Clip for holding two flat elements and assembly comprising such a clip

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clip for holding two flat elements and an assembly including such a clip. The two flat elements are joined together at their main faces. The clip includes a lower wall (2d), an upper wall (2c) and two side walls (2a, 2b), the walls (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) being interconnected so as to define a closed volume. Each of the two side walls (2a, 2b) is provided with a groove (3), the groove (3) having an end opening in a face of the clip referred to as the "front face". The groove (3) is configured to insert the clip (1) onto the two joined flat elements through its front face, and each groove (3) is delimited by a profile having an upper section (3a) and a lower section (3b) opposite the upper section (3a). According to the invention, each side wall (2a, 2b) has, on its respective outward-facing surface, a flat retaining flange (4), the retaining flange (4) extending along a straight portion of the lower section (3b) of the groove and providing a contact surface for contacting one of the flat elements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a clip for holding two flat or planar elements. Specifically, the clip is used to fix the frame of a photovoltaic module to a track of a support structure. Background Art

[0002] A metal clip for holding flat elements is known from the document EP3494315, and these flat elements are assembled to each other at their main faces. A very specific application of these clips is for assembling the frame of a photovoltaic panel to a track of a support frame.

[0003] The clip proposed in this document is formed from a metal strip which is cut and bent at right angles to define a straight block having two side walls, a lower wall and an upper wall. The ends of the metal strip are connected to each other on the side of the lower wall of the clip, and these ends have bends allowing them to abut against each other. One of these ends may also have a blocking tongue to prevent the sliding of the abutment surfaces, especially when the clip is subjected to strong stresses which would tend to deform it.

[0004] Each of the side walls is provided with a groove, one end of which opens to the front of the clip. The clip can be inserted onto two flat elements assembled together to engage them in the grooves, which makes it possible to hold the two flat elements assembled against each other.

[0005] By inserting a plurality of such clips along the track of the support frame and engaging them on the frame of the photovoltaic panel, the panel is firmly held to the frame. However, these clips are subjected to strong stresses, especially when a force tending to separate the panel from the track is applied, such as a force exerted by the wind on one face of the panel.

[0006] This is even more true because, in order to make photovoltaic devices as inexpensive as possible, there is a trend to increase the panel size, which increases their exposure to the wind. This results in an increase in the maximum tearing force that the clip must hold. At the same time, and also for reasons of economy, the sheets forming the guide rails of the support frame are chosen to have a thickness that tends to decrease. The tracks are thus prone to deformation, depending on the intensity and nature of the forces transmitted by the panels they support, especially in the case of bending or torsion along their longitudinal axis.

[0007] Therefore, it has been observed that, in some cases, this deformation in the bending and / or torsion of the track may cause the clip to deform by sliding one of the end bends against the other, thereby closing the metal strip on the side of the bottom wall of the clip, even though there is a blocking tongue. Thus, the twisted and deformed clip can no longer hold the guide rail and the frame of the panel assembled to each other, which is of course not desirable and may pose serious safety problems. Summary of the Invention

[0008] An object of the present invention is to solve this problem at least in part. More precisely, the object of the present invention is to provide a clip that is more robust than the prior art in the art, that is to say, the clip is capable of withstanding significant forces transmitted by the flat elements held in combination, especially when at least one of these flat elements is liable to deform in a torsional or bending manner under the action of significant external forces.

[0009] To achieve this object, the object of the present invention provides a clip for holding two flat elements that are joined together at their main faces, the clip comprising a lower wall, an upper wall and two side walls. These walls are interconnected to define a closed volume. Each of the two side walls is provided with a groove having an end opening in a face of the clip referred to as the "front face". The groove is configured to insert the clip onto two joined flat elements through its front face, and each of the grooves is defined on the side wall by a profile having an upper section and a lower section opposite the upper section.

[0010] According to the present invention, each of the side walls has a flat retaining flange on its respective outward-facing surface, the retaining flange extending along a straight portion of the lower section of the groove and providing a contact surface for contacting one of the flat elements.

[0011] When a force is applied to the assembly, especially a force tending to separate the two flat elements from each other, the force transmitted to the clip is distributed over the entire extent of the contact surface of the retaining flange. These forces and the timing of these forces are controlled and absorbed by the rear part of the clip.

[0012] According to other advantageous and non-limiting characteristics of the present invention, taken alone or in any technically feasible combination:

[0013] - The contact surface of the retaining flange is perpendicular to the side wall;

[0014] - At least one of the lower sections defines a reinforcing hook, the apex of the reinforcing hook being flush with the plane passing through the contact surface of the retaining flange;

[0015] - At least one of the lower sections defines a locking hook that projects into the groove, the locking hook being intended to engage in an opening provided in the flat element in contact with the retaining flange;

[0016] - The locking hook is arranged at the open end of the groove;

[0017] - The profile of the groove is notched at the open end of the groove to facilitate insertion of the clip;

[0018] - At least one of the side walls has a reinforcing boss disposed between the groove and the face of the clip referred to as the "rear face".

