Lateral structure for attaching panels to a load-bearing structure

Abstract

Lateral structure (10) for a frame (3) for panels comprising a support profile (100) having two first bearing surfaces (107) intended to be fixed to the load-bearing structure (2) and from which rises for each a wall (110) which each incorporates receiving flanges (1111, 1112) connected to each other so as to form a male part (111), a fixing profile (200), comprising a web (205) from which extends at least one retaining flange (202), and clamping flanges (2061, 2062) facing each other, the fixing profile being held inserted on the receiving part, the receiving flanges being sandwiched between the clamping flanges. Figure for the abbreviation: [Fig.8].

Description

Title of the invention: Lateral structure for fixing panels to a supporting structure

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of fixing panels, in particular solar panels, to structures in the general sense and in particular to the roofs of buildings.

[0002] The subject of the invention finds applications for the covering of structures intended to ensure the protection of people, animals, goods or activities such as for example play areas, open non-insulated buildings, etc. A particularly advantageous application of the invention concerns the covering of a parking area or car park using canopies to both protect these parking areas from bad weather and produce electrical energy using solar panels, conventionally photovoltaic panels.

[0003] The prior art has proposed various techniques for fixing panels to a roof of a building.

[0004] For example, patent FR 2965041 describes a modular system forming a solar field and cover for producing solar energy. This modular system is intended to be fixed to a supporting structure or a framework comprising posts supporting joists and beams. The modular system comprises a solar panel support frame fixed to the supporting structure. The support frame comprises longitudinal beams to which crosspieces supporting the solar panels are fixed using screw / nut systems.

[0005] Such a modular system is satisfactory in practice because it allows assembly in the workshop, prior to the installation of the installation on the supporting structure, so that it is possible to transport the pre-assembled modular system to the site in order to be quickly installed on the supporting structure. However, in the event of changing one of these panels, the operation requires intervention from above the panels, leading to a delicate operation to be carried out without risk of damaging the panels.

[0006] Patent application WO 2012116223 describes a system for supporting and fixing solar panels comprising support beams on which are anchored fixing pads each having a support disc for the panels. A stirrup is fitted onto a threaded rod projecting from the disc. The stirrup comprises a branch which clamps the panel when the stirrup is fixed by a nut screwing onto the free end of the screw. For such a support system, changing one of these panels also requires intervention from above the panels.

[0007] To resolve the drawbacks set out above, patent FR 3094158 proposes a pre-positioning system between an upper profile on which a panel is intended to be secured, and a lower profile intended to be attached to a purlin of a fixing frame.

[0008] Pre-positioning is achieved by means of notches arranged on the upper profile intended to cooperate with notches arranged on the lower profile.

[0009] The creation of a multiplicity of notches is intentional, as it not only allows the clamping force of the upper profile to be adjusted on the lower profile, but also provides redundancy in the event that a notch breaks.

[0010] The manufacture of such notches is entirely feasible when the profiles are made of aluminum. In fact, the profiles are obtained by extrusion of viscous aluminum, that is to say in a phase between liquid and solid, within matrices, such a process which until recently was relatively economical to implement.

[0011] However, given the recent rise in the price of raw materials, particularly aluminum, there is an increasing demand for the ability to produce parts from steel. Such a material has a lower cost than aluminum.

[0012] However, the production of steel parts must be possible by folding, since the extrusion of steel is not, from an industrial point of view, realistic, particularly due to its cost and complexity. However, the shape of the profiles cannot be preserved by such a change in manufacturing process, particularly due to the extreme complexity of producing notches by folding.

[0013] Furthermore, having a multiplicity of notches does not make installation easier for the fitters, and requires them to pay particular attention so as not to make a mistake about the number of notches to be made to cooperate to allow the panel to be clamped between the two profiles.

[0014] The invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0015] A first object is to propose a lateral structure for a support frame which can be made of steel material and by folding.

[0016] A second object is to propose such a lateral structure, making it possible to control and direct the evacuation of water.

