Floating modular assembly having an improved connecting system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a floating modular assembly (1) comprising at least two floating devices (D1, D2, D3) and a connecting system, configured to mechanically connect the at least two floating devices, the connecting system comprising - a first coupling element (E1), rigidly attached to and projecting laterally from a first floating device (D1) - a second coupling element (E2), rigidly attached to and projecting laterally from the second floating device (D2) - a removable locking system, configured to connect the first coupling element to the second coupling element.

Description

Title: Floating modular assembly with an improved connection system

[0001] The present application relates to a floating modular assembly comprising at least two floating devices and a connection system, typically rapid, configured to mechanically link said at least two floating devices.

[0002] The connection system comprises a first coupling element, integral and laterally projecting from a first floating device, a second coupling element integral and laterally projecting from the second floating device, as well as a removable locking system, configured to connect the first coupling element and the second coupling element.

[0003] Such a connection system is typically used for easy assembly of floating devices. Technical field

[0004] The present disclosure relates to the field of floating modular assemblies, and more particularly to the design of a floating solar installation, configured to support photovoltaic panels, typically in several parallel rows. Prior art

[0005] It is known, for example, from documents WO2021219948, or WO2012139998, to assemble various floating devices of a solar installation, in particular photovoltaic panel supports, by means of ears, projecting laterally from the floating devices, the facing ears being crossed by a locking member, typically a bolt.

[0006] Figure 1, taken from document WO2021219948, illustrates a floating solar installation marked 1, resulting from the assembly of floating devices, of triangular structures. Each triangular structure comprises typically extruded plastic tubes, extending along the three sides of the triangle, and junction pieces connecting the ends of the tubes two by two, at the vertices of the triangles.

[0007] The floating devices are configured to each support a PV photovoltaic panel and preferably in several parallel rows R1, R2, R2, with the creation of waterways Vn between the rows of PV panels.

[0008] The junction pieces also include projecting ears marked 50, at the apexes of the triangular structures, which allow rapid assembly of the triangular devices from the bank, by placing the ears opposite each other, then inserting a locking member 51, such as a bolt, passing through the different superimposed ears, through bores placed opposite each other of the different ears.

[0009] Document WO201 139998 of the present applicant discloses another design of a typically blown extruded module, with a similar connection system comprising superimposed ears of the different modules, crossed by a locking member.

[0010] In these two teachings of documents WO2012139998 or WO2021219948, the ears between floats intended to be connected are deliberately offset in height, to be superimposed, one above the other, and therefore extend along different planes, parallel to the surface of the body of water, in the rest position of the modular installation.

[0011] It is also known to give said typically plastic ears flexibility, allowing, during swell conditions, the different modular floating devices to move relative to each other, by bending the ears, namely that the modular floating devices of the assembly form a flexible sheet which deforms while accompanying the movements of the waves.

[0012] According to the inventors' findings, such a quick coupling system is not ideal in terms of transmission of forces between the floating devices of the assembly and can be improved with regard to mechanical resistance.

[0013] In particular, the inventors note that the height offset of the ears generates, during traction between two floating devices, a stress resulting in bending of the ears, and as illustrated schematically in Figure 2. The result is that under wind stress, and even when the surface of the water is relatively calm, the traction between the floating devices generates additional bending forces which reduce the resistance of the connection. Summary

[0014] This disclosure improves the situation.

[0015] There is provided a floating modular assembly comprising at least two floating devices and a connection system, configured to mechanically connect said at least two floating devices, said connection system comprising - a first coupling element, integral and projecting laterally from a first floating device, - a second coupling element, integral and projecting laterally from the second floating device, - a removable locking system configured to connect the first coupling element and the second coupling element.

[0016] According to the present disclosure, in a rest position of said assembly for which said floating modular assembly floats on a calm body of water, the first coupling element and the second coupling element are substantially aligned along a virtual plane parallel to the surface of the body of water, and in which the first coupling element comprises, distributed on either side of said first coupling element, a first upper stop, projecting upwards and a first lower stop projecting downwards, and in which the second coupling element comprises, distributed on either side of said second coupling element, a second upper stop, projecting upwards, and a second lower stop, projecting downwards, and in which the removable locking system comprises: - an upper part, configured to cover the first coupling element and of the second coupling element, comprising a first upper counter stop configured to come into contact with the first upper stop, and a second upper counter stop configured to come into contact with the second upper stop, - a lower portion, configured to overlap the first coupling element and the second coupling element, comprising a first lower counter-stop configured to come into contact with the first lower stop, and a second lower counter-stop configured to come into contact with the second lower stop (B2I) and in which during a tensile stress between the two floating devices tending to separate the first coupling element and the second coupling element, the connection system is configured so that the first upper and lower stops engage with the first upper and lower counter-stops, and the second upper and lower stops engage with the second upper and lower counter-stops so as to oppose and limit the spacing between the first coupling element and the second coupling element.

