Module installation process and corresponding system

Abstract

Method for mounting modules, such as solar panels, on a surface covered by ribbed metal sheets (TAN) comprising the following steps: - placing support pieces (4) on ribs of the ribbed metal sheets, the position of the support pieces (4) depending on the predetermined positioning of the modules and their dimensions, - placing module support rails (2) on the support pieces (4), the rails extending parallel to the ribs of the ribbed metal sheets and being arranged such that along the same rib, at least two module support rails (2) are mounted with overlap, and - fixing the modules (42) on the module support rails (2). Abstract figure: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Method for installing modules and corresponding system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for installing modules and a corresponding system. The modules are, for example, photovoltaic panels or solar panels. They are installed on an existing structure or a new structure intended to receive them. Technical field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of mounting photovoltaic or solar panels on a structure superimposed on Ribbed Steel Sheets (hereinafter TAN). This involves, for example, fixing such panels to a roof. Prior art

[0003] There are several techniques for fixing photovoltaic or solar panels to a surface covered with Ribbed Steel Sheets (TSS). A first technique involves the installation of two parallel rails which are fixed to the TAS or directly to the structure (most often comprising purlins) receiving the TAS. The panels are then arranged next to each other (with a suitable space between two neighboring panels) each resting on the two rails to which they are then fixed using a flange or other clamping device.

[0004] Another technique, called stitching, involves directly supporting the TANs. Short rails (a few centimeters) are then each fixed to a TAN and each time serve as an attachment point for a module (solar or photovoltaic panel). Each panel is then fixed to four (or more) attachment points.

[0005] There are other techniques for mounting modules on TANs. Most often, and even almost always, the structure (frame) of the modules is made of aluminum, as are the fixing rails used. As the name suggests, TANs are made of steel. Once the structure is mounted, there are differences in expansion between the steel and aluminum elements, with aluminum expanding more than steel. On an outdoor structure, between summer and winter, the difference in expansion is of the order of about 1 / 100 millimeter (0.01 mm) over a length of one meter (1 m) for a temperature variation of 1°C.

[0006] A first technical problem is then to take into account this difference in expansion for the assembly of the modules. An interface between TANs and modules must be able to advantageously absorb this difference in expansion so as not to create unnecessary constraints.

[0007] Another problem that arises in the assembly of modules is the retransmission of the forces experienced by these modules on the supporting structure. The forces can be tearing forces when the wind blows and tends to make the modules fly away. There can also be pressure forces when a layer of snow covers the modules. In both cases, the modules must resist and neither the supporting structure, nor the TANs, nor the fixing system must be damaged by the forces experienced.

[0008] Finally, there is also a need to improve the ergonomics of module assembly by avoiding the use of specific and / or custom-made parts and by proposing elements which adapt to several TAN shapes but also support rails which can be used without requiring, for example, cutting to length or custom-made production. The support rails could be adapted, for example, to a TAN-bearing structure. Summary

[0009] The present disclosure improves the situation.

[0010] A method is proposed for mounting modules, such as solar or photovoltaic panels, on a surface covered by ribbed metal sheets, comprising the following steps: - installation of support parts on ribs of ribbed metal sheets, the position of the support parts depending on the predetermined positioning of the modules and their dimensions, - installation of module support rails on the support parts, the rails extending parallel to the ribs of the ribbed metal sheets and being arranged in such a way that along the same rib, at least two module support rails are mounted with overlap, and - fixing the modules on the module support rails.

[0011] Mounting rails with overlapping makes it possible to use rails of a given length, and thus to avoid any overlapping of rails at length. The same procedure can be implemented for the installation of a single module as well as a large number of modules. Here the length of the rails is preferably limited and is advantageously chosen to be of the same order of magnitude as the width or length of a module. When the support parts are fixed to a primary structure comprising purlins, the length of the rails can be adapted to the center distance between the purlins of the primary structure. By limiting the length of the rails, their expansion is also limited.

