Lifting component for solar panel support structure, lifting kit and corresponding manufacturing process

Abstract

A lifting component is proposed for attachment to a solar panel support structure. This lifting component is notable in that it includes means for offsetting one of the lifting points of the support structure above the surface of the solar panels. The offset means are in the form of a welded structure comprising a mounting base (10) defining a median plane and a mounting axis, a first offset member (20) extending in the median plane from the mounting base inclined at an angle of inclination to the mounting axis of the base, and a second offset member (30) extending in the median plane from one end of the first offset member and perpendicular to it. The second offset member is shaped so that the offset lifting point protrudes and receives a lifting means above the solar collector surface. Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Lifting component for solar panel support structure, lifting kit and corresponding manufacturing method. Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of solar energy production installations. More particularly, the invention relates to a tooling component designed to facilitate the lifting and handling of solar panel support structures.

[0002] The invention applies in particular, but not exclusively, to solar tracking systems, commonly called "solar trackers," equipped with photovoltaic panels. However, it can be applied more generally to any type of solar power generation installation requiring the lifting or crane operation of a solar structure and its placement on a fixed base within the installation. Previous art

[0003] Generating electricity from solar energy is a well-established technology. Today, photovoltaic panel installations are among the solutions used on a large scale to convert this clean energy source into electricity. Despite their advantages, photovoltaic panels have reached a number of technical limitations, particularly in terms of energy efficiency. Solar tracking systems—such as solar trackers—have therefore been developed to increase the productivity of photovoltaic installations.

[0004] A solar tracker is a motorized support structure that allows solar panels to be oriented according to the Sun's position in the sky to ensure optimal reception of its light radiation, and thus maximize the installation's electricity production. A solar tracker typically comprises a main mast anchored to the ground, a head, and a solar platform. This platform is positioned on the tracker's head, which is itself positioned on the mast. This platform consists of a support structure (or frame) and an array of photovoltaic panels regularly arranged on the support structure to form a flat solar collection surface. Two motorized axes, controlled by a real-time controller, work with the mast and the tracker's head to orient the panels along an azimuth axis and an elevation axis according to the Sun's exact position.

[0005] Before it can be put into operation, the solar tracker must be assembled on-site. Such assembly requires several successive operations, including assembling the platform onto the head of the solar tracker. This assembly operation mainly consists of a ground-based mounting phase of the Solar panels are mounted on the supporting structure, followed by a lifting phase for the platform and its placement on the tracker's head. These lifting and handling operations remain delicate to carry out on-site and are not always safe for operators. The critical importance of safety in these operations is well-known, given the risk of accidents in these activities. Such operations require the use of slings or lifting chains at the various lifting points of the supporting structure, which are connected to a single lifting device above the load's center of gravity, such as a hook on a lifting device, with or without the use of a spreader bar (intermediate lifting device) for better distribution of tensile forces.

[0006] A "lifting point" is defined as an area or attachment point located on the supporting structure and designed to ensure, together with the other lifting points of the structure, the overall stability of the solar platform with respect to the stresses exerted on it during a lifting and / or handling operation. For the supporting structure illustrated in [Fig. 1], for example, which comprises a frame of overall rectangular shape, made up of longitudinal beams, crossbeams, and bracing intersecting at the center of gravity O of the structure, the lifting points of this structure—represented by the references P1 to P4—are located at the intersection of the longitudinal beam-crossbeam junctions and the bracing.

[0007] The requirements for the qualification and validation of equipment and installations based on photovoltaic panels are becoming increasingly stringent, and now require regular conformity tests to monitor the life cycle of all mechanical parts of the structure.

[0008] Removable tooling components exist that are designed to facilitate the handling of load-bearing structures, but it is difficult to ensure that such components remain in a controlled condition through requalification / validation. Furthermore, the assembly deteriorates rapidly during frequent assembly and disassembly, increasing the number of interventions required by operators on site. Moreover, due to the structural complexity of the load-bearing structure, it is not always easy to position the components on the structure's reference lifting points. Thus, maintaining the platform's positioning accuracy during lifting operations is not always straightforward. Finally, with current tooling components, the distribution of forces acting on the structure is not always optimal.