[0017] The features set out in the following paragraphs may, optionally, be implemented, independently of one another or in combination with one another: According to one embodiment, the first coupling element, projecting laterally from the first floating device, comprises at least one portion of flexible length, and the second coupling element, projecting laterally from the second floating device comprises at least one portion of flexible length, said first coupling element and said second coupling element, flexible, are configured, when locked to one another by the locking system, to allow relative movement between the first device and the floating device in swell conditions, by deformation of the portions of flexible length, said first coupling element and the second coupling element deforming outside the virtual plane.

[0018] According to one embodiment, said connection system is configured, in said rest position of said floating assembly, during the tensile stress between the two floating devices tending to separate the first coupling element and the second coupling element, to: - balance on the one hand, the upper force of the first upper counter-stop on the first upper stop and, on the other hand, the lower force of the first lower counter-stop on the first lower stop so as to stress the first coupling element in traction in the virtual plane, and - balance, on the one hand, the upper force of the second upper counter-stop on the second upper stop and, on the other hand, the force of the second lower counter-stop on the second lower stop so as to apply traction to the second coupling element in the virtual plane.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the upper part and the lower part of the locking system are two removable parts, configured to be fixed to each other to grip the first coupling element and the second coupling element, the two removable upper and lower parts respectively comprising a coupling member and a mutually engaging complementary coupling member, said coupling member and said coupling member complementary configured to be assembled to each other by screwing, or by elastic interlocking.

[0020] According to one embodiment, said coupling member and said complementary coupling member extend axially along a mounting axis perpendicular to the virtual plane, in particular the coupling member and the complementary coupling member comprising an external thread, a mutually engaging internal thread, and along a screwing axis, coincident with said mounting axis, in the rest position of said floating assembly.

[0021] According to one embodiment: - the upper part of the locking system comprises an upper circular shoulder, preferably coaxial with said mounting axis, forming on two distinct angular sections of said upper circular shoulder, the first upper counter-stop and the second upper counter-stop, the first upper stop and the second upper stop extending along portions of an arc of a circle; - the lower part of the locking system comprises a lower circular shoulder, preferably coaxial with said mounting axis, forming on two distinct angular sections of said lower circular shoulder, the first lower counter-stop and the second lower counter-stop, the first lower stop and the second lower stop extending along portions of an arc of a circle.

[0022] According to one embodiment, said first coupling element and said second coupling element are of adjustable positions, relative to one another, around the mounting axis, allowing: - various angular positions of the first upper stop and the second upper stop on said upper circular shoulder - various angular positions of the first lower stop and the second lower stop on said lower circular shoulder.

[0023] According to one embodiment, said assembly comprises a third floating device, said connection system comprising a third coupling element projecting laterally and integral with the floating device extending in the virtual plane, and a third upper stop, and a third lower stop, configured respectively to come to bear on said upper circular shoulder and on said lower shoulder, on a third upper counter stop and a third lower counter stop.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the first upper stop and the first upper counter stop have mutually engaging contact surfaces, inclined at a greater angle relative to a direction perpendicular to the virtual plane and the first lower stop and the first lower counter stop have mutually engaging contact surfaces, inclined at a lesser angle relative to the direction perpendicular to the virtual plane, the upper and lower angles being opposite, configured to, in the event of traction, between the floating devices, generate forces resulting from the contact surfaces between the first stops upper and lower and the first upper and lower counter-stops tending to bring the upper part and the lower part of the locking system closer together, and / or in which the second upper stop and the first upper counter-stop have contact surfaces, inclined at a greater angle relative to a direction perpendicular to the virtual plane and the first lower stop and the first lower counter-stop have contact surfaces, inclined at a lesser angle relative to the direction perpendicular to the virtual plane, the upper and lower angles being opposite, configured so as, in the event of traction, between the floating devices, to generate forces resulting from the contact surfaces between the second upper and lower stops and the second upper and lower counter-stops, tending to bring the upper part and the lower part of the locking system closer together.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the first floating device and the second floating device comprise tubes having open ends closed by plugs, and in which the first coupling element, the first upper stop, the second lower stop and at least one of the plugs is a single-piece plastic component, typically injection-molded, and / or the second coupling element, the second upper stop, the second lower stop and at least one of the plugs is a single-piece plastic component, typically injection-molded.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the first coupling element, the first upper stop and the second lower stop, extending in a longitudinal direction parallel to the virtual plane, along an edge of the first floating device and in which the second coupling element, the second upper stop and the second lower stop extending in length in said longitudinal direction, parallel to the virtual plane, along an edge of the first floating device and in which the locking system comprising the upper part and the lower part is a profile or an assembly of profiles, which is threaded in the longitudinal direction simultaneously onto the first coupling element and the second coupling element.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the first floating device comprises a blown extruded float and in which the first coupling element including the first upper stop and the first lower stop, are in one piece with said blown extruded float, obtained during the blow extrusion of said float and / or in which the second floating device comprises a blown extruded float and in which the second coupling element including the second upper stop and the second lower stop, are in one piece with said blown extruded float obtained during the blow extrusion of said float. Brief description of the drawings

[0028] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below, and upon analyzing the attached drawings, in which: Fig. 1

[0029] [Fig. 1] illustrates, on the left, a floating solar installation resulting from an assembly of floating devices with triangular structures, comprising a connection system between floating devices, comprising several ears, and on the right, a detailed view of the assembly of three superimposed ears, offset in height, crossed by a locking member, and as known from the state of the art. Fig. 2

