Module installation method and corresponding system

Abstract

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

Description

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

[0001] This 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 designed to receive them. technical field

[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of mounting photovoltaic or solar panels on a superimposed structure of corrugated steel sheets (hereinafter referred to as TAN). This includes, for example, fixing such panels to a roof. Prior art

[0003] Several techniques exist for fixing photovoltaic or solar panels to a surface covered with corrugated steel sheets (CST). One technique involves mounting two parallel rails that are fixed to the CST or directly to the structure (most often including purlins) supporting the CST. The panels are then placed side by side (with an appropriate gap between adjacent panels), each resting on the two rails to which they are then fixed using a clamp or other fastening device.

[0004] Another technique, called stitching, involves directly attaching to the TANs. Short rails (a few centimeters) are then fixed to each TAN and serve as attachment points for each 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 module structure (frame) is made of aluminum, as are the mounting rails used. As its name suggests, the TANs are made of steel. Once the structure is assembled, 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 on the order of approximately 1 / 100 of a 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 this difference in expansion into account when mounting the modules. An interface between TANs and modules must be able to advantageously absorb this difference in expansion so as not to create unnecessary stresses.

[0007] Another problem that arises in the assembly of modules is the retransmission of the The stresses exerted on these modules by the supporting structure can be tensile stresses when the wind blows and tends to blow the modules away. There can also be compressive stresses when a layer of snow covers the modules. In both cases, the modules must withstand these stresses, and neither the supporting structure, nor the TANs (Tension Area Networks), nor the fastening system can be damaged by them.

[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 offering components that adapt to several TAN shapes, as well as support rails that can be used without requiring, for example, cutting to length or custom fabrication. The support rails could, for example, be adapted to a TAN load-bearing structure. Summary

[0009] This disclosure improves the situation.

[0010] A method is proposed for mounting modules, such as solar or photovoltaic panels, on a surface covered with corrugated metal sheets, comprising the following steps: - Installation of support pieces on the ribs of corrugated metal sheets, the position of the support pieces 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 corrugated metal sheets and arranged in such a way that along the same rib, at least two module support rails are mounted with overlap, and - fixing the modules onto the module support rails.

[0011] Mounting rails with overlap allows the use of rails of a given length, thus avoiding any need to cut rails to length. The same procedure can be implemented for installing a single module as well as a large number of modules. Here, the rail length 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 pieces are fixed to a primary structure with purlins, the rail length can be adapted to the center-to-center spacing between the purlins of the primary structure. By limiting the rail length, their expansion is also limited.

[0012] The features described in the following paragraphs may optionally be implemented independently of each other or in combination with each other:

[0013] - each module support rail is mounted on two support pieces, and the support rail The module in question is fixed to a first support piece, meaning there is no possibility of relative longitudinal movement, while the mounting of the module support rail on the other support piece is sliding, meaning it allows longitudinal movement of the rail relative to the support piece; and / or

[0014] - a majority of the support parts are placed at the level of pre-existing holes for fixing corrugated metal sheets onto a primary structure and are fixed by screwing onto said primary structure (said primary structure being for example a building frame).

[0015] According to another aspect, a module mounting system is proposed, for solar or photovoltaic panels, intended for mounting said modules on a surface covered by corrugated 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 adjacent module support rails on the same line being offset transversely to allow for an overlap such that their corresponding ends are opposite each other, preferably close to or in contact with each other, - means of fixing the modules onto the module support rails.

[0016] The features described in the following paragraphs may optionally be implemented independently of each other or in combination with each other:

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

[0018] - a support piece has a base with a 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 flat face extending substantially perpendicularly to the lateral edge, such that at the overlap of two similar module support rails, the substantially flat 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 piece; in this embodiment, a clip may be provided to retain each lateral edge of a module support rail on an arm of a support piece; and / or

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

[0020] - each module support rail has a tubular part with a face su upper, opposite the support piece, substantially flat, and flanges are provided to hold 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 of the system are similar. Brief description of the figures

[0022] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent from reading the detailed description below and from analyzing the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1

[0023] [Fig.1] 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 perspective montage clip from a first viewpoint. 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 implementation methods

[0031] Reference is now made to [Fig. 1]. It shows a system for mounting modules, for example a photovoltaic panel or a solar panel, on a surface covered with corrugated metal sheets. Such sheets are most often made of steel and will henceforth be called TAN for corrugated steel sheet. Another common name for this type of sheet is "steel roofing sheet".

