fastening device

Abstract

The invention relates to a fastening device comprising: - a main section intended to be held securely to the beam, the main section comprising a base surmounted laterally by two side walls (100b, 100c); - latching means configured to allow the cross member (30) to be engaged by latching between the side walls (100b, 100c) after said cross member (30) has been engaged 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 cross member (30), engaged by latching between the side walls (100b, 100c), in a direction from the rear face to the front face. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 7

Description

Title of the invention: Fixing device FIELD OF INVENTION

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

[0002] In particular, the invention relates to a fixing device for fixing panels onto beams while limiting the steps involved in its implementation. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] US9160273 discloses a mounting kit for attaching a panel, and in particular a solar panel, to a rail. In this regard, and as illustrated in [Fig. 7] of US9160273, the mounting kit comprises a retaining element 31, a bolt 30, and a sliding element 1.

[0004] In operation, the assembly formed by these three elements is positioned between two adjacent panels resting on a rail 8. More specifically, the assembly comprises, in order and starting from the rail, the sliding element 1, the bolt 30, and the retaining element 31. The retaining element 31 comprises a metal plate having opposing edges, called retaining edges, each intended to be held tightly against an upper peripheral portion 36 of the frame of two adjacent panels. The sliding element 1 is connected to the rail 8 by a sliding mechanism, and the bolt 30 ensures that the two retaining edges are held tightly. In particular, the bolt 30, passing through the retaining element, is screwed into a tapped hole in an upper portion of the sliding element 1, in order to allow the retaining element to be tightened against each of the two adjacent panels.

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

[0006] Indeed, the bolt can, over time and for example under the effect of temperature variations, loosen. This loosening reduces the holding force exerted by the retaining element on the panel, and can ultimately lead to the panel becoming detached from the rail. As a consequence, adjacent panels may also experience a reduction in their grip on the rail and in turn become detached from the rail.

[0007] Moreover, the sliding element, which is not easily accessible, can hardly be replaced if necessary.

[0008] Document EP2867541 proposes a fastening device to overcome these problems. This fastening device is, in particular, a single piece and is equipped with snap-fit ​​means for engaging with the rail.

[0009] However, the fastening devices described above require the implementation of tools and significant human intervention.

[0010] One object of the present invention is therefore to propose a fixing device simplifying the fixing of panels, and in particular photovoltaic panels, onto beams.

[0011] In particular, one aim of the present invention is to provide a fastening device that limits 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 objectives, the object of the invention proposes a device for fixing a panel by one of its faces, called the first face, onto a beam, said panel being provided with a crossbar fixed to the first face, the fixing device comprises:

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

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

[0015] - spring means configured to exert a force against the cross member, engaged by snapping between the side walls, in a direction going from the back 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 of which a free end is intended to bear against the cross member in order to exert the spring effect.

[0017] According to one embodiment, at least one spring strip is configured to ensure electrical contact with the cross member against which it is intended to rest; advantageously, the free end of the spring strip is configured to allow scratching a layer of galvanization that may be present on said cross member.

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

[0019] According to one embodiment, said fastening device also includes snap-in confirmation means in sliding connection with the flexible tab, the confirmation means comprise, in a direction from the front face to the rear face, a first section and a second section, the second section ensuring the sliding connection with the flexible tongue, the confirmation means being able in particular to adopt either of a first position and a second position by sliding the second section along the flexible tongue to which it is linked, the first position being a position for which a section of the flexible tongue, downstream of the second section, can flex and the second position is a position for which the second section is against the lug.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the first section 108a is configured to allow the second section to slide along the flexible tab only when the latter is straight.

[0021] According to one embodiment, said fastening device is monobloc so that the spring means and the snap-on means are formed on the main section.

[0022] According to one method of implementation, the spring means are arranged on the background.

