PIN

Description

DOMAINE DE L'INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a pin, particularly for retaining elements in a rail. More specifically, it allows the frame of a photovoltaic module to be fixed in a rail of a supporting structure. ARRIERE PLAN TECHNOLOGIQUE DE L'INVENTION

[0002] Most photovoltaic modules include a metal frame, often made of aluminum, positioned around the perimeter of the modules. This metal frame, in addition to mechanically stiffening the photovoltaic module, also allows it to be fixed to a metal rail, for example made of steel, of a supporting structure.

[0003] When attaching the metal frame of the photovoltaic module to the rail of the supporting structure, it must be considered that once installed, the module may be subjected to significant stresses, such as wind forces, which can pull the module away from the rail and detach the frame from the supporting structure. Regardless of the conditions to which a module is subjected, it is essential to prevent the frame from detaching from the supporting structure and being blown away. It is also necessary to maintain uninterrupted electrical contact between the module frame and the support structure to ensure the entire assembly is electrically grounded.

[0004] These constraints are all the more important to consider when the supporting structure is combined with a movable device that allows for optimal orientation of the photovoltaic modules according to the sun's position or any other circumstance. In particular, the tilt of the modules causes them to deflect, which induces significant stresses on the module's rail mounting device in the direction perpendicular to the pull-out direction. This can cause the mounting device to slip and disengage, thus leading to the separation of the module from the supporting structure.

[0005] Document EP 3 907 411 Al describes a metal pin intended to fix elements, in particular the frame of a photovoltaic module, in a simple, quick and reliable manner in a rail of a load-bearing structure.

[0006] The present invention aims to solve at least some of the problems mentioned above, by proposing a solution which allows in particular a simple and quick fixing of the elements in a rail, in order to form an assembly which has a high resistance to the various stresses and deformations mentioned above and which allows to maintain a continuous electrical contact between the elements and the rail. DESCRIPTION DE L'INVENTION

[0007] The object of the present invention is achieved by a pin according to claim 1, comprising a metallic body extending along an axis of elongation between a first end and a second end, and having an upper face and a lower face opposite the upper face, the pin comprising: a substantially flat central section, two intermediate sections each extending laterally from the central section and diverging from each other, and so as to permit the stacking of at least two pins in a stacking direction perpendicular to the central sections of the pins; snap-fit ​​means disposed on either of the two intermediate sections and configured to snap the pins together two by two when stacked.

[0008] According to one embodiment, when two pins are stacked, one of the two pins covers, by its lower face, the upper face of the other of the two pins.

[0009] According to one embodiment, each intermediate section is extended laterally, in a lateral direction perpendicular to the elongation axis, by a lateral section, each intermediate section forming, with the lateral section which extends it, a lateral wing of general shape concave by the upper face of the pin.

[0010] According to one method of implementation, each side wing is perforated.

[0011] According to one embodiment, said pin comprises, from the first end to the second end, a stop portion and a main portion, each lateral section comprising a lateral tab extending from a free edge of said lateral section to the stop portion, said free edges both being parallel to the elongation axis or extending convergently from the first end to the second end.

[0012] According to one embodiment, said pin includes a stop tab, formed on the central section, at the level of a stop portion downstream of the main portion in a direction from the first end to the second end, the stop tab extends, in a direction from the second end to the first end, in a divergent manner with respect to the upper face.

[0013] According to one implementation method, the snap-on means include at least one snap-on pair provided with a through opening and a boss.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the snap-fit ​​means are arranged so that the through opening of a snap-fit ​​pair of an intermediate section of one of two stacked pins cooperates with the boss of a snap-fit ​​pair of an intermediate section of the other of said two stacked pins so as to ensure snap-fit ​​retention of said stacked pins.

[0015] According to one implementation method, the boss of a ratchet pair formed on an intermediate section is formed on the upper face and upstream of the through opening of the ratchet pair considered along a lateral extension direction of the intermediate section.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the boss of a ratchet pair formed on an intermediate section is formed on the lower face and downstream of the through opening of the ratchet pair considered along a lateral extension direction of the intermediate section.

[0017] According to one implementation method, each intermediate section includes two pairs of snap fasteners.

[0018] According to the invention, said pin comprises at its second end an engagement portion of generally beveled shape.

[0019] Each intermediate section includes, at the engagement portion, two flat fins folded internally so as to give the engagement portion its beveled shape.

