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 converting solar energy into electrical energy. More particularly, the invention relates to a photovoltaic system.

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

[0003] In the prior 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 electrical grid so that the electrical energy thus produced can be fed into the grid.

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

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

[0006] Furthermore, during the installation of such known photovoltaic systems, the mounting procedures are sometimes lengthy 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 more vertical installation, in a so-called "portrait" mode, while others are more suitable for a horizontal installation, in a so-called "landscape" mode. The systems Known photovoltaic systems do not allow for efficient and simple switching between these configurations, again discouraging some 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 present invention aims to propose a new photovoltaic system in order to address at least largely the previous problems and to lead to other advantages.

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

[0010] Another objective of the invention is to allow the photovoltaic system to be oriented very easily 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 in electrical energy, each at least one photovoltaic cell being attached to the support frame;

[0015] - a base intended to be supported 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 connection device to the support frame, the connection 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 transverse bar and by means of a pivot connection, the first connecting bar and the second connecting bar of the connecting device being fixed securely to the support frame;

[0017] - a tilting support connecting the linking device to the base, the support the 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 conforming to the The first aspect of the invention takes the form of a domestic photovoltaic system configured to produce at most a few kilowatt-hours of electrical energy per day. The photovoltaic system conforming to the first aspect of the invention is thus an electrical unit that can be connected directly to the domestic electrical grid via its electrical cable and a standard household electrical outlet. In the context of the invention, the photovoltaic system is not an industrial installation.

[0020] In the context of the present invention, a domestic electrical network is a domestic electrical installation such as those found in individual or multi-family dwellings. Such a domestic electrical network includes a main circuit breaker that isolates the domestic electrical network from the electrical distribution network. Downstream of the main circuit breaker, the domestic electrical network generally includes one or more electrical consumers, such as, for example, lighting sources, heating sources, and household appliances. The electrical consumers are located within the dwelling, each consumer being connected to the main circuit breaker via an electrical line, preferably through a dedicated circuit breaker that protects 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, and optionally thermal, energy. Solar energy is understood here to mean light energy carried 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, the photovoltaic system conforming 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 mounting surface for at least one photovoltaic cell. In the context of the present invention, the support frame may have a general quadrilateral shape, and preferably a rectangular shape. The support frame is delimited by a peripheral contour encircling at least one photovoltaic cell. The support frame is preferably made of plastic for its lightness and / or of metal for its rigidity and robustness. The support frame is preferably tubular.

[0023] In the context of the present invention, the base forms a support structure for the The photovoltaic system is mounted against a support surface against which it is intended to be placed, vertically, horizontally, or at an angle. The base can be solid or formed by a tubular structure. In particular, the base takes the form of a tubular frame providing a stable support for the photovoltaic system, as described in the first aspect of the invention. The tubular frame comprises two longitudinal bars. Each longitudinal bar extends straight and parallel to the other. The two longitudinal bars are connected by a transverse bar that extends perpendicularly to them. The transverse bar is located at one end of each longitudinal bar. Thus, generally, the base has a U-shaped or even rectangular shape.

[0024] In the context of the present invention, the connecting device allows the support frame to be detachably connected to the base. The first and second connecting bars are pivotally mounted at their ends to the longitudinal bars of the base. The connecting bars extend parallel to each other and are inclined relative to the longitudinal bars of the base. Thus, the connecting device forms an interface between, on the one hand, the support frame, which allows at least one photovoltaic cell to be positioned facing the sun, and, on the other hand, the base, which serves as a support on the bearing surface.