[0023] According to one embodiment, said fastening device further comprises a secondary section, separate from the main section, and carrying the spring means and the ratcheting means.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the secondary section comprises a central part, elongated and essentially flat, and two lateral parts extending the central part at one and the other of its ends, the secondary section being intended to be mounted integrally with the main section by the rear face, the central part disposed against the bottom, and each of the lateral parts against one of the side walls.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the spring means are formed on the central part, and the bottom includes at least one through opening intended to be traversed by the spring means.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the snap-on means are formed on both of the lateral parts, and are intended to correspond with lateral openings formed on both of the lateral walls.

[0027] According to one embodiment, notches are formed on both of the side walls, said notches being intended to cooperate with the free ends of both of the side parts so as to prevent any separation of the latter when the secondary section is mounted integrally with the main section.

[0028] 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 greater mechanical resistance than the secondary section.

[0029] According to one embodiment, said device includes a metal strap intended to hold the main section securely attached to the beam.

[0030] The invention also relates to an installation which includes:

[0031] - a panel on one face of which a crossbar is arranged, said crossbar including at least one side opening;

[0032] - a beam

[0033] - at least one fastening device according to the present invention held securely attached to the beam by its rear face, the cross member being held in contact by snapping between the side walls of the main section. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0034] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description of the invention which follows with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

[0035] [Fig.1] Fig.1 is a schematic representation of a panel fixed to a beam by means of the fixing device according to the present invention, in particular Fig.1 is a perspective representation;

[0036] [Fig.2] Fig.2 is a schematic representation of a cross member 30, according to a cutting plane perpendicular to the elongation axis of said cross member 30;

[0037] [Fig.3] Fig.3 is a schematic representation, according to a perspective view, of a fastening device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] [Fig.4] Fig.4 is a schematic representation of the fastening device of the [Fig.3], according to another perspective view;

[0039] [Fig.5] The [Fig.5] is a representation of the openings formed on a crossbar;

[0040] [Fig.6] Fig.6 is an illustration of a cross member 30 engaged by snap-fit ​​with the fastening device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] [Fig.7] Fig.7 is a schematic representation, according to a perspective view and in exploded view, of a fastening device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, a crossbar is also shown in this figure

[0042] [Fig.8] Fig.8 is a schematic representation of the fastening device of the [Fig.7], and for which the main section and the secondary section are assembled, a cross member is also shown in this figure;

[0043] [Fig.9] Fig.9 is a partial representation of the fastening device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, said device being provided with means for confirming engagement in the first position, the flexible tab being straight;

[0044] [Fig. 10] The [Fig. 10] is a partial representation of the fastening device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, said device being provided with means for confirming snap-in in the first position, the flexible tab being flexed;

[0045] [Fig. 11] The [Fig. 11] is a partial representation of the fastening device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, said device being provided with means for confirming snap-in in the second position, the flexible tab being straight;

[0046] [Fig. 12] The [Fig. 12] is a schematic representation according to a perspective view of a cross member that can be implemented within the framework of the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] [Fig. 13] The [Fig. 13] is a schematic representation according to a perspective view of a main section that can be implemented within the framework of the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] [Fig. 14] The [Fig. 14] is a schematic representation of the engagement of the cross member of the [Fig. 12] in the main part of the [Fig. 13];

[0049] [Fig. 15] The [Fig. 15] is a schematic and partial representation of the fastening device according to the third embodiment;

[0050] [Fig. 16] The [Fig. 16] is a schematic representation according to a perspective view of the second section according to the third embodiment;

[0051] [Fig. 17] The [Fig. 17] is a schematic representation according to a perspective and partial view of the snapping of the crossbar into the fastening device according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0052] The present invention relates to a fastening device for attaching a panel to a beam. In particular, the present invention relates to a fastening device in which the panel can be attached to the beam by simply snapping it into place.

[0053] It is understood that a panel according to the present invention is generally flat in shape and comprises two main faces, called first face and second face, parallel to each other and connected by a contour.

[0054] In particular, the panel according to the present invention may include a photovoltaic panel without however limiting the invention to this aspect alone.

