Deployable frame for solar panels

Abstract

TITLE: Deployable frame for solar panels The present invention relates to a deployable frame (1) for solar panels, characterized in that it comprises: - a set of frames (3), each frame being arranged to receive a solar panel, - a set of articulations (4), connecting said frames together so as to allow the manipulation of said frame between a folded position, in which said frames are arranged against each other, and a deployed position, in which said frames extend next to each other, each of said frames comprising at least two adjustment mechanisms (7), respectively arranged at at least two adjacent corners of said frame, each adjustment mechanism connecting two edges (8) of said frame and being arranged to allow the adjustment of the position of said two edges relative to each other along at least one longitudinal axis or a transverse axis of said frame. Abstract figure: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Deployable frame for solar panels Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a deployable frame for solar panels. Prior art

[0002] Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic modules, are devices that convert sunlight into usable electricity. They consist of solar cells, usually made of silicon, which capture solar energy and convert it into direct current. Solar panels are widely used in residential, commercial, and industrial applications for the production of renewable energy.

[0003] Solar panels can be mounted on frames.

[0004] Solar panel frames are structures that support and hold solar panels in place. They are designed to ensure the stability and durability of solar panels, as well as to facilitate their installation and maintenance.

[0005] In the current state of the art, solar panel frames may be of fixed design. They may allow the tilt of the solar panels to be changed to optimize their exposure to the sun. Some frames also have solar tracking mechanisms, which automatically adjust the angle of the solar panels to follow the path of the sun throughout the day.

[0006] Solar panel frames can be designed in a modular manner, that is to say they comprise a set of frames assembled together depending on the application.

[0007] A disadvantage of current frames is that they are specifically adapted to a particular type of solar panel, and in particular to solar panels with particular dimensions. To be able to manage the installation of solar panels of different types, it is therefore necessary to have different models of frames. This increases in particular the manufacturing and storage costs.

[0008] Additionally, solar panel technologies are constantly evolving, resulting in solar panel sizes changing every few months.

[0009] Therefore, with current frames specifically adapted to a size of solar panels, it is advisable to keep a certain number of solar panels in stock for a certain time so that they can be changed in the event of breakage or if defective.

[0010] There is therefore a need for a deployable frame for solar panels that is simple to deploy and fold, and that can adapt to different dimensions of solar panels. Statement of the invention

[0011] These objectives, as well as others which will appear more clearly later, are achieved using a deployable frame for solar panels, characterized in that it comprises: - a set of frames, each frame being arranged to receive a solar panel, - a set of joints, connecting said frames together so as to allow said chassis to be manipulated between a folded position, in which said frames are arranged against each other, and a deployed position, in which said frames extend alongside each other, each of said frames comprising at least two adjustment mechanisms, respectively arranged at at least two adjacent corners of said frame, each adjustment mechanism connecting two edges of said frame and being arranged to allow adjustment of the position of said two edges relative to each other along at least one longitudinal axis or one transverse axis of said frame.

[0012] Each of said frames may comprise four adjustment mechanisms, respectively arranged at the four corners of said frame.

[0013] Each adjustment mechanism may be arranged to allow adjustment of the position of said two edges relative to each other along the longitudinal axis and along the transverse axis of said frame.

[0014] Each adjustment mechanism may have the form of a bracket, arranged inside said frame, the two perpendicular sides of the bracket being respectively fixed to the two corresponding edges of the frame.

[0015] Each edge of the frame may comprise, at each of its ends, a set of tapped holes.

[0016] The fixing between each side of the bracket and said corresponding edge of the frame can be achieved by a screwed assembly comprising at least one screw intended to cooperate with one of said tapped holes.

[0017] The screwed assembly may comprise several screws intended to cooperate with several tapped holes.

[0018] The chassis may comprise a set of crutches, which can be folded out under said frames when said chassis is in the deployed position.

[0019] The chassis may include feet.

[0020] The chassis may comprise wheels, arranged to be located under the chassis when said chassis is in the folded position.

[0021] List of figures

[0022] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of preferred embodiments, given as a simple figurative and non-limiting example, and accompanied by the figures among which: - [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of a deployable frame for solar panels according to one embodiment of the invention; - [Fig.2] is a view similar to [Fig.l], with solar panels mounted on the chassis; - [Fig.3] is a view of the chassis of [Fig.l] in the folded position; and - [Fig.4] is a perspective view of a frame of the chassis of [Fig.l]. Detailed description of embodiments of the invention 1. Chassis

[0023] [Fig.l] represents a deployable frame 1 for solar panels 2.