[0030] [Fig. 2] shows the flexions of two superimposed ears, crossed by the same locking member, resulting from the height shift of the ears, and during a tensile stress materialized by two opposite arrows. Fig. 3

[0031] [Fig. 3] shows an embodiment of the present disclosure comprising three coupling elements, including a first coupling element intended to be integral and projecting laterally from a first floating device, a second coupling element intended to be integral and projecting laterally from a second floating device, and a third decoupling element intended to be integral and projecting laterally from a third floating device, distributed at approximately 120° from a mounting axis of the connection system, the three coupling elements extending (in the rest position) along the same virtual plane, parallel to the body of water, held by a locking system comprising an upper part covering the three coupling elements from above, and a lower part covering the three coupling elements from below,the upper part and the lower part screwed together so as to enclose the three coupling elements., Fig. 3A

[0032] [Fig. 3A] is a sectional view passing through a mounting axis, forming a screwing axis of the upper part on the lower part, the sectional view notably illustrating: - a first upper stop, projecting upwards and a first lower stop projecting downwards, distributed on either side of said first coupling element, - a second upper stop, projecting upwards, and a second lower stop, projecting downwards, distributed on either side of said second coupling element, - the upper part of the locking system, configured to overlap the first coupling element and the second coupling element, the upper part comprising a first upper counter-stop configured to come into contact with the first upper stop, and a second upper counter-stop configured to come into contact with the second upper stop, - the lower part of the system, configured to overlap the first coupling element and the second coupling element, comprising a first lower counter-stop configured to come into contact with the first lower stop, and a second lower counter-stop configured to come into contact with the second lower stop. Fig. 3B

[0033] [Fig. 3B] is a detail view illustrating the upper stop (first or second) and the upper counter stop (first or second) have mutually engaging contact surfaces, inclined at a greater angle relative to a direction perpendicular to the virtual plane and the lower stop (first or second) and the lower counter stop (first or second) have mutually engaging contact surfaces, inclined at a lesser angle relative to the direction perpendicular to the virtual plane, the upper and lower angles being opposite, configured, in the event of traction, between the floating devices, to generate forces resulting from the contact surfaces between the upper and lower stops (first or second) and the upper and lower counter stops (first or second), tending to bring the upper part and the lower part of the locking system closer together,and in particular to avoid unscrewing stress between the upper part and the lower part of the locking system., Fig. 4

[0034] [Fig. 4] is on the left a top view of the coupling system when the upper portion of the locking system is removed, illustrating the upper stops (first, second and third) in the form of an arc of a circle, the three upper stops extending concentrically to the mounting axis, and on the right a bottom view of the coupling system when the lower portion of the locking system is removed, illustrating the lower stops (first, second and third) in the form of an arc of a circle, the three lower stops extending concentrically to the mounting axis. Fig. 5

[0035] [Fig. 5] is: - on the left a detailed view of the upper part of the locking system, in the form of a (first) single-piece, molded plastic part, comprising a (first) circular shoulder on a disc part, intended to be superior to said coupling elements (first, second and third), comprising a coupling member, central to the disc, projecting having an external thread, and - on the right, a detailed view of the lower part of the locking system, in the form of a (second) single-piece, molded plastic part, comprising a (second) circular shoulder, on a disc-shaped part intended to be lower than said coupling elements (first, second and third), comprising a complementary coupling member, central to the disc, projecting with an internal thread, intended to be screwed with the external thread Fig. 6

[0036] [Fig. 6] is an assembly view, according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, the first coupling element, the first upper stop and the second lower stop, extending in a longitudinal direction parallel to the virtual plane, along an edge of the first floating device, and while the second coupling element, the second upper stop and the second lower stop extend in length in said longitudinal direction, parallel to the virtual plane, along an edge of the first floating device and in which the locking system comprising the upper part and the lower part is a profile resulting from an assembly of profiles, which is threaded in the longitudinal direction simultaneously onto the first coupling element and the second coupling element Fig. 7

[0037] [Fig. 7] is a sectional view, illustrating the stops (first and second, upper and lower) of the first coupling element and the second coupling element, with notably: - the first coupling element including the first upper stop and the first lower stop, are in one piece with an extruded-blown float of the first floating device, obtained during the extrusion blow molding of said float - the second coupling element including the second upper stop and the second lower stop, are in one piece with an extruded-blown float of the second floating device, obtained during the extrusion blow molding of said float. Description of the embodiments

[0038] Also, the present disclosure relates to a floating modular assembly 1 comprising at least two floating devices D1, D2, D3 and a connection system configured to mechanically link said at least two floating devices.

[0039] The said connection system comprises: - a first coupling element E1, integral and projecting laterally from a first floating device D1 and a second coupling element E2, integral and projecting laterally from the second floating device D2 - a removable locking system configured to connect the first coupling element and the second coupling element.

[0040] According to the present disclosure, and in a rest position of said assembly for which said floating modular assembly floats on a (calm) body of water, the first coupling element E1 and the second coupling element E2 are substantially aligned along a virtual plane PL parallel to the surface of the body of water.

