Fixing device

Abstract

The invention relates to a fixing device which comprises: - a main section which is intended to be held integral with the beam, the main section comprising a bottom surmounted laterally by two side walls (100b, 100c); - snap-fastening means configured to allow the crosspiece (30) to be snap-fastened between the side walls (100b, 100c) after engagement of said crosspiece (30) between the side walls (100b, 100c) by a front face, opposite the rear face, of the main section; - spring means configured to exert a force against the crosspiece (30), snap-fastened between the side walls (100b, 100c), in a direction going from the rear face towards the front face. Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 7

Description

Title of the invention: fixing device FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of fixing devices, and more particularly to devices for fixing panels, for example photovoltaic panels, on rails.

[0002] In particular, the invention relates to a fixing device making it possible to fix panels to a beam while limiting the steps of its implementation. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Document US9160273 discloses a fixing kit for fixing a panel, and in particular a solar panel, on a rail. In this regard, and as illustrated in [Fig.7] of document US9160273, the fixing kit comprises a holding element 31, a bolt 30 and a slide element 1.

[0004] In operation, the assembly formed by these three elements is arranged between two adjacent panels resting on a rail 8. More particularly, the assembly comprises, in order and starting from the rail, the slide element 1, the bolt 30 and the holding element 31. The holding element 31 comprises a metal plate provided with opposite edges, called holding edges, and each intended to be held tight against an upper peripheral portion 36 of the frame of two adjacent panels. The slide element 1 is in sliding connection with the rail 8 and the bolt 30 makes it possible to ensure the tightening of the two holding edges. In particular, the bolt 30, passing through the holding element, is screwed into a tapped hole in an upper portion of the slide element 1, in order to allow the tightening of the holding element against each of two adjacent panels.

[0005] However, this fixing kit implementing tightening by means of a bolt or a screw is not satisfactory.

[0006] Indeed, the bolt may, over time and for example under the effect of temperature variations, loosen. This loosening has the effect of reducing the holding force exerted by the holding element on the panel, and may ultimately lead to a separation of said panel and the rail. By a knock-on effect, the adjacent panels may also see their attachment to the rail reduced and in turn separate from said rail.

[0007] Furthermore, the slide element, which is difficult to access, can hardly be replaced if necessary.

[0008] Document EP2867541 proposes a fixing device for overcoming these problems. This fixing device is in particular a single piece and is provided with snap-fastening means intended to cooperate with the rail.

[0009] Nevertheless, the fixing devices described above require the use of tools and significant human intervention.

[0010] An aim of the present invention is therefore to propose a fixing device simplifying the fixing of panels, and in particular photovoltaic panels, on beams.

[0011] In particular, an aim of the present invention is to propose a fixing device limiting both the tools to be used and human intervention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] With a view to achieving, at least in part, these aims, the subject of the invention proposes a device for fixing a panel by one of its faces, called the first face, on a beam, said panel being provided with a crosspiece fixed on the first face, the fixing device comprises:

[0013] - a main section which extends along an axis of elongation XX' and which is intended to be held integral with the beam by one of its faces, called the rear face, the main section comprises a bottom surmounted laterally by two side walls so that said main section has a U-shaped section along a cutting plane perpendicular to the axis of elongation XX';

[0014] - snap-fastening means configured to allow snap-fastening of the crosspiece between the side walls after engagement of said crosspiece between the side walls by a front face, opposite the rear face, of the main section;

[0015] - spring means configured to exert a force against the crosspiece, engaged by snap-fit between the side walls, in a direction from the rear face to the front face.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the spring means comprise at least one spring blade inclined relative to the bottom and one free end of which is intended to bear against the crosspiece in order to exert the spring effect.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the at least one spring blade is configured to ensure electrical contact with the crosspiece against which it is intended to bear, advantageously, the free end of the spring blade is configured to allow scratching of a galvanizing layer likely to be present on said crosspiece.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the snap-fastening means comprise at least one flexible tab which extends, parallel to one or other of the side walls and from the front face towards the rear face, from its origin towards a free end which carries a lug configured to cooperate by snap-fastening with an opening provided in the crosspiece.

[0019] According to one embodiment, said fixing device is in one piece so that the spring means and the latching means are formed on the main section.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the spring means are arranged on the bottom.