[0032] In the remainder of this description, it will be assumed that the TANs are located below the described mounting system 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. 1] illustrates several module 2 support rails mounted along a rib of a TAN and thus forming a line of module 2 support rails. The system comprises several lines of module support rails, these lines all being along a rib of TAN or a set of several TANs.

[0034] Each module 2 support rail is mounted on two support pieces, which will be referred to hereafter as jumpers 4. A mounting clip 6 connects each module 2 support rail to a jumper 4, as will be explained in more detail later. The module 2 support rails are then designed 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 against the crest of a rib of a TAN. The rider 4 has a base 8 in which a bore 10 is formed and from which two arms 12 extend in opposite directions. It can be seen in [Fig. 4] that the rider 4 has a streamlined shape. This is a preferred but not limiting embodiment.

[0036] As can be seen in [Fig. 2], the base 8 has a substantially flat lower face 14. This shape allows it to adapt to most 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 is also possible to provide an interface piece between the rib and the jumper 4.

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

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket 4 also has, at approximately the junction between the base 8 and an arm 12, a longitudinally extending rib 18 (relative to the profiled shape of the bracket 4, but also relative to the shape of the module 2 support rails, as will become clear from the following description) and having, on the side of the corresponding arm 12, a longitudinal slot-shaped recess 20. Between the ribs 18, the base 8 has a face, opposite the lower face 14, which serves as a bearing surface for the head of the fixing screw 16 (or a washer positioned between this head and the base 8).

[0039] A form of module 2 support rail embodiment intended to cooperate with a Rider 4 as described above is illustrated in more detail in figures 2 and 3.

[0040] The module 2 support rail illustrated is a tubular profile rail. The tubular portion is generally trapezoidal with a downward and outward projection 22. The tubular portion has an upper face 24 and an inner face 26 substantially perpendicular to the upper face 24. In front view ([Fig. 2]), the projection 22 forms a tab with a foot extending inwards and outwards, with respectively an inner flange 28 and an outer lateral flange 30. The tubular portion of the module 2 support rail thus has a lower end in two parts, a first part 23 corresponding to the projection 22 and a second part 25 between the projection 22 and the inner face 26.

[0041] As can be seen in [Fig. 2], the bracket 4 is adapted to the module 2 support rail (or vice versa). It is of course possible to modify both parts insofar as the modifications allow the mounting of a module 2 support rail onto the bracket 4. A push-fit assembly is provided here, but a screw-on assembly could also be considered, for example, with a rail having a C-profile whose base would be screwed onto the bracket, the shape of which would be adapted accordingly.

[0042] As can be seen from [Fig. 2], the inner flange 28 of the module support rail 2 is designed to fit into the recess 20 of the bracket 4 and the outer lateral flange 30 rests on an arm 12 of the bracket 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 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 in line with the fixing screw 16.

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

[0044] It can also be seen in [Fig. 2] that a bracket 4 is intended to support two module 2 support rails. These two rails are then mounted so that their inner faces 26 are opposite each other (hence their name, inner face). They are, for example, mounted by lateral sliding (from the outside in) onto their brackets 4.

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

[0046] Preferably, all module 2 support rails are similar. Several types of module support rails may exist, but for mounting modules on a given surface, only one type of rail will be used. These rails then have a specific length adapted to the purlin spacing of the primary structure. The rails used are relatively short, for example, they have a length between 1500 and 2500 mm, and by mounting them as described with an overlap each time, it is unnecessary to cut a rail to length.

[0047] The shape of the module 2 support rails and the described jumpers 4 is particularly well suited to the use of the mounting clips 6, which will be described later. These mounting clips 6 are advantageous but can be replaced by screws (some screws cooperating, for example, with oblong holes). Only one mounting method using the mounting clips 6 shown in Figures 5 and 6 is illustrated, but other mounting methods are possible.

[0048] The mounting clip 6 illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 is particularly advantageous and ingenious. The same clip allows a module 2 support rail to be fixed to a jumper 4 or to be mounted in a sliding fashion, that is to say, allowing the module 2 support rail to move longitudinally relative to the jumper 4.

[0049] The mounting clip 6 shown is made from a sheet of metal folded into an S-shape, i.e., with two folds, thus forming a double clip. By choosing the fold, the clip, to create the connection between the module support rail 2 and the bracket 4, one determines whether the connection between the two parts is rigid or sliding.