[0017] A third object is to propose such a lateral structure, allowing the operations of assembly and disassembly of the panels to take place without human intervention on the panels.

[0018] In this respect, there is provided firstly a lateral structure for a support and fixing frame for panels, in particular solar panels, the frame being intended to be fixed to a supporting structure, the lateral structure comprising a support profile comprising two first support areas intended to be fixed to the structure supporting and from which each rises a wall, each wall incorporating a first receiving wing, and a second receiving wing, the receiving wings being connected to each other at a projecting zone, so as to form a male part, a fixing profile, comprising a core from which at least one holding wing extends, and a first clamping wing as well as a second clamping wing, the clamping wings being opposite each other, the fixing profile being kept inserted on the male part, the first receiving wing and the second receiving wing being sandwiched between the clamping wings.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the first clamping wing and the second clamping wing each respectively have a shape complementary respectively to the first receiving wing and to the second receiving wing.

[0020] According to one embodiment, at least one of the receiving wings comprises a boss complementary to a hollow of a clamping wing, the insertion of the fixing profile on the male part successively causing a thrust deforming the clamping wing then a snap-fastening of the clamping wing on the receiving wing.

[0021] According to one embodiment, a second support area is connected to a receiving wing by means of a rounded angle forming a groove.

[0022] According to one embodiment, a receiving wing comprises a silky portion.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the first receiving wing comprises a first substantially rectilinear termination, and the second receiving wing comprises a second termination, the terminations being connected to each other so as to define a vertex forming a projecting area.

[0024] According to one embodiment, it comprises a bolted fixing means and a plate provided with an orifice, the bolted fixing means comprising a rod passing through a hole provided on the core, a perforation provided at the level of the projecting zone, so as to contribute to locking the fixing profile on the support profile.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the threaded rod is provided with a hexagonal screw head, the fixing profile being provided at the level of the projection zone with a notch comprising edges merged with a vertical plane, the notch being configured to allow the screw head to be locked by the edges, the edges comprising notched ends.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the walls comprise, between the male part and the first support area, an inclined part and a connecting part, the lateral structure further comprises a reinforcing means placed between the first support areas, the reinforcing means being capable of recovering a force aimed at bringing the walls together.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the reinforcement means comprises a bridge integrating side panels between them by a central panel, the central panel being provided with a hole allowing the introduction of a fixing screw configured to cooperate with a fixing nut so as to allow the support profile to be secured to the supporting structure, the side panels comprising first coaxial bored holes with second bored holes made in each connecting part allowing the passage of a clamping means configured to respectively press each side panel against a connecting part.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the reinforcement means comprises a bridge comprising side panels provided with turned-up edges inserted into windows provided for this purpose in the connecting parts, the side panels being connected to each other by a central panel, the central panel being provided with a hole so as to be able to introduce a fixing screw configured to cooperate with a fixing nut, making it possible to secure the support profile to the supporting structure.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the reinforcement means comprises a solid solid part incorporating a recess allowing the passage of a fixing screw, capable of cooperating with a fixing nut, the solid part having a contour matching the shape of the angle between the inclined portion and the connecting portion.

[0030] Secondly, a shade structure is provided comprising a support structure, a support and fixing frame for panels, in particular solar panels, the support and fixing frame comprising a lateral structure allowing the frame to be fixed to the supporting structure.

[0031] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly and concretely on reading the following description of embodiments, given by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0032] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a schematic side view of an exemplary embodiment of a supporting structure equipped with a support and fixing frame for panels in accordance with the invention;

[0033] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic front view of the supporting structure illustrated in [Fig.l];

[0034] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is an enlarged schematic side view of part of the support and fixing framework for panels in accordance with the invention;

[0035] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a lateral support and fixing structure for panels, shown in pre-assembly position;

[0036] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of the lateral support and fixing structure for panels, shown in pre-assembly position;

[0037] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a schematic sectional view along the transverse plane BB of [Fig.4], representing an embodiment of the lateral support structure and fixing for panels, the side structure being shown in pre-assembly position;

