adjustable photovoltaic system

Abstract

The invention relates to a photovoltaic system (1) that can be easily tilted and oriented according to a “portrait” or “landscape” orientation. To this end, the photovoltaic system (1) according to the invention comprises a rectangular support frame (10), a base (11) forming a chassis comprising two longitudinal bars (111, 112) extending parallel to each other and connected by a transverse bar (113), a connecting device (12) of the base (11) to the support frame (10), the connecting device (12) comprising a first connecting bar (121) and a second connecting bar (122) pivotally mounted on the longitudinal bars (111, 112) and fixed rigidly to two opposite edges of the support frame (10), a tilting strut (13) cooperating with an indexing means (15) of the base (11) in order to define a tilt of the connecting device (12), the dimensions and arrangements of the base (11),of the connecting device (12) and the support frame (10) allowing the support frame (10) to be mounted on the connecting device (12) in either "portrait" or "landscape" orientation. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 1,

Description

Title of the invention: adjustable photovoltaic system

[0001] The technical context of the present invention is that of devices for transforming solar energy into electrical energy. More particularly, the invention relates to a photovoltaic system.

[0002] The context of the present invention exclusively addresses the field of photovoltaic energy production for individual users, as opposed to photovoltaic parks or photovoltaic installations aimed at producing large quantities of energy, of the order of several megawatts, in order to supply electricity to neighborhoods, cities or industrial sites. Thus, the field of the present invention addresses photovoltaic panels producing several kilowatts of electrical energy from solar or photovoltaic energy.

[0003] In the state of the art, the use of photovoltaic panels installed on the roof or wall of a building is known in order to maximize the amount of solar energy received by the photovoltaic panel and to optimize its electricity production. Once installed, the photovoltaic panel is connected to the domestic electricity network so that the electrical energy thus produced can be injected into the network.

[0004] The development of photovoltaic systems that can be directly connected to domestic electrical networks, via a direct electrical connection to an electrical outlet, is increasing. Such photovoltaic systems are called "plug and play", that is to say, directly usable after their electrical connection, since they include an inverter that directly adapts the electrical energy produced by such photovoltaic panels to the domestic electrical network. They are therefore very simple to install and use and can be connected directly to an electrical outlet.

[0005] As is known, such photovoltaic panels are generally placed directly on the ground and inclined towards the sun. A known disadvantage of these photovoltaic panels is that they are not always easy to install and handle. In addition, individuals for whom this type of photovoltaic system is intended are sometimes reluctant to handle these electrical devices.

[0006] Furthermore, when installing such known photovoltaic systems, the mounting procedures are sometimes long and / or complex, discouraging potential users from acquiring such photovoltaic systems. Finally, during installation, it is not always possible to choose the orientation in which the photovoltaic system is configured: some locations are suitable for a rather vertical installation, in a so-called "portrait" mode, while others are rather suitable for a horizontal installation, in a so-called "landscape" mode. The systems known photovoltaic systems do not allow for efficient and simple switching from one to the other of these configurations, again discouraging certain users from implementing such known photovoltaic systems.

[0007] There is therefore a need to simplify the installation and use of such photovoltaic systems.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to propose a new photovoltaic system in order to respond at least to a large extent to the preceding problems and to further lead to other advantages.

[0009] Another aim of the invention is to simplify the installation of such a photovoltaic system.

[0010] Another aim of the invention is to make it very easy to orient the photovoltaic system according to a “portrait” or “landscape” configuration.

[0011] Another object of the invention is to reduce the effect of wind blowing on such a photovoltaic panel.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned objectives is achieved with a photovoltaic system comprising:

[0013] - a rectangular support frame;

[0014] - at least one photovoltaic cell configured to convert solar energy into electrical energy, each at least one photovoltaic cell being integral with the support frame;

[0015] - a base intended to be placed in abutment against a bearing surface against which the photovoltaic system is intended to be affixed, the base forming a frame comprising two longitudinal bars extending parallel to each other and connected to each other by a transverse bar;

[0016] - a connecting device to the support frame, the connecting device comprising a first connecting bar and a second connecting bar, the connecting bars being connected to one end of the two longitudinal bars of the base distant from the cross bar and by means of a pivot connection, the first connecting bar and the second connecting bar of the connecting device being fixedly attached to the support frame;

[0017] - a tilting crutch connecting the connecting device to the base, the crutch tilt being fixed securely to the base.

[0018] In the photovoltaic system according to the first aspect of the invention, a length of the connecting bars of the connecting device and a length of the crossbar of the base are equal to a first dimension of the support frame, the first dimension being taken as the distance between two first opposite edges of the support frame.

[0019] In the context of the present invention, the photovoltaic system according to the first aspect of the invention takes the form of a domestic photovoltaic installation configured to produce at most a few kilowatt hours of electrical energy per day. The photovoltaic system according to the first aspect of the invention is thus an electrical assembly that can be connected directly to the domestic electricity network by means of its electrical cable, and by means of an electrical outlet of the domestic electricity network. In the context of the invention, the photovoltaic system is not an industrial installation.