[0024] The frame 1 is designed to facilitate the installation and adjustment of solar panels 2, in order to optimize their performance. The frame 1 may be made of aluminum or galvanized steel, which gives it corrosion resistance and structural strength. The frame 1 may also be made of stainless steel or possibly plastic, for example high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

[0025] The chassis 1 is modular. In other words, the chassis 1 comprises a set of frames 3, assembled together. Each frame 3 has a rectangular shape and is arranged to receive a solar panel 2. [Fig.2] shows the chassis 1 equipped with solar panels 2.

[0026] The chassis 1 comprises a set of articulations 4, which connect the frames 3 together. The articulations 4 are for example hinges.

[0027] The joints 4 allow the chassis 1 to be manipulated between a folded position, in which the frames 3 are arranged against each other ([Fig.3]), and a deployed position, in which the frames 3 extend alongside each other ([Fig.1] and [Fig.2]).

[0028] The frame 1 preferably comprises a set of crutches 5, which are unfoldable under the frames 3 when the frame 1 is in the deployed position. The crutches 5 make it possible to adjust the height and angle of the frames 3, and therefore of the panels 2, in order to adjust the inclination of the solar panels 2 for better capture of solar energy.

[0029] The chassis 1 may comprise feet 11. The feet 11 may optionally be deployable and foldable. The feet 11 may for example be made of steel or aluminum, or galvanized steel, or stainless steel or plastic.

[0030] The feet 11 provide stability to the system, but can also be aimed at the ground if necessary, particularly in the presence of wind.

[0031] The feet 11 also allow for more possibilities of tilting the panels 2 depending on their geographical positioning.

[0032] In a variant not shown, the chassis 1 may comprise, instead of the feet 11, wheels arranged to be located under the chassis 1 when the chassis 1 is in the folded position. The wheels are for example arranged under a central beam 6 of the chassis 1.

[0033] In the example shown in [Fig.l] to [Fig.3], the chassis 1 comprises four frames 3 aligned with each other. The adjacent frames 3 are fixed to each other via joints 4.

[0034] It is however possible to provide different configurations. In particular, the number of frames 3 is not limiting. In addition, the frames 3 are not necessarily all aligned. It is thus possible to obtain a chassis 1 having a shape and a number of frames 3 adapted to the need and / or the application. 1. Framework

[0035] With reference to [Fig.4], a frame 3 of the chassis 1 is described in more detail below. The other frames 3 can be produced in a similar manner.

[0036] The frame 3 has a rectangular shape and comprises at least two adjustment mechanisms 7, respectively arranged at at least two adjacent corners of the frame 3.

[0037] Each adjustment mechanism 7 connects two edges 8 of the frame 3, at their respective ends. In other words, the two edges 8 of the frame 3 are fixed together via the adjustment mechanism 7, to form a corner of the frame 3.

[0038] In the embodiment shown, each adjustment mechanism 7 has the shape of a bracket, which is arranged inside the frame 3. The two perpendicular sides of the bracket 7 are respectively fixed to the two corresponding edges 8 of the frame 3.

[0039] Each edge 8 of the frame 3 comprises, at each of its ends, a set of tapped holes 9. Each side of the bracket 7 also comprises a set of tapped holes 10, of corresponding diameter.

[0040] The fixing between each side of the bracket 7 and the corresponding edge 8 of the frame 3 is achieved by a screwed assembly comprising at least one screw, intended to be screwed into a hole 10 of the bracket 7 and into a hole 9 of the corresponding edge 8 of the frame 3.

[0041] Preferably, the screwed assembly comprises several screws, intended to be respectively screwed into several holes 10 of the bracket 7 and into several holes 9 of the corresponding edge 8 of the frame 3. The use of several screws allows the creation of a rigid connection between the adjustment mechanism 7 and the frame 3. This characteristic is particularly advantageous when the chassis 1 comprises crutches 5 imposing an inclination on the frames 3, so that the chassis 1 does not deform.

[0042] Each adjustment mechanism 7 thus allows the adjustment of the position of two edges 8 relative to each other along at least one longitudinal axis and / or one transverse axis of the frame 3.