[0041] Notably, the coupling elements E1, E2 (first and second in particular) are arranged to project laterally at the same height, and not at different heights according to the state of the art mentioned in the introduction.

[0042] Also notably: - the first coupling element E1 comprises, distributed on either side of said first coupling element E1, a first upper stop B1 S, projecting upwards and a first lower stop B11 projecting downwards, - the second coupling element E2 comprises, distributed on either side of said second element coupling E2, a second upper stop B2S, projecting upwards, and a second lower stop B2I projecting downwards.

[0043] According to the present disclosure, the removable locking system comprises an upper part VS and a lower part VI configured to grip the first coupling element E1 and the second coupling element E2.

[0044] The upper part VS is configured to overlap the first coupling element E1 and the second coupling element E2, from above, and comprises a first upper counter-stop CB1S configured to come into contact with the first upper stop B1S, and a second upper counter-stop CB2S configured to come into contact with the second upper stop B2S.

[0045] The lower part VI is configured to overlap the first coupling element E1 and the second coupling element E2, from below and, comprises a first lower counter-stop CB11 configured to come into contact with the first lower stop B11, and a second lower counter-stop CB2I configured to come into contact with the second lower stop B2I.

[0046] According to one embodiment: - the first coupling element E1, the first upper stop B1 S, and the first lower stop B11 can be formed from a single, typically plastic element, - the second coupling element E2, the second upper stop B2S, and the second lower stop B2I can be formed from a single, typically plastic element.

[0047] According to the present disclosure, and during a tensile stress between the two floating devices D1, D2 tending to separate the first coupling element E1 and the second coupling element E2, in particular in a horizontal direction, the connection system is configured so that the first upper and lower stops B1S, B1I engage with the first upper and lower counter-stops CB1S, CB1I, and that the second upper and lower stops B2S, B2I engage with the second upper and lower counter-stops CB2S, CB2I so as to oppose and limit the spacing between the first coupling element E1 and the second coupling element E2.

[0048] Generally, said assembly may comprise a third floating device D3, said connection system comprising a third coupling element E3 projecting laterally and integral with the (third) floating device extending in the virtual plane PL, and a third upper stop B3S, and a third lower stop B3I, and the upper part of the locking system may comprise a third upper counter-stop and a third lower counter-stop.

[0049] The locking system can thus connect more than two floating devices, in particular three according to the embodiment of figures 3 to 6, or even more, namely that said assembly can comprise an Nth floating device and an Nth coupling element with its upper stops. and lower. The connection system can connect 6 floating devices by means of six separate coupling elements.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the first coupling element E1, projecting laterally from the first floating device, D1 comprises at least one portion of flexible length PF, and the second coupling element, projecting laterally from the second floating device E2 comprises at least one portion of flexible length PF. The flexible portion of each coupling element can be formed, typically, when said coupling element is made of plastic, by a portion of said element of lesser thickness.

[0051] Advantageously, said first coupling element E1 and said second coupling element E2, flexible, are configured, when locked to each other by the locking system, to allow relative movement between the first device D1 and the floating device D2 in particular in swell conditions, by deformation of the flexible length portions PF, said first coupling element E1 and the second coupling element E2 deforming outside the virtual plane PL.

[0052] Said floating modular assembly resulting from the assembly of floating devices by the flexible connection systems according to the present disclosure, adapts and deforms advantageously under swell conditions, by deformation of the coupling elements (first coupling element and second coupling element in particular), accompanying the movement of the waves.

[0053] According to an advantageous embodiment, said connection system is configured, in said rest position of said floating assembly, during the tensile stress between the two floating devices D1, D2 tending to separate the first coupling element E1 and the second coupling element E2, for: - balance on the one hand, the upper force of the first upper counter-stop CB1 S on the first upper stop B1 S and, on the other hand, the lower force of the first lower counter-stop CB1 I on the first lower stop B11 so as to stress the first coupling element E1 in traction in the virtual plane, and - balance, on the one hand, the upper force of the second upper counter-stop CB2S on the second upper stop B2S and, on the other hand, the force of the second lower counter-stop CB2I on the second lower stop B2I so as to stress the second coupling element E2 in traction in the virtual plane.

[0054] In other words, such balancing allows, when repeated tractions are applied to the floating devices, not to generate in itself any bending of the coupling elements, in particular at the level of the flexible portion.

[0055] According to such an embodiment and in particular in order to ensure the aforementioned balancing: - the upper stops (in particular the first upper stop B1S or the second upper stop B2S) may be symmetrical with respect to the virtual plane PL, in the rest position of said assembly, with respect to the lower stops (in particular the first lower stop B1 I or the second lower stop B2I), - the upper counter-stops (in particular the first upper counter-stop CB1 S or the second upper counter-stop CB2S) may be symmetrical with respect to the virtual plane PL, in the rest position of said assembly, with respect to the lower counter-stops (in particular the first lower counter-stop CB1 I or the second lower counter-stop CB2I).

[0056] According to one embodiment, according to a non-limiting example of figures 3 to 6, the upper part VS and the lower part VI of the locking system can be two removable parts, configured to be fixed to each other to grip the first coupling element E1 and the second coupling element E2.