[0020] In the context of the present invention, the domestic electrical network is a domestic electrical installation such as is found in individual or collective housing. Such a domestic electrical network comprises a general circuit breaker making it possible to isolate the domestic electrical network from an electrical distribution network. Downstream of the general circuit breaker, the domestic electrical network generally comprises one or more electrical consumers, such as, for example, lighting sources, heating sources, household appliances. The electrical consumers are located in the home, each electrical consumer being connected to the general circuit breaker via an electrical line, preferably via a specific circuit breaker making it possible to secure said electrical line.In the context of the present invention, the photovoltaic system is integrated into such a domestic electrical network, thus becoming one of the aforementioned electrical consumers.

[0021] In the context of the present invention, the photovoltaic system comprises one or more photovoltaic cells. Each photovoltaic cell is configured to convert solar energy into electrical energy, and possibly thermal energy. By solar energy, here is meant light energy transported by incident solar radiation. In the context of the present invention, limited to domestic use, the photovoltaic system has a solar panel surface area of ​​a few square meters, or even several tens of square meters. Generally speaking, the photovoltaic system according to the first aspect of the invention has a solar panel surface area of ​​less than 300 m2.

[0022] In the context of the present invention, the support frame forms a fixing surface for each at least one photovoltaic cell. In the context of the present invention, the support frame may have a general conformation of the type of a quadrilateral, and preferably of a rectangle. The support frame is delimited by a peripheral contour encircling the at least one photovoltaic cell. The support frame is preferably formed of plastic for its lightness and / or of metal for its rigidity and robustness. The support frame is preferably of the tubular type.

[0023] In the context of the present invention, the base forms a support structure of the photovoltaic system against the support surface against which the photovoltaic system is intended to be placed, vertically, horizontally or inclined. The base may be solid or formed by a tubular structure. In particular, the base takes the form of a tubular frame forming a stable base for the photovoltaic system according to the first aspect of the invention, the tubular frame thus comprises the two longitudinal bars. Each longitudinal bar extends in a straight line and parallel to the other. The two longitudinal bars are connected to each other by the transverse bar which extends perpendicular to the longitudinal bars. The transverse bar is located at a terminal end of the two longitudinal bars. Thus, generally speaking, the base has a general conformation in the shape of a “U”, or even rectangular.

[0024] In the context of the present invention, the connecting device makes it possible to detachably connect the support frame to the base. The first connecting bar and the second connecting bar are pivotally mounted, at their end, to the longitudinal bars of the base. The connecting bars extend parallel to each other and inclined relative to the longitudinal bars of the base. Thus, the connecting device forms an interface part between, on the one hand, the support frame making it possible to position the at least one photovoltaic cell facing the sun and, on the other hand, the base serving as a seat on the support surface.

[0025] In the context of the present invention, the tilting stand makes it possible to maintain the connecting device in position relative to the base. In other words, the tilting stand makes it possible to define an inclination of the connecting device - and therefore of the support frame - relative to the base. The tilting stand extends between the connecting device and the base. The tilting stand is fixedly attached to the connecting device, and the tilting stand is fixedly and removably attached to the base.

[0026] The photovoltaic system according to the first aspect of the invention solves the technical problem due to a particularly judicious choice of geometry, dimensions and articulation between the different constituent elements of said photovoltaic system, thus allowing, in a very simple manner, several configurations of orientations of the support frame relative to the base and to the connecting device: the length of the connecting bars of the connecting device is equal to the first dimension of the support frame, and the length of the transverse bar of the base is also equal to the first dimension of the support frame.

[0027] More generally, the length of the connecting bars of the connecting device is equal or substantially equal to the first dimension of the support frame, and the length of the crossbar of the base is equal or substantially equal to the first dimension of the support frame. By the expression "equal or substantially equal", it is understood that the the length of the connecting bars is between 90% and 110% of the first dimension of the support frame, and the length of the cross bar is between 90% and 110% of the first dimension of the support frame.

[0028] In the context of the present invention, the first dimension is taken by the smallest length of the support frame, that is to say according to the width of the rectangle formed by the support frame; and the second dimension is taken for example according to the greatest length of the support frame, that is to say according to the length of the rectangle formed by the support frame. The support frame is here delimited by first edges and second edges, respectively parallel two by two, the first edges being perpendicular to the second edges. Thus, the first edges form long sides of the rectangular shape of the support frame, and the second edges form short sides of the rectangular shape of the support frame.

[0029] In other words, the invention provides that the length of the connecting bars of the connecting device and the length of the crossbar of the base are all equal to the length of the second edges of the support frame.

[0030] This advantageous configuration thus makes it possible to selectively associate the connecting device with the first edges - for an orientation of the support frame in a “landscape” mode - or with the second edges - for an orientation of the support frame in a “portrait” mode.