[0012] The features set out in the following paragraphs may, optionally, be implemented, independently of one another or in combination with one another:

[0013] - each module support rail is mounted on two support pieces, and the support rail of the module considered is fixed on a first support part, that is to say that there is no possibility of relative longitudinal displacement while the mounting of the module support rail on the other support part is sliding, that is to say that it allows a longitudinal displacement of the rail relative to the support part; and / or

[0014] - a majority of the support parts are placed at the level of already existing drillings for fixing ribbed metal sheets to a primary structure and are fixed by screwing to said primary structure (said primary structure being, for example, a building frame).

[0015] According to another aspect, there is proposed a system for mounting modules, of the solar or photovoltaic panel type, intended for mounting said modules on a surface covered by ribbed metal sheets, said system comprising: - support parts associated with means of fixing to a structure, - a plurality of module support rails, mounted parallel to each other, forming several lines; two neighboring module support rails of the same line being offset transversely to allow an overlap to be created such that their corresponding ends are opposite each other, preferably close to or in contact with each other, - means of fixing the modules on the module support rails.

[0016] The features set out in the following paragraphs may, optionally, be implemented, independently of one another or in combination with one another:

[0017] - the support parts have a lower face, that is to say an opposite face to the module support rail(s), substantially flat; and / or

[0018] - a support part has a base with the bore to receive a fixing screw and two arms extending in opposite directions from this base; a module support rail comprises, on the one hand, a lateral edge extending transversely and, on the other hand, on the side opposite said lateral edge a substantially planar face extending substantially perpendicularly to the lateral edge, such that at an overlap of two similar module support rails the substantially planar faces of the two module support rails are opposite and close to each other while each lateral edge rests on an arm of the support part; in this embodiment, a clip may be provided to hold each lateral edge of a module support rail on an arm of a support part; and / or

[0019] - each module support rail is fixed to a first support part and is mounted on another support part in a sliding manner thus allowing relative longitudinal movement between the module support rail and its support part; and / or

[0020] - each module support rail has a tubular part with a face su upper, opposite the support part, substantially flat, and flanges are provided for holding modules on module support rails, the flanges each having a bore and a screw for mounting the flange on an upper face of a tubular part of a module support rail; and / or

[0021] - all module support rails in the system are similar. Brief description of the figures

[0022] Other characteristics, details and advantages will appear on reading the detailed description below, and on analyzing the attached drawings, in which: Fig.l

[0023] [Fig.l] shows a system for mounting modules on a surface covered with ribbed metal sheets according to one embodiment. Fig. 2

[0024] [Fig.2] shows a front view of the module support rails and their fixing means. Fig. 3

[0025] [Fig.3] shows a module support rail in perspective. Fig. 4

[0026] [Fig.4] shows a support piece, or rider, with its fixing screw in perspective. Fig. 5

[0027] [Fig.5] shows a mounting clip in perspective from a first viewing angle. Fig. 6

[0028] [Fig.6] shows the mounting clip of [Fig.5] from another angle of view. Fig. 7

[0029] [Fig.7] shows a mounting flange for a module on a module support rail. Fig. 8

[0030] [Fig.8] shows another type of module mounting flange on a module support rail. Description of the embodiments

[0031] Reference is now made to [Fig.l]. It shows a system for mounting modules, for example a photovoltaic panel or a solar panel, on a surface covered by ribbed metal sheets. Such sheets are most often made of steel and will subsequently be called TAN for ribbed steel sheet. A name commonly also given to this type of sheet is “steel tray”.

[0032] In the remainder of the description, it will be assumed that the TANs are located below the mounting system described and that the modules are mounted above said mounting system. A top / bottom or bottom / top orientation is thus defined.

[0033] To better distinguish the mounting system, TANs have been hidden. [Fig.l] illustrates several module support rails 2 mounted along a rib of a TAN and thus forming a line of module support rails 2. The system comprises several lines of module support rails, these lines all being along a TAN rib or a set of several TANs.