[0020] Alternatively, the engagement portion includes a plane section inclined relative to the central section so as to give the engagement portion its beveled shape, the plane section extending from the central section to the second end and is connected laterally to the intermediate sections.

[0021] According to one implementation method, the metal body is made of hardened steel.

[0022] The invention also relates to a set of pins according to the present invention, said pins are stacked in a direction perpendicular to the central section, and mechanically held together in pairs. Brève description des dessins

[0023] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying figures in which: [ Fig.1 ] There [ Fig.1 ] is a schematic perspective view representation of a pin according to the present invention, in particular the pin is oriented so as to allow observation of its upper face; [ Fig.2 ] There [ Fig.2 ] is a schematic side view representation of the pin illustrated in the [ Fig.1 ] ; ] Fig.3 ] There [ Fig.3 ] is a schematic representation of the pin of the [ Fig.1 ], in particular the [ Fig.3 ] is a cross-sectional representation of the pin along a plane perpendicular to the axis of elongation; [ Fig.4 ] There [ Fig.4 ] represents a plurality of pins stacked along a direction perpendicular to the central section of said pins; [ Fig.5 ] There [ Fig.5 ] represents a ratcheting means formed on an intermediate section, in particular the ratcheting means illustrated on the [ Fig.5 ] includes a pair of snap fasteners with a boss and a through opening, more specifically, the [ Fig.5 ] illustrates a pair of snap-fits according to a first aspect; [ Fig.6 ] There [ Fig.6 ] is a representation of the snapping of a first pin into overlap of a second pin; [ Fig.7 ] There [ Fig.7 ] is a representation of a photovoltaic panel on the back face of which secondary rails are fixed; [ Fig.8 ] There [ Fig.8 ] is a representation of the first stage of inserting the secondary rail into the U-shaped space of the support rail; [ Fig.9 ] There [ Fig.9 ] illustrates a second step for fixing the secondary rail in the U-shaped space of the support rail; [ Fig.10 ] There [ Fig.10 ] is a representation of a variant of the pin according to the present invention, the pin being mounted on a tool; [ Fig.11 ] There [ Fig.11 ] is a representation of a tool dedicated to the manipulation of pins according to the present invention; [ Fig.12 ] There [ Fig.12 ] is a representation of a second example of a tool dedicated to the manipulation of pins according to the present invention. DESCRIPTION DETAILLEE DE L'INVENTION

[0024] For the sake of simplicity in the description that follows, the same references are used for elements that are identical, or that perform the same function in the different embodiments of the invention.

[0025] The present invention relates to a pin for retaining an element within a support rail having a U-shaped cross-section. In particular, the invention relates to a retaining pin for an element such as a secondary rail, fixed to the rear face of a photovoltaic module, and inserted into a U-shaped rail, for example, the rail of a metal support structure. In this respect, the pin is designed to be inserted along its elongation axis into openings provided in the side walls of the support rail and in a through-hole of the secondary rail. This assembly thus allows the secondary rail to be fixed within the support rail.

[0026] The pin according to the present invention comprises a metallic body extending along an axis of elongation between a first end and a second end, and having an upper face and a lower face opposite to the upper face.

[0027] The pin includes, in particular: an essentially flat central section; two intermediate sections each extending laterally from the central section and diverging from each other, and so as to permit the stacking of at least two pins called, respectively, first and second pins; snap-fit ​​means disposed on either of the two intermediate sections and configured to snap-fit ​​the first pin and the second pin together when stacked.

[0028] There [ Fig.1 ], there [ Fig.2 ] and the [ Fig.3 ] are different schematic representations of a pin 1 according to the principles stated in the present invention.

[0029] In particular, the pin 1 comprises a metallic body 10 which extends along an elongation direction XX' between a first end 101 and a second end 102.

[0030] The metal body 10 has an upper face 103 and a lower face 104 opposite the upper face 103.

[0031] The metal body 10 is made from a metal strip. The formation of the pin 1 may include cutting, stamping or bending the metal strip.

[0032] The metal body 10 is advantageously made of hardened steel, which is cold-formed before undergoing thermal quenching at, for example, 800°C. The steel can then be protected against corrosion by a surface treatment. The choice of such a material is particularly advantageous because it allows for easy shaping before quenching and, after quenching, provides significant mechanical strength and elasticity.

