FR2956199A1 - Device for fixation of photovoltaic module on bearing structure e.g. frame of roof, has band arranged next to longitudinal edge and carrying hook, which extends along direction perpendicular to band, where hook is fixed on metal plate - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has longitudinal edges (106, 116) extended on both sides of a plane main veil (102). A band (108) is arranged next to one of the longitudinal edges and folded in a direction of a face (1022) of the main veil. Another band (118) is arranged next to one of the longitudinal edges and carries a hook (122), which extends along a direction perpendicular to the latter band. The hooks are distributed over the length of other longitudinal edge. Each hook and a metal plate (10) are formed as a single piece. Each hook is fixed on the metal plate by riveting or screwing. An independent claim is also included for a photovoltaic module comprising a stuck.

Description

Device for fixing at least one photovoltaic module on a supporting structure, module equipped with such a device and a set of such modules

The invention relates to a device that allows to fix one or more photovoltaic modules on a supporting structure such as a roof, while ensuring sealing. For the purposes of the present invention, a photovoltaic module is a set of interconnected solar cells completely protected against the environment. A photovoltaic module may or may not be equipped with a peripheral frame.

In the field of the production of electrical energy from photovoltaic modules, it is known to use tanks or membranes in the underside of modules to achieve the seal, with the cover, which does not allow integration into the plan of the roof. Some modules include a cover strip devoid of a photovoltaic cell, intended to be covered by an adjacent module and in which there are formed through holes of fasteners, such as nails or screws. These orifices do not provide a good seal because they are in the recovery plan necessary to ensure this seal. The surface of each module is then artificially increased, which is unfavorable in terms of cost, insofar as additional parts related to the module are needed and where the front and rear glass panels of the modules are more important. In the latter case, the risk of damage to the module when installing the fasteners is important. In addition, given their size, these modules are relatively heavy and difficult to handle. They can slide relative to each other while pausing on an incline.

It is these drawbacks that the invention intends to remedy more particularly by proposing a new fastening device which makes it possible to easily implement and maintain effectively at least one photovoltaic module, without the need to oversize it, while guaranteeing a good tightness of the modules between them.

The invention relates to a device for fixing at least one photovoltaic cell module to a carrier structure. This device is characterized in that it is formed of a metal plate cut, folded and which comprises: - a substantially plane main web; two longitudinal edges extending on either side of the main web;

2 - a first band adjoining a first longitudinal edge and folded towards a first face of the main sail; - A second band adjacent to the second longitudinal edge and which carries at least one hook, which extends in a direction perpendicular to the second band. Thanks to the invention, the device allows, by its first longitudinal edge, to block the flow of runoff water may appear on a cover in case of rain and wind combined. The second longitudinal edge allows to maintain in place another photovoltaic module positioned above, with its or hooks.