[0025] In the context of the present invention, the tilting bracket allows the connecting device to be held in position relative to the base. In other words, the tilting bracket allows the connecting device—and therefore the support frame—to be tilted relative to the base. The tilting bracket extends between the connecting device and the base. The tilting bracket is fixed rigidly to the connecting device, and the tilting bracket is fixed rigidly and removably 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 way, several configurations of orientations of the support frame with respect to the base and the linking device: the length of the linking bars of the linking device is equal to the first dimension of the support frame, and the length of the crossbar 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 to or substantially equal to the first dimension of the support frame, and the length of the crossbar of the base is equal to or substantially equal to the first dimension of the support frame. The phrase "equal to or substantially equal to" means that the the length of the connecting bars is between 90% and 110% of the first dimension of the support frame, and that the length of the crossbar 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 along the shorter length of the support frame, that is, along the width of the rectangle formed by the support frame; and the second dimension is taken, for example, along the longer length of the support frame, that is, along the length of the rectangle formed by the support frame. The support frame is here delimited by first edges and second edges, respectively parallel in pairs, the first edges being perpendicular to the second edges. Thus, the first edges form the longer sides of the rectangular shape of the support frame, and the second edges form the shorter 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 linking 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 conforming to 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 "landscape" mode, the connecting bars are fixed rigidly to the first edges of the support frame, the connecting bars extending across the support frame, such that each connecting bar is fixed rigidly to both first edges of the support frame. According to a second embodiment allowing the support frame to be oriented in "portrait" mode, the connecting bars are fixed rigidly 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 fixed rigidly 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 end ends. In other words, the end ends of the connecting bars are screwed securely to the first edges of the support frame. To this end, the first edges of the support frame have threaded holes configured to receive a fixing screw engaged through each connecting bar. Alternatively, the first edges of the support frame have through holes configured to receive a fixing screw engaged through each connecting bar and secured by a nut bearing against the corresponding edge;

[0035] - the tilting support is mounted to rotate relative to the connecting bars of the connecting device. This advantageous configuration thus makes it easier to orient the tilting support, the connecting device and, finally, the support frame relative to the base;

[0036] - the tilting support leg comprises (i) a first support leg associated with the (ii) a first connecting bar, (iii) a second support leg associated with the second connecting bar, (ii) a cross member connecting the first support leg to the second support leg at a distal termination of the connecting bars. The first and second support legs extend parallel to each other, and the cross member connects the first and second support legs near the base. This advantageous configuration allows both support legs to be manipulated simultaneously and easily, without tools and with one hand, thus facilitating the deployment and implementation of the photovoltaic system according to the first aspect of the invention;

[0037] - the first supporting leg is rotatably mounted to the first bar of connection. In particular, the first support leg has 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 receive the male element, including its protruding part, and once in position, to block any withdrawal of the male element from the female element while allowing its rotation;

[0038] - similarly, the second support leg is mounted in a rotational manner at the second connecting bar. In particular, the second support leg has a cylindrical bearing engaged in a corresponding opening on the second connecting bar. In other words, the cylindrical bearing of the second support leg forms a male element configured to engage in the opening of the second connecting bar, the opening forming a female element configured to receive the male element, including its protruding part, and once in position, to prevent 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 the corresponding connecting bar simply and efficiently;

[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 strut relative to the connecting device;

[0040] - the crossbar of the tilting support includes, at each part At the end, a coupling lug is configured to work with indexing means arranged on the longitudinal bars of the base. The coupling lug of the cross member forms a male element configured to engage with the corresponding indexing means of the opposite longitudinal bar. The indexing means forms a female element configured to receive the male element, particularly its protruding portion, and, once in position, to prevent any withdrawal of the male element from the female element. This advantageous configuration allows for simplified use of the photovoltaic system according to the first aspect of the invention and enables rapid and efficient tilting. More specifically, 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 either of its configurations very simply and manually.

[0041] - the longitudinal bars of the base have several indexing means distributed along said longitudinal bars to offer several indexing positions for the tilting support crossbar. This advantageous configuration allows for several different inclinations of the support frame relative to the base;

[0042] - each indexing means comprises a notch provided on one face the inner face of the longitudinal bars of the base. In the context of the present invention, the inner face of one longitudinal bar is the face opposite the inner face of the other longitudinal bar. The notch forms a recess on the inner face, and within this recess, the crossbar of the tilting support is configured to be engaged and held in position. This advantageous configuration allows the photovoltaic system according to the invention to be configured 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 extending in line with the engagement segment, the locking segment extending at an angle 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 the level of said upper face. In the context of the present invention, the upper face of the longitudinal bar is the face directly opposite the support frame. The notch thus forms a groove that extends 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 allows the photovoltaic system according to the invention to be configured very quickly and without specific tools, by a simple manual manipulation that positions the cross member of the tilting bracket in one of the notches—through its engagement segment—and then locks it in a predefined position at the locking segment.In the locked position, the support frame, connected to the base by the linking device and the tilting support, 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 for forceful engagement of the coupling face of the tilting strut cross member. In the context of the present invention, the locking housing forms a depression within the locking segment, thus creating a retaining element for the coupling face once it has reached said locking housing. This advantageous configuration prevents the tilting strut from detaching from the base, even in windy conditions or during handling. Particularly advantageously, the engagement or disengagement of the tilting strut cross member in the corresponding notch is accomplished by simple, deliberate manual manipulation, it being understood that the locking housing keeps the coupling face locked in said locking housing;