[0033] In general, the pin 1 comprises a central section 11 of generally planar shape. It is understood that the central section 11 has an elongated shape along the elongation axis XX'. In particular, the central section 11 has a rectangular shape and thus comprises two lateral edges parallel to the elongation axis XX'.

[0034] The pin 1 also includes two intermediate sections 12 and 13. In particular, these two intermediate sections 12 and 13 each extend laterally from the central section 11 and diverge from each other. It is understood that an intermediate section 12 or 13 extending laterally from the central section 11 necessarily extends from a lateral edge of said central section. More specifically, each intermediate section 12 and 13 extends from its own lateral edge. It is also understood that the two intermediate sections extend symmetrically from each other with respect to a plane perpendicular to the central section and equidistant from the lateral edges of said central section.

[0035] It is also understood that the two intermediate sections extend in a direction parallel to the axis of elongation and more particularly over a length which may be greater than the length of the lateral edges of the central section 11.

[0036] The increasing spacing and / or shape of the intermediate sections 12 and 13 are specifically adapted to allow the stacking of a plurality of pins 1. In this respect, the intermediate sections may have a planar shape, a convex shape or a concave shape on the upper face.

[0037] There [ Fig.4 [ ] represents a plurality of pins 1 stacked one on top of the other. In particular, the pins are stacked one on top of the other in a direction perpendicular to the central section 11, called the stacking direction. As an example, the stack may consist of two stacked pins called, respectively, the first pin and the second pin. More specifically, the first pin may overlap the second pin. In other words, the first pin covers, by its lower face, the upper face of the second pin.

[0038] The pin 1 also includes snap-fit ​​means arranged on either of the intermediate sections 12 and 13. In particular, these snap-fit ​​means are configured to snap the pins 1 together in pairs when stacked.

[0039] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the snap-on means comprise at least one pair of snap-on 105 provided with a through opening 105a and a boss 105b ([ Fig.1 ], And [ Fig.5 ]). In particular, the snap-fit ​​means are arranged so that the through opening 105a of a snap-fit ​​pair of an intermediate section of one of two stacked pins cooperates with the boss 105b of a snap-fit ​​pair of an intermediate section of the other of two stacked pins so as to ensure snap-fit ​​retention of said stacked pins.

[0040] More specifically, and by way of example, the [ Fig.6 ] is a schematic representation of the stacking of two pins, respectively called first pin 1a and second pin 1b. On this [ Fig.6 ], the lower face of the first pin 1a covers the upper face of the second pin 1b. Furthermore, and still on the example illustrated in the [ Fig.6 The first pair of snap hooks for the first pin is aligned with the second pair of snap hooks for the second pin. Specifically, in this example, for each pair of snap hooks, the boss is positioned on the upper face (and on the intermediate section), while the through-hole is located downstream of this boss along the lateral extension direction of the intermediate section. Thus, the snap hooking of the first and second pins involves the boss of the second pair engaging with the through-hole of the first pair. This engagement notably involves the boss being inserted into the through-hole.

[0041] Inserting the boss into the through opening may involve slight deformation of one of the intermediate sections of one and / or the other of the first and second pins.

[0042] Thus, in accordance with the above, and according to a first aspect relating to the ratcheting means, the boss of a ratcheting pair formed on an intermediate section is formed on the upper face and upstream of the through opening of the ratcheting pair considered according to a lateral extension direction of the intermediate section.

[0043] According to a second aspect, not shown in the figures, the boss of a ratchet pair formed on an intermediate section is formed on the lower face and downstream of the through opening of the ratchet pair considered along a lateral extension direction of the intermediate section.

[0044] The invention, and in particular the configuration of the locking means, is not limited to these two aspects, and those skilled in the art may consider other locking means. In particular, it is possible to consider a pair of locking mechanisms provided with a lug and a non-through opening.

[0045] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, each intermediate section can be provided with two snap-on means.

[0046] Advantageously, each intermediate section can be extended laterally, in a lateral direction perpendicular to the elongation axis, by a lateral section 14 and 15. More particularly, each intermediate section forms, with the lateral section that extends it, a lateral wing 16 and 17 of generally concave shape by the upper face 103 of the pin 1.

[0047] According to an advantageous embodiment, each lateral wing 16 and 17 is openwork.