[0031] The photovoltaic system in accordance with the first aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:

[0032] - the connecting bars of the connecting device are screwed securely to the edges of the support frame. According to a first embodiment allowing the support frame to be oriented in a “landscape” mode, the connecting bars are fixedly attached to the first edges of the support frame, the connecting bars extending across the support frame, such that each connecting bar is both fixedly attached to the first two edges of the support frame. According to a second embodiment allowing the support frame to be oriented in a “portrait” mode, the connecting bars are fixedly attached to the first edges of the support frame, the connecting bars extending against the first edges of the support frame, such that each connecting bar is fixedly attached to only one of the first edges of the support frame;

[0033] - the second edges of the support frame do not include means for fixing the connecting bars;

[0034] - the connecting bars of the connecting device are screwed securely to the edges of the support frame at their terminal ends. In other words, the terminal ends of the connecting bars are screwed securely to the first edges of the support frame. For this purpose, the first edges of the support frame comprise threads configured to receive a fixing screw engaged through each connecting bar. Alternatively, the first edges of the support frame comprise through holes configured to receive a fixing screw engaged through each connecting bar and locked by a nut bearing against the corresponding edge;

[0035] - the tilting crutch is rotatably mounted relative to the connecting bars of the connecting device. This advantageous configuration thus makes it possible to facilitate the angular orientation of the tilting stand, the connecting device and, finally, the support frame relative to the base;

[0036] - the tilting crutch comprises (i) a first support leg associated with the first connecting bar, (ii) a second support leg associated with the second connecting bar, (iii) a cross member connecting the first support leg to the second support leg at a distal end of the connecting bars. The first support leg and the second support leg extend parallel to each other, the cross member connects the first support leg to the second support leg near the base. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to manipulate the two support legs at the same time and in a simplified manner, without tools and with a single hand, thus facilitating the deployment and implementation of the photovoltaic system according to the first aspect of the invention;

[0037] - the first support leg is rotatably mounted to the first bar of connection. In particular, the first support leg comprises a cylindrical bearing engaged in a corresponding opening provided on the first connecting bar. In other words, the cylindrical bearing of the first support leg forms a male element configured to be engaged in the opening of the first connecting bar, the opening forming a female element configured to accommodate the male element, in particular its projecting part, and once in position, block any withdrawal of the male element from the female element while allowing its rotation;

[0038] - similarly, the second support leg is rotatably mounted at the second connecting bar. In particular, the second support leg comprises a cylindrical bearing engaged in a corresponding opening provided on the second connecting bar. In other words, the cylindrical bearing of the second support leg forms a male element configured to be engaged in the opening of the second connecting bar, the opening forming a female element configured to accommodate the male element, in particular its projecting part, and once in position, to block any withdrawal of the male element from the female element while allowing its rotation. This advantageous configuration thus makes it possible to mount each support leg in a simple and efficient manner in the corresponding connecting bar;

[0039] - the cylindrical bearing surfaces of each support leg are advantageously parallel, and preferably coaxial. This advantageous configuration makes it easier to rotate the tilting stand relative to the connecting device;

[0040] - the crosspiece of the tilting crutch comprises, at the level of each part end, a coupling surface configured to collaborate with indexing means arranged on the longitudinal bars of the base. The coupling surface of the crosspiece forms a male element configured to be engaged in the corresponding indexing means of the longitudinal bar located opposite, the indexing means forming a female element configured to accommodate the male element, in particular its projecting part, and once in position, to block any withdrawal of the male element from the female element. This advantageous configuration allows simplified use of the photovoltaic system in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, and allows rapid and efficient tilting. More particularly, this advantageous configuration allows the photovoltaic system according to the invention to be configured very quickly and without specific tools: it can be configured in one or other of its configurations very simply and by hand;

[0041] - the longitudinal bars of the base include several indexing means distributed along said longitudinal bars in order to offer several indexing positions for the crosspiece of the tilting stand. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to offer several different inclinations of the support frame relative to the base;

[0042] - each indexing means comprises a notch arranged on one face in inner face of the longitudinal bars of the base. In the context of the present invention, the inner face of a longitudinal bar is the face located opposite the inner face of the other longitudinal bar. The notch forms an imprint arranged on the inner face and inside which imprint the crosspiece of the tilting stand is configured to be able to be engaged and held in position. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to configure the photovoltaic system according to the invention very quickly and without specific tools, by simple manual manipulation;

[0043] - the notch comprises (i) an engagement segment which extends in a direction vertical, (ii) a locking segment which extends in line with the engagement segment, the locking segment extending at an angle relative to the engagement segment. The engagement segment opens onto an upper face of the corresponding longitudinal bar, so as to allow insertion of the coupling surface of the cross member into said engagement segment, at said upper face. In the context of the present invention, the upper face of the longitudinal bar is the face located directly opposite the support frame. The notch thus forms a groove which extends hollowly into the corresponding longitudinal bar, according to a profile as defined previously, comprising the engagement segment and the locking segment. Preferably, the locking segment extends horizontally. More generally, the locking segment extends parallel or substantially parallel to a direction of elongation of the longitudinal bar. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to configure the photovoltaic system according to the invention very quickly and without specific tools, by simple manual manipulation making it possible to position the crosspiece of the tilting stand in one of the notches - through its engagement segment - then to lock it in a predefined position at the locking segment.In the locking position, the support frame, connected to the base by the connecting device and the tilting stand, is locked in a predetermined tilt; .