[0055] Thus, the present invention relates to a device for fixing a panel by one of its faces, called the first face, onto a beam, said panel being provided with a crossbar fixed to the first face, the fixing device comprises:

[0056] - a main section which extends along an axis of elongation XX' and which is intended to be held together with the beam by one of its faces, called the rear face, the main section includes a base surmounted laterally by two lateral walls so that said main section presents a U-shaped section according to a cutting plane perpendicular to the elongation axis XX';

[0057] - snap-on means configured to allow snap-on gripping of the cross member between the side walls after engagement of said cross member between the side walls by a front face, opposite to the rear face, of the main section;

[0058] - spring means configured to exert a force against the cross member, engaged by snapping between the side walls, in a direction going from the back face to the front face.

[0059] In [Fig. 1], a panel 10 that can be used in the context of the present invention can be seen. In this figure, the panel 10 is fixed to a beam 20 by means of two fastening devices 40. More particularly, the panel 10 also includes a cross member 30 on one of its faces, by which said panel 10 is fixed to the beam 20 by means of the two fastening devices 40.

[0060] In particular, the panel 10, in this example, is rectangular in shape and comprises two main faces, referred to respectively as the first face 11 and the second face 12, which are opposite each other and parallel. More specifically, the panel 10 comprises, on its first face 11, parallel cross members 30 (two cross members 30 are shown in [Fig. 1]). Each cross member 30 forms a profile whose cross-section generally takes the form of a "U". More specifically, the "U" may have a flat bottom 31 and be surmounted by two lateral walls 32a and 32b ([Fig. 2] is a schematic representation of a cross member 30, along a cutting plane perpendicular to the elongation axis of said cross member 30).

[0061] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation, in perspective view, of a fastening device 40 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] In particular, the fastening 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 securely attached to the beam 20 by one of its faces, referred to as the rear face 101.

[0063] The main section 100 also has a U-shaped cross-section along a cutting plane perpendicular to the elongation axis XX'. In this respect, the main section 100 comprises a base 100a surmounted by two side walls 100b and 100c. More specifically, the side walls can extend divergently in a direction from the rear face 101 to the front face 102 of the main section, the front face 102 being opposite the rear face 101.

[0064] Thus, and this will become clearer in the rest of this statement, such a configuration allows the engagement (insertion) of a cross member 30, through the front face 102, between the two side walls 100b and 100c.

[0065] Furthermore, the secure attachment of the main section 100 to the beam 20 can be achieved by means of a metal strap 103. The latter can in particular be attached to the bottom 100a and intended to be passed (and tightened) around the beam 20.

[0066] The fastening device 40 further includes snap-on means configured to allow snap-on gripping of the cross member 30 between the side walls 100b and 100c after engagement of said cross member 30 between the side walls 100b and 100c by the front face 102.

[0067] In particular, and as illustrated in [Fig. 4], the snap-on means may include at least one flexible tab 110 (four flexible tabs are considered in [Fig. 4]). More specifically, each flexible tab 110, of which at least one 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. Advantageously, each flexible tab 110 can be obtained by cutting the side wall on which it is formed.

[0068] Furthermore, each flexible tab 110 extends parallel to the side wall on which it is formed. In particular, the flexible tab 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 engage with an opening 33 in the cross member 30 ([Fig. 5]). It is understood that the lugs 111 are oriented inwardly to the space delimited by the two side walls 100b and 100c. Each lug includes, in particular, a section 111a, which may be flat, intended to be in contact with an edge 33a of the opening 33 that engages with the lug 111 in question. In other words, the edge 33a and the section 111a bear against each other. Section 111a can be oriented towards bottom 101a.Thus, a force exerted on the panel in a direction from the rear face 101 to the front face 102 results in a strengthening of the snap-locking of the crossbar in the main section.

[0069] Furthermore, the flexible tab 110 is configured to be straight when in a so-called rest position. By straight, we mean a tab that extends from its origin to its free end in a straight line.