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

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

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

[0053] Thus, if an arm 12 of a bracket 4 and an outer side flange 30 of a module support rail 2 are positioned between the central part 32 and the first leg 34 of the mounting clip 6, then the clip will be fixed by the teeth 38 to both the bracket 4 and the module support rail 2. However, if an arm 12 of a bracket 4 and an outer side flange 30 of a module support rail 2 are positioned between the central part 32 and the second leg 36 of a mounting clip 6, the clip will not be engaged at the second leg 36, and the connection will be sliding. As can be seen in Figures 5 and 6, markings indicate which type of connection is formed.

[0054] As mentioned above, preferably a module 2 support rail is mounted on two jumpers 4. In this case, care must 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 2 support rails are mounted on a jumper 4, then one module 2 support rail is fixed to the jumper 4 while the other is sliding mounted.

[0055] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the fixing of a module 42 onto a support rail for module 2. To better show the cooperation between the illustrated elements, only a frame of module 42 is illustrated in these figures 7 and 8, the rest of module 42 is made transparent. Figure 7 illustrates the attachment of a module 42 using a clamp, or end flange 44, which secures one edge of the module 42 to a module 2 support rail. The end flange 44 is attached to the module 2 support rail using a clamping screw 48, a self-tapping screw that engages with the upper face 24 of the module 2 support rail. The end flange 44 has a Z-shaped profile. One end of the Z rests against an edge of the module 42, while the other end of the Z rests against the upper face 24 of the module 2 support rail and is used to screw the end flange 44 onto the module 2 support rail.

[0056] Similarly, a central clamp, or central flange 46, is used to fix two modules 42 onto a module support rail 2. The central flange 46 is in the form of a plate that rests on two edges of two adjacent 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 to maintain a spacing between the modules 42.

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

[0058] A first proposed step for assembling modules 42 is the installation of Position of the 4 jumpers. The installer will need to adapt to the size and number of modules to position them on the existing structure. The position of the 4 jumpers will depend on the position of the TAN ribs and the module manufacturer's instructions. For example, a template can be used, the length of which corresponds to the length of a module to be installed (assuming, as is most often the case, that all modules are similar), and on which the recommended locations (or zones) for the module support rails are marked. By positioning the template on the surface to be covered, the ribs, or rib lines (since there are several TANs), that will receive the jumpers can be identified.

[0059] The brackets 4 are then preferably mounted at the existing holes drilled for attaching the TANs to the primary structure. The existing screws are removed, and the brackets 4 are fixed with new, suitable fixing screws 16 (featuring, in particular, a self-tapping thread under the screw head). As an alternative embodiment, the brackets 4 could each be fixed to a TAN, preferably positioned at the top of a rib, with the fixing then being carried out in the sides of said rib.

[0060] Preferably, all the 4-straps are placed on the surface intended to receive the modules. Failing that, advantageously, all the 4-straps are placed aligned along the same rib along all the relevant TANs.

[0061] Each jumper 4 is preferably designed to receive two module 2 support rails. However, support pieces could also be provided for the module support rails, each of which can receive only one module 2 support rail.

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

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

[0064] The mounting of a module 2 support rail is preferably achieved by sliding the rail laterally over two brackets 4 so as to insert its inner flange 28 into the recesses 20 of the two brackets 4 and to rest the outer lateral flange 30 of the module 2 support rail on the corresponding arms 12 of the brackets 4. This mounting relates to the preferred embodiment illustrated in the drawing. Another mounting could be considered: for example, mounting by screwing onto one bracket and a tenon / mortise system on one (or more) other bracket(s). The mounting would then be, for example achieved by sliding the rail lengthwise.

[0065] Each module 2 support rail then extends parallel to a rib of the TAN (for example, when several TANs are mounted with overlap, the aligned ribs form a single rib). As indicated above, each module 2 support rail overlaps its neighboring rail corresponding to the same rib. Along a line parallel to a rib equipped with a bracket 4, with respect to a median plane parallel to the rib, module 2 support rails are thus located on one side of the median plane and module 2 support rails are located on the other side of the median plane, alternating between the two sides.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 adjacent 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 involves attaching a rail to a bracket that supports it and sliding relative to another bracket that also supports it. A screw fastening, using a key, or other means can be used to secure a module support rail to a support piece such as a bracket 4. For a sliding mount, a screw system with an oblong hole, a mortise and tenon system, or other sliding mount can also be provided. However, as can be seen from the preceding description, it is advantageous to use a mounting clip 6 which, depending on its mounting orientation, allows for either 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 used to connect a bracket arm 12 of a bracket 4 and an outer side flange 30 of a 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 bracket 4 (creating a fixed point) closest to their upper end, while they are mounted sliding on the bracket 4 (creating a dilating point) closest to their lower end. Instead of indicating, as in the figures (particularly 5 and 6), fixed and dilating on a mounting clip 6, one can write, for example, top and bottom. The mounting clips 6 are, for example, installed using a mallet. An advantage of the proposed mounting clips 6 is that they have teeth 38 which allow for electrical contact.Jumper 4 is then advantageously also metallic to ensure continuity of the electrical ground from one module 2 support rail to its neighboring module 2 support rail. In cases where a jumper receives only one module support rail, care must be taken to ensure continuity. electrical mass when the modules are photovoltaic panels.