[0044] - the notch has a locking housing located at the level of the worm segment rusting, the locking housing being configured to allow forcible engagement of the coupling surface of the crosspiece of the tilting stand. In the context of the present invention, the locking housing forms a depression arranged in the locking segment, so as to form a retaining member for the coupling surface, once the latter has reached said locking housing. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to prevent the tilting stand from becoming detached from the base, even in the event of wind or handling. In a particularly advantageous manner, the engagement or disengagement of the crosspiece of the tilting stand in the corresponding notch is carried out by simple voluntary manual manipulation, it being understood that the locking housing makes it possible to keep the coupling surface locked in said locking housing;

[0045] - the coupling range of the crosspiece is retractable, so that it can be engage in the corresponding locking housing. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to improve the security of the mounting and fixing of the tilting stand on the base, by further securing the connection between the crosspiece of the tilting stand - in particular at its coupling surface - and the base - in particular at its indexing means and its locking segment;

[0046] - preferably, the coupling surface comprises (i) a retractable section mounted movably relative to the crosspiece, and (ii) a spring configured to generate a non-zero force on the retractable section. More generally, the photovoltaic system comprises a spring system for locking the coupling surface in the locking housing of one of the notches forming the indexing means. The spring system can be embedded on the crosspiece of the tilting stand or on the base, at the level of the longitudinal bars, and more particularly on their inner face. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to reinforce the safety of the photovoltaic system and to prevent the crosspiece of the tilting stand from coming out of its notch involuntarily or in strong winds;

[0047] - the spring system comprises a flexible blade engaged in the notch, the blade flexible extending along the engagement segment and across the locking segment, such that the flexible blade can be deformed when the coupling surface passes from the engagement segment to the locking segment. The flexible blade thus comprises a curved portion which extends between the engagement segment and the locking segment. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to form a member for retaining the coupling surface in the locking segment, or even in the locking housing;

[0048] - the flexible blade has a straight portion which extends against an edge of the segment engagement of the notch, and a curved portion located at a lower end of the straight portion, the curved portion extending at the locking segment of the notch. The curved portion has an “S” or sawtooth shape. This advantageous configuration thus makes it possible to allow elastic deformation of the curved portion when a sufficient and voluntary effort is made by a user to engage or disengage the coupling surface respectively in or out of the locking segment of the notch. Conversely, the curved portion is configured to prevent extraction of the coupling surface from the locking segment without voluntary action by the user, and in particular due to the simple pressure of the wind on the photovoltaic system;

[0049] - the flexible blade is attached to the notch. The flexible blade is screwed onto the bar corresponding longitudinal. In particular, the flexible blade is screwed onto the upper face of the longitudinal bar, near the engagement segment. More particularly, the flexible blade comprises a fixing portion located at one end of the opposite straight portion of the curved portion, the fixing portion forming a folded fixing lug collaborating with the upper face of the longitudinal bar of the base;

[0050] - the flexible blade is formed from a metallic material, such as comprising by example of aluminum and / or steel. The flexible blade is a thin plate. This advantageous configuration facilitates the elastic deformation of the flexible blade. Of course, the dimensions of the flexible blade, and in particular its thickness, as well as the materials are chosen so as to define a force threshold beyond which the flexible blade is deformable - allowing voluntary disassembly of the photovoltaic system, and below which the flexible blade does not deform to maintain the coupling range in the locking segment, for ranges predetermined wind resistance;

[0051] - each at least one indexing means is associated with a configured flexible blade to retain the mating surface in the locking segment, the flexible blade extending into the corresponding notch. In particular, the flexible blade comprises (i) a straight portion which extends against an edge of the engagement segment of the notch, (ii) a curved portion located at a lower end of the straight portion, the curved portion extending at the locking segment of the notch, (iii) a fixing portion located at one end of the straight portion opposite the curved portion, the fixing portion forming a folded fixing tab cooperating with an upper face of the longitudinal bar of the base, the flexible blade being fixedly fixed to the longitudinal bar at the fixing portion;

[0052] - the base comprises at least one ballast plate associated with at least one of the longitudinal bars. The at least one ballast plate has an assembly groove on the corresponding longitudinal bar. In other words, the ballast plate has a "U" shaped groove allowing the corresponding longitudinal bar to be fitted.

[0053] Various embodiments of the invention are provided, integrating according to all of their possible combinations the different optional characteristics set out here.