[0034] Each module support rail 2 is mounted on two support pieces which will be called subsequently jumpers 4. A mounting clip 6 connects each time a module support rail 2 to a jumper 4 as will be explained in more detail subsequently. The module support rails 2 are then intended to receive modules as illustrated in figures 7 and 8.

[0035] A rider 4 is shown in detail in Figures 2 and 4. A rider 4 is intended to bear on the top of a rib of a TAN. The rider 4 comprises a base 8 in which a bore 10 is made and from which two arms 12 extend in opposite directions. It can be seen in [Fig.4] that the rider 4 has a profiled shape. This is a preferred but non-limiting embodiment.

[0036] As can be seen in [Fig.2], the base 8 has a substantially flat lower face 14. This shape makes it possible to adapt to the greatest number of TAN rib shapes. It adapts to all trapezoidal rib shapes but is less suitable for sinusoidal ribs. The shape of the lower face 14 can, however, be changed and adapted to a sinusoidal wave. It may also be considered to have an interface piece between the rib and the rider 4.

[0037] Substantially in the center of the base 8, perpendicular to the lower face 14 when the latter is flat, is the bore 10. This is intended to allow the passage of a fixing screw 16 with a screw head intended to come to bear on the face of the base 8 opposite the lower face 14. The fixing screw 16 preferably has under its head a thread allowing the self-tapping of the bore 10 of the rider 4. The fixing screw 16 preferably engages in a primary structure, most often formed of purlins of a framework, on which the TANs are mounted. It advantageously replaces a screw initially intended only for the fixing of one (or two) TANs on the primary structure. This avoids adding holes in the TANs.

[0038] The rider 4 also has, in the illustrated embodiment, each time substantially at the level of a junction between the base 8 and an arm 12, a rib 18 extending longitudinally (relative to the profiled shape of the rider 4 but also relative to the shape of the module support rails 2 as will emerge from the remainder of the description) and having on the side of the corresponding arm 12 a housing 20 in the form of a longitudinal slot. Between the ribs 18, the base 8 has a face, opposite the lower face 14, which serves as a bearing face for the head of the fixing screw 16 (or of a washer arranged between this head and the base 8).

[0039] An embodiment of module support rail 2 intended to cooperate with a jumper 4 as described above is illustrated in more detail in Figures 2 and 3.

[0040] The module support rail 2 illustrated is a tubular profiled rail. The tubular part is generally trapezoidal with a downward and outward protrusion 22. The tubular part has an upper face 24 and an inner face 26 substantially perpendicular to the upper face 24. In front view ([Fig.2]), the protrusion 22 forms a leg with a foot which extends inward and outward with respectively an inner wing 28 and an outer lateral wing 30. The tubular part of the module support rail 2 thus has a lower base in two parts, a first part 23 corresponding to the protrusion 22 and a second part 25 between the protrusion 22 and the inner face 26.

[0041] As can be seen in [Fig.2], the rider 4 is adapted to the module support rail 2 (or vice versa). It is of course possible to modify the two parts to the extent that the modifications allow the mounting of a module support rail 2 on the rider 4. A nested assembly is provided here but a screwed assembly could also be envisaged with for example a rail with a C-shaped profile whose bottom would be screwed onto the rider whose shape would be adapted.

[0042] As can be seen from [Fig. 2], the inner wing 28 of the module support rail 2 is intended to be housed in the housing 20 of the rider 4 and the outer lateral wing 30 comes to rest on an arm 12 of the rider 4. In this position, as illustrated for example by [Fig. 2], the first part 23 of the bottom of the module support rail 2 is located at the level of the arm 12 while the second part 25 of the bottom of the module support rail 2 partially covers the head of the fixing screw 6. In this [Fig. 2], the two inner faces 26 are located in the extension of the fixing screw 16.