[0057] For this purpose, the two removable upper and lower parts VS, VI may respectively comprise a coupling member OC and a mutually engaging complementary coupling member OCC. Said coupling member OC and said complementary coupling member OCC may extend axially along a mounting axis A perpendicular to the virtual plane PL while being positioned between the coupling elements E1, E2, E3 to be connected.

[0058] According to one embodiment, said coupling member OC and said complementary coupling member OCC can be configured to be assembled to each other by screwing.

[0059] For this purpose in particular the coupling member OC and the complementary coupling member OCC respectively comprise an external thread Fe and an internal thread Fi configured to engage each other. The coupling member and said complementary coupling member extend along a screwing axis, coincident with a mounting axis A, in the rest position of said floating assembly.

[0060] According to one embodiment (not illustrated), said coupling member OC and said complementary coupling member can still engage by elastic interlocking, namely that the two members OC, OCC clip onto each other.

[0061] A method of attachment between the coupling members OC, OCC is preferably chosen, allowing rapid attachment between the two members. The coupling member OC and the complementary coupling member OCC may be formed by two elements, each in a single piece, typically molded plastic, having in particular the threaded parts obtained during plastic molding. Alternatively, said coupling member and said complementary coupling member may comprise, on the one hand, two typically plastic parts for enclosing the first coupling element E1 and the second coupling element E2, the two parts having orifices, and on the other hand, a bolt, namely a screw and nut passing through the orifices of the two parts.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the coupling elements E1, E2, E3, ... up to the Nth coupling element can be distributed around the mounting axis, around the periphery of the connected members OC, OOC, and as visible in the embodiment of figures 3 to 6.

[0063] According to such an embodiment: - the upper part VS of the locking system may comprise an upper circular shoulder EPS, preferably coaxial with said mounting axis A, forming on two distinct angular sections of said upper circular shoulder EPS, the first upper counter-stop CB1 and the second upper counter stop CB2, the first upper stop B1 S and the second upper stop B2S extending along portions of an arc of a circle, - the lower part VI of the locking system comprises a lower circular shoulder EPI, preferably coaxial with said mounting axis, forming on two distinct angular sections of said lower circular shoulder EPI, the first lower counter-stop CB1 I and the second lower counter-stop CB2I, the first lower stop B11 and the second lower stop B2I extending along portions of an arc of a circle.

[0064] When the number of coupling elements is greater than two, in the presence of the third coupling element, said circular shoulder (respectively lower or upper) can form said third counter-stop, see the Nth counter-stop (respectively lower or upper).

[0065] Advantageously, said first coupling element E1 and said second coupling element E1, or even the third coupling element E3, are in adjustable positions, on the one hand relative to the other, around the mounting axis A, allowing: - various angular positions of the first upper stop B1S and the second upper stop B2S (or even the third upper stop B3S, or even the Nth upper stop) on said upper circular shoulder EPS,

[0066] Various angular positions of the first lower stop B11 and the second lower stop B2I, (or even the third upper stop B3S, or even the Nth upper stop) on said lower circular shoulder EPI.

[0067] The connection system can thus adapt to various angular configurations of the coupling elements and be advantageously universal in this sense.

[0068] In general, and as illustrated in Figure 5, the removable upper part VS of the locking system may comprise a disc-shaped part. Said upper circular shoulder EPS runs close to the edge of the disc, extending in a protruding manner from one face of the disc. On this same side, the coupling member extends centrally from a central portion of the disc, in particular with an external thread Fe. The removable lower part VI may itself comprise a disc-shaped part. Said lower circular shoulder EPI runs close to the edge of the disc, extending in a protruding manner from one face of the disc. On this same side, the complementary coupling member extends centrally from a central portion of the disc, in particular with an internal thread Fi.

[0069] On the side opposite the useful contact surface of said circular shoulder, upper or lower, EPS, or EPI, radial ribs with a reinforcing function may be provided, regularly distributed around the screwing axis to reinforce the support of the contact surface of said shoulder.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the stops (first, second and third or even Nth) and the counter-stops (first, second, and third or even Nth) may comprise contact surfaces inclined, relative to the vertical direction, promoting the approach of the upper and lower parts, one towards the other, when tractions between the floating devices are exerted: we prevent the resultants of the forces of the stops against the counter-stops from exerting a vertical force component, tending to unlock by separating the upper part VS from the lower part VI, by unscrewing in particular.

[0071] Such a design is understandable in particular from Figures 3A and 3B.

[0072] In particular, and in Figure 3B in particular, the first upper stop B1 S and the first upper counter-stop CB1S have mutually engaging contact surfaces, inclined at a greater angle a1 S relative to a direction perpendicular to the virtual plane and the first lower stop B1 I and the first lower counter-stop CB1 I have mutually engaging contact surfaces, inclined at a lesser angle a11 relative to the direction perpendicular to the virtual plane.

[0073] The upper and lower angles a1S, o11 are opposite, configured to, in the event of traction, between the floating devices D1, D2, D3, generate resulting forces F1S, F1 I of the contact surfaces between the first upper and lower stops B1S, B1 1 and the first counter-stops, upper and lower B1S, CB1, tending to bring together the upper part VS and the lower part VI of the locking system.