[0009] There is therefore a real need to provide a lifting solution designed to be attached to a solar panel support structure, which is robust, simple, and inexpensive to implement. There is also a real need to provide a lifting solution that facilitates the conformity tests necessary for the qualification and validation of the components of the solar panel support structure. Finally, there is also a need to provide a lifting solution that provides better support for the forces acting on the load-bearing structure during its lifting and / or handling. Summary of the invention

[0010] In a particular embodiment of the invention, a lifting piece is proposed for attachment to a solar panel support structure, the support structure having a plurality of lifting points, said lifting piece comprising means for offsetting one of the lifting points shaped so that, after attachment of said lifting piece to the lifting point, the lifting point is offset above the surface of the solar panels, the offset means being in the form of a welded structure comprising: - a fixing base on one face of the load-bearing structure, the fixing base defining a median plane and a fixing axis; - a first offset member extending in the median plane from the fixing base and being inclined relative to the fixing axis of the base at a non-zero acute angle, called the angle of inclination; - a second offset member extending in the median plane from one end of the first offset member and perpendicular to it, the second offset member being shaped so that the offset lifting point protrudes and to receive at least one lifting means above the solar collection surface.

[0011] Thus, the invention is based on a new design of a lifting part made in a welded mechanical structure allowing the lifting point to be offset above the surface of the solar panels in order to make lifting operations more convenient, while ensuring an increased load-bearing capacity.

[0012] In a particular embodiment, the angle of inclination is between 5 and 45 degrees. More specifically, the angle of inclination is between 20 and 30 degrees. Such an embodiment allows for effective transfer of the forces exerted on the workpiece during lifting operations, regardless of the lifting configuration used.

[0013] According to a particularly advantageous feature, the mounting base has an overall butterfly shape comprising a pair of anterior and posterior wings. This particular shape makes it possible to reduce the mass of the part, and thus facilitate handling on site, without diminishing its mechanical properties.

[0014] According to a particular feature, the front wings and the rear wings of the fixing base each include at their periphery at least one through hole shaped to allow the passage of a fixing element.

[0015] According to a particular embodiment, the first offset member is in the form of a hollow tube extending along a longitudinal axis, opening on one side into an opening provided in the fixing base and on the other side into an opening provided in the second offset member.

[0016] According to a particular embodiment, the second offset member is provided with a base and a projecting lug extending from the base, the lug being perforated with an opening shaped to receive said at least one lifting means. Said at least one lifting means may be a lifting sling, a sling-shackle assembly, or a sling-hook assembly, for example.

[0017] According to a particularly advantageous feature, the protruding ear is at least partially inclined relative to the base at an angle of between 1 and 20 degrees, and more particularly between 5 and 15 degrees. This embodiment provides an additional degree of freedom in inclination to more effectively absorb the forces exerted on the workpiece during lifting operations.

[0018] According to a particular feature, the welded structure further comprises a sealing plate having a shape adapted to seal said opening of the second offset member. This feature has the effect of protecting the internal surface of the part from the external environment, and thus increasing its durability.

[0019] In another particular embodiment of the invention, a lifting kit for a solar panel support structure is proposed, comprising: - a plurality of lifting parts intended to be secured each on a lifting point distinct from the supporting structure, each lifting part being defined according to the aforementioned characteristics (in any of its different embodiments). - a set of fastening devices for each of the lifting parts; - at least one lifting device for each of the lifting parts.

[0020] Having a kit comprising only identical lifting parts allows, on an industrial scale, for only one type of part to be manufactured and therefore for the cost of manufacturing these parts to be reduced.

[0021] In another particular embodiment of the invention, a solar energy production device is proposed comprising a solar panel support structure itself comprising a plurality of lifting parts, each lifting part being secured to a lifting point distinct from the support structure and defined according to the aforementioned characteristics (in any one of its various embodiments).