[0054] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several exemplary embodiments given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the appended schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0055] [Fig.l] illustrates a three-dimensional view of an exemplary embodiment of a photovoltaic system in accordance with the first aspect of the invention and oriented in a first configuration called “landscape” mode;

[0056] [Fig.2] illustrates a three-dimensional view of the photovoltaic system of [Fig.l] oriented in a second configuration called “portrait” mode;

[0057] [Fig.3] illustrates a detailed view of the base of the photovoltaic system illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2;

[0058] [Fig.4] illustrates a detail view of an indexing means of the base illustrated in the [Fig.3] ;

[0059] [Fig.5] illustrates a detail view of a flexible blade integrated into a notch forming a means of indexing the base.

[0060] Of course, the characteristics, variants and different embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other, in various combinations, to the extent that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be imagined which do not include than a selection of features described subsequently in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0061] In particular, all the variants and all the embodiments described can be combined with each other if nothing prevents this combination from a technical point of view.

[0062] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0063] With reference to FIGURES 1 and 2, the invention relates to an orientable photovoltaic system 1 comprising:

[0064] - a support frame 10 of rectangular shape, the support frame 10 comprising first edges 102A, 102B which extend parallel to each other and defining a length of said support frame 10, and second edges 101A, 101B which extend parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first edges 102A, 102B, the second edges 101A, 101B defining a width of said support frame 10;

[0065] - at least one photovoltaic cell configured to convert solar energy into electrical energy, each at least one photovoltaic cell being secured to the support frame 10;

[0066] - a base 11 intended to be placed in abutment against a bearing surface against to which the photovoltaic system 1 is intended to be affixed, the base 11 forming a frame comprising two longitudinal bars 111, 112 extending parallel to each other and connected to each other by a transverse bar 113;

[0067] - a connecting device 12 to the support frame 10, the connecting device 12 comprising a first connecting bar 121 and a second connecting bar 122, the connecting bars 121, 122 being connected to one end of the two longitudinal bars 111, 112 of the base 11 distant from the transverse bar 113 and by means of a pivot connection, the first connecting bar 121 and the second connecting bar 122 of the connecting device 12 being fixed integrally to the support frame 10;

[0068] - a tilting crutch 13 connecting the connecting device 12 to the base 11, the tilting crutch 13 being fixed securely to the base 11.

[0069] Additionally, the base 11 comprises a ballast plate 14 associated with each longitudinal bar 111, 112 of the base 11. Each ballast plate 14 is placed on or “straddling” the corresponding longitudinal bar 111, 112 in order to increase the weight of the base 11 and to prevent the photovoltaic system 1 from moving or tipping over due to the wind.

[0070] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.l], the support frame 10, supported by the connecting device 12 and inclined relative to the base 11 by means of the tilting stand 13, is oriented in a “landscape” mode: the largest dimension of the support frame 10 - and therefore of the corresponding photovoltaic panel - is oriented along a substantially horizontal axis. On the other hand, in the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.2], the support frame 10, supported by the connecting device 12 and inclined relative to the base 11 by means of the tilting stand 13, is oriented in a “portrait” mode: the largest dimension of the support frame 10 - and therefore of the corresponding photovoltaic panel - is oriented along a substantially vertical axis.

[0071] In order to quickly switch from one to the other of these orientation modes, the photovoltaic system 1 according to the invention has geometric and dimensional features which are original compared to the photovoltaic systems known from the prior art.

[0072] First, in order to enable the photovoltaic system 1 to be configured in a “portrait” orientation, the photovoltaic system 1 according to the invention has a length of the connecting bars 121, 122 of the connecting device 12 which is equal to a first dimension of the support frame 10. The first dimension is here taken as the distance between two first opposite edges 102A, 102B of the support frame 10. This configuration, visible in [Fig. 2], enables the connecting bars 121, 122 to be connected respectively to each first edge 102A, 102B of the support frame 10.

[0073] In this case, the first connecting bar 121 is coupled to one of the first edges 102A, 102B of the support frame 10, and the second connecting bar 122 is coupled to the other first edge 102A, 102B of the support frame 10. More particularly, the first connecting bar 121 is placed in abutment against one of the first edges 102A, 102B of the support frame 10, and the second connecting bar 122 is placed in abutment against the other of the first edges 102A, 102B of the support frame 10.

[0074] Advantageously, the first connecting bar 121 is screwed onto one of the first edges 102A, 102B of the support frame 10, and the second connecting bar 122 is screwed onto the other of the first edges 102A, 102B of the support frame 10. Preferably, the connecting bars 121, 122 are screwed to the corresponding first edges 102A, 102B at their terminal ends. For this purpose, the first edges 102A, 102B of the support frame 10 comprise threads making it possible to collaborate with the fixing screw passing through a through opening of each connecting bar. The connecting bars 121, 122s are fixedly attached at each of their terminal ends to the first edges 102A, 102B of the support frame 10. In other words, the connecting bars 121, 122s are coupled to the corresponding first edges 102A, 102B of the support frame 10 through two fixing points each.Thus, each first edge 102A, 102B of the support frame 10 comprises two threads, a center distance between said two threads being equal to the center distance between the two. through openings arranged on the corresponding connecting bars 121, 122.

