Attachment system

Abstract

The invention relates to a fastening system (100) comprising: - a U-shaped main body (200) comprising an upper arm (201) and a lower arm (202), and a transverse base (203); the main body (200) also comprises at least one lateral fin (204, 205) configured to bear, by a contact face (204a, 205a), against a front face of the panel (1); - a retaining plate (300) connected to the lower arm (202) by a clamping rod (400) configured to allow adjustment of the distance between the retaining plate (300) and the upper arm (201). Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: Attachment system FIELD OF INVENTION

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

[0002] In particular, the invention relates to a fastening system for fixing panels onto rails. 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] 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.

[0006] One object of the present invention is to provide a system for attaching a panel to a rail. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention relates to a fastening system for holding a panel, by one of its faces called the rear face, onto a first face of a rail, the fastening system comprising:

[0008] - a U-shaped main body comprising an upper arm and a lower branch, and a transverse base connecting the lower and upper branches; the main body also includes at least one lateral fin configured to be supported, by a face called the contact face, against a front face, opposite to the rear face, of the panel;

[0009] - a retaining plate, arranged between the upper branch and the branch lower, and linked to the lower branch by means of a clamping rod, the clamping rod being configured to allow adjustment of the distance between the retaining plate and the upper branch, and thus allow clamping of the panel against the first face of the rail, by pressing the retaining plate against a second face of the rail opposite the first face, and pressing a lateral fin against the front face of said panel.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the at least one lateral fin comprises two lateral fins extending in two opposite directions from the upper branch, the lateral fins being configured to be supported, by a face called contact face, against, respectively, one and the other of front faces, opposite to the rear faces, of two adjacent panels and between which the main body is disposed.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the clamping rod passes through the lower branch, and is secured, by a free end, to the retaining plate.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the main body comprises two essentially parallel side walls laterally delimiting the lower branch, the transverse base and the upper branch, the lower branch also comprising a bottom, called the lower bottom, connecting the two side walls, each side wall comprises a free edge which extends continuously and internally delimits the lower branch, the transverse base and the upper branch.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the transverse base comprises two sections, called transverse sections, forming a transverse bottom, and folded towards each other, and each transverse section extending from an edge of one of the lateral walls opposite the free edge, and in which the lower bottom is extended by two folded strips and each bearing against an inner face of one of the transverse sections.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the upper branch comprises at its free end two sections, called end sections, opposite the cross sections, and folded towards each other.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the clamping rod comprising a thread, the lower bottom comprises a threaded barrel configured to cooperate with the clamping rod.

[0016] According to one embodiment, each lateral fin includes points projecting from the contact face so as to be able to scratch the front face when said lateral fin is in contact with said front face.

[0017] According to one embodiment, each side fin comprises folded tabs ending in one of the points.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the retaining plate comprises a central section, essentially flat, and two lateral sections extending on either side of the central section, the lateral sections being configured to allow retention by spring effect between two lateral faces of the rail.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the retaining plate is configured to allow insertion into a rail by its second face.

[0020] According to one embodiment, each lateral section has a convex shape on the face, called the nesting face, through which it is intended to be nested.

[0021] According to one embodiment, each lateral section comprises, from the central section to an edge, a first wall perpendicular to the central section, a second wall perpendicular to the first wall, and a spring wall, advantageously the spring wall comprises, from the second wall, a first spring section and a second spring, the first two spring sections extending convergently in the direction from the lower branch to the upper branch, and two second spring sections extending divergently in the same direction. Brief description of the drawings

[0022] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description that follows, with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

[0023] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a section of a panel equipped with a chassis, in particular, said section is represented according to a perspective view;

[0024] [Fig.2] Fig.2 is a perspective view representation of two chassis sections resting by their rear edge on a first face of a rail, in particular, the two chassis sections are each associated with a panel, the two panels being arranged side-by-side;

[0025] [Fig.3] Fig.3 is a representation of a rail along a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the axis of elongation of said rail;

[0026] [Fig.4] Fig.4 is a schematic representation, and according to a view in perspective, of the attachment system according to the present invention;

[0027] [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] is a schematic representation, in isolation, of the block main of the attachment system of [Fig.4], in particular the main block is shown in perspective view and in such a way as to be able to observe the lower bottom;

[0028] [Fig.6] Fig.6 is a schematic representation of the attachment system of the [Fig.4] arranged between two frame sections of two panels placed on a rail and adjacent to each other, in particular [Fig.6] represents the attachment system according to a perspective view from the contact face and in such a way as to observe the points directly above the front edge;