[0022] In another particular embodiment of the invention, a method is proposed for manufacturing, by welding, a lifting part intended to be attached to a structure supporting solar panels, the process includes the following steps: - setting up a fixing base, a first offset member and a second offset member in a predefined assembly position, the first offset member extending in a median plane from the fixing base and inclined with respect to a fixing axis of the base at a non-zero acute angle, called the angle of inclination, the second offset member extending, in the median plane, at the end and perpendicular to the first offset member; - assembly, by welding, of a first end of the first offset member with the fixing base on one side and of a second end of the first offset member with the second offset member on the other side, in the predefined assembly position, so as to obtain a welded mechanical structure constituting said lifting part. Figures

[0023] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description of a preferred embodiment, given by way of simple illustrative and non-limiting example, and the accompanying drawings, among which:

[0024] [Fig.1], already described in relation to the prior art, schematically represents an example of a traditional solar panel support structure for a solar tracker;

[0025] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of a lifting part according to an embodiment particular of the invention;

[0026] [Fig.3] illustrates another perspective view of the lifting part shown on the [Fig.2];

[0027] [Fig.4] is a front view of the lifting part illustrated in [Fig.2];

[0028] [Fig.5] is a side view of the lifting part illustrated in [Fig.2];

[0029] [Fig.6] is a partial view from below of a load-bearing structure illustrating the installation placement on it of a lifting part according to the invention;

[0030] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of a solar platform being lifted illustrating the principle of offsetting lifting points according to the invention;

[0031] [Fig.8] is a side view of the solar plateau shown in [Fig.7];

[0032] [Fig.9] presents, in the form of a flowchart, a particular embodiment of the process according to the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0033] In the figures in this document, identical elements are designated by the same numerical reference. For better readability of the figures, the different planes and axes are represented by dashed lines.

[0034] The general principle of the invention is based on the creation of a lifting component made of a welded steel structure, allowing the lifting point to which it is attached to be positioned above the surface of the solar panels in order to make lifting operations more convenient. The structure, detailed below, is remarkable in that it is robust, simple, and inexpensive to implement, while ensuring good distribution of the forces acting on the supporting structure.

[0035] The remainder of this document focuses more specifically on describing the invention in the context of a "photovoltaic tracker" type installation. The invention is, of course, not limited to this particular field of application, but is of interest for any type of solar energy production installation requiring the lifting and / or handling of a tray of solar panels. Lifting part

[0036] Figure 1 was presented above in relation to the prior art of the present invention. An example of a lifting member 100 according to a particular embodiment of the invention is shown below in relation to Figures 2 to 6. This lifting member 100 is intended to be attached to a photovoltaic panel support structure, such as the SP support structure shown in Figure 1.

[0037] The lifting system required for this load-bearing structure SP is considered here to comprise a set of four identical lifting components, each intended to be mounted on a distinct lifting point of the structure among the lifting points P1 to P4. The load-bearing structure SP comprises a frame with an overall parallelepiped shape and cross braces intersecting at the center of gravity O of the structure. The lifting points P1-P4 are located in the same plane at the intersection of the frame and the cross braces. The lifting points P1-P4 are therefore distributed equally around the center O of the structure (symmetry about center O). The frame comprises long trusses, short central trusses, a central cross member, and two lateral cross members. The structure also includes stringers (not shown) regularly arranged on and along the frame so as to accommodate and secure the photovoltaic panels at their upper end.Once installed, the photovoltaic panels form a flat, rectangular solar collector surface (typically 12 meters long and 9.5 meters wide). Each panel has the following standard dimensions: 2200 mm long and 1100 mm wide. The reference lifting points are therefore located at the junctions between the crossbeam and the long truss, which are structurally strong points of the structure. This is a purely illustrative example; other configurations are possible. Dimensional characteristics can of course be considered without going outside the scope of the invention.

[0038] The lifting member 100 is made of a welded structure designed to offset the lifting point to which it is attached above the solar collector surface of the platform. This welded structure is made of a metallic material, such as stainless steel, for example, S355JR type steel (hot-rolled structural steel). Other high-strength materials that are easy to form and weld can, of course, be used to manufacture such a structure. The lifting member 100 is composed of parts assembled by welding, namely a mounting base 10 and the first and second offset members 20-30. In the present embodiment, the mounting base 10 is a flat metal plate, generally butterfly-shaped, intended to be fixed to the long truss of the SP structure, as illustrated in [Fig. 6].The base body consists of a pair of front / rear wings delimited in its center by a circular opening 11. This particular base shape reduces the structure's mass, thus facilitating on-site handling without compromising the component's mechanical properties. Each of the front and rear wings has a through hole allowing the passage of a fastener (bolt or screw, for example) belonging to a set of fasteners. In this example, the set of fasteners includes a bolt 1, a head washer 2, a tail washer 3, and a nut 4. The precise positioning and secure fastening of the base against the face of the long truss ensures accurate positioning and secure attachment of the lifting component to the receiving face of the truss of this load-bearing structure.