[0070] It is understood that the sliding of a lug 111 against a side wall of a cross member 30, following the engagement of said cross member 30 between the two side walls 100b and 100c, causes a deflection of the flexible tab carrying said lug. As soon as the lug 111 reaches the opening 33, the flexible tab returns to its rest position.

[0071] The [Fig.6] is an illustration of a cross member 30 engaged by snap-fit ​​with the fastening device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] The fastening device 40 also includes spring means configured to exert a force against the cross member 30, snapped between the side walls 100b and 100c, in a direction from the rear face 101 to the front face 102. According to this first embodiment, the spring means are arranged on the bottom.

[0073] The spring means may include at least one spring 104 inclined relative to the bottom and having one free end intended to bear against the cross member in order to exert the spring effect. In particular, and as illustrated in [Fig. 6], the spring 104 exerts a thrust force against the flat bottom 31 of the cross member 30 in a direction from the rear face 101 to the front face 102.

[0074] This last aspect of the invention makes it possible to ensure tensioning of the socket by snapping the crossbar 30 into the fixing device.

[0075] Advantageously, at least one spring strip 104 can be configured to ensure electrical contact with the cross member 30 against which it is intended to bear. Also advantageously, the free end of the spring strip 104 is configured to allow scratching of a galvanizing layer that may be present on said cross member 30, particularly when the latter comprises galvanized aluminum.

[0076] This electrical contact thus makes it possible to consider grounding the panels held by the fixing device 100 according to the present invention.

[0077] It is further understood that any contact between the fixing device and the beam can allow grounding.

[0078] The invention also relates to a fastening device 100 according to a second embodiment. In particular, this second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the fastening device 100 further comprises a secondary section 50, separate from the main section 40, and carrying the spring means and the snap-on means.

[0079] In particular, as illustrated in [Fig. 7], the secondary section 50 comprises a central portion 51, elongated and essentially flat, and two lateral portions 51a and 51b extending from the central portion 51 at either end. The secondary section 50 is intended to be mounted integrally with the main section 40 by the rear face 101, with the central portion 51 positioned against the bottom 101a, and each of the lateral portions 51a, 51b against one of the side walls 100b, 100c (see [Fig. 8]).

[0080] According to this second embodiment, the spring means, which include for example spring blades 104, are formed on the central part 51, and the base 100a includes at least one through opening 105 intended to be traversed by the spring means.

[0081] According to this second embodiment, the snap-on means are formed on either of the lateral parts 51a, 51b, and are intended to correspond with lateral openings 106 formed on either of the lateral walls 100b, 100c.

[0082] According to this second embodiment, notches 107 are formed on both of the side walls 100b, 100c, said notches 107 being intended to cooperate with the free ends 52a, 52b of both of the side parts 51a, 51b so as to prevent any separation of the latter when the secondary section 50 is mounted integrally with the main section 40.

[0083] Advantageously, the main section 100 can be formed from a first metal sheet of a first thickness, and the secondary section can be made from a second metal sheet of a second thickness less than the first thickness.

[0084] For example, the first thickness may be greater than 1.5 mm and the second thickness less than 1.2 mm.

[0085] This configuration gives the main section greater mechanical strength than the secondary section. More specifically, 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.

[0086] The fastening device 100, according to this second embodiment, may include snap-in confirmation means 108 connected by a sliding mechanism to the flexible tab 110 of the snap-in means ([Fig. 9], [Fig. 10], and [Fig. 11]). More specifically, the confirmation means may include, in a direction from the front face 102 to the rear face 101, a first section 108a and a second section 108b. In particular, the second section 108b provides the sliding connection to the flexible tab 110. The confirmation means 108 may, in particular, assume either a first position ([Fig. 9], [Fig. 10]) or a second position ([Fig. 11]) by sliding the second section along the flexible tab to which it is connected. By definition the first position is upstream of the second position in the direction going from the front face 102 to the rear face 101.

[0087] Furthermore, the first position is a position in which a section of the flexible tongue, downstream of the second section 108b, can flex and, in particular, allow the cross member 30 to snap into place ([Fig. 10]). The second position is a position in which the second section is abutted against the lug 111.