[0019] - The wall is made of a metal strip bent at a right angle.

[0020] - Each end of the metal strip has at least one bent portion defining at least two flat end faces that abut against each other.

[0021] - At least one of the flat end faces has at least one blocking tongue that blocks any sliding of these surfaces against each other.

[0022] - The upper wall is provided with claws configured to apply pressure to the two flat elements when the two flat elements are inserted into the groove.

[0023] According to another aspect, the object of the present invention proposes an assembly including a clip according to the foregoing, a first flat element, and a second flat element. In the groove of the clip, the first flat element and the second flat element are arranged and held together at their main faces. The second flat element is provided with at least one opening for receiving the locking hook of the clip.

[0024] Advantageously, the second flat element has a thickness, and the locking hook is received in the thickness of the second flat element. Description of the Drawings

[0025] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description provided with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1a and Figure 1b shows a view of a clip according to the present invention;

[0027] Figure 1c shows Figure 1b the clip, showing the underside of the clip;

[0028] Figure 2 shows a flat element configured to be held by a clip according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3a and Figure 3b shows the assembly implementing the clip from two different perspectives according to the present invention. Detailed Description

[0030] Reference Figure 1a 、 Figure 1b, the clip according to different embodiments of the present specification is formed by two side walls 2a, 2b, an upper wall 2c and a lower wall 2d. The four walls are interconnected and define a straight block, that is, a closed volume with a rectangular or square cross-section (on at least 4 of its faces).

[0031] As proposed in the introduction of the present application, the clip 1 is obtained by cutting and bending a metal strip at right angles to define the four walls 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d. The ends of the metal strip intersect on the side of the bottom wall 2c and have complementary profiles that can interlock with each other when the metal strip has been bent to form the clip 1.

[0032] The two ends of the metal strip can thus each have a bend that defines two flat end faces 10. When the metal strip has been bent to form the clip 1, the two flat end faces 10 abut against each other. One of these ends can have at least one blocking tongue 11 to prevent any sliding of one flat end face 10 against the other.

[0033] The metal strip, the patterns, grooves, tongues, bosses at its ends, and any other cuts or deformations of the clip 1 that are the subject of the rest of the present specification can be formed, for example, before bending the metal strip by cutting and stamping techniques. For completeness, the manufacture of the clip can also include heat treatment or wet treatment.

[0034] Continuing the description of Figure 1a , Figure 1b , the side walls 2a, 2b of the clip 1 are each provided with a groove 3 that has one end opening on the so-called "front" face of the clip 1. The clip 1 also has a back face opposite its front face. The clip 1 can have a length between 20 mm and 40 mm (that is, the distance separating its front face from its back face); a height between 15 mm and 30 mm (that is, the distance separating the upper wall 2c from the lower wall 2d); and a width between 15 mm and 30 mm (that is, the distance separating the two side walls 2a, 2b).

[0035] Preferably, the slots 3 are arranged on walls facing each other and, more generally, they are located in a plane parallel to the lower and upper walls of the clip 1. The slots 3 are configured such that the clip 1 can be introduced onto two flat elements through its front face in order to hold them against each other, the two flat elements being joined to each other by their main faces. Thus, the height of the slots 3 essentially corresponds to the thickness of the assembly formed by these two flat elements. Thus, when the thickness of such an assembly is between 2 mm and 5 mm, the clip can be chosen to include slots with a height of 5 mm or even less (for example 4.9 mm), knowing that in such an extreme case, the insertion of the clip may require a continuous insertion force, for example using a hammer. The depth of the slots from their bottom to the end where they open on the front face can be between 15 mm and 25 mm.

[0036] To facilitate the insertion of the flat elements, the profile of the slots can have a through-opening end with a notch, as is the case for the clip shown in Figure 1a , Figure 1b .

[0037] The slots 3 are delimited on the side walls by a slot profile that includes a lower section 3b and an upper section 3a facing the lower section 3b. These sections 3a, 3b extend on the one hand to the exposed ends of the slots 3 and on the other hand to the bottom of the slots where these sections 3a, 3b intersect. By convention, the lower section 3b corresponds to the part of the profile of the slot arranged on the side of the lower wall 2d of the clip opposite the slot 3, while the upper section 3a corresponds to the part of the profile of the slot 3 arranged on the side of the upper wall 2c opposite the slot 3.