[0045] - the coupling range of the cross member is retractable, so as to be able to engage in the corresponding locking housing. This advantageous configuration improves the safety of the assembly and fixing of the tilting support on the base, further securing the connection between the cross member of the tilting support - particularly at its coupling point - and the base - particularly at its indexing means and its locking segment;

[0046] - preferably, the coupling range comprises (i) a retractable section mounted in a movable manner relative to the cross member, and (ii) a spring configured to generate a non-zero force on the retractable section. More generally, the photovoltaic system includes a spring system for locking the coupling arm in the locking housing of one of the notches forming the indexing means. The spring system can be mounted on the cross member of the tilt support 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 crossbar of the tilt support from coming out of its notch unintentionally or in strong winds;

[0047] - the spring system comprises a flexible blade engaged in the notch, the blade The flexible blade extends along the engagement segment and across the locking segment, allowing it to deform as the coupling surface passes from the engagement segment to the locking segment. The flexible blade thus includes a curved portion extending between the engagement and locking segments. This advantageous configuration enables the coupling surface to be retained within the locking segment, or even within the locking housing.

[0048] - the flexible blade has a straight portion which extends against an edge of the segment The notch engagement mechanism consists of a curved portion located at the lower end of the straight portion, extending to the notch locking segment. This curved portion has an "S" or sawtooth shape. This advantageous configuration allows for elastic deformation of the curved portion when sufficient and deliberate force is applied by a user to engage or disengage the coupling arm into or out of the notch locking segment. Conversely, the curved portion is designed to prevent the coupling arm from being pulled out of the locking segment without deliberate action by the user, particularly due to the simple pressure of 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 specifically, the flexible blade has a fixing portion located at one end of the straight portion opposite the curved portion, the fixing portion forming a folded fixing tab 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 Examples include aluminum and / or steel. The flexible blade is a thin plate. This advantageous configuration facilitates the elastic deformation of the flexible blade. Naturally, the dimensions of the flexible blade, particularly its thickness, as well as the material, are chosen to define a stress threshold beyond which the flexible blade is deformable—allowing for voluntary dismantling of the photovoltaic system—and below which the flexible blade does not deform to maintain the coupling contact within the locking segment, for specific ranges. predetermined wind resistance;

[0051] - each at least one indexing means is associated with a configured flexible blade to retain the coupling range in the locking segment, the flexible blade extends into the corresponding notch. In particular, the flexible blade comprises (i) a straight portion extending against an edge of the notch's engagement segment, (ii) a curved portion located at a lower end of the straight portion, the curved portion extending at the level of the notch's locking segment, (iii) a fixing portion located at an end of the straight portion opposite the curved portion, the fixing portion forming a bent fixing tab collaborating with an upper face of the longitudinal bar of the base, the flexible blade being fixed integrally 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. 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 into it.

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

[0054] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0055] [Fig.1] illustrates a three-dimensional view of an example of an embodiment of a photovoltaic system conforming to the first aspect of the invention and oriented in a first configuration known as "landscape" mode;

[0056] [Fig.2] illustrates a three-dimensional view of the photovoltaic system of the [Fig.1] oriented in a second configuration called "portrait" mode;

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

[0058] [Fig.4] illustrates a detailed view of an indexing means for the base illustrated on the [Fig.3];

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

[0060] Of course, the features, variants, and different embodiments of the invention can be combined with one another in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be imagined that do not include that 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 embodiments described are combinable with each other if there is no technical obstacle to this combination.