[0088] The first section 108a is configured to allow the second section to slide along the flexible tab only when the latter is undeformed (in other words, straight). In this respect, when the second section 108b slides along the flexible tab 110, the first section 108a can be configured to continuously bear against one of the lateral walls of the main section. Such a configuration prevents the second section from sliding along the flexible tab until the latter is straight ([Fig. 10]). In other words, until the tab is engaged, it is not straight, and the sliding of the second section, which allows the second position to be adopted by the confirmation means, is impossible.

[0089] As illustrated in [Fig. 1 1], the main section 100 may include an identification and / or traceability means 112 on its side walls 51a, 51b. In particular, the means 112 may be arranged to be not visible (“hidden”) by the first section 108a when the confirmation means 108 are in their first position, and to be visible when the confirmation means 108 are in their second position.

[0090] The invention also relates to a third embodiment of the fastening device.

[0091] The fastening device 40 according to this third embodiment is based, in its general design, on the fastening device according to the second embodiment. However, according to this third embodiment, the latching means are not carried by the lateral parts 51a, 51b, but, as described below, by the central part 51 of the secondary section 50.

[0092] According to this embodiment, the cross members 30 comprise openings 34 passing through the flat bottom 31 ([Fig. 12]). The openings 34 are rectangular in shape and comprise two opposing edges 34a and 34b along the elongation direction of the cross member 30.

[0093] The main section 100 includes a locking hook 113 formed by a strip cut in the bottom 100a. In particular, this locking hook 113 extends internally to the main section 100 and along the extension direction of the main section (extension axis XX'). In particular, the locking hook 113 is raised relative to the bottom 100a in a direction from the rear face 101 to the front face 102. According to this configuration, when a cross member 30 is engaged between the side walls 51a, 51b, the locking hook 113 is initially inserted into an opening 34. The cross member 30 is then moved in a translational direction in the opposite direction to the extension of the locking hook 113. Following this translational movement, an edge 34a delimiting the opening 34 is engaged between the locking hook 113 and the bottom 100a until it comes to rest against the base of the locking hook 113 ([Fig. 14]).

[0094] Equivalently to the second embodiment, the spring means can be carried by the central part 51 of the secondary section 50. In particular, the spring means are configured to be supported against the cross member in order to exert the spring effect.

[0095] As illustrated in [Fig. 15], representing the main section 100 and the secondary section 50, the spring slat 104 is positioned opposite the locking hook 113 and extends in the same direction as said locking hook 113. Furthermore, the spring slat 104 is shaped to slide externally to the main section and against the rear face 101 during the translational movement of the cross member 30 described above. This shaping of the spring slat may, in particular, include a bend in the latter.

[0096] The secondary section 50, according to this third embodiment, also includes a clip tab 115 ([Fig.16]), disposed on the central part 51. The clip tab 115 extends in a direction opposite to the spring slat 104. More particularly, the clip tab 115 is configured to slide against the rear face 101 during the translational movement of the cross member described above, and to snap against the edge 34b as soon as the edge 34a comes to rest against the beginning of the locking hook 113 ([Fig.17]).

[0097] In particular, and as illustrated in [Fig. 15], the spring blade 104 exerts a pushing force against the flat bottom 31 of the cross member 30 in a direction from the rear face 101 to the front face 102.

[0098] The invention also relates to an installation which includes:

[0099] - a panel on one face of which a crossbar is arranged, said crossbar including at least one side opening;

[0100] - a beam

[0101] - at least one fastening device according to the present invention held securely attached to the beam by its rear face, the cross member being held in contact by snapping between the side walls of the main section.