[0029] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] represents one of the lateral fins of the main block according to a view in perspective and from the contact side;

[0030] [Fig.8] The [Fig.8] is a schematic representation, and in isolation, of the main block of the attachment system of the [Fig.5], in particular the main block is represented according to another perspective view;

[0031] [Fig.9] Fig.9 is a schematic representation, in isolation, of the block main of the attachment system of [Fig.8], in particular the main block is represented in perspective view and in such a way as to be able to observe the transverse bottom;

[0032] [Fig. 10] The [Fig. 10] is a schematic partial representation, and in isolation, of the main block of the attachment system of the [Fig.9], in particular the main block is represented according to a perspective view and in such a way as to be able to observe the slats;

[0033] [Fig. 11] The [Fig. 11] is a schematic representation of the retaining plate of the attachment system of the [Fig.4] according to a perspective view and from its top face;

[0034] [Fig. 12] The [Fig. 12] is a schematic representation of the positioning of the fastening system and in particular of the retaining plate in the rail interlocking zone and before rail engagement;

[0035] [Fig. 13] The [Fig. 13] is a schematic representation of a panel engaged between the upper arm and the retaining plate of a fastening system and whose retaining plate is embedded in the interlocking area;

[0036] [Fig. 14] The [Fig. 14] is a schematic representation, and according to a perspective view, of the attachment system according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] [Fig. 15] The [Fig. 15] is a schematic representation, and according to a perspective view, of the main body of an attachment system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] The panel fastening system comprises a U-shaped main body consisting of an upper arm, a lower arm, and a transverse base connecting these two arms. This main body is designed to be placed between two adjacent panels, ensuring stable and reliable support for them on a rail. The upper arm has two lateral fins extending from each side of the main body. These fins are intended to bear against the front faces of the panels, thus holding each panel firmly in place against the rail structure.

[0039] To secure the panel to the rail, the system includes a retaining plate positioned between the lower and upper arms of the main body. The retaining plate is connected to the lower arm by a clamping rod, which passes through the lower arm and allows adjustment of the distance between the retaining plate and the upper arm (advantageously, the clamping rod may be threaded and is referred to hereafter as the threaded rod). By rotating the threaded rod, the distance between the retaining plate and the upper arm decreases, thus tightening the panel against the rail. This clamping mechanism is precise and offers adjustable tension, allowing the panel, regardless of its thickness, to be held firmly against the rail.

[0040] In certain embodiments, the lateral fins are provided with projecting points, extending beyond the contact face and designed to make contact with the panels. These points provide a more secure anchor, allowing the fins to grip the surface of the panels and reinforce the overall stability. Furthermore, the fins may also be equipped with folded tabs terminating in these points, thus increasing the holding capacity and reducing the risk of panel slippage when subjected to vibrations or other external forces. By gripping a metal frame supporting the panel, these points establish electrical contact and thus ensure electrical continuity between said frame and the rail on which the panel rests.

[0041] The main U-shaped body has a transverse base that connects the two arms of the U and, in some variations, is composed of sections folded towards each other. This reinforced configuration of the transverse base provides additional rigidity to the system, preventing deformation and ensuring that the fastening system retains its fastening properties, even under significant loads. The lower arm, for its part, has a bottom, also designed to offer increased stability. The bottom may include a threaded shaft for cooperating with the threaded rod, allowing for a secure fit and reliable fastening of the retaining plate.

[0042] The system is designed to adapt to a variety of installation conditions, offering a wide range of adjustability and enabling reliable and robust panel attachment to rails of different dimensions and characteristics. Reinforcing elements on various parts of the main body ensure good tensile and lateral force resistance, resulting in increased durability and consistent performance in potentially demanding environments.

[0043] In [Fig. 1], a section of a panel 1 can be seen, fitted with a frame 2 holding said panel around its entire periphery. The frame 2 comprises in this respect a contour wall 2a, essentially perpendicular to the surface formed by the panel 1 and by which the panel is held to the frame 2. The contour wall 2a also includes edge, called front edge 3, accessible by a front face 4 of the panel 1. The frame 2 generally comprises an electrically conductive material and in particular a metal, for example aluminium.

[0044] The frame 2 also includes a return 2b that is essentially flat and folded inward from a rear edge 6 of the contour wall 2a and accessible via a rear face 5 opposite the front face 4. The return 2b is in particular flat and in a plane parallel to the plane formed by the panel 1. Furthermore, the width of the return 2b can be essentially constant around the entire perimeter of the frame 2.

