device according to the foregoing claim, wherein the first element further comprises a light-transmitting plate.

27. Dome device according to any one of the claims 25-26, wherein the closed connecting device comprises at least one spacer or clamping profile which is provided between the peripheral part of the first element and the peripheral part of the dome element, such that the dome element lies at a distance from the first element.

28. Dome device according to claim 27, wherein the spacer or the clamping profile extends along the whole periphery of the first element and the dome element, such that the at least one closed space is bounded by the spacer or the clamping profile, the first element and the dome element.

29. Dome device according to any one of the claims 25-28, wherein the first element comprises two light-transmitting films which are arranged at a distance from each other and are preferably tensioned in a clamping profile.

30. Dome device according to any one of the claims 25-29, wherein the peripheral part of the dome element and of the first element has a rectangular outer periphery.

31. Dome device according to the foregoing claim, wherein the peripheral part comprises four substantially flat parts running obliquely upward or horizontally from the outer periphery and fitting against a central domed part of the dome element.

32. Dome device according to any one of the foregoing claims, further comprising a frame profile configured for mounting on an upstand, wherein the frame profile is arranged all the way round an outer edge of the first element.

33. Dome device according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the closed connecting device is arranged by applying a curable polymer composition along and/or between the peripheral part of the dome element and the first element.

Drawing