[0038] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a schematic sectional view along the transverse plane BB of [Fig.4] showing an embodiment of the lateral support and fixing structure for panels, the lateral structure being shown in the pre-assembly position, the panels being positioned between the lateral structure and the frame;

[0039] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a schematic sectional view along the transverse plane BB of [Fig.4] showing an embodiment of the lateral support and fixing structure for panels, the lateral structure being shown in the mounted position;

[0040] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a schematic sectional view along the transverse plane AA of [Fig.4] of a lateral structure according to one embodiment;

[0041] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a schematic sectional view along the transverse plane AA of [Fig.4] of a lateral structure according to one embodiment;

[0042] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a schematic sectional view along the transverse plane AA of [Fig.4] of a lateral structure according to one embodiment;

[0043] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is a schematic view seen in section along the transverse plane AA of [Fig.4] of a lateral structure according to one embodiment;

[0044] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] is a schematic sectional view along the transverse plane AA of a lateral structure according to one embodiment;

[0045] [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] is a schematic sectional view along the transverse plane AA of a support profile;

[0046] [Fig. 15] [Fig. 15] is a schematic sectional view along the transverse plane AA of a fixing profile.

[0047] Figures 1 to 3 illustrate an example of the embodiment of a protective structure 1, constituting an open building such as a shade house in the example illustrated.

[0048] Such a structure 1 comprises a supporting structure 2 on which is mounted a support and fixing framework 3 intended to ensure the mounting of panels 4, of all types having a rigid frame in the general sense, such as protective or decorative panels or preferably solar panels or photovoltaic panels.

[0049] According to such an exemplary embodiment, such a structure 1 makes it possible to protect a parking or traffic area below the surface covered by the panels, while producing electrical energy using the photovoltaic panels.

[0050] In the example illustrated, the supporting structure 2 generally comprises posts 5 anchored in the ground 6 and beams 7 supported by the posts 5 and by rafters 8 mounted obliquely between the post 5 and each end of the beam 7.

[0051] The beams 7 are advantageously mounted as appears more precisely in [Fig.l] by being inclined relative to the ground 6 so that the structure forms an inclined slope having a lower part and an upper part, considered relative to on the ground 6. The beams 7 are intended to support longitudinal purlins 9 on which the framework 3 according to the invention is intended to be fixed.

[0052] The description of the structure 1 is given for information purposes only. Of course, the structure 1 may have a different configuration, for example by having several slopes. Similarly, the supporting structure 2, which in the example illustrated comprises the posts 5, the beams 7, the rafters 8 and the longitudinal purlins 9, may be made differently from that illustrated. It should be understood that the structure 1 and the supporting structure 2 are not specifically part of the subject of the invention.

[0053] The subject of the present text relates more particularly to the framework 3 allowing the support and fixing of the panels 4 on the supporting structure 2. Such a framework 3 comprises at least two lateral structures 10, spaced apart from each other to allow the mounting of at least one row of panels 4.

[0054] An orthogonal reference frame XYZ is defined with respect to the structure 2, comprising three axes perpendicular two by two, namely: - an X axis, coincident with the direction of extension of the lateral structure 2, defining a longitudinal direction; - a Z axis, defining a transverse, horizontal direction, which with the X axis defines a horizontal XZ plane; -a Y axis, defining a vertical direction, perpendicular to the horizontal XZ plane.

[0055] As described in detail in the remainder of the description, the lateral structures 10 constitute in particular elongated structures extending parallel to each other according to the inclination of the slope of the structure.

[0056] In the example illustrated more precisely in [Fig.2], twelve panels 4 forming a row are mounted between two neighboring lateral structures 10 and ten lateral structures 10 are mounted to support nine rows of panels 4. Of course, the frame 3 can comprise a number of lateral structures 10 different from those illustrated and support between them a different number of panels 4 per row.

[0057] Advantageously, such a frame 3 comprises a system 11 for transversely locking the panels 4, that is to say that such a system 11 ensures locking or stopping of the panels 4 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of extension of the lateral structures 10.