[0102] Of course the invention is not limited to the described method(s) of implementation and alternative embodiments can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. Demands A fastening device (40) for a panel (10) by one of its faces, referred to as the first face (11), on a beam (20), said panel (10) being provided with a crossbar (30) fixed to the first face (11), the fastening device (40) comprises: - a main section (100) which extends along an axis of elongation XX' and which is intended to be held together with the beam (20) by one of its faces, called rear face (101), the main section (100) includes a bottom (100a) surmounted laterally by two lateral walls (100b, 100c) so that said main section (100) has a U-shaped section along a cutting plane perpendicular to the axis of elongation XX'; - snap-fit ​​means configured to allow snap-fitting of the cross member (30) between the side walls (100b, 100c) after engagement of said cross member (30) between the side walls (100b, 100c) by a front face, opposite to the rear face (101), of the main section (100); - spring means configured to exert a force against the cross member (30), engaged by snap-fit ​​between the side walls (100b, 100c), in a direction going from the rear face (101) to the front face; The snap-on means comprise at least one flexible tab (110) extending parallel to either of the side walls (100b, 100c) and from the front face to the rear face (101), from its origin to a free end (110a) which carries a lug (111) configured to cooperate by snap-on with an opening provided in the cross member (30). The fastening device also comprises snap-on confirmation means (108) in sliding connection with the flexible tab (110). The confirmation means comprise, in a direction from the front face (102) to the rear face (101), a first section (108a) and a second section (108b), the second section (108b) providing the sliding connection with the flexible tab (110).the confirmation means (108) which may in particular adopt either a first position and a second position by sliding the second section along the flexible tab to which it is attached, the first position being a position for which, a section of the flexible tongue, downstream of the second section (108b), can flex and the second position is a position for which the second section is abutted against the lug (111).

2. A fastening device (40) according to claim 1, wherein the spring means comprise at least one spring strip (104) inclined relative to the base (100a) and of which a free end (110a) is intended to bear against the cross member (30) in order to exert the spring effect.

3. A fastening device (40) according to claim 2, wherein at least one spring strip (104) is configured to ensure electrical contact with the cross member (30) against which it is intended to rest, advantageously, the free end of the spring strip (104) is configured to allow scratching a layer of galvanization that may be present on said cross member (30).

4. A fastening device (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first section 108a is configured to allow sliding of the second section along the flexible tab only when the latter is straight.

5. Fastening device (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said fastening device (40) is monobloc such that the spring means and the snap-on means are formed on the main section (100).

6. Fixing device (40) according to claim 5, wherein the spring means are disposed on the base (100a).

7. A fastening device (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 in which said fastening device (40) further comprises a secondary section (50), separate from the main section (100), and carrying the spring means and the snap-on means.

8. A fastening device (40) according to claim 7, wherein the secondary section (50) comprises a central part (51), elongated and essentially flat, and two lateral parts (51a, 51b) extending the central part (51) at either end, the secondary section (50) being intended to be mounted securely to the main section (100) by the rear face (101), the central part (51) disposed against the bottom (100a), and each of the lateral parts against one of the side walls (100b, 100c).

9. A fastening device (40) according to claim 8, wherein the spring means are formed on the central part (51), and the bottom (100a) includes at least one through opening (105) intended to be traversed by the spring means.

10. Fixing device (40) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the snap-on means are formed on either of the lateral parts (51a, 51b), and are intended to correspond with lateral openings formed on either of the lateral walls (100b, 100c).

11. A fastening device (40) according to claim 10, in which notches (107) are formed on each of the side walls (100b, 100c), said notches (107) being intended to cooperate with the free end (110a)s of each of the side parts (5la, 51b) so as to prevent any separation of the latter when the secondary section (50) is mounted integrally with the main section (100).

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

13. Fixing device (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein said device comprises a metal strap (103) for maintaining the main section (100) attached to the beam (20).

14. Installation comprising: - a panel (10) on a first face (11) of which is disposed a cross member (30), said cross member (30) comprising at least one lateral opening; - a beam (20); - at least one fixing device (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 held attached to the beam (20) by its rear face (101), the cross member (30) being held in contact by snap-fit ​​between the lateral walls (100b, 100c) of the main section (100).

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