[0068] Once the module 2 support rails are mounted on the brackets, the modules 42 can be mounted on the module 2 support rails. The mounting is carried out in the conventional manner. Here, the modules 42 are clamped onto the module support rail lines described above. For example, end clamps 44 are used at the top and bottom 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-made equipment.

[0071] The use of double-interface brackets (i.e., brackets that can accommodate two module support rails) makes it easy to overlap (or cover) the module support rails on the same line. By adjusting the overlap, the installer adapts the system to the framework, particularly to the purlin spacing encountered. It should be noted that it is also possible, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, to fix the brackets 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 trapezoidal profile TAN rib and can adapt to any other profile.

[0073] For the transmission of forces, it is preferable that the brackets be fixed as suggested in the description to the primary structure supporting the TANs. It can be seen that in the described embodiment, particularly in [Fig. 2], the module support rails are designed so that they overhang the bracket fixing screw on the supporting structure. By choosing the shape of the module support rails and the size of the screw head used to fix a bracket, and by limiting the space between this screw head and the module support rails, it can be ensured that in the event of pressure (e.g., a layer of snow), the module support rails will bear against the screw head. Thus, the pressure force is transmitted directly to the primary structure (purlins) without deforming the TANs.

[0074] The advantageous mounting of each module support rail on two brackets, with the rail fixed to one bracket and sliding with the other, resolves all problems of differential expansion between steel and aluminum components (the most common—almost always—case). Aluminum module frames, module support rails, and other aluminum components can expand without exerting stress on the structure (neither the sheets nor the primary structure).

[0075] The described mounting clips are also advantageous because the same mounting clip can be used everywhere. It is not necessary to provide two types of clips.

[0076] This disclosure is not limited to the system and process examples described above, which are only examples and variants mentioned, but encompasses all variants that a person skilled in the art may consider within the framework of the protection sought.

Claims

Demands

1. A method for mounting modules, such as solar or photovoltaic panels, on a surface covered with corrugated metal sheets (TAN) comprising the following steps: - placing support pieces (4) on ribs of the corrugated 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 corrugated metal sheets and being arranged so 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. A 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) considered is fixed on a first support piece (4), i.e. there is no possibility of relative longitudinal movement while the mounting of the module support rail (2) on the other support piece (4) is sliding, i.e. it allows a longitudinal movement of the rail relative to the support piece (4).

3. A method for assembling modules according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that a majority of the support pieces (4) are placed at the level of pre-existing holes for fixing the corrugated metal sheets on a primary structure and are fixed by screwing onto said primary structure.

4. A module mounting system (42), of the solar or photovoltaic panel type, intended for mounting said modules (42) on a surface covered by corrugated metal sheets (TAN), said system comprising: - support pieces (4) associated with fastening means (16) to a structure, - a plurality of module support rails (2), mounted parallel to each other, forming several rows; two adjacent module support rails (2) in the same row being offset transversely to allow for an overlap such that their corresponding ends are opposite each other, preference in proximity or in contact with each other, - means of fixing (44, 46, 48) the modules on the module support rails (2).

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

6. Module mounting system according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that a support piece (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) has, on the one hand, a lateral edge (30) extending transversely and, on the other hand, on the opposite side of said lateral edge, a substantially flat face (26) extending substantially perpendicularly to the lateral edge (30), such that at the level of an overlap of two similar module support rails (2) the substantially flat 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 piece (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 piece (4).

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

9. Module mounting system according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that each module support rail (2) has a tubular portion with an upper face (24), opposite the support piece (4), substantially flat, and in that flanges (44, 46) are provided for retaining 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 the tubular portion of a module support rail (2).

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

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