[0074] Similarly, and still in Figure 3B, the second upper stop B2S and the first upper counter-stop CB2S have contact surfaces, inclined at a greater angle a2S relative to a direction perpendicular to the virtual plane and the first lower stop B2I and the first lower counter-stop CB2I have contact surfaces, inclined at a lesser angle a2l relative to the direction perpendicular to the virtual plane.

[0075] The upper and lower angles a2S, o2l are opposite, configured to, in the event of traction, between the floating devices D1, D2, generate resulting forces F2S, F2I of the contact surfaces between the second upper and lower stops B2S, B2I and the second upper and lower counter-stops CB2S, CB2I, tending to bring together the upper part (VS) and the lower part VI of the locking system.

[0076] Thus in Figure 3B, we see that: - the force F1S of the first upper stop B1S against the first upper counter-stop CB1S, and the force F2S of the second upper stop B2S against the second upper counter-stop CB2S comprise vertical components directed downwards which press the upper part VS of the locking system towards the bottom, - the force F1 I of the first lower stop B1 I against the first lower counter-stop CB1 I, and the force F2I of the second lower stop B2I against the second lower counter-stop CB2I comprise vertical components directed upwards which press the counter-stop the lower part VI of the locking system upwards.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the first floating device D1 and the second floating device D2 may comprise tubes TB having open ends closed by plugs BC, and as disclosed per se in Figure 3. According to one embodiment, the first coupling element E1, the first upper stop B1 S the second lower stop B11 and at at least one of the BC caps may be a single-piece plastic component, typically injection molded.

[0078] Likewise, the second coupling element E1, the second upper stop B2S, the second lower stop B2I and at least one of the caps BC can be a single-piece plastic component, typically injection molded.

[0079] In particular, each coupling element may comprise two plugs, in particular inclined relative to each other at 60° or other and making it possible to obtain a floating device comprising a triangular structure formed by three tubes TB, typically cylindrical, and the coupling elements with two plugs connect the ends of two tubes, at each vertex of the triangle. The plugs BC may be welded in a sealed manner to the tube, to ensure the buoyancy of the floating device, and in particular with a view to obtaining a solar installation according to WO2012139998 of the present Applicant.

[0080] According to another embodiment, in particular illustrated in figures 6 and 7, the first coupling element E1, the first upper stop B1S and the second lower stop B1I, can extend in a longitudinal direction DL parallel to the virtual plane, along an edge of the first floating device D1 and the second coupling element E2, the second upper stop B2S and the second lower stop B2I can extend in length in said longitudinal direction D), parallel to the virtual plane, along an edge of the first floating device D2.

[0081] The locking system comprising the upper part VS and the lower part VI is a profile resulting for example from the assembly of profiles PF1, PF2, PF3, which is threaded in the longitudinal direction DL simultaneously onto the first coupling element E1 and the second coupling element E2. Optionally, the profile results from the assembly of three profiles respectively forming the upper part VS (namely the first profile PF1) and the lower part VI (namely the second profile PF2 and third profile PF3) which are assembled by the coupling member OC and the complementary coupling member OCC mutually engaging.

[0082] The coupling member OC may be a hooking groove, in particular a double groove, namely a first groove and a second groove of the first profile PF 1, inside which can be fixed, on the one hand, the second profile PF2 which comprises a first complementary coupling member OCC comprising a first hooking rib, threaded into the first hooking groove, and the third profile PF3 which comprises a second complementary coupling member OCC comprising a second hooking rib threaded into the second hooking groove OCC. The section of the hooking ribs may be T-shaped, the grooves of complementary section, so as to prevent the separation of the rib by the groove entrance. In other words, the assembly and disassembly between the rib / groove pairs is only possible by inserting the rib into the groove, via openings at the longitudinal ends of the groove.

[0083] The profile may comprise holes for fixing members (rivets, screws or other) intended to fix the profile through said coupling element, by a fixing member simultaneously passing through the profile and said coupling element E1, E2. These fixing members have the function of limiting the movement in the direction DL and of fixing the spacing between the upper part VS and the lower part VI.

[0084] The first floating device D1 may comprise a blown extruded float. Advantageously, the first coupling element E1 including the first upper stop B1S and the first lower stop B1 I may be in one piece with said blown extruded float, obtained during the blow extrusion of said float. And

[0085] The second floating device D2 may comprise a blown extruded float. The second coupling element E2 including the second upper stop B2S and the second lower stop B2I may be integral with said blown extruded float, obtained during the blow extrusion of said float. Industrial application

[0086] The assembly according to the present disclosure finds an application particularly for obtaining modular floating installations, with increased mechanical resistance and more particularly in the field of floating photovoltaics. List of reference signs