[0075] Then, in order to allow the photovoltaic system 1 to be configured in a “landscape” orientation, the photovoltaic system 1 according to the invention has a length of the transverse bar 113 of the base 11 which is also equal to the first dimension of the support frame 10.

[0076] In this case, the first connecting bar 121 is coupled simultaneously to the first two edges 102A, 102B of the support frame 10, and the second connecting bar 122 is also coupled simultaneously to the first two edges 102A, 102B of the support frame 10. More particularly, the first connecting bar 121 extends across the support frame 10 between its first two edges 102A, 102B, said first connecting bar 121 being fixedly attached to each first edge 102A, 102B; and the second connecting bar 122 extends across the support frame 10 between its first two edges 102A, 102B, said second connecting bar 122 being fixedly attached to each first edge 102A, 102B.

[0077] Advantageously, the first connecting bar 121 is screwed to the first two edges 102A, 102B of the support frame 10, and the second connecting bar 122 is screwed to the first two edges 102A, 102B of the support frame 10. Preferably, the connecting bars 121, 122 are screwed to the first edges 102A, 102B at their terminal ends. For this purpose, the first edges 102A, 102B of the support frame 10 comprise threads making it possible to collaborate with the fixing screw passing through a through opening of each connecting bar. The connecting bars 121, 122 are fixedly attached at each of their terminal ends to the first edges 102A, 102B of the support frame 10. In other words, the connecting bars 121, 122 are coupled to the corresponding first edges 102A, 102B of the support frame 10 through two fixing points each.Thus, each first edge 102A, 102B of the support frame 10 comprises two threads, a center distance between said two threads being equal to the length of the transverse bar 113 of the base 11.

[0078] Thus, according to the invention, the first edges 102A, 102B and the second edges 101A, 101B have conformations which make coupling with the connecting bars 121, 122 of the connecting device 12 possible, in one or other of the configurations shown in FIGURES 1 and 2 and described previously. More particularly, the first edges 102A, 102B of the support frame, the connecting bars 121, 122 and the longitudinal bars 111, 113 of the base have conformations, geometries, center distances and lengths which make coupling with the connecting bars 121, 122 of the connecting device 12 possible, in one or other of the portrait or landscape configurations.

[0079] The base 11 of the photovoltaic system 1 according to the invention forms a frame in U-shaped formed by the two longitudinal bars 111, 112 and the transverse bar 113. Advantageously, the shape and dimensions of the base 11, and in particular the center distance between the first longitudinal bar 111 and the second longitudinal bar 112, that is to say the length of the transverse bar 113, is transferred both to the support frame 10, and its first edges 102A, 102B and / or its second edges 101 A, 101B, but also at the level of the threads provided for the fixing of the connecting device 12.

[0080] Of course, in the context of the present invention, the threads can be replaced by smooth holes, and the fixing screws are then associated with nuts.

[0081] The connecting device 12, and in particular the two connecting bars 121, 122s, extend at one end of the longitudinal bars 111, 112 opposite the transverse bar 113. The connecting bars 121, 122 are articulated so as to allow their rotation around an axis of rotation parallel or substantially parallel to the transverse bar 113. For this purpose, the connecting bars 121, 122 are connected to the longitudinal bars 111, 112 via a pivot connection, or even a hinge for example.

[0082] The connecting bars 121, 122 extend in a rectilinear manner.

[0083] In order to maintain an inclined position of the support frame 10, the connecting device 12 is connected to the base 11 in a removable and configurable manner. For this purpose, the photovoltaic system 1 according to the invention comprises the tilting stand 13 and the base 11 comprises indexing means 15 which each make it possible to define an inclination of the support frame 10 relative to an inclination axis located at the end of the base 11 located opposite the transverse bar 113, that is to say at the connection between the connecting bars 121, 122 of the connecting device 12 and the longitudinal bars 111, 112 of the base 11.

[0084] These indexing means 15 are preferably regularly distributed along each longitudinal bar in order to offer several different inclination configurations. In the exemplary embodiment - non-limiting - presented in the FIGURES, the photovoltaic system 1 has three indexing means 15.

[0085] The indexing means 15 collaborate with the tilting stand 13 to lock and hold the connecting device 12 in position in a given tilting configuration. For this purpose, the tilting stand 13 comprises:

[0086] - a first support leg 131 associated with the first connecting bar 121,

[0087] - a second support leg 132 associated with the second connecting bar 122,

[0088] - a crosspiece 133 connecting the first support leg 131 to the second leg support 132 at a distal end of the connecting bars 121, 122.

[0089] And each indexing means 15 comprises a notch 150 arranged in an inner face 1122 of each longitudinal bar 111, 112 of the base 11, the notch 150 collaborating with the crosspiece 133 in order to block the tilting stand 13 and the connecting device 12 in a given tilt configuration.

[0090] As visible in FIGURES 1 and 2, the first support leg 131 and the second support leg 132 extend parallel to each other, while the crosspiece 133 connects the first support leg 131 to the second support leg 132 near the base 11, perpendicular to each support leg 131, 132.