According to advantageous but non-obligatory aspects of the invention, such a fixing device can incorporate one or more of the following features taken in any technically permissible combination: Several hooks are distributed along the length of the second longitudinal edge. - The or each hook is integral with the metal plate and obtained by localized cutting and folding thereof. Alternatively, the or each hook is attached to the metal plate, in particular by riveting or screwing. - The second band is connected to the main sail by an intermediate band defined between two fold lines parallel to a longitudinal axis of the plate, while the intermediate band is inclined relative to the main web and in a direction perpendicular to this longitudinal axis at an angle between 0 ° and 45 °. - The second longitudinal edge carries a third band folded towards the second face of the main web, which is opposite its first face, that is to say oriented opposite the hooks. The invention also relates to a photovoltaic module to be placed on a support structure, this module being equipped with a fixing device as mentioned above. According to a first embodiment, the device is screwed directly onto it. Bosses make it possible to put out of water the holes necessary for the fasteners on the structure. In this case the photovoltaic module is glued directly under the second band of the fixing device in the vicinity of the hooks. Alternatively, the device is stuck on a U-shaped profiled piece in which is glued the photovoltaic module. In this case the discontinuous zone between the hooks comprises a third band folded towards the main web with an acute angle between 10 ° and 60 °. This third band is engaged in the open wing of the U-shaped profile and thus bind the two parts. The connection between the U-shaped profile and the supporting structure is provided by staples fixed to the structure and positioned opposite the hook or hooks of the device. Thus, there is no water penetration possible. The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly in the light of the following description of two embodiments of a fixing device, an equipped module and a set of modules in accordance with its principle, given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a photovoltaic module equipped with a fixing device according to the invention; FIG. 2 is a view on a larger scale of the detail II in FIG. 1, a part of another module being shown in phantom only in this figure, FIG. 3 is a partial side view in the direction of the arrow. F3 in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a view in principle, comparable to FIG. 2, of a set of photovoltaic modules incorporating the module of FIG. 1 and placed on a carrying structure; FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. figure 3 for r a fixing device, a module and a set of modules according to a second embodiment of the invention. The photovoltaic module 2 represented in FIG. 1 comprises sixteen photovoltaic cells 4 arranged between a bottom plate 6 and a translucent front plate 8, as well as a junction box 9 fixed to the bottom plate 6. The elements 4, 6, 8 and 9 together constitute the module 2. A plate 10 constitutes a device for fastening the module 2 on a supporting structure, such as a roof structure, comprising L-strips and / or flights. X2 is a longitudinal axis of the module 2. The longitudinal axis X, o of the fixing plate 10 is parallel to the axis X2. The fixing plate 10 is secured to the front plate 8 of the module 2, in the vicinity of a longitudinal edge 22 of the module 2, by means of a bead of adhesive or silicone 12. The plate 10 comprises a main web 102 substantially plane in which are made four bosses 104 forming an extra thickness, the side of a first face 1022 of the web 102. Alternatively, the number of bosses 104 may be different from four.

The geometry of the plate 10 allows it to ensure the attachment of the module 2 on the L-strips and / or the furrows of the frame, by inserting a screw V through a sealing washer R and an orifice 124 formed in each of the bosses 104 and screwing this screw into one of the battens L or one of the rafters of the frame. As the bosses 104 project from the face 1022 of the web 102 visible in FIGS. 1 and 2, any flow of water on the strip 102, on the side of its face 1022, is not likely to penetrate on the structural side. L, comprising the battens since the bosses 104 each constitute an elevation for the orifice 124 of each boss 104 in which is engaged a screw V. The fixing plate 10 is made by folding and cutting a galvanized steel sheet. It can also be made of aluminum alloy, stainless material or protected against corrosion or synthetic material. The plate 10 comprises a first longitudinal edge 106 which adjoins the web 102. A strip 108 of the plate 10 runs along the edge 106 and is folded towards the face 1022. The angle 0 between the strip 108 and the web 102 is acute. preferably between 10 and 60 °. This band 108 provides a sealing function of the plate 10 insofar as water flowing in the direction of the arrows F2 and F'2 can not reach the level of the supporting structure. The plate 10 is folded along two fold lines 110 and 112 which are parallel to the axis X, where the line 110 is closer to the edge 106 than the line 112. A strip 120 is defined between the two lines of Folding 110 and 112. The angle α between the strips 102 and 120 is between 0 and 45 °. A strip 118 is defined beyond the fold line 112 opposite the web 102 relative to the web 120. The plate 10 is also provided with two tabs, only one of which is visible in the figures with the reference 121, and extending from the transverse edges of the web 118. The tabs 121 and the like overlap the transverse edges 24 and 25 of the module 2. In practice, the tabs 121 and the like are hook-shaped and comprise a end tab, visible with the reference 1212 in Figure 3 for the tongue 121, which bears against the bottom plate 6 of the module 2 on which is mounted the plate 10. The tongues 121 and equivalent therefore contribute, with the glue bead 12, the positioning and fixing of the plate 10 on the module 2. The plate 10 comprises a second longitudinal edge 116 adjacent to the strip 118. The edge 116 is provided with four hooks 122 which extend from of the strip 118, opposite the tabs 121, that is to say projecting from the side of the face 1182 of the strip 118 which is located, with respect to this strip, on the same side as the face 1022 relative to The hooks therefore extend, with respect to the strip 118 and in the Y-Y 'direction, in the same direction as the strip 108. The interior volume of a hook 122 is denoted by V122. ie the volume delimited between this hook and the band 118.