[0039] To facilitate understanding of the invention, the median plane M is defined on the one hand as the plane dividing the body of the base into two identical parts, each corresponding to one of the front / back wings of the base, and on the other hand the fixing axis XI as the axis passing through the center of the opening 11 and extending in the median plane M perpendicular to the surface of the body of the base.

[0040] The offset member 20 is in the form of a hollow tube with a circular cross-section extending in the median plane M from the mounting base 10, along the longitudinal axis X2, with an inclination relative to the mounting axis XI of an angle "A" of 25 degrees. This configuration is particularly well represented in the side view in [Fig. 5]. Such a configuration allows for better stress distribution within the part. The tubular member 20 is open at both ends, opening on one side into the opening 11 provided in the mounting base 10 (corresponding to the proximal end of the tube) and on the other side into an opening provided in the second offset member (corresponding to the distal end of the tube). The tubular element 20 is made of the same material as the base 10. The angle value given here is purely illustrative, and other values ​​are of course possible without departing from the scope of the invention. The inclination angle "A" defined between the fixing axis XI and the longitudinal axis X2 is generally between 5 and 45 degrees, and preferably between 20 and 30 degrees. The value of the inclination angle "A" is chosen according to the lifting configuration used to lift the solar platform, in particular according to the minimum sling length used to lift the solar platform.

[0041] Other tubular shapes can of course be considered. Alternatively, a hollow tube having a square, rectangular, elliptical or oblong cross-section can be used for example without departing from the scope of the invention, as can the internal diameter of the tube which can be variable (increasing or decreasing for example) along the longitudinal axis.

[0042] The offset member 30 is in the form of a substantially longitudinal plate extending in the median plane M from the free end of the offset tube 20 and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X2. This offset plate 30 is provided, as illustrated in [Fig. 4], with a base 32 and a projecting lug 31 extending from the base. The base 32 has a circular opening leading to the tubular member 20. The lug 31 is perforated at its free end with an orifice 33 shaped to receive a lifting means, such as a strap, chain, ring, shackle, or any hook suitable for lifting the solar platform. The perforated ear 31 may provide an annular ridge around the opening 33 to facilitate the placement of the lifting means and reduce friction during handling operations of the solar plate.Furthermore, all or part of the lug is inclined relative to the base 32, in the median plane M, at an angle "B" between 1 and 20 degrees, for example 10 degrees as shown in [Fig. 5]. This particular inclination of the lug has the effect of more effectively absorbing the forces exerted by the slings during the lifting of the solar platform. Indeed, due to the structural constraints of the supporting structure, in particular the "C" shape of the trusses to which the lifting components are attached, the angle of inclination "A" of the offset member is limited to a certain value. The angle of inclination "B" therefore facilitates the absorption of the mechanical forces exerted on the component. Moreover, this allows for a regular distribution of the forces within the lifting component, thus ensuring greater load-bearing capacity and mechanical resistance for the structure in question.

[0043] The welded structure 100 further comprises a sealing plate 40 having a shape adapted to seal the circular opening at the base of the offset member 30. Such a sealing plate serves to protect the internal surface of the structure of the external environment, typically to prevent birds from nesting and / or rainwater from stagnating, thus increasing the structure's lifespan. This sealing plate 40 is in the form of a star-shaped disc centered on the longitudinal axis X2 and extending radially from this axis. In this embodiment, the star-shaped disc has four arms (top-bottom-right-left) evenly distributed around the disc's circumference. This design feature reduces the number of welds and facilitates the removal of galvanized material during the manufacturing process.