[0043] A module support rail 2 is intended to be mounted on two riders 4 (this is a preferred embodiment but a larger number of riders can also be provided). When a module support rail 2 as described is mounted on two riders 4, it is intended that the upper face 24 of the module support rail 2 is parallel to the lower face 14 of the rider 4.

[0044] It can also be seen in [Fig. 2] that a rider 4 is intended to support two module support rails 2. These two rails are then mounted in such a way that their inner faces 26 are opposite each other (hence their name of inner face). They are for example mounted by lateral sliding (from the outside to the inside) on their riders 4.

[0045] It can be seen from the figures, in particular [Fig. 2], that the module support rails are mounted parallel to the ribs of the TANs on which they are mounted but not centered on these ribs but offset slightly alternately to the right and left. [Fig. 1] shows that the module support rails 2 are also mounted in such a way that there is an overlap between two neighboring rails in the longitudinal direction. The module support rail lines mentioned above are therefore “broken” lines or two (very) similar discontinuous lines.

[0046] Preferably, all the module support rails 2 are similar. There may be several types of module support rail, but for mounting modules on a given surface, only one type of rail will be used. These rails then have a given length adapted to the center distance of the purlins of the primary structure. The rails used are relatively "short", for example they have a length of between 1500 and 2500 mm, and by mounting them as indicated with an overlap each time, there is no need to plan to cut a rail to length.

[0047] The shape of the module support rails 2 and the riders 4 described is particularly well suited to the use of the mounting clips 6 which will be described. These mounting clips 6 are advantageous but can be replaced by screws (certain screws cooperating for example with oblong holes). Only a mounting using mounting clips 6 of figures 5 and 6 is illustrated but other assemblies are conceivable.

[0048] The mounting clip 6 illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 is particularly advantageous and clever. The same clip makes it possible to fix a module support rail 2 to a rider 4 or to mount it slidingly, that is to say by allowing the module support rail 2 to move longitudinally relative to the rider 4.

[0049] The illustrated mounting clip 6 is made from a sheet metal folded in an S shape, i.e. with two folds, thus forming a double clip. By choosing the fold, the clip, to make the connection between the module support rail 2 and the jumper 4, it is determined whether the connection between the two parts is rigid or sliding.

[0050] The mounting clip 6, due to its shape with a double fold, has a central part 32, a first branch 34 and a second branch 36. The first branch 34 is connected to a first edge of the central part 32 to this central part by a first fold while the second branch 36 is connected to the central part 32 by an edge of this central part opposite said first edge by a second fold. Each of the two folds is a fold at approximately 180°.

[0051] The first branch 34 and the second branch 36 are of overall rectangular shape. The angles of this rectangular shape are each time curved towards the central part 32 so as to form teeth 38 allowing for attachment (with the external lateral wing of a module support rail 2).

[0052] In the central part 32, a tab 40 is produced facing the first branch 34. This tab is rectangular in shape. It is obtained in a known manner by cutting out three sides of its rectangular shape and is articulated around the fourth uncut side. This side is arranged on the side of the first fold and is parallel to it. The tab 40 is also provided with teeth 38 and is curved in the direction of the first branch 34.

[0053] Thus, if an arm 12 of a rider 4 and an external lateral wing 30 of a module support rail 2 are placed between the central part 32 and the first branch 34 of the mounting clip 6, then the clip will be fixed by means of the teeth 38 both on the rider 4 and on the module support rail 2, whereas if an arm 12 of a rider 4 and an external lateral wing 30 of a module support rail 2 are placed between the central part 32 and the second branch 36 of a mounting clip 6, there will be no attachment of the clip at the level of the second branch 36 and the connection made will be sliding. As can be seen in Figures 5 and 6, a marking makes it possible to identify what type of connection is made.