Note 26 the longitudinal edge of the module 2 which is not equipped with the plate 10 and which is opposite the edge 22. When a module 2 is immobilized on a roof, it is possible to engage, in the hooks 122 of the fixing plate 10 which is associated with it, a longitudinal edge 26 'of an identical module 2', this edge 26 'not being equipped with a fixing plate 10. In other words, the hooks 122 of the fixing plate 10 mounted on a first module 2 can retain in place the lower edge 26 'of a second identical module 2', itself equipped with a fixing plate 10 'whose hooks 122' can retain in place the lower edge 26 "of a third identical module 2", as shown in FIG. 4. The volumes V122 and equivalent of the hooks 122 and 122 'therefore constitute reception volumes of the free edges 26' and 26 "of the modules 2 'and 2 ". In FIG. 2, part of a module 2 'is shown in phantom, engaged by its edge 26' in the internal volume V122 of a hook 122 of the plate 10. Thus, each fixing device formed by a plate 10 or 10 'allows by gluing to ensure the attachment of a module 2 or 2' it equips on a roof and to ensure the positioning and maintenance of another module 2 'or 2 "including a longitudinal edge 26 "or 26" is engaged in its hooks 122 'or 122 ". In the second embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5, elements similar to those of the first embodiment bear the same references. which follows only describes what distinguishes this embodiment from the previous one: the web 102 is coplanar with the webs 118 and 120. In other words, the angle identified with reference to the first embodiment is here approximately equal to 0 ° and the plate 10 does not include similar fold lines s at lines 110 and 112 of the first embodiment.

The web 102 is devoid of boss 104 and the fixing plate 10 is secured to the module 2 by wedging the plate 10 on a U-shaped section 40, secured to the module 2 by gluing. More specifically, the second longitudinal edge 116 of the plate 10 is equipped, between the hooks 122, with a third strip 128 which is folded towards the face 1024 of the web 102 which is opposite its face 1022 defined as in the first embodiment. In other words, the band 128 extends, with respect to the band 118 and at an angle 8 between 10 ° and 60 °, opposite the hooks 122. Moreover, the edge 22 of the module 2 is glued in the U-profile 40 which extends over its entire length. The flange 42 of the U-profile 40 which abuts the front plate 8 of the photovoltaic module 2 comprises a strip 44 which diverges from the front plate 8 away from this plate 8, so that it is created between this strip 42 and the front face 8 a volume V44 triangular section and in which can be engaged the third strip 128 of the plate 10 which is then wedged by cooperation of shapes relative to the U-shaped section 40 and the rest of the module 2. In d In other words, the strips 128 and 44 of the elements 10 and 40 constitute hooking means between these elements which make it possible to secure them to equip the module 2 with the fixing plate 10. Moreover, staples 50 are distributed at the hooks 122 on the edge 116 and abut on the strip 44 of the U-profile 40. These clips are immobilized on L-shaped battens or flaps of the frame by means of screws V or nails. For example, four staples 50 may be used along the length of the strip 44 in line with the four hooks 122 and thus bind the plate 10, via the strip 128 and the strip 44 of the U-profile 40, to the structure. This second embodiment of the invention is used as follows: Firstly, the module 2 is inserted into the U-shaped section 40, taking care to arrange the strip 44 of this U-shaped section on its side. 8. The U-profile 40 and the module 2 are bonded with glue. The U-shaped section 40 and the module 2 are then immobilized on the load-bearing structure L by means of the staples 50 themselves screwed or nailed to this structure. It is then possible to relate the fixing plate 10 to the U-shaped section 40 and the module 2 by engaging its third band 128 in the volume V44 defined by the U-profile 40 and the front plate 8 of the module 2. It can then be put in place the free edge of another module in the internal volume V122 of the hooks 122 of the plate 10, as explained for the first embodiment with reference to FIGS. 2 and 4. The plate 10 of this embodiment provides a sealing function, thanks to its first band 108, like that of the first embodiment, while it provides a support function and immobilization of the lower part of a module engaged in its hooks 122, as in the first embodiment. In both embodiments, each plate 10 thus has a triple function, namely: a function of fixing a module 2 on a structure L either by screws or nails planted at the bosses 104, or by staples 50 which fit into a U-shaped section 40, itself encased with the edge 128 of the plate 10. a sealing function with respect to rainwater and wind combined, thanks to the first folded strip 108, a support function or attachment of another module 2 'whose free longitudinal edge 26 or equivalent is received in the hooks 122 of the plate 10 The hooks 122 are made by cutting and localized bending of the fixing plate 10, which is particularly advantageous because the hooks 122 are captive and obtained particularly economically. Alternatively, the hooks 122 may be made by inserts on the plates 10, in particular riveted or screwed. In this case, the thickness of these parts may be greater than the thickness of the rest of the plate 10, which gives them excellent rigidity, without substantially increasing the total weight of the plate 10 and the module 2 equipped with this plate .