[0044] Thus, the lifting piece 100 is shaped to allow, once fixed to the structure, an offset of the lifting point above the solar collector surface at a double inclination relative to the plane of the structure SP. The offset lifting point is, for example, represented by the reference PLD in [Fig. 6]. It corresponds to the base point PI of the structure SP. This figure illustrates an example of a lifting piece fixed to the structure SP and shows the intended height between the surface of the panels and the end of the lug 31 constituting the offset lifting point. A first inclination is achieved by the offset tube 20 of the piece 100 and a second inclination is achieved by the offset plate 30, both in the median plane M of the mounting base and relative to the horizontal (considering that the mounting base is arranged in a vertical plane).The structure of the lifting piece is therefore particularly well adapted to the direction of the lifting forces. The double inclination of the offset means allows for better absorption of the forces acting on the lifting piece, avoiding excessive lifting forces in the median plane M of the piece.

[0045] The lifting components according to the invention can be manufactured from a metal alloy (aluminum or steel, for example) or from a composite material compatible with any welding technique. Manufacturing the components from aluminum, for example, minimizes their weight and facilitates their handling while ensuring good strength, whereas stainless steel components guarantee good mechanical durability over time.

[0046] In the embodiment described above, the various parts of the lifting element 100 – namely the base 10, the tubular element 20, the element 30, and the sealing plate 40 – are made of the same material, typically stainless steel. This makes it possible to offer a lifting element that is simple and inexpensive to implement.

[0047] Alternatively, the different parts of the lifting part 100 are made of different materials, but they must be compatible with the mechanical welding assembly technique used for manufacturing the part.

[0048] Figures 7 and 8 show a particular lifting configuration used to lift a solar platform, incorporating a set of four lifting components 101-104 according to the invention. This lifting configuration is a four-leg configuration, comprising four slings S1-S4 distributed symmetrically around a common attachment point X for connecting the solar platform PS to a lifting device (not shown). This common attachment point X is positioned above the center of gravity CG of the platform, corresponding to the hook of the lifting device. Thus, each lifting sling is connected, at its lower end, to one of the offset lifting points of the structure (sling S1 connected to offset point P1, ..., sling S4 connected to offset point P14), and connected at its upper end to the same attachment point X.

[0049] In this particular embodiment, the four lifting parts 101-104 are identical to the lifting part 100 described above in relation to Figures 2 to 5; only the operator needs to ensure that the lifting parts are precisely positioned on the basic lifting points P1-P4 of the supporting structure. The lifting parts 101-104 are configured so that, once they are securely fixed to the structure at points P1-P4 respectively, the offset lifting points protrude above the solar collector surface. Lifting kit and operating instructions

[0050] The SP support structure is considered to be designed to receive a set of forty photovoltaic panels, arranged in five rows of eight panels each. This is a purely illustrative example, and the detailed operating procedure described below can of course be adapted to other types / shapes of support structure and / or other types / shapes of platform, and / or other lifting configurations without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0051] The operator has at least one lifting kit on site for mounting on the SP support structure. Such a kit comprises a set of four identical lifting components intended to be secured to the support structure, and for each lifting component, a set of four fastening devices and lifting means consisting, for example, of a sling and a suitable shackle. Indeed, the shackle must be adapted both to the dimensions of the lug opening of the component and to the characteristics of the slings used (type and dimensions). Having a kit containing only identical lifting components allows, on an industrial scale, the manufacture of only one type of component and thus significantly reduces the manufacturing cost of these components. Furthermore, the structure of these components is relatively simple, which facilitates their installation on the structure (no orientation problems or special assembly required).

[0052] The load-bearing structure SP is first assembled on the ground using the various elements forming the main frame (trusses, crossbeams, bracing bars, reinforcements, etc.), as well as the set of stringers intended to support the photovoltaic panels. Once the structure is assembled, the four lifting members 101-104 are attached to the trusses of the load-bearing structure SP at the four lifting points of the structure P1-P4. Each lifting member is fixed to the receiving face of the outer face of the truss of the load-bearing structure at the relevant base point using the fasteners included in the kit.