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

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

[0064] - a rectangular support frame 10, the support frame 10 comprising first edges 102A, 102B which extend parallel to each other and define 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 in electrical energy, each at least one photovoltaic cell being attached to the support frame 10;

[0066] - a base 11 intended to be supported 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 via a pivot connection, the first connecting bar 121 and the second connecting bar 122 of the connecting device 12 being fixed rigidly to the support frame 10;

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

[0069] In addition, the base 11 includes 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 overturning due to the wind.

[0070] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 1], the support frame 10, supported by the connecting device 12 and inclined relative to the base 11 by means of the The tilting bracket 13 is oriented in a "landscape" orientation: the longest dimension of the support frame 10 – and therefore of the corresponding photovoltaic panel – is oriented along a substantially horizontal axis. In contrast, in the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 2], the support frame 10, supported by the connecting device 12 and tilted relative to the base 11 by means of the tilting bracket 13, is oriented in a "portrait" orientation: the longest dimension of the support frame 10 – and therefore of the corresponding photovoltaic panel – is oriented along a substantially vertical axis.

[0071] In order to switch quickly 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 photovoltaic systems known in the prior art.

[0072] First, in order to allow the photovoltaic system 1 to be configured in a "portrait" orientation, the photovoltaic system 1 according to the invention has a length of 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 taken here as the distance between two first opposite edges 102A, 102B of the support frame 10. This configuration, visible in [Fig. 2], allows 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 supported against one of the first edges 102A, 102B of the support frame 10, and the second connecting bar 122 is supported 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 end ends. To this end, the first edges 102A, 102B of the support frame 10 have threaded holes to allow them to engage with the fastening screw passing through a through opening in each connecting bar. The connecting bars 121, 122s are fixed securely 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 has two threads, the center distance between said two threads being equal to the center distance between the two. through openings fitted on the corresponding connecting bars 121, 122.

[0075] Next, 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 crossbar 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 between its first two edges 102A, 102B, said first connecting bar 121 being fixed rigidly 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 fixed rigidly 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 end ends. To this end, the first edges 102A, 102B of the support frame 10 have threaded holes to allow them to engage with the fastening screw passing through a through opening in each connecting bar. The connecting bars 121, 122 are fixed securely 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 has two threaded holes, the center distance between said two threaded holes being equal to the length of the crossbar 113 of the base 11. .

[0078] Thus, according to the invention, the first edges 102A, 102B and the second edges 101A, 101B have conformations that make coupling possible with the connecting bars 121, 122 of the connecting device 12, in either of the configurations shown in FIGURES 1 and 2 and described above. 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 that make coupling possible with the connecting bars 121, 122 of the connecting device 12, in either portrait or landscape configuration.

[0079] The base 11 of the photovoltaic system 1 according to the invention forms a chassis in U-shape 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, i.e. 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 101A, 101B, but also at the level of the threads provided for the fixing of the linking 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 to 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 linked to the longitudinal bars 111, 112 through a pivot joint, or even a hinge for example.

[0082] The connecting bars 121, 122 extend in a straight line.

[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 includes the tilting support 13 and the base 11 includes indexing means 15 which each allow to define an inclination of the support frame 10 with respect to an inclination axis located at the end of the base 11 located opposite the cross 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 tilt configurations. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in the FIGURES, the photovoltaic system 1 has three indexing means 15.

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

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

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

[0088] - a cross member 133 connecting the first support leg 131 to the second leg support 132 at the level of a distal termination of the connecting bars 121, 122.

[0089] And each indexing means 15 comprises a notch 150 provided in an inner face 1122 of each longitudinal bar 111, 112 of the base 11, the notch 150 cooperating with the cross member 133 in order to lock the tilting support 13 and the linking device 12 in a given tilt configuration.

[0090] As can be seen in FIGURES 1 and 2, the first support leg 131 and the second support leg 132 extend parallel to each other, while the cross member 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 on the first connecting bar 121, and the second support leg 132 is rotatably mounted on the second connecting bar 122.