[0043] When the frame 3 comprises only two adjustment mechanisms 7, the dimension of the frame 3 can be adjusted along an axis perpendicular to the axis passing through the two adjustment mechanisms 7.

[0044] Thus, preferably, the frame 3 comprises four adjustment mechanisms 7, respectively arranged at the four corners of the frame 3.

[0045] The presence of four adjustment mechanisms 7 makes it possible to adjust the width and length of the frame 3.

[0046] The different adjustment mechanisms 7 must be adjusted in relation to each other, so that the frame 3 maintains a rectangular shape.

[0047] It is thus possible to adapt the frame 3 to different dimensions of solar panels. 1. Operation

[0048] The steps of a method for adapting a frame 3 to a solar panel 2 having specific dimensions are described below.

[0049] The method comprises a step of determining the dimensions of the solar panel 2, such as the length and the width.

[0050] The method then comprises a step of loosening the screws of the corresponding adjustment mechanisms 7 on the frame 3.

[0051] The method then comprises a step of positioning the different edges 8 of the frame 3 relative to the adjustment mechanisms 7, to adjust the dimensions of the frame 3. This step consists of making the holes 9 of the frame 3 and the holes 10 of the bracket 10 coincide, which makes it possible to obtain the desired dimension for the frame 3.

[0052] The method then comprises a step of tightening the screws to obtain a frame 3 with the desired dimensions.

[0053] It will be noted that the adjustments applied to the levels of the different adjustment mechanisms 7 must be consistent to maintain the rectangular shape of the frame 3.

[0054] A solar panel 2 can then be mounted in the frame 3.

[0055] Thanks to these adjustment mechanisms 7, the frame 3 can thus be adapted to different 2 solar panel dimensions, allowing for custom installation.

[0056] The operation of the chassis 1 is described below, starting from a state in which the chassis 1 is folded.

[0057] In this folded state, the chassis 1 is positioned at the desired location. This positioning can be achieved by carrying the chassis 1. Alternatively, when the chassis 1 has wheels, these can allow the chassis 1 to be rolled, which can facilitate its movement.

[0058] Then, the frames 3 are unfolded around the joints 4, to deploy the chassis 1.

[0059] Then, the crutches 5 are unfolded to fix the inclination of the solar panels 2.

[0060] Starting from this state, when a user wishes to fold the chassis 1, he folds the crutches 5 along the corresponding frames.

[0061] Then, the side frames 3 are folded against the central frames 3, and the assembly is folded to create a compact assembly.

[0062] The chassis 1 can then easily be moved, for transport or storage.

Claims

Claims

1. Deployable frame (1) for solar panels (2), characterized in that it comprises: - a set of frames (3), each frame being arranged to receive a solar panel, - a set of articulations (4), connecting said frames together so as to allow the manipulation of said frame between a folded position, in which said frames are arranged against each other, and a deployed position, in which said frames extend next to each other, each of said frames comprising at least two adjustment mechanisms (7), respectively arranged at at least two adjacent corners of said frame, each adjustment mechanism connecting two edges (8) of said frame and being arranged to allow the adjustment of the position of said two edges relative to each other along at least one longitudinal axis or a transverse axis of said frame.

2. A frame according to claim 1, wherein each of said frames (3) comprises four adjustment mechanisms (7), respectively arranged at the four corners of said frame.

3. A frame according to claim 2, wherein each adjustment mechanism (7) is arranged to allow adjustment of the position of said two edges (8) relative to each other along the longitudinal axis and along the transverse axis of said frame (3).

4. A frame according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each adjustment mechanism (7) has the shape of a bracket, arranged inside said frame (3), the two perpendicular sides of the bracket being respectively fixed to the two corresponding edges (8) of the frame.

5. A chassis according to claim 4, wherein each edge (8) of the frame (3) comprises, at each of its ends, a set of tapped holes (9).

6. Chassis according to claim 5, in which the fixing between each side of the bracket and said corresponding edge (8) of the frame (3) is achieved by a screwed assembly comprising at least one screw intended to cooperate with one of said tapped holes (9).

7.

8.

9.

10. Frame according to claim 6, in which the screwed assembly comprises several screws intended to cooperate with several tapped holes (9). Chassis according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a set of crutches (5), foldable under said frames (3) when said chassis (1) is in the deployed position. Frame according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising feet (11). Chassis according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising wheels, arranged to be located under the chassis (1) when said chassis is in the folded position.

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