[0058] Such a transverse locking system 11 can be produced in any suitable manner. In the example illustrated in [Fig. 3], said transverse locking system 11 comprises crosspieces extending between two neighboring lateral structures 10 and fixed at each of the two ends, to these two lateral structures 10. The panels 4 located at each end of a row are blocked by these two crosspieces 11.

[0059] As a transverse locking system 11, it may be provided to use instead crosspieces, stops fixed on the lateral structures 10 and on which the outer edges of the panels 4 located at each end of a row rest. Such a transverse locking system 11 is implemented in the lower part of the slope and preferably but not necessarily also in the upper part of the slope to thus lock all the panels of a row.

[0060] As can be seen in Figures 4 to 8, a lateral structure 10 comprises at least one support profile 100 and at least one fixing profile 200, intended to be assembled together, so as to allow a panel 4 to be sandwiched, by fitting the fixing profile 200 onto the support profile 100.

[0061] More specifically, the support profile 100 comprises a male part 111, intended to be capped by a female part 211 formed within the fixing profile 200. Thus, depending on the position of the support profile 100 with respect to the fixing profile 200, the lateral structure 10 evolves between several mounting configurations shown in FIGS. 4 to 8.

[0062] In a pre-assembly configuration shown [Fig.6], the fixing profile 200 is fitted and snapped onto the support profile 100 as described later in this text.

[0063] Such a configuration is very interesting, because it allows the operators to fix all of the lateral structures 10 to the supporting structure 2 on the ground. Assembly is thus made easier, and the time spent by the operators at height is reduced, providing a saving in time, safety and money.

[0064] Once in the pre-assembly configuration and fixed on the supporting structure 2, each panel 4 is slid into a positioning space formed by a holding wing 202 of the fixing profile 200, and a second support area 105 of the support profile 100.

[0065] In a mounted configuration, the positioning spacing is reduced by reducing the distance between the holding wing 202 and the second support area 105 by lowering the fixing profile 200 into abutment against the support profile 100. In this way, the panel 4 can be held clamped between the two profiles 100, 200, allowing its final mounting.

[0066] As can be seen in the embodiments shown, the lateral structure 10 is advantageously a part having a vertical plane of symmetry, defining two sides XI, X2. Such a configuration makes it possible to balance the loads within the lateral structure 10.

[0067] The geometry of the support profile 100 will now be described more specifically with reference to FIGS. 4 to 12, but more particularly to [Fig. 14].

[0068] As can be seen, the support profile 100 advantageously takes the form of a rigid beam intended to be fixed to the supporting structure 2 and to support a row of 4 panels.

[0069] As can be seen in the figures, the support profile 100 preferably comprises two first support areas 107, which as explained previously are intended to be fixed to the supporting structure 2.

[0070] Advantageously, the first support areas 107 extend to define a plane making it possible to provide sufficient support for the panel 4.

[0071] As can be seen, from a first support area 107 rises a first wall 110a, integrating the male part 111, which as explained previously is intended to receive the female part 211 of the fixing profile 200.

[0072] As can be observed in particular in [Fig. 14], the male part 111 advantageously defines a first receiving wing 1111, and a second receiving wing 1112, connected to each other, giving the male part 111 a projecting zone 1113.

[0073] More specifically, and as appears in [Fig. 14], the first receiving wing 1111 comprises a first termination 1041, and the second receiving wing 1112 comprises a second termination 1042, the terminations 1041, 1042 being advantageously connected to each other so as to define a vertex 1043.

[0074] Advantageously, the terminations 1041, 1042 of the receiving wings 1112, 1113 have a curvature such that the projecting zone 1113 defines a convex curvature, making it possible to promote the flow of water when the lateral structure 10 is mounted on the supporting structure 2.

[0075] The geometry of the fixing profile 200 will now be described more specifically with reference to FIGS. 4 to 13, but more particularly to [Fig. 15].

[0076] As can be seen, the support profile 100 advantageously takes the form of a rigid beam intended to be fixed to the supporting structure 2 and to support a row of panels 4.