[0021] According to one embodiment, said fixing device further comprises a secondary section, separate from the main section, and carrying the spring means and the latching means.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the secondary section comprises a central part, of elongated and essentially planar shape, and two lateral parts extending the central part by one and the other of its ends, the secondary section being intended to be mounted integral with the main section by the rear face, the central part arranged against the bottom, and each of the lateral parts against one of the side walls.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the spring means are formed on the central part, and the bottom comprises at least one through opening intended to be crossed by the spring means.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the latching means are formed on one and the other of the lateral parts, and are intended to correspond with lateral openings formed on one and the other of the lateral walls.

[0025] According to one embodiment, notches are formed on one and the other of the side walls, said notches being intended to cooperate with the free ends of one and the other of the side parts so as to prevent any separation of the latter when the secondary section is mounted integral with the main section.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the main section is formed from a first metal sheet of a first thickness, and the secondary section is made from a second metal sheet of a second thickness less than the first thickness, so that the main section has a mechanical strength greater than the mechanical strength of the secondary section.

[0027] According to one embodiment, said device comprises a metal strap intended to hold the main section integral with the beam.

[0028] The invention also relates to an installation which comprises:

[0029] - a panel on a first face of which a crosspiece is arranged, said crosspiece comprising at least one side opening;

[0030] - a beam

[0031] - at least one fixing device according to the present invention held integral with the beam by its rear face, the crosspiece being held in engagement by snap-fastening between the side walls of the main section. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0032] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the detailed description of the invention which follows with reference to the appended figures in which:

[0033] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a schematic representation of a panel fixed on a beam by means of the fixing device according to the present invention, in particular [Fig.l] is a perspective representation;

[0034] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of a crosspiece 30, according to a section plane perpendicular to the axis of elongation of said crosspiece 30;

[0035] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation, in perspective view, of a fixing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation of the fixing device of [Fig.3], according to another perspective view;

[0037] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a representation of the openings formed on a crosspiece;

[0038] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is an illustration of a cross member 30 in snap-fit engagement with the fixing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a schematic representation, in perspective and exploded view, of a fixing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, a crosspiece is also shown in this figure

[0040] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a schematic representation of the fixing device of [Fig.7], and for which the main section and the secondary section are assembled, a cross member is also shown in this figure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] The present invention relates to a fixing device intended to allow the fixing of a panel on a beam. In particular, the present invention relates to a fixing device for which the panel can be fixed to the beam by simple snap-fastening.

[0042] It is understood that a panel according to the present invention is of generally planar shape and comprises two main faces, called first face and second face, parallel to each other and connected by a contour.

[0043] In particular, the panel according to the present invention may comprise a photovoltaic panel without, however, limiting the invention to this aspect alone.

[0044] Thus the present invention relates to a device for fixing a panel by one of its faces, called the first face, on a beam, said panel being provided with a crosspiece fixed on the first face, the fixing device comprises:

[0045] - a main section which extends along an axis of elongation XX' and which is intended to be held integral with the beam by one of its faces, called the rear face, the main section comprises a bottom surmounted laterally by two side walls of such that said main section has a U-shaped section along a cutting plane perpendicular to the axis of elongation XX';

[0046] - snap-fastening means configured to allow snap-fastening of the crosspiece between the side walls after engagement of said crosspiece between the side walls by a front face, opposite the rear face, of the main section;

[0047] - spring means configured to exert a force against the crosspiece, engaged by snap-fit between the side walls, in a direction from the rear face to the front face.

[0048] In [Fig. 1], a panel 10 can be seen that can be implemented within the framework of the present invention. In this figure, the panel 10 is fixed to a beam 20 by means of two fixing devices 40. More particularly, the panel 10 also comprises a crosspiece 30 on one of its faces and by which said panel 10 is fixed to the beam 20 by means of the two fixing devices 40.

[0049] In particular, the panel 10, in this example, is rectangular in shape and comprises two main faces called, respectively, first face 11 and second face 12, opposite one another and parallel to each other. More particularly, the panel 10 comprises on its first face 11 crosspieces 30 (in [Fig. 1], two crosspieces 30 are shown) parallel to each other. Each crosspiece 30 forms a profile whose section generally takes the shape of a “U”. More particularly, the “U” may have a flat bottom 31 and be surmounted by two side walls 32a and 32b ([Fig. 2] is a schematic representation of a crosspiece 30, along a section plane perpendicular to the axis of elongation of said crosspiece 30).

[0050] [Fig. 3] is a schematic representation, in perspective view, of a fixing device 40 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] In particular, the fixing device 40 according to this first embodiment comprises a main section 100 which extends along an elongation axis XX'. In particular, the main section 100 is intended to be held integral with the beam 20 by one of its faces, called the rear face 101.