[0091] The first support leg 131 is rotatably mounted to the first connecting bar 121, and the second support leg 132 is rotatably mounted to the second connecting bar 122.

[0092] The cross member 133 of the tilting stand 13 comprises, at each end portion, a coupling surface 1330 configured to collaborate with the indexing means 15 arranged on the longitudinal bars 111, 112 of the base 11. More particularly, each coupling surface 1330 is configured to collaborate with one of the notches 150 formed on the inner face 1122 of the longitudinal bars 111, 112 of the base 11. Each coupling surface 1330 of the cross member 133 forms a male element configured to be engaged in the corresponding indexing means 15 of the longitudinal bar 111, 112 located opposite, the indexing means 15 forming a female element configured to receive the male element, in particular its projecting portion, and once in position, to block any withdrawal of the male element. of the female element.

[0093] With reference to FIGURES 3 and 4, the notch 150 forming one of the indexing means 15 comprises:

[0094] - an engagement segment 151 which extends in a vertical direction, i.e. between an upper face 1121 and a lower face of the longitudinal bars 111, 112 of the base 11;

[0095] - a locking segment 152 which extends in the extension of the segment engagement segment 151, the locking segment 152 extending inclinedly relative to the engagement segment 151.

[0096] The notch 150 thus forms a groove arranged on the inner face 1122 of each longitudinal bar 111, 112 of the base 11.

[0097] The engagement segment 151 extends rectilinearly along the inner face 1122 and opens onto the upper face 1121 of the corresponding longitudinal bar 111, 112, so as to allow insertion of the coupling surface 1330 of the crosspiece 133 into said engagement segment 151, at the level of said upper face 1121.

[0098] The locking segment 152 extends horizontally, that is to say along an elongation axis of each longitudinal bar 111, 112 of the base 11. This advantageous configuration thus makes it possible to lock the tilting stand 13 in the corresponding notch 150.

[0099] In [Fig.4], three different positions PI, P2, P3 of the coupling surface 1330 in its notch 150 are shown:

[0100] - the first position PI corresponds to a position of engagement of the crutch of inclination 13, and in particular of each coupling surface 1330 of the corresponding crosspiece 133, in the engagement segment 151. This configuration corresponds to the situation in which the crosspiece 133 of the inclination crutch 13 is indexed relative to a direction parallel to the longitudinal bars 111, 112 of the base 11, thus defining a given inclination. The crosspiece 133 is then engaged in the notch 150 - and more particularly in the engagement segment 151 - at the level of the upper face 1121 of the longitudinal bars 111, 112, and pressed downwards towards a lower face of said longitudinal bars 111, 112;

[0101] - the second position P2 corresponds to a locking position of the crosspiece 133 in the notch 150, guiding the coupling surface 1330 towards a part located behind the engagement segment 151, relative to a direction parallel to the longitudinal bars 111, 112 of the base 11. In this second position P2, it is no longer possible to release the tilting stand 13 from the base 11 by a simple vertical movement. This advantageous configuration thus makes it possible to secure the photovoltaic system 1 by preventing, for example, a simple gust of wind from dislodging the crosspiece 133 from its notch 150, or by preventing uncontrolled manipulation of the photovoltaic system 1 by a distracted user;

[0102] - the third position P3 corresponds to a position for securing the crosspiece 133 in the notch 150. For this purpose, the notch 150 comprises a locking housing 153 located at the level of the locking segment 152, the locking housing 153 being configured to allow a forceful engagement of the coupling surface 1330 of the crosspiece 133 in said locking housing 153. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to prevent the tilting stand 13 from becoming detached from the base 11, even in the event of wind or handling: it is necessary to carry out an intervention at the level of the notch 150, with a “complex” movement of the coupling surface 1330 relative to said notch 150, to dislodge said coupling surface 1330 from the locking housing 153.

[0103] [Fig. 5] illustrates an improvement of the notch 150 described previously, in which said notch 150 is associated with a flexible blade 16 forming a spring system for retaining the coupling surface 1330 of the crosspiece 133 in the locking segment 152.

[0104] Such a flexible blade 16 takes the form of a thin metal blade and elastically deformable under certain conditions of use. This elastic behavior is made possible thanks to a judicious geometry, dimensioning and assembly of the flexible blade 16. Thus, in the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.5], the flexible blade 16 comprises:

[0105] - a straight portion 161 which extends against an edge of the engagement segment 151 of notch 150;

[0106] - a curved portion 162 located at a lower end of the straight portion 161, the curved portion 162 extending at the locking segment 152 of the notch 150;

[0107] - a fixing portion 163 located at one end of the opposite straight portion 161 of the curved portion 162, the fixing portion 163 forming a folded fixing tab collaborating with the upper face 1121 of the longitudinal bar 111, 112 of the base 11.