[0077] Advantageously, the fixing profile 200 comprises a core 205 from which at least one holding wing 202 extends, preferably two holding wings 202, a first clamping wing 2061 and a second clamping wing 2062. The clamping wings 2061, 2062 are opposite each other, and define with the core 205, a cell forming the female part 211.

[0078] Such a geometry allows the fitting and holding of the fixing profile 200 on the support profile 100, that is to say more particularly the male part 111 on the female part 211. More particularly, the first receiving wing 1111 and the second receiving wing 1112 being sandwiched between the clamping wings 2061, 2062. Thus, and as can be seen in FIGS. 4 to 8, the fixing profile 200 straddles the male part of the support profile 100.

[0079] Thanks to such an arrangement, the installation of the profiles 100, 200 on top of each other can be carried out easily and quickly, considerably reducing any risk of error for the operator.

[0080] In order to facilitate the fitting of the profiles 100, 200 onto one another, the clamping wings 2061, 2062 advantageously have a shape complementary to the first receiving wing 1111 and the second receiving wing 1112 respectively.

[0081] In order to allow the lateral structure 10 to be placed in the pre-assembly configuration, the lateral structure has a snap-fastening means 112, 212. More precisely, at least one of the receiving wings 1111, 1112, preferably the two receiving wings 1111, 1112, comprise a boss 112 complementary to a hollow 212 formed on a clamping wing 2061, 2062.

[0082] Preferably, and so as to obtain a symmetrical force, each of the receiving wings 1111, 1112 comprises a boss 112, and each of the clamping wings 2061, 2062 comprises a hollow 212.

[0083] Thanks to such a characteristic, an insertion of the fixing profile 200 on the male part 111 successively causes a thrust deforming the clamping wing 2061, 2062 in contact with the relevant receiving wing 1111, 1112 then a snap-fastening of said clamping wing 2061, 2062 on said receiving wing 1111, 1112.

[0084] It should be noted that a single boss 112 is provided for a receiving wing 1111, 1112 and a single hollow 212 for a clamping wing 2061, 2062. This thus makes it possible to facilitate pre-assembly, since a single snap-fastening means 112, 212 is sufficient to indicate to the operator the correct interlocking of the profiles 100, 200 with each other. In other words, the boss 112 and the hollow 212 when they cooperate act as a foolproof device for an installer.

[0085] Furthermore, it has in fact been found that in the case of manufacturing the profiles by bending, a single snap-fastening means 112, 212 is sufficient to perform the interlocking function, the snap-fastening means having sufficient robustness to consider the addition of redundancy as superfluous.

[0086] Advantageously, the profiles 100, 200 are symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane passing through the middle plane M, which makes it possible to obtain balanced forces, and the fixing of identical panels 4 on either side of the lateral structure 10.

[0087] As can be seen in the figures, a second wall 110b is provided, symmetrical to a first wall with respect to the middle plane, which coincides with a vertical plane passing through the middle of the male part 111, and another wing 202 is arranged symmetrically to a vertical plane passing through the middle of the core 205.

[0088] In order to allow the reception of a panel 4, the second support area 105 is advantageously connected to a reception wing 1111, 1112 by means of a rounded angle forming a groove 101.

[0089] Preferably, two second support areas 105 are provided, each connected respectively to a receiving wing 1111, 1112 by means of a rounded angle forming a groove 101.

[0090] The groove 101 allows the recovery and channeling of excess water flowing along a wall 110a, 110b, offering the possibility to the lateral structure 10 to evacuate the water in an optimal manner.

[0091] Advantageously, the lateral structure 10 comprises between the support areas 105, 107 an inclined part 108 and a connecting part 109. As can be seen in the figures, the inclined part 108 is connected to the second support area 105, and the connecting part 109 is connected on the one hand to the inclined part 108 and on the other hand to the first support area 107.

[0092] More specifically, the second support area 105 and the inclined portion 108 define an acute angle between them. Furthermore, the connecting portion 109 extends substantially vertically. Such arrangements make it possible to guide the water runoff that would not have been evacuated through the groove 101 towards the first support area 107.