[0054] As indicated above, preferably a module support rail 2 is mounted on two riders 4. In this case, care will be taken to ensure that one mounting using a mounting clip 6 is rigid and that the other mounting using a mounting clip 6 is sliding. When two module support rails 2 are mounted on a rider 4, then one module support rail 2 is fixed to the rider 4 while the other is slidingly mounted.

[0055] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the fixing of a module 42 on a module support rail 2. To better show the cooperation between the illustrated elements, only one module frame 42 is illustrated in these figures 7 and 8, the rest of the module 42 is made transparent. [Fig.7] thus illustrates the fixing of a module 42 using a clamp, or end flange 44 making it possible to fix an edge of the module 42 on a module support rail 2. It is provided here to fix the end flange 44 on the module support rail 2 using a clamping screw 48 which is a self-tapping screw cooperating with the upper face 24 of the module support rail 2. The end flange 44 has an overall Z shape. One end of the Z rests on an edge of the module 42 while the other end of the Z rests on the upper face 24 of the module support rail 2 and is used for screwing the end flange 44 onto the module support rail 2.

[0056] Similarly, a central clamp, or central flange 46 is used to fix two modules 42 on a module support rail 2. The central flange 46 is in the form of a plate which rests on two edges of two neighboring modules and a clamping screw 48 passes through the central flange 46 to engage in the upper face 24 of the module support rail 2 passing between the modules 42. As illustrated, one or two folded tabs can be provided so as to maintain a spacing between the modules 42.

[0057] A mounting system as described above can be implemented for example (non-exhaustive list) for the mounting of photovoltaic panels or solar panels or others on a new or existing sloping roof, on a metal, wood, concrete, etc. frame.

[0058] A first step proposed for carrying out the assembly of modules 42 is the implementation Placement of the riders 4. The installer will have to adapt to the size of the modules and their number to position them on the pre-existing structure. The position of the riders 4 will depend on the position of the TAN ribs and the instructions of the module manufacturer. For example, a template can be provided, the length of which corresponds to the length of a module to be installed (assuming, as is most often the case, that all the modules are similar) and on which the recommended locations (or zones) of the module support rails are marked. By positioning the template on the surface to be covered, it is possible to identify the ribs, or the lines of ribs (because there are several TANs) which will receive riders.

[0059] The riders 4 are then preferably mounted at the level of the already existing drillings which have been made for fixing the TANs on the primary structure. The screws in place are removed and the riders 4 are fixed with new adapted fixing screws 16 (having in particular a self-tapping thread under the screw head). In an alternative embodiment, the riders 4 could each be fixed on a TAN, preferably by being arranged at the top of a rib, the fixing then being able to be carried out in the sides of said rib.

[0060] It is preferable to provide for the placement of all the riders 4 on the surface intended to receive the modules. Failing this, it is advantageous to provide for the placement of all the riders 4 aligned along the same rib along all the TANs concerned).

[0061] Each rider 4 is preferably designed to receive two module support rails 2. However, it is also possible to provide support parts for the module support rails which can each only receive one module support rail 2.

[0062] The next step is then the installation of the module support rails 2. Preferably all the module support rails 2 are similar and have the same length. However, it is possible to have shorter or longer module support rails 2, for example at the bottom of a roof or on the contrary near the ridge of a roof.

[0063] For good fixing of the module support rails 2, each end of the module support rail must not be too far from a rider 4, for example, one end of the rail must not be more than 350 or 500 mm from a rider 4.

[0064] The mounting of a module support rail 2 is preferably done by sliding the rail laterally onto two riders 4 so as to introduce its inner wing 28 into the housings 20 of the two riders 4 and to rest the outer lateral wing 30 of the module support rail 2 on the corresponding arms 12 of the riders 4. This mounting concerns the preferred embodiment illustrated in the drawing. Another mounting could be envisaged: for example mounting by screwing onto a rider and tenon / mortise system on one (or more) other rider(s). The mounting would then be for example made by sliding the rail longitudinally.