[0092] The cross member 133 of the tilting strut 13 has, at each end portion, a coupling bearing 1330 configured to cooperate with the indexing means 15 arranged on the longitudinal bars 111, 112 of the base 11. More specifically, each coupling bearing 1330 is configured to cooperate with one of the notches 150 formed on the inner face 1122 of the longitudinal bars 111, 112 of the base 11. Each coupling bearing 1330 of the cross member 133 forms a male element configured to engage with the corresponding indexing means 15 of the longitudinal bar 111, 112 located opposite it, the indexing means 15 forming a female element configured to receive the male element, in particular its protruding portion, and once in position, to prevent any withdrawal of the male element from 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, that is to say between an upper face 1121 and an lower face of the longitudinal bars 111, 112 of the base 11;

[0095] - a locking segment 152 which extends in the continuation of the segment engagement segment 151, the locking segment 152 extending at an angle relative to 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 in a straight line along the inner face 1122 and opens onto the upper face 1121 of the corresponding longitudinal bar 111, 112, so as to allow an insertion of the coupling bearing 1330 of the cross member 133 into said engagement segment 151, at the level of said upper face 1121.

[0098] The locking segment 152 extends horizontally, i.e. 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 support 13 in the corresponding notch 150.

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

[0100] - the first position PI corresponds to a kickstand engagement position of inclination 13, and in particular of each coupling bearing 1330 of the corresponding cross member 133, in the engagement segment 151. This configuration corresponds to the situation in which the cross member 133 of the inclination strut 13 is indexed relative to a direction parallel to the longitudinal bars 111, 112 of the base 11, thus defining a given inclination. The cross member 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 pushed downwards towards an lower face of said longitudinal bars 111, 112;

[0101] - the second position P2 corresponds to a crossbar locking position 133 in the notch 150, guiding the coupling bearing 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 bracket 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 cross member 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 securing position of the crossbar 133 in the notch 150. For this purpose, the notch 150 has a locking housing 153 located at the locking segment 152, the locking housing 153 being configured to allow a forceful engagement of the coupling bearing 1330 of the cross member 133 in said locking housing 153. This advantageous configuration prevents the tilting support 13 from detaching from the base 11, even in the event of wind or handling: it is necessary to carry out an intervention at the notch 150, with a "complex" movement of the coupling bearing 1330 relative to said notch 150, to dislodge said coupling bearing 1330 from the locking housing 153.

[0103] Fig. 5 illustrates an improvement of the notch 150 described above, in which said notch 150 is associated with a flexible blade 16 forming a spring-loaded retention system for the coupling bearing 1330 of the cross member 133 in the locking segment 152.

[0104] Such a flexible blade 16 takes the form of a thin metallic blade that is elastically deformable under certain conditions of use. This elastic behavior is made possible by 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 level of the locking segment 152 of the notch 150;

[0107] - a fastening 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 seen 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 bearing 1330 in the locking segment 152. Its orientation is particularly clever because it allows the coupling bearing 1330 to be guided, if necessary, towards an opposite edge of the locking segment, preventing it from being extracted from the locking segment without a voluntary action by the user.

[0109] In summary, the invention relates to a photovoltaic system 1 that can be easily tilted and oriented according to a “portrait” orientation or a “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 for 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, the connecting device 12 and the support frame 10 making it possible to mount the support frame 10 on the connection device 12 in "portrait" mode or in "landscape" mode.

[0110] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples just described, and many modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the various features, forms, variants, and embodiments of the invention can be combined with one another in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, all the variants and embodiments described above are combinable with each other.

Claims

Demands

1. Photovoltaic system (1) comprising: - a rectangular support frame (10); - at least one photovoltaic cell configured to convert solar energy into electrical energy, each at least one photovoltaic cell being attached to the support frame (10); - a base (11) intended to be supported against a support surface against 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);- 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 rigidly to the support frame (10); - a tilting strut (13) connecting the connecting device (12) to the base (11), the tilting strut (13) being fixed rigidly 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 crossbar (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 strut (13) is mounted rotatably 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 support (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 cross member (133) connecting the first support leg (131) to the second support leg (132) at a distal termination of the connecting bars (121, 122).

4. Photovoltaic system (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the cross member (133) has, at each end part, a coupling bearing (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, wherein 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 cross member (133) of the tilting support (13).

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

7. Photovoltaic system (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the notch (150) has a locking housing (153) located at the locking segment (152), the locking housing (153) being configured to permit force engagement of the coupling span (1330) of the cross member (133) of the tilting strut (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 span (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, wherein 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 level of 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 securely 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, wherein the base (11) comprises at least one ballast plate (14) associated with at least one of the longitudinal bars (111, 112).

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