[0053] Once the four parts 101-104 are fixed to the SP structure, the photovoltaic panels are mounted and secured in their designated locations, leaving a gap between the two adjacent panels for each part, so as to allow the perforated lug 31 to pass through this gap. This "inter-panel" gap is sized to allow at least the upper part of the offset plate 30 to pass through it. This "inter-panel" gap can be sized to be at least greater than the thickness of the base 31 of the offset plate. It can also be sized to provide sufficient visibility and ease of access during the installation and / or removal of the sling and associated shackle. A space of length between 140 and 150 mm, for example of length equal to 145 mm, is particularly well suited to the dimensional characteristics of the structure presented here as an illustrative example.

[0054] Lifting equipment (slings, shackles, etc.) will be deployed at the remote lifting points PI 1-P14, either as the panels are being mounted or after all the panels have been mounted, depending on the ease of access to the remote lifting points. The slings S1-S4, connected respectively to the remote points PI 1-P14, are then gathered at the attachment point X, positioned above the center of gravity CG and vertically above the hook of the lifting device. Once the slinging phase is complete, the lifting device can be operated to lift and position the solar panel PS on the head of the solar tracker. Once the platform is mounted on the head of the solar tracker, the lifting parts 101-104 attached to the SP support structure remain in place, which avoids the implementation of a dismantling operation and facilitates the conformity tests necessary for the qualification and validation of these parts.

[0055] The design of the lifting piece according to the invention is made so that after being secured to the supporting structure, the part of the piece protruding above the solar panels is located in a plane which is substantially parallel to the direction of the sling to which it is connected, which allows for an efficient absorption of the tensile forces exerted on the lifting piece during the lifting of the solar platform.

[0056] To illustrate this aspect, let us take, for example, the lifting member 101, shown in close-up in Figures 7 and 8 (zoomed-in portions A and B), whose offset lifting point is referenced as Pli. In this lifting configuration, a shackle M1 is provided to connect the lower end of the sling SI to the protruding lug 31. As mentioned above, the lifting member 101 is therefore shaped to allow, once fixed to the structure SP, an offset of the lifting point PI above the solar collector surface at a double inclination relative to the plane of the structure SP, the principle of which is illustrated in relation to [Fig. 5]. The inclination angle values ​​“A” and “B” are chosen according to the lifting configuration used to lift the solar platform, and more particularly according to the minimum sling length.The shorter the sling length, the shallower the lifting angle, and therefore the greater the stresses exerted on the lifting component; in this case, it is advisable to choose inclination angles corresponding to high extremes. Conversely, the longer the sling length, the shallower the lifting angle, and the lower the stresses exerted on the lifting components; in this case, it is advisable to choose inclination angles corresponding to low extremes.

[0057] This is an example of a particular slinging configuration, and many other configurations are conceivable without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, the number of lifting components to be secured to the supporting structure and the dimensions of the components (in particular the inclination angle values ​​"A" and "B" discussed above) depend notably on the slinging configuration used, the dimensions and geometry of the solar platform to be lifted, and its mass. Manufacturing process

[0058] A particular embodiment of the manufacturing process according to the invention is now presented in relation to [Fig. 9]. This embodiment is based on a welded assembly technique. It should be noted that welded assembly is a welding process that creates a permanent and strong mechanical bond between the various constituent elements of the manufactured part, while avoiding the formation of warped surfaces. Welded assembly is often preferred for its high strength, durability, and ability to withstand extreme forces and stresses.

[0059] In a step S0 (labeled "PE" in the figure), the various elementary parts of the part to be produced, called "pre-machined parts," are manufactured, namely the mounting base 10', the offset tube 20', the offset plate 30', and the blanking plate 40'. This step S0 is carried out by cutting metal sheets (for example, by laser, plasma, abrasive water jet, press, etc., or a combination thereof). techniques) and mechanical shaping of cut sheets (for example by bending, stamping, punching, etc. or a combination of these techniques).

[0060] In a step SI (denoted "MP"), the various elementary parts (pre-machined parts) are placed in the predefined assembly position in which these elementary parts are juxtaposed two-by-two such that (considering that the fixing base 10' is arranged in a vertical position): - the offset tube 20' extends in the median plane M of the mounting base 10' from the surface of the mounting base 10' and is inclined upwards relative to the horizontal mounting axis of the base at a predefined angle of inclination (for example 25 degrees upwards), - the 30' offset plate extends in the median plane M, at the end and perpendicular to the 20' offset tube, with the pierced ear directed upwards.