[0087] - 1: Floating modular assembly, - PV. Photovoltaic panels, - R1, R2, R3. Rows of panels (first, second, and third row) - D1, D2, D3. Respectively first, second and third floating devices, - Vn. Waterways between rows of panels, - 5 Connection system (figure 1 according to the state of the art) - 50. Ears (state of the art), - 51. Locking devices (state of the art), - PL. Virtual plan, - E1, E2, E3. Respectively first coupling element, second coupling element and third coupling element extending in the virtual plane (in rest position), - B1S, B2S. respectively first and second upper stops, - B1 I, B3I. respectively first and second lower stops, - CB1S, CB2S respectively first and second upper counter-stop, - CB11, CB2I respectively first and second lower counter-stop, - F1S. Force of the first upper stop on the first upper counter-stop (figure 3B), - F1 I. Force of the first lower stop on the first lower counter-stop (figure 3B), - F2S. Force of the second upper stop on the second upper counter stop (figure 3B), - F2I. Force of the second lower stop on the second lower counter stop (figure 3B), - PF. Flexible portions (first, second or third coupling element), - VS. Upper part (locking system), - VI. Lower part (locking system), - A. Mounting axis, in particular screw axis, - OC; OCC. Respectively coupling organ and complementary coupling organ 5 mutually engaging, - Fe, Fi. Respectively external thread and internal thread (belonging respectively to said coupling member and said complementary coupling member) mutually engaging by screwing, - a1S, a11. Upper and lower angles, opposite (between the contact surfaces of the first stop and first counter-stop, respectively upper and lower), 10 - a2S, o2L Upper and lower angles, opposite (between the contact surfaces of the second upper and second lower stop and counter-stop respectively), - PF. Profiled, - PF1, PF2, PF3. First, second and third profiles.

Claims

Claims

1. Floating modular assembly (1) comprising at least two floating devices (D1, D2, D3) and a connection system, configured to mechanically connect said at least two floating devices, said connection system comprising - a first coupling element (E1), integral and projecting laterally from a first floating device (D1) - a second coupling element (E2), integral and projecting laterally from the second floating device (D2) - a removable locking system configured to connect the first coupling element and the second coupling element, characterized in that, in a rest position of said assembly for which said floating modular assembly floats on a calm body of water, the first coupling element (E1) and the second coupling element (E2) are substantially aligned along a virtual plane (PL) parallel to the surface of the body of water, and in which the first coupling element (E1) comprises, distributed on either side of said first coupling element (E1), a first upper stop (B1S), projecting upwards, and a first lower stop (B1 I) projecting downwards, and in which the second coupling element (E2) comprises, distributed on either side of said second coupling element (E2), a second upper stop (B2S), projecting upwards, and a second lower stop (B2I) projecting downwards, and in which the locking system,removable, includes:, - an upper part (VS), configured to cover the first coupling element (E1) and the second coupling element (E2), comprising a first upper counter-stop (CB1S) configured to come into contact with the first upper stop (B1S), and a second upper counter-stop (CB2S) configured to come into contact with the second upper stop (B2S), - a lower part (VI), configured to overlap the first coupling element (E1) and the second coupling element (E2), comprising a first lower counter-stop (CB1 I) configured to come into contact with the first lower stop (B11), and a second lower counter-stop (CB2I) configured to come into contact with the second lower stop (B2I) and in which during a tensile stress between the two floating devices (D1, D2) tending to separate the first coupling element (E1) and the second coupling element (E2), the connection system is configured so that the first upper and lower stops (B1 S, B1 I) engage with the first upper and lower counter-stops (CB1S, CB1 I), and that the second upper and lower stops (B2S, B2I) engage with the second upper and lower counter-stops (CB2S,CB2I) so as to oppose and limit the spacing between the first coupling element (E1) and the second coupling element (E2).,

2. A floating modular assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first coupling element (E1), projecting laterally from the first floating device, comprises at least one portion of flexible length (PF), and the second coupling element, projecting laterally from the second floating device (E2) comprises at least one portion of flexible length (PF), said first coupling element (E1) and said second coupling element (E2), flexible, being configured, when locked to each other by the locking system, to allow relative movement between the first device (D1) and the floating device (D2) in swell conditions, by deformation of the portions of flexible length (PF), said first coupling element (E1) and the second coupling element (E2) deforming outside the virtual plane (PL).

3. Floating modular assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said connection system is configured, in said rest position of said floating assembly, during the tensile stress between the two floating devices (D1, D2) tending to separate the first coupling element (E1) and the second coupling element (E2), to: - balance on the one hand, the upper force of the first upper counter-stop (CB1S) on the first upper stop (B1S) and, on the other hand, the lower force of the first lower counter-stop (CB1 I), on the first lower stop (B1 I) so as to stress the first coupling element (E1) in traction in the virtual plane, and - balance, on the one hand, the upper force of the second upper counter-stop (CB2S) on the second upper stop (B2S) and, on the other hand, the force of the second lower counter-stop (CB2I) on the second lower stop (B2I) so as to apply traction to the second coupling element (E2) in the virtual plane.

4. Floating modular assembly according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the upper part (VS), and the lower part (VI) of the locking system, are two removable parts, configured to be fixed to each other to grip the first coupling element (E1) and the second coupling element (E2), the two removable upper and lower parts (VS, VI) respectively comprising a coupling member (OC) and a complementary coupling member (OCC) mutually engaging, said coupling member (OC) and said complementary coupling member (OCC) configured to be assembled to each other by screwing, or by elastic interlocking.