[0108] As visible in [Fig.5], the curved portion 162 has a sawtooth shape: an end edge of the curved portion is inclined so as to retain the coupling surface 1330 in the locking segment 152. Its orientation is particularly clever because it makes it possible to guide, if necessary, the coupling surface 1330 towards an opposite edge of the locking segment, preventing the latter from being extracted from the locking segment without voluntary action by the user.

[0109] In summary, the invention relates to a photovoltaic system 1 which can be tilted and easily oriented in a “portrait” orientation or a “landscape” orientation.for this purpose, the photovoltaic system 1 according to the invention comprises a support frame 10 of rectangular shape, a base 11 forming a chassis comprising two longitudinal bars 111, 112 extending parallel to each other and connected to each other by a transverse bar 113, a connecting device 12 of the base 11 to the support frame 10, the connecting device 12 comprising a first connecting bar 121 and a second connecting bar 122 pivotally mounted on the longitudinal bars 111, 112 and fixed integrally to two opposite edges of the support frame 10, a tilting stand 13 collaborating with an indexing means 15 of the base 11 in order to define an inclination of the connecting device 12, the dimensions and arrangements of the base 11, the connecting device 12 and the support frame 10 making it possible to mount the support frame 10 on the connecting device 12 according to “portrait” mode or according to “landscape” mode.

[0110] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and numerous adjustments can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the different characteristics, forms, variants and embodiments of the invention can be associated with each other in various combinations insofar as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, all the variants and embodiments described above can be combined with each other.

Claims

Claims

1. Photovoltaic system (1) comprising: - a support frame (10) of rectangular shape; - at least one photovoltaic cell configured to convert solar energy into electrical energy, each at least one photovoltaic cell being integral with the support frame (10); - a base (11) intended to be placed in abutment against a support surface against which the photovoltaic system (1) is intended to be affixed, the base (11) forming a chassis comprising two longitudinal bars (111, 112) extending parallel to each other and connected to each other by a transverse bar (113);- a connecting device (12) to the support frame (10), the connecting device (12) comprising a first connecting bar (121) and a second connecting bar (122), the connecting bars (121, 122) being connected to one end of the two longitudinal bars (111, 112) of the base (11) distant from the transverse bar (113) and by means of a pivot connection, the first connecting bar (121) and the second connecting bar (122) of the connecting device (12) being fixedly attached to the support frame (10); - a tilting stand (13) connecting the connecting device (12) to the base (11), the tilting stand (13) being fixedly attached to the base (11);characterized in that a length of the connecting bars (121, 122) of the connecting device (12) and a length of the cross bar (113) of the base (11) are equal to a first dimension of the support frame (10), the first dimension being taken as the distance between two first opposite edges (102A, 102B) of the support frame (10).;

2. Photovoltaic system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tilting stand (13) is rotatably mounted relative to the connecting bars (121, 122) of the connecting device (12).

3. Photovoltaic system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tilting stand (13) comprises: - a first support leg (131) associated with the first connecting bar (121); - a second support leg (132) associated with the second connecting bar (122); - a crosspiece (133) connecting the first support leg (131) to the second support leg (132) at a distal end of the connecting bars (121, 122).

4. Photovoltaic system (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the crosspiece (133) comprises, at each end portion, a coupling surface (1330) configured to collaborate with indexing means (15) arranged on the longitudinal bars (111, 112) of the base (11).

5. Photovoltaic system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the longitudinal bars (111, 112) of the base (11) comprise several indexing means (15) distributed along said longitudinal bars (111, 112) in order to provide several indexing positions for the crosspiece (133) of the tilting stand (13).

6. Photovoltaic system (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein each indexing means (15) comprises a notch (150) arranged on an inner face (1122) of the longitudinal bars (111, 112) of the base (11), the notch (150) comprising: - an engagement segment (151) which extends in a vertical direction; - a locking segment (152) which extends in the extension of the engagement segment (151), the locking segment (152) extending in an inclined manner relative to the engagement segment (151).

7. Photovoltaic system (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the notch (150) comprises a locking housing (153) located at the level of the locking segment (152), the locking housing (153) being configured to allow forceful engagement of the coupling surface (1330) of the crosspiece (133) of the tilting stand (13).

8. Photovoltaic system (1) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein each at least one indexing means (15) is associated with a flexible blade (16) configured to retain the coupling surface (1330) in the locking segment (152), the flexible blade (16) extending into the corresponding notch (150).

9. Photovoltaic system (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the flexible blade (16) comprises: - a straight portion (161) which extends against an edge of the segment engagement (151) of the notch (150); - a curved portion (162) located at a lower end of the straight portion (161), the curved portion (162) extending at the locking segment (152) of the notch (150); - a fixing portion (163) located at one end of the straight portion (161) opposite the curved portion (162), the fixing portion (163) forming a folded fixing tab collaborating with an upper face (1121) of the longitudinal bar (111, 112) of the base (11), the flexible blade (16) being fixed integrally to the longitudinal bar (111, 112) at the level of the fixing portion (163).

10. Photovoltaic system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the base (11) comprises at least one ballast plate (14) associated with at least one of the longitudinal bars (111, 112).

Images