[0065] Each module support rail 2 then extends parallel to a TAN rib (for example, it is considered that when several TANs are mounted with overlap, the aligned ribs form only one rib). As indicated above, each module support rail 2 has an overlap with its neighboring rail corresponding to the same rib. Along a line parallel to a rib provided with a rider 4, there are thus, with respect to a median plane parallel to the rib, module support rails 2 located on one side of the median plane and module support rails 2 located on the other side of the median plane, alternating on one side and the other side.The median plane preferably corresponds to a plane of symmetry of a rib but it could also be off-center with respect to this plane of symmetry (the two inner faces 26 of two neighboring module 2 support rails with overlap could both be on the same side of the plane of symmetry of the corresponding rib).

[0066] The method provides that a rail is fixed to a rider which carries it and is sliding relative to another rider which carries it. A screw fixing, using a key, or other means can be envisaged to secure a module support rail to a support part such as a rider 4. For a sliding assembly, a screwing system with an oblong hole, a tenon-mortise system, or other sliding assembly can also be provided. However, as is apparent from the preceding description, it is advantageously proposed to use a mounting clip 6 which allows, depending on its mounting direction, to produce a rigid or sliding connection. An alternative embodiment would be to “cut” a mounting clip 6 to obtain a fixing clip and a sliding clip.

[0067] In the preferred embodiment, illustrated in the drawing, a mounting clip 6 is placed each time to connect an arm 12 of the rider 4 and an external lateral wing 30 of the module support rail 2. If the system is mounted on an inclined surface, it can be provided for example that all the module support rails 2 are fixed to the rider 4 (creating a fixed point) closest to their upper end while they are slidably mounted on the rider 4 (creating an expanding point) closest to their lower end. Instead of indicating as in the figures (in particular 5 and 6) fixed and expanding on a mounting clip 6, it is possible to write top and bottom for example. The mounting clips 6 are for example put in place using a mallet. An advantage of the proposed mounting clips 6 is that they have teeth 38 which allow an electrical contact to be made.The jumper 4 is then advantageously also metallic to ensure continuity of the electrical ground from a module support rail 2 to its neighboring module support rail 2. In the case where a jumper only receives a single module support rail, care must be taken to ensure continuity. electrical ground when the modules are photovoltaic panels.

[0068] Once the module support rails 2 are mounted on the riders, the modules 42 can be mounted on the module support rails 2. The mounting is done in a conventional manner. It is proposed here to clamp the modules 42 on the lines of module support rails described above. For example, end clamps 44 are used in the lower and upper parts of the structure and central clamps 46 are used between the modules 42. Industrial application

[0069] These technical solutions can be applied in particular to the mounting of modules on a roof, a framework, etc.

[0070] The proposed method and system allow the use of a single length of module support rail. Thus, an installer can independently carry out an installation without having to cut rails and / or order custom equipment.

[0071] The use of double interface riders (i.e., capable of receiving two module support rails) makes it easy to overlap (or cover) the module support rails of the same line. By adapting the overlap, the installer adapts the system to the framework, in particular to the center distance between purlins encountered. It should be noted that it is also possible, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, to fix the riders directly to the TANs rather than to the primary structure that supports them.

[0072] The proposed rider is also advantageous because it is particularly well suited to any TAN rib with a trapezoidal profile and can be adapted to any other profile.

[0073] For the transmission of forces, it is preferable that the riders are fixed as suggested in the description on the primary structure carrying the TANs. It is noted that in the embodiment described, looking in particular at [Fig.2], that the module support rails are designed in such a way that they overhang the screw for fixing the rider on the supporting structure. By choosing the shape of the module support rails and the size of the screw head used to fix a rider, and by limiting the space between this screw head and the module support rails, it can be provided that in the event of pressure (for example a layer of snow) the module support rails come to bear on the screw head. Thus, the pressure force is retransmitted to the primary structure (purlins) directly without deforming the TANs.