5. Assembly according to claim 4, in which said coupling member (OC) and said complementary coupling member (OCC) extend axially along a mounting axis (A) perpendicular to the virtual plane (PL), in particular the coupling member (OC) and the complementary coupling member (OCC) comprising an external thread (Fe), a mutually engaging internal thread (Fi), and along a screwing axis, coincident with said mounting axis (A), in the rest position of said floating assembly.

6. A floating modular assembly according to claim 5 wherein: - the upper part (VS) of the locking system comprises an upper circular shoulder (EPS), preferably coaxial with said mounting axis (A), forming on two distinct angular sections of said upper circular shoulder (EPS), the first upper counter-stop (CB1) and the second upper counter stop (CB2), the first upper stop (B1 S) and the second upper stop (B2S) extending along portions of an arc of a circle. - the lower part (VI) of the locking system comprises a lower circular shoulder (EPI), preferably coaxial with said mounting axis, forming on two distinct angular sections of said lower circular shoulder (EPI), the first lower counter-stop (CB1 I) and the second lower counter-stop (CB2I), the first lower stop (B1 I) and the second lower stop (B2I) extending along portions of an arc of a circle.

7. Assembly according to claim 6, in which said first coupling element (E1) and said second coupling element (E1) are of adjustable positions, on the one hand relative to the other, around the mounting axis (A), allowing: - various angular positions of the first upper stop (B1S) and the second upper stop (B2S) on said upper circular shoulder (EPS) - various angular positions of the first lower stop (B1 I) and the second lower stop (B2I) on said lower circular shoulder (EPI).

8. Assembly according to one of claims 6 to 7, comprising a third floating device (D3), said connection system comprising a third coupling element (E3) projecting laterally and integral with the floating device extending in the virtual plane (PL), and a third upper stop (B3S), and a third lower stop (B3I), configured respectively to come to bear on said upper circular shoulder (EPS) and on said lower shoulder (EPI), on a third upper counter stop and a third lower counter stop.

9. Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 8, in which the first upper stop (B1S) and the first upper counter-stop (CB1S) have mutually engaging contact surfaces, inclined at a greater angle (a1S) relative to a direction perpendicular to the virtual plane and the first lower stop (B1 1) and the first lower counter-stop (CB1 I) have mutually engaging contact surfaces, inclined at a lesser angle (a11) relative to the direction perpendicular to the virtual plane, the upper and lower angles (a1S, a11) being opposite, configured to, in the event of traction, between the floating devices (D1, D2, D3), generate resultant forces (F1S, F11) of the contact surfaces between the first upper and lower stops (B1S, B1 I) and the first upper and lower counter-stops (CB1S, CB1 I),tending to bring the upper part (VS) and the lower part (VI) of the locking system closer together, and / or in which the second upper stop (B2S) and the first upper counter stop (CB2S) have contact surfaces, inclined at a greater angle (a2S) relative to a direction perpendicular to the virtual plane and the first lower stop (B2I) and the first lower counter stop (CB2I) have contact surfaces, inclined at a lesser angle (a2l) relative to the direction perpendicular to the virtual plane, the upper and lower angles (a2S, a2l) being opposite, configured to, in the event of traction, between the floating devices (D1, D2, D3), generate resulting forces (F2S, F2I) of the contact surfaces, between the second upper and lower stops (B2S, B2I) and the second upper and lower counter-stops (CB2S, CB2I), tending to bring together the upper part (VS) and the lower part (VI) of the locking system.

10. Floating assembly according to one of claims 1 to 9, in which the first floating device (D1) and the second floating device (D2) comprise tubes (TB) having open ends closed by plugs (BC), and in which the first coupling element (E1), the first upper stop (B1S), the second lower stop (B1I) and at least one of the plugs (BC) is a single-piece plastic component, typically injection-molded, and / or the second coupling element (E1), the second upper stop (B2S), the second lower stop (B2I) and at least one of the plugs (BC) is a single-piece plastic component, typically injection-molded.

11. Floating modular assembly according to one of claims 1 to 3, or 9, wherein the first coupling element (E1), the first upper stop (B1S) and the second lower stop (B1I), extending in a longitudinal direction (DL) parallel to the virtual plane, along an edge of the first floating device (D1) and wherein the second coupling element (E2), the second upper stop (B2S) and the second lower stop (B2I) extending in length in said longitudinal direction (DL), parallel to the virtual plane, along an edge of the first floating device (D2) and wherein the locking system comprising the upper part (VS) and the lower part (VI) is a profile or assembly of profiles (PF1, PF2, PF3), which is threaded in the longitudinal direction (DL) simultaneously onto the first coupling element (E1) and the second coupling element (E2).

12. An assembly according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 11, wherein the first floating device (D1) comprises a blown extruded float and wherein the first coupling element (E1) including the first upper stop (B1S) and the first lower stop (B1I), are integral with said blown extruded float, obtained during the blow extrusion of said float and / or wherein the second floating device (D2) comprises a blown extruded float and wherein the second coupling element (E2) including the second upper stop (B2S) and the second lower stop (B2I), are integral with said blown extruded float obtained during the blow extrusion of said float.

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