[0048] In general, different portions of pin 1 can be distinguished. In particular, and as illustrated on the [ Fig.2 ], the pin 1 may include, from the first end 101 to the second end 102, a stop portion 106 and a main portion 107. In particular, the pin 1 may include lateral tabs formed on its stop portion 106. These lateral tabs act in particular as stops when the pin is used to retain an element in a support rail. In this respect, two lateral tabs 18 and 19 ([ Fig.1] et [Fig.2 ]) can extend from a free edge of either of the lateral sections 14 and 15 and at the level of the stop portion 106. These free edges can be parallel to the axis of elongation or extend convergently from the first end to the second end.

[0049] In addition, the pin includes a stop tab 20, formed on the central section 11 at the level of a stop portion 108 downstream of the main portion 107 in the direction from the first end 101 to the second end 102. In particular, the stop tab 20 extends in a direction from the second end to the first end, diverging with respect to the upper face 103.

[0050] The pin includes an engagement portion 109 downstream of the main portion, advantageously downstream of the stopping portion, in the direction from the second end to the first end. The engagement portion 109 has a beveled shape.

[0051] In this regard, each intermediate section includes, at the level of the engagement portion, two flat fins 110, 111 and folded internally so as to give the engagement portion its beveled shape.

[0052] According to a variant illustrated in the [ Fig.10 The engagement portion 109 may include a plane section 112 inclined relative to the central section 11 so as to give the engagement portion its beveled shape. In particular, the plane section 112 extends from the central section 11 towards the second end 102. Notably, the plane section 112 may be connected laterally to the intermediate sections 12 and 13.

[0053] Pin 1 is advantageously used to hold a photovoltaic module on one or more support rails.

[0054] In this regard, the [ Fig.7 ] is a representation of a photovoltaic panel 200 on the back face of which secondary rails 201 are fixed. These secondary rails 201 are notably parallel to each other. The [ Fig.7 ] also represents support rails 300 belonging to a load-bearing structure.

[0055] The support rails 300 have a U-shaped cross-section and are thus shaped to accommodate a secondary rail 201 in their U-shaped space. In particular, the secondary rail may have a shape conforming to the U-shaped space of the support rail 300. The secondary rail and the support rail also include lateral through-holes provided to allow the insertion of a pin for attaching said secondary rail to said support rail.

[0056] Thus, fixing the photovoltaic panel to the supporting structure includes a first step of inserting the secondary rail 201 into the U space of the support rail 300 ( [ Fig.8 ]). This insertion is specifically executed in such a way as to place the lateral openings of the support rail and the secondary rail opposite each other.

[0057] This first step is followed by a second step of inserting pin 1, by its engagement portion, into a lateral opening in the support rail. The beveled shape of the engagement portion facilitates the insertion of said pin.

[0058] During the execution of this second step, an insertion force is exerted on the first end.

[0059] At the end of the second stage ([ Fig.9 The stop portion is abutted, by its lateral tabs, against a lateral wall, called the insertion wall, of the support rail, while the retaining portion is projecting from a wall of the rail and opposite the insertion wall. The retaining tab 20 holds the pin 1 in a locked position.

[0060] A pin 1 according to the invention thus makes it possible to fix a secondary rail to a support rail in a simple and solid manner.

[0061] In addition, taking into account the free edges of the lateral sections 14 and 15 extending in a non-parallel manner facilitates the insertion of the pin into the opening.

[0062] A dedicated tool for engaging the pin in the side openings is also described. In particular, the dedicated tool 200 (illustrated on the [ Fig.11 The tool 200 comprises a central section 201 having two parallel faces, referred to respectively as the first face 201a and the second face 201b. For example, the central section 201 may be disc-shaped. The dedicated tool 200 further comprises a main shaft 202 extending perpendicularly from the first face 201a of the central section. In particular, the main shaft 202 is configured for mounting the tool 200 on a device (not shown).

[0063] The tool 200 also includes a central rod 203 and two lateral rods 204a and 204b extending perpendicularly from the second face 201b. In particular, the two lateral rods 204a and 204b are arranged symmetrically with respect to the central rod 203.

[0064] The use of pins may also involve the use of the dedicated tool 200. In particular, a pin 1 may be installed on said dedicated tool 200 (as illustrated in the [ Fig.10 ]). In particular, when the pin is mounted on the tool 200, the central rod 203 is positioned against the central section 11 by the lower face, while the two lateral rods 204a and 204b are each positioned against a lateral wing 16, 17 by the upper face 103.