[0093] Advantageously, and as can be seen in particular in [Fig. 14], the first support area 107 comprises a planar proximal section 1071 and a curved section 1072, which prevents the overflow of water which would have run off said first support area 107.

[0094] In order to allow the panel 4 to be positioned in the transverse direction, a receiving wing 1111, 1112 advantageously comprises a silky portion 102.

[0095] Preferably, each receiving wing 1111, 1112 comprises a silky portion 102, allowing the panel 4 to be positioned on either side of the lateral structure 10.

[0096] In order to allow the panels 4 to be immobilized between the support profile 100 and the fixing profile 200, the lateral structure 10 comprises a bolted fixing means and a plate 24.

[0097] As can be seen in [Fig. 5], such a plate 24 has a flat 25 provided with an orifice 33 and at least one edge 26 projecting from this flat, and coming into contact with the walls 110a, 110b. In this way, the walls are kept at a distance from each other, preventing deformation of the support profile at the first support areas 107.

[0098] In the embodiments shown in the figures, there is provided as bolted fixing means a screw 16 comprising a threaded rod 18 and a screw head 19 which is inserted into a notch 20 made within the core 205, clearly visible in figures 4 and 15.

[0099] Conventionally, in order to be able to produce such an assembly, a perforation 106 is arranged on the male part 111 and provided at the level of the projecting zone 1113, the core 205 is provided with a hole 206. In this way, a threaded rod 18 can pass through the orifice 33, the perforation 106 and the hole 206.

[0100] More particularly, and as visible in [Fig. 15], the notch 20 is formed by edges 21 comprising notched ends 22, and allows the screw head 19 to be locked, which reinforces the locking exerted by the screw on the fixing profile 200. In this way, the screw 16 cannot come out after insertion into the hole 206. The screw 16 is locked by means of a locknut 17 which is positioned against the plate 24.

[0101] In alternative embodiments not shown, the fixing profile 200 is devoid of a notch 20 and a locknut 17, the hole 206 is threaded, the bolted fixing means being formed by means of the threaded rod 18 and the core 205, due to the threaded hole 206, gives the fixing profile 200 the role of a nut. The screw head 19 is, in such alternative embodiments, arranged against the plate 24.

[0102] Such an alternative embodiment is advantageous, because it makes it possible to avoid intervening above the panels 4 when tightening the bolted fastening means. Furthermore, in the case of using a screw 16 having a hexagonal shape, a risk has been identified of poor insertion of the screw head 19 within the notch 20, due to the fact that the head is positioned incorrectly. Reversing the direction of the bolted fastening means makes it possible to avoid the occurrence of such a disadvantage.

[0103] The fixing of the lateral structure 10 to the supporting structure 2 is now described more particularly.

[0104] In an embodiment shown [Fig.9], the lateral structure 10 comprises two bores 23, formed in each of the first support areas 107, symmetrically to each other with respect to the middle plane M. In this way, at least two fixing screws 28 can be used in cooperation with a fixing nut 29 to secure the support profile 100 to the supporting structure 2. Such an assembly is easily achievable and does not require the production of particular parts.

[0105] In the embodiments shown in Figures 10 to 13, a reinforcing means is used. Such a reinforcing means is placed between the walls 110a, 110b, coming at least partially into contact with the two walls 110a, 110b, allowing the diffusion of forces within the support profile 100, the stiffening of the support profile 100, and the fixing of the lateral structure on the supporting structure 2.

[0106] In the embodiments shown in [Fig. 10] and in [Fig. 11], the reinforcing means comprises a bridge 30a, 30b, that is to say a part advantageously in the form of a folded metal plate comprising lateral panels 301a, 301b. Advantageously, the lateral panels 301a, 301b are connected to each other by a central panel 304a, 304b, which central panel 304a, 304b incorporates a bore 305a, 305b so as to be able to introduce a fixing screw 28. Such a fixing screw 28, which by cooperating with a fixing nut 29 ensures the securing of the profile of support 100 on the supporting structure 2.