[0061] In a step S2 (denoted "AS"), a welded assembly of the elementary parts arranged in the predefined assembly position is carried out: - welding one of the two ends of the 20' offset tube with the 10' fixing base; - welding the other two ends of the 20' offset tube to the base of the 30' offset plate; and - welding of the 40' sealing plate onto the base of the 30' offset plate in the longitudinal axis of the 20' offset tube.

[0062] The various elementary parts are welded using one of the following methods: semi-automatic MIG (Metal Inert Gas) or MAG (Metal Active Gas) welding, TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding, laser welding, or electron beam welding, or a combination of these welding methods. TIG welding is used particularly when the quality of the weld bead is paramount.

[0063] At the end of step S2, the welded mechanical structure corresponding to the lifting part 100 is obtained as shown in [Fig.2].

[0064] In order to avoid additional machining and / or straightening operations (pre-machined parts having different shapes and inertias sometimes making the assembly unsuitable for use), mechanical and / or thermal prestresses are applied to the elementary parts to be assembled, tending to maintain them in their current shape.

Claims

Demands

1. Lifting member intended to be attached to a solar panel support structure, the support structure having a plurality of lifting points, characterized in that it includes means for offsetting one of the lifting points shaped so that, after attachment of said lifting member to the lifting point, the lifting point is offset above the surface of the solar panels, the offset means being in the form of a welded structure comprising: - a fixing base (10) on a face of the support structure, the fixing base defining a median plane (M) and a fixing axis (XI); - a first offset member (20) extending in the median plane from the fixing base and being inclined with respect to the fixing axis of the base at a non-zero acute angle, called the angle of inclination;- a second offset member (30) extending in the median plane from one end of the first offset member and perpendicular to it, the second offset member being shaped so that the offset lifting point protrudes and to receive at least one lifting means above the solar collection surface.;

2. Lifting member according to claim 1, wherein the angle of inclination is between 5 and 45 degrees.

3. Lifting piece according to claim 2, wherein the angle of inclination is between 20 and 30 degrees.

4. Lifting piece according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mounting base (10) has an overall butterfly shape comprising a pair of front and rear wings.

5. Lifting member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the front and rear wings of the mounting base each comprise at their periphery at least one through hole shaped to permit the passage of a fastening element.

6. Lifting member according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first offset member (20) is in the form of a hollow tube extending along a longitudinal axis, leading on one side to an opening provided in the fixing base and on the other side to an opening provided in the second offset member.

7. Lifting member according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second offset member (30) is provided with a base and a projecting ear (31) extending from the base, the ear being perforated with an orifice (33) shaped to receive said at least one lifting means.

8. Lifting piece according to claim 7, wherein the protruding ear is at least partly inclined relative to the base at an angle between 1 and 20 degrees, and more particularly between 5 and 15 degrees.

9. Lifting member according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the welded structure further comprises a sealing plate (40) having a shape adapted to seal said opening of the second offset member.

10. Lifting kit for solar panel support structure, comprising: - a plurality of lifting parts intended to be secured each on a separate lifting point of the support structure, each lifting part being defined according to any one of claims 1 to 9; - a set of fastening devices for each of the lifting parts; - at least one lifting means for each of the lifting parts.

11. A solar power generation device comprising a solar panel support structure itself comprising a plurality of lifting parts, each lifting part being secured to a separate lifting point of the support structure and defined according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. A method for manufacturing, by welded assembly, a lifting component intended to be attached to a solar panel support structure, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - placement (SI) of a mounting base (10), a first offset member (20) and a second offset member (30) in a predefined assembly position, the first offset member extending in a median plane from the fixing base and inclined with respect to a fixing axis of the base at a non-zero acute angle, called the angle of inclination, the second offset member extending, in the median plane, at the end and perpendicular to the first offset member; assembly (S2), by welding, of a first end of the first offset member with the fixing base on one side and of a second end of the first offset member with the second offset member on the other side, in the predefined assembly position, so as to obtain a welded mechanical structure constituting said lifting part.

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