[0038] The rear part of the clip (that is to say, the part of the side walls 2a, 2b arranged between the bottom of the slot 3 and the rear of the clip 1) constitutes a reinforcement that absorbs the forces and the moments of these forces exerted on the clip 1 by the flat elements when the flat elements are inserted into the slots 3 and when they are themselves subjected to forces (in particular those tending to separate them from each other). The rear part can have dimensions typically between 5 mm and 15 mm between the bottom of the slot and the rear of the clip 1.

[0039] In the clip 1 according to the illustrated embodiment, the side walls 2a, 2b each have a flat (or planar) retaining flange 4 on their respective outward-facing surfaces, the retaining flange extending along the straight part of the lower section 3b of the slot 3 and providing a contact surface for contact with one of the flat elements.

[0040] When the clip 1 is engaged on two flat elements joined together, one of the flat elements rests on the contact surface of the retaining flange 4. When a force is applied to the assembly, in particular a force tending to separate the two flat elements from each other, the force transmitted to the clip 1 is distributed over the entire extent of the contact surface of the retaining flange 4. These forces and the timing of these forces are controlled and absorbed by the rear part of the clip 1.

[0041] In clips according to the prior art in the field, the force transmitted to the clip 1 is applied to the sides of the profile of the groove, which sides have a very small size, much less than one millimeter. The moment of the force is very poorly controlled, especially when at least one of these flat elements is deformed in a bending or torsional manner. This poorly controlled moment can include a significant torsional component, which, according to the prior art in the field, is imperfectly absorbed by the rear part of such a clip; this can cause the clip to deform due to the end bends slipping, thereby closing the metal strip on the side of the lower wall of the clip, despite the presence of the blocking tongues, as presented in the introduction of the present application.

[0042] In order to make the clip 1 even stronger, according to Figure 1a 、 Figure 1b the various embodiments shown, the rear part can have a boss 12, thereby resulting in strengthening the clip 1, especially with respect to the shear force and the residual moment of torsion that the clip 1 can withstand.

[0043] Similar to the other parts of the clip 1, the retaining flange 4 is obtained by bending a part of the metal strip forming the side walls 2a, 2b. The vertex of this bend forms the straight part of the lower section 3b of the profile of the groove 3.

[0044] Advantageously, these bends are made such that the contact surfaces of the retaining flange 4 are respectively perpendicular to the side walls 2a, 2b. This ensures extensive contact of these contact surfaces with the main surface of one of the flat elements.

[0045] Also advantageously, in order to maintain all the rigidity of the clip 1, the retaining flange 4 does not extend over the entire depth of the groove 3, in particular not all the way to the exposed ends of these grooves 3. Thus, it is so provided as to form a notch 4a, such that only a part of the metal strip can be bent back to form the retaining flange 4, while maintaining the hooks 5, 5' on the side of the exposed ends, which hooks 5, 5' are not bent back and are thus arranged in the plane of the side walls 2a, 2b.

[0046] In Figure 1a the embodiment, the clip 1 is considered to be "non-locking", and the lower section 3b of the profile of each groove 3 defines a reinforcing hook 5 at its exposed end, the vertex of which reinforcing hook 5 is flush with the plane passing through the contact surface of the retaining flange 4.

[0047] In Figure 1bIn an embodiment, the clip 1 is referred to as "lockable". In this case, at least one of the lower segments 3b defines a locking hook 5', that is, a hook protruding into the groove, so that the hook intersects the plane of the contact surface passing through the retaining flange. This protruding portion may have a reduced size above the plane passing through the contact surface, for example, a size on the order of millimeters, so as not to prevent the clip from being inserted onto the flat element. The locking hook 5' (arranged here at the exposed end of the groove) is intended to engage in the opening 6b of the flat element, and this opening 6b is intended to rest on the retaining flange 4. Such a flat element is shown by way of example in Figure 3a and Figure 3b . The flat element 6a has a thickness, and when the clip engages two flat elements to hold them together, the locking hook is received in the thickness of the second flat element 6a. Note that the position of the locking hook 5' at the free end of the lower segment 3b and the fact that the opening 6b integrally receives the locking hook 5' reduce the risk of removing the clip 1 from the flat element, for example, by sliding the clip 1. It should also be noted that the flat element 6a may include a notch 6c that allows the clip 1 to penetrate deeper into the element.

[0048] According to a very advantageous embodiment, the upper wall 2d of the clip 1 (regardless of whether the clip is lockable) is provided with a claw 7, and the claw 7 is configured to apply pressure to the two flat elements when the two flat elements are inserted into the groove 3. This claw 7 formed by cutting and bending a metal strip during the manufacture of the clip 1 is directed towards the rear of the clip 1 so as not to interfere with the insertion of the clip. This is particularly useful when the thickness of the two flat elements is less than the height of the groove to help hold the two flat elements against each other.