The invention has been shown in the case where the plate 10 is equipped with four retaining hooks 122. However, the number of hooks 122 may be adapted, depending on the length of the module 2 to be equipped and its weight. For a short module, the plate 10 can be equipped with a single hook. For a long module, the plate can be equipped with one to more than ten hooks.

Whatever the embodiment considered, the fixing plate 10 ensures a permanent immobilization of the modules 2, 2 ', 2 "on a supporting structure, such as a terrace, a roof or a wall, while being easily manipulated by a poser who can act intuitively when using it.

Claims (1)

CLAIMS1.- Device for fixing at least one module (2, 2 ', 2 ") photovoltaic on a supporting structure (L), characterized in that it is formed of a metal plate cut (10, 10' ) and folded and which comprises: - a substantially plane main web (102) - two longitudinal edges (106, 116) extending on both sides of the main web, a first web (108) adjoining a first longitudinal edge 106 and folded towards a first face (1022) of the main sail, a second band (118) adjoining the second longitudinal edge 106, and carrying at least one hook (122) which extends in a direction perpendicular to the second band (118). 2.- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of hooks (122) distributed along the length of the second longitudinal edge (116). 3.- Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the or each hook (122) is integral with the metal plate (10) and obtained by localized cutting and folding thereof. 4.- Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the or each hook is attached to the metal plate, in particular by riveting or screwing. 5.- Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second strip (118) is connected to the main web (102) by an intermediate strip (120) defined between two fold lines (110, 112) parallel to a longitudinal axis (X10) of the plate (10) and in that the intermediate strip is inclined, with respect to the main web (102) and in a direction perpendicular to this longitudinal axis, by an angle (a) between 0 and 45 °. 6.- Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second longitudinal edge (116) carries a third band (128) folded towards the second face (1024) of the main sail (102), which is opposite at his first face (1022). 7. Photovoltaic module (2, 2 ', 2 ") to be placed on a supporting structure, characterized in that it is equipped with a fixing device (10, 10') according to one of the preceding claims. 8. Module according to claim 7, characterized in that the fastening device (10) is glued (12), by its second strip (118), on a front plate (8) of the module (2), in the vicinity of a longitudinal edge (22) of this module. 9. Module according to claim 7, characterized in that an edge (22) of a module (2) is capped by a profile (40) which comprises a lateral strip (44) divergent with respect to a front face ( 8) of the module (2), away from the edge (22) of the module, in that the fixing device (10) is according to claim (6) and in that the third strip (128) of the fixation (10) is engaged between the diverging strip of the U-profile (40) and the front face of the module (8). 10.- set of photovoltaic modules according to one of claims 7 to 9, placed on a carrier structure (L), wherein an edge (26 ', 26 ") of at least one module (2', 2") , opposite the edge of this module on which its fastening device (10 ') is attached, is engaged in the interior volume (V122) of the hook (s) (122, 122') of a fastening device (10 , 10 ') equipping an adjacent module (2, 2').