[0052] The main section 100 also has a “U” shaped section along a section plane perpendicular to the elongation axis XX'. In this respect, the main section 100 comprises a bottom 100a surmounted by two side walls 100b and 100c. More particularly, the side walls may extend divergently in a direction going from the rear face 101 towards the front face 102 of the main section, the front face 102 being opposite the rear face 101.

[0053] Thus, and this will appear more clearly in the remainder of this statement, such a configuration allows the engagement (insertion) of a crosspiece 30, via the front face 102, between the two side walls 100b and 100c.

[0054] Furthermore, the main section 100 can be held securely on the beam 20 by means of a metal strap 103. The latter can in particular be secured to the bottom 100a and intended to be passed (and tightened) around the beam 20.

[0055] The fixing device 40 further comprises snap-fastening means configured to allow the crosspiece 30 to be snapped between the side walls 100b and 100c after engagement of said crosspiece 30 between the side walls 100b and 100c by the front face 102.

[0056] In particular, and as illustrated in [Fig. 4], the snap-fastening means may comprise at least one flexible tab 110 (4 flexible tabs are considered in [Fig. 4]). More particularly, each flexible tab 110, among the at least one flexible tab, is formed on one of the side walls 100b and 100c. In [Fig. 4], each side wall 100b and 100c comprises two flexible tabs 110.

[0057] Furthermore, each flexible tongue 110 extends, parallel to the side wall on which it is formed. In particular, the flexible tongue 110 extends, from the front face to the rear face, from its origin to a free end 110a which carries a lug 111 configured to cooperate by snap-fastening with an opening 33 formed in the crosspiece 30 ([Fig. 5]). It is understood that the lugs 111 are oriented internally to the space delimited by the two side walls 100b and 100c. [Fig. 6] is an illustration of a crosspiece 30 in snap-fastening engagement with the fixing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] The fixing device 40 also comprises spring means configured to exert a force against the crosspiece 30, engaged by snap-fastening between the side walls 100b and 100c, in a direction going from the rear face 101 towards the front face 102. According to this first embodiment, the spring means are arranged on the bottom.

[0059] The spring means may comprise at least one spring blade 104 inclined relative to the bottom and one free end of which is intended to bear against the crosspiece in order to exert the spring effect. In particular, and as illustrated in [Fig. 6], the spring blade 104 exerts a thrust force against the flat bottom 31 of the crosspiece 30 in a direction going from the rear face 101 towards the front face 102.

[0060] This latter aspect of the invention makes it possible to ensure tensioning of the grip by snap-fastening the crosspiece 30 in the fixing device.

[0061] Advantageously, the at least one spring blade 104 can be configured to ensure electrical contact with the crosspiece 30 against which it is intended to bear. Still advantageously, the free end of the spring blade 104 is configured to allow scratching of a layer of galvanization likely to be present on said crosspiece 30, in particular when the latter comprises galvanized aluminum.

[0062] This electrical contact thus makes it possible to envisage earthing the panels held by the fixing device 100 according to the present invention.

[0063] It is further understood that any contact between the fixing device and the beam may allow grounding.

[0064] The invention also relates to a fixing device 100 according to a second embodiment. In particular, this second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the fixing device 100 further comprises a secondary section 50, distinct from the main section 40, and carrying the spring means and the latching means.

[0065] In particular, as illustrated in [Fig.7], the secondary section 50 comprises a central part 51, of elongated and essentially planar shape, and two lateral parts 51a and 51b extending the central part 51 by one and the other of its ends. The secondary section 50 is intended to be mounted integral with the main section 40 by the rear face 101, the central part 51 arranged against the bottom 101a, and each of the lateral parts 51a, 51b against one of the side walls 100b, 100c (see [Fig.8]).

[0066] According to this second embodiment, the spring means, which comprise for example spring blades 104, are formed on the central part 51, and the bottom 100a comprises at least one through opening 105 intended to be passed through by the spring means.

[0067] According to this second embodiment, the latching means are formed on one and the other of the lateral parts 51a, 51b, and are intended to correspond with lateral openings 106 formed on one and the other of the lateral walls 100b, 100c.

[0068] Still according to this second embodiment, notches 107 are formed on one and the other of the side walls 100b, 100c, said notches 107 being intended to cooperate with the free ends 52a, 52b of one and the other of the side parts 51a, 51b so as to prevent any separation of the latter when the secondary section 50 is mounted integral with the main section 40.

[0069] Advantageously, the main section 100 may be formed from a first metal sheet of a first thickness, and the secondary section may be made from a second metal sheet of a second thickness less than the first thickness.

[0070] For example, the first thickness may be greater than 1.5 mm and the second thickness less than 1.2 mm.