[0049] When the flat element is metallic, it is advantageous to select the metal constituting the clip 1 such that it has a higher hardness than the metal of the flat element. It can be steel or stainless steel. Then, the scratches or scuffs formed on at least one of the flat elements during the insertion of the clip 1 help to hold the clip 1 in place and establish a high-quality electrical contact. The sharp angled end of the claw 7 facilitates this scratch or scuff, and in particular makes it possible to penetrate any protective layer coated on the scratched flat element. Electrical contact is also ensured between the clip and other flat elements, especially through the flat or planar contact occurring at the retaining flange 4 between the two elements. Note that the claw 7 makes it possible to place this flat or planar contact under slight pressure, which also promotes electrical contact. Thus, the clip 1 ensures good-quality electrical continuity between the two flat elements, which can be less than 0.1 ohm, and this electrical continuity can be used to propagate a common ground to all metallic elements in the contact.

[0050] Figure 3a and Figure 3bExamples of the use of clip 1 according to the invention are shown from two different perspectives. In these figures, the photovoltaic panel frame 8 is arranged on the track 6 of the support frame. The frame 8 includes a portion 8a of the first flat element that forms a part that rests on the second flat element 6a of the track 6. The clip is inserted onto the two flat elements, and the lower flat element 6a, which contacts the lower section 3b of the slot, rests on the retaining flange 4.

[0051] When clip 1 is lockable, as in the case of the clip shown in these Figure 3a 、 Figure 3b figures, at least one opening 6b is provided in the lower flat element (here, part 6a of the track 6) to allow the accommodation of the locking hook 5'. Thus, the track can be provided with a plurality of such openings 6b distributed along its length so that a plurality of clips can be fixed therein to engage with the frame of the panel.

[0052] As will be readily understood, the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and additional variations thereof can be provided without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A clip (1) for holding two flat elements, the two flat elements being joined together at their main faces, the clip comprising a lower wall (2d), an upper wall (2c) and two side walls (2a, 2b), the walls (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) being interconnected so as to define a closed volume, and each of the two side walls (2a, 2b) being provided with a groove (3), the groove (3) having an end opening in a face of the clip referred to as the "front", the groove (3) being configured to insert the clip (1) onto the two joined flat elements through its front, and each of the grooves (3) being defined in the side wall by a profile having an upper section (3a) and a lower section (3b) opposite the upper section (3a), the clip (1) being characterized in that each of the side walls (2a, 2b) has on its respective outward-facing surface a flat retaining flange (4), the retaining flange (4) extending along a straight portion of the lower section (3b) of the groove and providing a contact surface for contact with one of the flat elements.

2. The clip (1) according to claim 1, wherein The contact surface of the retaining flange is perpendicular to the side walls (2a, 2b).

3. The clip (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, At least one of the lower sections (3b) defines a reinforcing hook (5), the apex of the reinforcing hook being flush with the plane passing through the contact surface of the retaining flange.

4. The clip (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, At least one of the lower sections (3b) defines a locking hook (5'), the locking hook (5') protruding into the groove (3), the locking hook (5') being intended to engage in an opening (6b) provided in the flat element in contact with the retaining flange (4).

5. The clip (1) according to claim 4, wherein, The locking hook (5') is arranged at the open end of the groove.

6. The clip (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The profile of the groove is notched at the open end of the groove to facilitate insertion of the clip.

7. The clip (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, At least one of the side walls (2a, 2b) has a reinforcing boss (12) arranged between the groove and a face of the clip (1) referred to as the "rear".

8. The clip (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The walls (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) are made of a metal strip bent at right angles.

9. The clip (1) according to claim 8, wherein, The ends of the metal strip each have at least one bend defining at least two flat end faces (10), the two flat end faces (10) abutting against each other.

10. The clip (1) according to claim 9, wherein, At least one of the flat end faces (10) has at least one blocking tab (11) that blocks any sliding of these surfaces against each other.

11. The clip (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The upper wall (2c) is provided with claws (7) configured to apply pressure to the two flat elements when the two flat elements are inserted into the groove (3).

12. An assembly comprising a clip (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 11, a first flat element (8a) and a second flat element (6a), in the groove (3) of the clip (1), the first flat element (8a) and the second flat element (6a) being arranged and held joined together at their main faces, the second flat element (6a) being provided with at least one opening (6b) for receiving the locking hook of the clip (1).

13. The component according to claim 12, wherein, The second flat element (6a) has a thickness, and the locking hook is received in the thickness of the second flat element (6a).

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