[0107] In the embodiment shown in [Fig. 10], the reinforcing means comprises a bridge of a first type 30a, having for example the particularity that the lateral panels 304a are oriented in the direction of the supporting structure, and the central panel 304a is arranged between the inclined parts 108. In other words, the bridge 30a defines a cross section in the shape of an inverted U.

[0108] In order to be able to exert a force on the walls 110a, 110b, the side panels 304a are advantageously provided with first bored holes 306a, and each connecting part 109 with second coaxial bored holes 307. It is thus possible to pass through the bored holes 306, 307 a connecting means, for example a connecting screw 308, in cooperation with a connecting nut 309.

[0109] Advantageously, the bridge 30a fits the inclined portion 308, avoiding any deformation of the profile 100, giving maximum rigidity to the lateral structure 10.

[0110] Thanks to such a bridge 30a, the loads exerted by the supporting structure 2 on the lateral structure 10 are distributed on either side of the support profile 100 by bored holes 307, 308. It is thus possible to avoid the occurrence of a stress concentration phenomenon, and to avoid local failure at the level of one of the walls 101.

[0111] Furthermore, such a bridge 30a makes it possible to maintain the overall shape of the support profile 100, in particular when tightening the lateral structure 10 on the panel 4, and when securing the lateral structure 10 to the supporting structure 2.

[0112] In the embodiment shown in [Fig.l 1], the reinforcing means comprises a bridge of a second type 30b, for which the side panels 301b comprise turned-up edges 302 inserted into windows 303b provided for this purpose in the connecting parts 109. The mounting of such a bridge 30b limits the use of tools.

[0113] Advantageously, the bridge 30b fits the connecting portion 109, avoiding any deformation of the profile 100, giving maximum rigidity to the lateral structure 10.

[0114] Thanks to such a bridge 30b, the loads exerted by the supporting structure 2 on the lateral structure 10 are distributed on either side of the support profile 100 by means of the windows 303. It is thus possible to avoid the occurrence of a stress concentration phenomenon, and to avoid local failure at the level of one of the walls 101.

[0115] Furthermore, such a bridge 30b makes it possible to maintain the overall shape of the support profile 100, in particular when tightening the lateral structure 10 on the panel 4, and when securing the lateral structure 10 to the supporting structure 2.

[0116] In order to further increase the rigidity of the bridge 30, a variant shown in [Fig. 12] is provided, in which the bridge 30 is provided with a reinforcing bar 313 fixed near the turned-up edges 302. The advantages associated with the use of a bridge are increased.

[0117] In the embodiments shown in [Fig. 13], the reinforcing means comprises a solid part 31, for example obtained by molding. In other words, the solid part 31 is advantageously solid, with the exception of a recess allowing the passage of a fixing screw 28, capable of cooperating with a fixing nut 29.

[0118] As can be seen in [Fig.14], the solid part 31 has a contour 310 matching the shape of the angle between the inclined portion and the connecting portion 109, avoiding any deformation of the profile 100, giving maximum rigidity to the lateral structure 10.

[0119] Advantageously, the interface part 31 comprises projecting parts 311 inserted into holes 312 provided within each of the inclined parts 108, so as to allow said interface part 31 to be secured to the support profile 100. Furthermore, such projecting parts allow good transmission of force within the support profile 100, limiting any concentration of stress.

[0120] The lateral structure 10 described above offers numerous advantages, in particular: - ease of assembly requiring only minimal training; - robustness making it possible to offer maximum durability to any shade provided with such a lateral structure 10; - taking into account bad weather by means of means of evacuating excess water, which avoids any stagnation of water, which promotes corrosion.