[0071] This configuration gives the main section a mechanical resistance greater than that of the secondary section. More particularly, this configuration allows the mechanical properties of the main section to be decoupled from the elastic properties of the secondary section and more particularly of the spring means.

[0072] The invention also relates to an installation which comprises:

[0073] - a panel on a first face of which a crosspiece is arranged, said crosspiece comprising at least one side opening;

[0074] - a beam

[0075] - at least one fixing device according to the present invention held integral with the beam by its rear face, the crosspiece being held in engagement by snap-fastening between the side walls of the main section.

[0076] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment(s) described and variant embodiments can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

Claims

1. Device (40) for fixing a panel (10) by one of its faces, called the first face (11), on a beam (20), said panel (10) being provided with a crosspiece (30) fixed on the first face (11), the fixing device (40) comprises: - a main section (100) which extends along an elongation axis XX' and which is intended to be held integral with the beam (20) by one of its faces, called the rear face (101), the main section (100) comprises a bottom (100a) surmounted laterally by two side walls (100b, 100c) so that said main section (100) has a U-shaped section along a section plane perpendicular to the elongation axis XX'; - snap-fastening means configured to allow the crosspiece (30) to be snapped between the side walls (100b, 100c) after engagement of said crosspiece (30) between the side walls (100b, 100c) by a front face, opposite the rear face (101), of the main section (100);- spring means configured to exert a force against the crosspiece (30), engaged by snap-fastening between the side walls (100b, 100c), in a direction going from the rear face (101) towards the front face.;

2. Fixing device (40) according to claim 1, in which the spring means comprise at least one spring blade (104) inclined relative to the bottom (100a) and one free end (110a) of which is intended to bear against the crosspiece (30) in order to exert the spring effect.

3. Fastening device (40) according to claim 2, in which the at least one spring blade (104) is configured to ensure electrical contact with the crosspiece (30) against which it is intended to bear, advantageously, the free end of the spring blade (104) is configured to allow scratching of a galvanizing layer likely to be present on said crosspiece (30).

4. Fastening device (40) according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the snap-fastening means comprise at least one flexible tab (110) which extends, parallel to one or the other of the side walls (100b, 100c) and from the front face towards the rear face (101), from its origin towards a free end (110a) which carries a lug (111) configured to cooperate by snap-fastening with an opening provided in the crosspiece (30).

5. A fastening device (40) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said fastening device (40) is in one piece such that the spring means and the latching means are formed on the main section (100).

6. A fixing device (40) according to claim 5, wherein the spring means are arranged on the bottom (100a).

7. Fastening device (40) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said fastening device (40) further comprises a secondary section (50), distinct from the main section (100), and carrying the spring means and the snap-fastening means.

8. Fixing device (40) according to claim 7, in which the secondary section (50) comprises a central part (51), of elongated and essentially planar shape, and two lateral parts (51a, 51b) extending the central part (51) by one and the other of its ends, the secondary section (50) being intended to be mounted integral with the main section (100) by the rear face (101), the central part (51) arranged against the bottom (100a), and each of the lateral parts against one of the side walls (100b, 100c).

9. Fastening device (40) according to claim 8, in which the spring means are formed on the central part (51), and the bottom (100a) comprises at least one through opening (105) intended to be crossed by the spring means.

10. A fastening device (40) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the snap-in means are formed on one and the other of the side portions (51a, 51b), and are intended to be in correspondence with side openings formed on one and the other of the side walls (100b, 100c).

11. A fixing device (40) according to claim 10, wherein notches (107) are formed on one and the other of the side walls (100b, 100c), said notches (107) being intended to cooperate with the free ends (110a)s of one and the other of the side parts (5la, 51b) so as to prevent any separation of the latter when the secondary section (50) is mounted integral with the main section (100).

12. A fastening device (40) according to one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the main section (100) is formed from a first

13.

14. metal sheet of a first thickness, and the secondary section is made of a second metal sheet of a second thickness less than the first thickness, so that the main section has a mechanical strength greater than the mechanical strength of the secondary section. Fastening device (40) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein said device comprises a metal strap (103) intended to hold the main section (100) integral with the beam (20). Installation which includes: - a panel (10) on a first face (11) of which a crosspiece (30) is arranged, said crosspiece (30) comprising at least one lateral opening; - a beam (20); - at least one fixing device (40) according to one of claims 1 to 13 held integral with the beam (20) by its rear face (101), the crosspiece (30) being held in engagement by snap-fastening between the side walls (100b, 100c) of the main section (100).

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