[0074] The advantageous mounting of each module support rail on two riders with the fixing of the rail to one rider and a sliding mounting with the other rider makes it possible to solve all the problems of differential expansion between the steel and aluminum elements (case most often - almost always - encountered). The frames of the aluminum modules, the module support rails and other aluminum elements can expand without exerting stress on the structure (neither the sheets nor the primary structure).

[0075] The mounting clips described are also advantageous because the same mounting clip can be used everywhere. There is no need to provide two types of clips.

[0076] The present disclosure is not limited to the system and method examples described above, only as examples and to the variants mentioned, but it encompasses all the variants that may be envisaged by those skilled in the art within the framework of the protection sought.

Claims

Claims

1. Method for mounting modules, such as solar or photovoltaic panels, on a surface covered by ribbed metal sheets (TAN) comprising the following steps: - placing support pieces (4) on ribs of the ribbed metal sheets, the position of the support pieces (4) depending on the predetermined positioning of the modules and their dimensions, - placing module support rails (2) on the support pieces (4), the rails extending parallel to the ribs of the ribbed metal sheets and being arranged in such a way that along the same rib, at least two module support rails (2) are mounted with overlap, and - fixing the modules (42) on the module support rails (2).

2. Method for mounting modules according to claim 1, characterized in that each module support rail (2) is mounted on two support pieces (4), and in that the module support rail (2) in question is fixed on a first support piece (4), i.e. there is no possibility of relative longitudinal displacement while the mounting of the module support rail (2) on the other support piece (4) is sliding, i.e. it allows longitudinal displacement of the rail relative to the support piece (4).

3. Method for mounting modules according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that a majority of the support parts (4) are placed at the level of already existing drillings for fixing the ribbed metal sheets on a primary structure and are fixed by screwing on said primary structure.

4. System for mounting modules (42), of the solar or photovoltaic panel type, intended for mounting said modules (42) on a surface covered by ribbed metal sheets (TAN), said system comprising: - support parts (4) associated with fixing means (16) on a structure, - a plurality of module support rails (2), mounted parallel to each other, forming several lines; two neighboring module support rails (2) of the same line being offset transversely to allow an overlap to be created in such a way that their corresponding ends are opposite each other, preferably in proximity or in contact with each other, - means (44, 46, 48) for fixing the modules to the module support rails (2).

5. Module mounting system according to claim 4, characterized in that the support parts (4) have a lower face (14), i.e. a face opposite the module support rail(s) (2), which is substantially flat.

6. Module mounting system according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that a support part (4) has a base (8) with a bore (10) for receiving a fixing screw (16) and two arms (12) extending in opposite directions from this base (8), in that a module support rail (2) comprises, on the one hand, a lateral edge (30) extending transversely and, on the other hand, on the side opposite said lateral edge a substantially planar face (26) extending substantially perpendicular to the lateral edge (30), such that at an overlap of two similar module support rails (2) the substantially planar faces of the two module support rails (2) are opposite and close to each other while each lateral edge (30) rests on an arm (12) of the support part (4).

7. Module mounting system according to claim 6, characterized in that a clip (6) is provided to hold each lateral edge (30) of a module support rail (2) on an arm (12) of a support part (4).

8. Module mounting system according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that each module support rail (2) is fixed to a first support part (4) and is mounted on another support part (4) in a sliding manner, thus allowing relative longitudinal movement between the module support rail (2) and its support part (4).

9. Module mounting system according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that each module support rail (2) has a tubular part with an upper face (24), opposite the support part (4), substantially flat, and in that flanges (44, 46) are provided for holding modules (42) on module support rails (2), the flanges (44, 46), each having a bore and a screw (48) for mounting the flange (44, 46) on an upper face (24) of a tubular part of a module support rail (2).

10. Module mounting system according to one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that all module support rails (2) of the system are similar.

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