[0065] The installation of a pin on the tool can be done using an automated loader which includes a magazine into which a set of stacked pins is loaded.

[0066] There [ Fig.12 ] represents a second example of tool 200 for engaging a pin in the side openings.

[0067] This second example essentially replicates the characteristics of the example shown in the [ Fig.11 ]. However, and unlike the previous example, the main shaft 202 includes a bend which links it to the central section 201 so that said shaft extends obliquely from the central section 201.

[0068] As illustrated in the [ Fig.12 ], the central rod 203 and the two lateral rods 204a and 204b may have different lengths and shapes than those in the example of the [ Fig.11 ].

[0069] Of course, the invention is not limited to the implementation methods described and alternative implementations can be carried out without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A pin (1) comprising a metal body (10) extending along an elongation axis between a first end (101) and a second end (102), and having an upper face (103) and a lower face (104) opposite to the upper face (103), the pin (1) comprising: - a substantially planar central section (11), - two intermediate sections (12, 13) each extending laterally from the central section (11) in a manner diverging from each other, and so as to allow at least two pins (1) to be stacked in a stacking direction perpendicular to the central sections of the pins (1); the pin (1) further comprising, at its second end (102), an engagement portion (109) of generally beveled shape, and characterized in that the pin comprises either: - each intermediate section (12, 13) comprises, at the engagement portion, two planar fins folded inward so as to give the engagement portion its beveled shape; or - the engagement portion comprises a planar section (112) inclined relative to the central section (11) so as to give the engagement portion its beveled shape, the planar section (112) extending from the central section (11) toward the second end (102) and being connected laterally to the intermediate sections (12,13), and in that latching means are positioned on each of the two intermediate sections (12, 13) and are configured to latchingly hold the pins (1) together two-by-two when stacked.

2. The pin (1) according to claim 1, wherein, when two pins (1) are stacked, one of the two pins (1) overlaps, with its lower face (104), the upper face (103) of the other of the two pins (1).

3. The pin (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each intermediate section (12, 13) is extended laterally, in a lateral direction perpendicular to the elongation axis, by a lateral section (14, 15), each intermediate section (12, 13) forming, with the lateral section (14, 15) which extends it, a lateral wing (16, 17) of generally concave shape in relation to the upper face (103) of the pin (1).

4. The pin (1) according to claim 3, wherein each lateral wing (16, 17) is perforated.

5. The pin (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said pin (1) comprises, from the first end (101) to the second end (102), an abutment portion (106) and a main portion (107), each lateral section (14, 15) comprising a lateral tongue (18, 19) which extends at the abutment portion (106) from a free edge of said lateral section (14, 15), said free edges both being parallel to the elongation axis or extending convergingly from the first end toward the second end.

6. The pin (1) according to claim 5, wherein said pin (1) comprises a stop tongue (20), formed on the central section (11), at a stop portion (108) downstream of the main portion (107) in a direction from the first end (101) toward the second end (102), the stop tongue (20) extending in a direction from the second end (102) toward the first end (101), in a manner diverging from the upper face (103).

7. The pin (1) according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the latching means comprise at least one latching pair (105) provided with a through opening (105a) and a boss (105b).

8. The pin (1) according to claim 7, wherein the latching means are arranged so that the through opening (105a) of a latching pair (105) of an intermediate section (12, 13) of one of two stacked pins (1) interacts with the boss (105b) of a latching pair (105) of an intermediate section (12, 13) of the other of said two stacked pins (1) so as to ensure that said stacked pins (1) are latchingly held.

9. The pin (1) according to claim 8, wherein the boss (105b) of a latching pair (105) formed on an intermediate section (12, 13) is formed on the upper face (103) and upstream of the through opening (105a) of the latching pair (105) considered in a lateral extension direction of the intermediate section (12, 13).

10. The pin (1) according to claim 8, wherein the boss (105b) of a latching pair (105) formed on an intermediate section (12, 13) is formed on the lower face (104) and downstream of the through opening (105a) of the latching pair (105) considered in a lateral extension direction of the intermediate section (12, 13).

11. The pin (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein each intermediate section (12, 13) comprises two latching pairs.

12. The pin (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the metal body is made of hardened steel.

13. A set of pins (1) according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein said pins (1) are stacked in a direction perpendicular to the central section (11), and are mechanically held together two-by-two.