[0045] Fig. 2 represents two sections of two frames 2 of two adjacent panels resting on their rear face on a first face 11 of a rail 10. It is assumed that a panel 1 resting on the rail 10 by the rear edge 6 of its frame 2 also rests on its rear face 5 on said rail 10.

[0046] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the rail 10 along a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to its elongation direction. In particular, the rail 10 includes a retaining section 12 on which the panel 1 is intended to be placed. More specifically, the retaining section 12 includes a retaining face 14 delimited by the first face 11 and a second face 13, opposite the first face 11. The retaining section 12 also includes two lateral faces 15 and 16, opposite each other with respect to the retaining face 14, and extending laterally from said retaining face 14 in a direction opposite to the first face 11. More specifically, the retaining face and the two lateral faces 15 and 16 form a slotted area 17 into which a retaining plate, which will be described in detail later in this statement, can be slotted by the second face. As illustrated in [Fig.3] the two lateral panels 15 and 16 can be parallel to each other..

[0047] As indicated at the beginning of this detailed description, the present invention relates to a fastening system for holding one or two panels by their rear faces on the first face of the rail. More particularly, the fastening system according to the present invention is configured to hold two panels resting adjacently, by their rear faces, on the first face of the rail. In this respect, the fastening system is arranged between the two panels that it holds.

[0048] Fig. 4 is a schematic representation, and in perspective view, of the attachment system 100 according to the present invention.

[0049] In particular, the fastening system 100 comprises a main body 200, a retaining plate 300 and a threaded rod 400.

[0050] The main body 200, shown alone in [Fig. 5], is U-shaped. More specifically, the main body 200 comprises an upper arm 201 and a lower branch 202, and a transverse base 203 connecting the lower branch 202 and the upper branch 201.

[0051] The main body 200 also includes two lateral fins 204 and 205 which extend in two opposite directions from the upper branch 201.

[0052] The lateral fins 204 and 205 are configured in particular so that they are both supported, by a face, referred to as contact face 204a and 205a, against, respectively, one and the other of the front faces 4 of two adjacent panels 1 and between which the main body 200 is disposed. [Fig. 6] illustrates in this respect the attachment system 100 of the present invention disposed between two frames 2, said frames 2 resting on a rail 10. In this [Fig. 6], each lateral fin 204 and 205 is located directly above a front edge 3.

[0053] Advantageously, each side fin 204 and 205 includes points 206 projecting from the contact face 204a and 205a so as to be able to scratch the front face 3 when said side fin 204, 205 is in contact with said front face 3. These points, by scratching the front face 3, allow the establishment of an electrical contact and thus ensure electrical continuity between the chassis and the rail on which the panel in question rests.

[0054] Advantageously, and as illustrated in [Fig.6] and [Fig.7], each lateral fin 204, 205 may include folded tabs 207 ending with one of the points 206. It is understood without needing to specify that each tab 207 is projecting relative to the contact face of the lateral fin on which it is formed.

[0055] According to a particular embodiment, the main body 200 may be the result of shaping a metal plate. In particular, the shaping may include punching and / or cutting and / or bending steps.

[0056] Thus, the main body 200 can comprise two lateral walls 210a and 210b essentially parallel to each other and laterally delimiting the lower branch 202, the transverse base 203 and the upper branch 201.

[0057] According to this particular embodiment, the lower branch 202 may include a bottom, called the lower bottom 202a, connecting the two lateral walls 210a and 210b.

[0058] Each side wall 210a and 210b may include a free edge 21la and 211b which extends continuously and internally delimits the lower branch 202, the transverse base 203 and the upper branch 201. More particularly, the free edges 21la and 211b may be curved, internally or externally (as illustrated in [Fig.8]), in order to reinforce the mechanical strength of the main body 200.

[0059] As illustrated in [Fig. 9], the transverse base 203 may comprise two sections, referred to as transverse sections 204a and 204b, forming a transverse bottom 204. In particular, the two cross sections 204a and 204b are folded towards each other, and extend from an edge of one of the side walls 210a and 210b opposite the free edge 211a and 211b.

[0060] Advantageously, the lower bottom 202a is extended by two folded slats 205a and 205b, each bearing against an inner face of one of the cross sections 204a and 204b ([Fig. 10]).

[0061] As illustrated in [Fig.8], the upper branch 201 may include at its free end two sections, called end sections 201a and 201b, opposite the cross sections 204a and 204b, and folded towards each other.

[0062] Fig. 11 is a schematic representation of the retaining plate 300 in isolation and according to a perspective view.