Claims

Claims

1. Lateral structure (10) for a support and fixing frame (3) for panels, in particular solar panels (4), the frame (3) being intended to be fixed to a supporting structure (2), the lateral structure (10) comprising: - a support profile (100) comprising two first support areas (107) intended to be fixed to the supporting structure (2) and from which each one rises a wall (110a, 110b), each wall (110a, 110b) incorporating a first receiving wing (1111), and a second receiving wing (1112), the receiving wings (1111, 1112) being connected to each other at a projecting zone (1113), so as to form a male part (111), - a fixing profile (200), comprising a core (205) from which extends at least at least one holding wing (202), and a first clamping wing (2061) as well as a second clamping wing (2062), the clamping wings (2061, 2062) being opposite each other,the fixing profile (200) being kept inserted on the male part (111), the first receiving wing (1111) and the second receiving wing (1112) being sandwiched between the clamping wings (2061, 2062).,

2. Lateral structure (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first clamping wing (2061) and the second clamping wing (2062) each have a shape complementary respectively to the first receiving wing (1111) and to the second receiving wing (1112).

3. Lateral structure (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one of the receiving wings (1111, 1112) comprises a boss (112) complementary to a hollow (212) of a clamping wing (2061, 2062), the insertion of the fixing profile (200) on the male part (111) successively causing a thrust deforming the clamping wing (2061, 2062) then a snap-fastening of the clamping wing (2061, 2062) on the receiving wing (1111, 1112).

4. Lateral structure (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second support area (105) is connected to a receiving wing (1111, 1112) by means of a rounded angle forming a groove (101).

5. Lateral structure (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a receiving wing (1111, 1112) includes a silky portion (102).

6. Lateral structure (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first receiving wing (1111) comprises a first termination (1041) which is substantially rectilinear, and the second receiving wing (1112) comprises a second termination (1042), the terminations (1041, 1042) being connected to each other so as to define a vertex (1043) forming a projecting zone (1113).

7. Lateral structure (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a bolted fixing means and a plate (24) provided with an orifice (33), the bolted fixing means comprising a threaded rod (18) passing through a hole (206) provided on the core (205), a perforation (106) provided at the level of the projecting zone (1113), so as to contribute to locking the fixing profile (200) on the support profile (100).

8. Lateral structure (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the threaded rod (18) is provided with a hexagonal screw head (19), the support profile (100) being provided at the level of the projection zone (1113) with a notch (20) comprising edges (21) merging with a vertical plane, the notch (20) being configured to allow the screw head to be locked by the edges (21), the edges (21) comprising notched ends (22).

9. Lateral structure (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the walls (110a, 110b) comprise between the male part (111) and the first support area (107), an inclined part (108) and a connecting part (109), the lateral structure (10) further comprises a reinforcing means (30, 31), placed between the first support areas (107), the reinforcing means (30, 31) being capable of recovering a force aimed at bringing the walls (110a, 110b) together.

10. Lateral structure (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the reinforcing means comprises a bridge (30a) incorporating lateral panels (301a) connected together by a central panel (304a), the central panel (304a) being provided with a bore (305a) allowing the introduction of a fixing screw (28) configured to cooperate with a fixing nut (29) so as to allow the support profile (100) to be secured to the supporting structure (2), the lateral panels (304a) comprising first bored holes (306a) coaxial with second bored holes (307a) made in each connecting part (109) allowing the passage of a clamping means configured to respectively press each side panel (301a) against a connecting part (109).

11. Lateral structure (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the reinforcing means comprises a bridge (30b) comprising lateral panels (301b) provided with turned-up edges (302b) inserted into windows (303b) provided for this purpose in the connecting parts (109), the lateral panels (301b) being connected to each other by a central panel (304b), the central panel (304b) being provided with a bore (305b) so as to be able to introduce a fixing screw (28) configured to cooperate with a fixing nut (29), making it possible to secure the support profile (100) to the supporting structure (2).

12. Lateral structure (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the reinforcing means comprises a solid solid part (31) incorporating a recess allowing the passage of a fixing screw (28), capable of cooperating with a fixing nut 29, the solid part (31) having a contour (310) matching the shape of the angle between the inclined part (108) and the connecting part (109).

13. Protective structure (1) such as a shade structure comprising a supporting structure (2), a support and fixing frame (3) for panels, in particular solar panels (4), the support and fixing frame (3) comprising a lateral structure (10) according to any one of the preceding claims allowing the frame (3) to be fixed to the supporting structure (2).