[0063] In particular, the retaining plate 300 includes in particular an upper face 301 and an lower face 302, and is disposed between the upper branch 201 and the lower branch 202, the upper face 301 facing the upper branch 201 ([Fig.4]).

[0064] As illustrated in [Fig.4], the retaining plate is mechanically linked to the lower branch 202 by means of the threaded rod 400.

[0065] By way of example, the threaded rod passes through the lower branch, and in particular the lower bottom, and is joined by a free end of its threaded rod to the retaining plate.

[0066] More specifically, the lower bottom 202a includes a threaded barrel 208 configured to cooperate with the threaded rod 400.

[0067] More particularly, the threaded rod 400 is configured to allow adjustment of the distance between the retaining plate 300 and the upper arm 201. This adjustment allows in particular a clamping of the panel 1 against the first face 11 of the rail 10, by support of the retaining plate 300 against the second face 13 of the rail, and support of a lateral fin 204, 205 against the front face 3 of said panel.

[0068] By way of example, the retaining plate 300 may include a central section 303, essentially flat, and two lateral sections 304 extending on either side of the central section 303. The lateral sections 304 are in particular configured to allow for spring-effect retention between two lateral faces of the rail.

[0069] The retaining plate 300 can, in particular, be integral with the threaded rod 400 by means of the central section 303. For example, and without limiting the invention to this aspect alone, the central section 303 can include a stamped area 303a configured to cooperate with the free end of the threaded rod 400. In particular, the stamped area 303a forms a recess in which the free end of the threaded rod 400 can be housed and retained by tabs 303b projecting internally into the recess. Alternatively, a groove on the free end can be provided. of the threaded rod configured to cooperate with the 303b cleats and thus allow better mechanical fastening between said and the retaining plate.

[0070] More particularly, the side sections 304 can be configured to allow the fitting and retention by spring effect in the interlocking zone 17 of the rail 10. More particularly, the two side sections 304 can be configured to exert a force against the two side faces 15 and 16 and thus participate in retaining the retaining plate 300 in the interlocking zone.

[0071] Again by way of example, each lateral section 304 has a convex shape on the upper face and by which it is intended to be fitted.

[0072] Advantageously, each lateral section 304 comprises, from the central section 303 to an edge, a first wall 304a perpendicular to the central section, a second wall 304b perpendicular to the first wall 304c, and a spring wall 305. Advantageously and without limiting this, the spring wall 305 comprises, from the second wall 304b, a first spring section 305a and a second spring 305b, the first two spring sections 305a extending convergently in the direction from the lower branch 202 to the upper branch 201, and the second two spring sections 305b extending divergently in the same direction.

[0073] Advantageously, each lateral section 304 can be provided with claws, called lateral claws 305c, projecting laterally from the lateral section 304 in question. In particular, each lateral claw 305c can be arranged at the end of a strip bent from a lateral section. These lateral claws 305c allow for

[0074] When the retaining plate is inserted into the interlocking area, the lateral claws 305c grip the lateral faces 15 and 16 of the rail and establish electrical contact between the rail and the fastening system. This electrical contact thus ensures electrical continuity between the fastening system and the rail.

[0075] Thus, the fastening system according to the present invention makes it possible to hold the panel 1, by its rear face, onto the first face of a rail. The implementation of the holding system 100 can initially include engaging the retaining plate 300 in the interlocking zone ([Fig. 12]). Following this step, the fastening system is secured to the rail. In particular, the two spring walls 305 are each in contact with, and exert a force against, respectively, one and the other of the two lateral faces 15 and 16, and thus hold the fastening system to the rail.

[0076] It is then possible to engage the panel (a section of its frame) between the first face of the rail and the upper arm of said fastening system without having to hold or manipulate said fastening system, and to proceed to tighten said panel between the first face 14 and a lateral fin 205.

[0077] This tightening includes in particular the manipulation of the threaded rod (which can be a screw or a nut) in order to reduce the distance between the retaining plate and the upper arm.

[0078] The invention also relates to another embodiment, referred to as the second embodiment, of the fastening system. The fastening system according to this second embodiment, illustrated in [Fig. 14], essentially reproduces the technical elements of the embodiment described in relation to [Fig. 4] in [Fig. 13].

[0079] This second embodiment differs from the embodiment described in relation to [Fig.4] to [Fig. 13] in that the clamping rod is not threaded and includes circumferential ridges 401 configured to cooperate by snapping with a barrel 209 projecting relative to the lower bottom 202a.

[0080] The invention also relates to a third embodiment of the fastening system which may essentially incorporate all, or some, of the features of the other two embodiments. The fastening system according to this third embodiment is illustrated in [Fig. 15] (this representation is limited to the main body).

[0081] According to this third embodiment, the main body 200 comprises only one lateral fin 204 and may comprise only one lateral wall (conforming to either of the two lateral walls 210a, 210B of [Fig.8].

[0082] It is noteworthy that the fastening system described above, in addition to its simplicity of implementation, allows for the accommodation of variable panel thicknesses.

[0083] Furthermore, the implementation of the fastening system according to the present invention is not limited to the sole consideration of a rail as illustrated in [Fig.3].

[0084] The invention also relates to an assembly consisting of at least one panel arranged on a rail and clamped against this rail by means of the fastening system.

[0085] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and alternative embodiments can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

Demands

1. Attachment system (100) for holding a panel (1), by one of its faces called rear face, on a first face (11) of a rail (10), the attachment system (100) comprising: - a main body (200) in the shape of a U which includes an upper arm (201) and a lower arm (202), and a transverse base (203) connecting the lower arm (202) and the upper arm (201), the main body (200) also includes at least one lateral fin (204, 205) configured to be in contact, by a face called contact face (204a, 205a), against a front face, opposite to the rear face, of the panel (1);- a retaining plate (300), disposed between the upper arm (201) and the lower arm (202), and connected to the lower arm (202) by means of a clamping rod (400), the clamping rod (400) being configured to allow adjustment of the distance between the retaining plate (300) and the upper arm (201), and thus allow clamping of the panel (1) against the first face (11) of the rail (10), by bearing the retaining plate (300) against a second face of the rail (10) opposite the first face (11), and bearing a lateral fin (204, 205) against the front face of said panel (1).;

2. Attachment system (100) according to claim 1, wherein at least one side fin (204, 205) comprises two side fins extending in two opposite directions from the upper arm (201), the side fins being configured to be supported, by a face called contact face (204a, 205a), against, respectively, one and the other of front faces, opposite to the rear faces, of two adjacent panels (l)x and between which the main body (200) is disposed.

3. Attachment system (100) according to claim 2, wherein the clamping rod (400) passes through the lower arm (202), and is secured, by a free end, to the retaining plate (300).

4. Attachment system (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the main body (200) comprises two essentially parallel side walls (210a, 210b) laterally delimiting the lower arm (202), the transverse base (203) and the upper arm (201), the lower arm (202) also comprising a bottom, called lower bottom (202a) connecting the two lateral walls (210a, 210b), each lateral wall includes a free edge (21a, 211b) which extends continuously and internally delimits the lower branch (202), the transverse base (203) and the upper branch (201).

5. Attachment system (100) according to claim 4, wherein the transverse base (203) comprises two sections, referred to as transverse sections, forming a transverse bottom, and folded towards each other, and each transverse section extending from an edge of one of the side walls (210a, 210b) opposite the free edge (211a, 211b), and wherein the lower bottom is extended by two folded slats, each bearing against an inner face of one of the transverse sections.

6. Attachment system (100) according to claim 5, wherein the upper arm (201) comprises at its free end two sections, called end sections, opposite to the cross sections, and folded towards each other.

7. Attachment system (100) according to any one of claims 4 to 6 in combination with claim 2, wherein the clamping rod (400) includes a thread, the lower bottom (202a) includes a barrel (208) and is configured to cooperate with the clamping rod (400).

8. Attachment system (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein each side fin (204, 205) comprises points projecting from the contact face (204a, 205a) so as to be able to scratch the front face when said side fin (204, 205) is in contact with said front face.

9. Attachment system (100) according to claim 8, wherein each side fin (204, 205) comprises folded tabs (207) terminating in one of the points.

10. Attachment system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the retaining plate (300) comprises a central section (303), essentially flat, and two lateral sections (304) extending on either side of the central section (303), the lateral sections (304) being configured to allow spring-effect retention between two lateral faces of the rail (10).

11. Attachment system (100) according to claim 10, wherein the retaining plate (300) is configured to allow insertion into a rail (10) by its second face.

12. Attachment system (100) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein each lateral section (304) has a convex shape through the face, called the nesting face, through which it is intended to be nested.

13. Attachment system (100) according to claim 12, wherein each side section (304) comprises, from the central section (303) to an edge, a first wall (304a) perpendicular to the central section (303), a second wall (304b) perpendicular to the first wall (304a), and a spring wall, advantageously the spring wall comprises, from the second wall (304b), a first spring section (305a) and a second spring section (305b), the first two spring sections extending convergently in the direction from the lower branch (202) to the upper branch (201), and two second spring sections extending divergently in the same direction.

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