FR2963089A1 - Structure for maintaining photovoltaic panels in position with respect to frame i.e. roof framing, in cover of building, has lower transverse housing prolonged in outer side by cupping surface prolonged under upper panel - Google Patents

Abstract

The structure has a transverse section (4) arranged according to direction perpendicular to that of a slope and receiving an upper transverse edge of a lower panel and a lower transverse edge of an upper panel. The transverse section comprises a lower transverse housing (40). An assembly is formed of the lower transverse housing and an upper transverse housing (41) defining a sealed transverse barrier. The lower transverse housing is prolonged in outer side by a cupping surface (42) prolonged under the upper panel beyond an overlapping zone of the upper and lower panels. In INDEPENDENT CLAIM is also included for a cover for a building.

Description

STRUCTURE FOR HOLDING IN POSITION OF PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS IN RELATION TO A BUILDING

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to the field of laying and fixing systems for the integration of frameless (or laminated) photovoltaic panels directly onto a frame, such as a conventional roof or roof structure, in order to form a BIPV-type structure, ie a structure in which the photovoltaic element assumes, in addition to the power generation function, the role of the building element. such as the roof.

PRIOR ART A system for mounting and fixing frameless photovoltaic panels on a roof structure formed of rafters and battens may consist of a set of longitudinal profiles and holding hooks of roofer hooks type. The longitudinal profiles are arranged on the frame parallel to the rafters and preferably between two panels arranged side by side in a direction parallel to the battens so as to form a gutter to collect the water flowing between these panels. As for the holding hooks, they are fixed spaced directly on the lattice. Each hook is formed of a lower tab secured to an upper lug by a connecting wall, the tabs extending on either side of the connecting wall parallel to the slope in opposite directions. The lower leg is attached directly to one of the battens, and the upper leg supports a portion of the lower edge of a panel. In addition, the free end of the upper tab forms a stop so as to prevent sliding of the panel due to the slope. Furthermore, the seal at the junction between two adjacent panels arranged one below the other in the direction of the slope of the roof, is provided by a wink arrangement (or tile) of the panels. the same longitudinal row. The upper leg of a first panel is thus found at the base of the upper edge of a second panel disposed under the first panel so that the lower edge of the first panel overlaps the upper edge of the second panel.

The use of holding hooks is certainly a discreet and aesthetic solution, but it does not offer an optimal seal. Indeed, the water can go up under the panels in the areas of overlap, especially during heavy rains accompanied by wind, especially when the slope of the roof is not strong enough. In addition, the operation of setting the hooks can be tedious.

In addition, if standard manufacturing panels or photovoltaic modules are used, there is only a small width around the photovoltaic cells, so that the overlap of one panel over the other is limited to this width, since, for obvious reasons of efficiency for the production of electrical energy, the photovoltaic cells of the lower panel must not be masked by the upper panel from overlapping it. In doing so, sealing is greatly affected due to the short overlap length. It has certainly been proposed to put in place a lip seal between the two panels at the level of the overlap zone. However, such a seal is often inefficient, due to the lack of flatness of roofs often encountered, so that said seal is not in linear support over the entire overlap area.

In order to overcome these drawbacks, it has been proposed to use specific panels from special fabrications, having a wide glass border devoid of any photovoltaic cell at one of their edges. In doing so, it becomes possible to increase the overlap length or surface, without the risk of masking said photovoltaic cells. The tightness is then optimized. However, this technology uses, as already said, special panels, outbidding costs.

Finally, it has been proposed to implement at the level of the overlapping zone of the photovoltaic panels, a profile, clean on the one hand, to receive the edge of the lower panel, prohibiting any rise of the runoff water, and provided with means for attaching or securing fastening clips of the upper panel. These profiles receive at least one lip seal and a flat seal, to oppose the infiltration of water between the bottom panel and the top panel. In summary, these profiles necessarily require the presence of such seals to ensure effective sealing, making them more difficult to install.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In this context, the present invention is intended to provide a new structure for mounting and fixing photovoltaic panels, easy installation, ensuring a good maintenance of the panels relative to the frame and an optimal seal at the junction between two adjacent panels arranged one below the other in the direction of the slope of the roof, in the particular case of panels arranged in clinch, including in the case where the frame is not perfectly flat, or when it undergoes deformations due to the wind, the load born from the weight snow, or inherent to the settlements of the ground. This mounting structure is effective in the absence of any joint, whether lip or flat. In addition, it is likely to be implemented with standard non-framed photovoltaic panels, that is to say not provided with a specifically large glass border.

The invention thus relates to a structure for holding photovoltaic panels in position relative to a frame, in particular a roof structure having a water flow slope, comprising at least one transverse section arranged in a perpendicular direction. to that of the slope, and intended to receive the upper edge of a first panel or lower panel and the lower edge of a second panel or upper panel, partially overlapping said lower panel.

According to the invention, the transverse profile comprises at least: - a transverse lower housing adapted to receive the upper transverse edge of said first panel or lower panel; - And at least one transverse upper housing reported reversibly or not on the lower housing, adapted to fit at least a portion of the lower transverse edge of the second panel or upper panel arranged above the first panel in the direction of the slope; the assembly consisting of the lower housing and the upper housing defining a sealed transverse barrier; and, said lower housing further extending through a tiling surface extending beneath the second panel or top panel beyond the overlap area of said panels.

In other words, the invention consists in providing a profile arranged in such a way that barriers are created opposing any rise or infiltration of the rainwater, making it possible, on the one hand, to get rid of of all sealings, and secondly, to allow the assembly and assembly of standard non-framed photovoltaic panels.

According to the invention, the transverse lower housing has a U-shaped section, formed by a lower surface secured to an upper surface by a connecting wall, said connecting wall constituting the aforementioned barrier, and the tiling surface extending said lower surface, and the upper housing is formed by a lug extending from the free edge of the upper surface of the lower housing so that the upper housing also has a U-shaped section.

In this configuration, at least a portion of the transverse section has a section S, the upper housing formed by the upper portion of the S being adapted to receive a portion of the lower transverse edge of a panel, and the lower housing formed by the lower part of the S being adapted to receive the upper transverse edge of another adjacent panel arranged below said panel in the direction of the slope. The upper housing being in line with the lower housing, the lower transverse edge of said panel overlaps the upper transverse edge of said other panel, like tiles. In addition, a portion of the lug of the upper housing serves as a stop against said panel to prevent sliding of the panel due to the slope of the roof, and another portion serves to limit the lifting of the lower edge of said panel.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the lower housing is not U-shaped, but consists of a planar receiving zone of said first panel, then capable of being glued at this area, the tiling surface extending this flat area.

The lower housing preferably extends over at least the entire length of the transverse edge of the panel that it fits or receives. In doing so, there is no risk of rising water, especially by capillarity between the two panels overlapping.

The upper housing may also extend over the entire length of the transverse edge of the panel it fits or extend over a portion of the length of the transverse edge. Therefore, the transverse section may comprise one or more upper housings distributed vertically and along the lower housing.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the transverse section comprises for example a plurality of upper housings spaced apart along the profile. The spacings between two adjacent upper dwellings provide drainage areas to allow water to flow in the direction of the slope, thus avoiding water accumulation in the upper dwellings.

According to this configuration, the upper housing may consist of simple hooks, attached to the profile at a groove provided for this purpose, and in which it is inserted by simply sliding. Said hooks can be held in place in the groove, either by playing on their weak functional play in said groove, or by adding a material, especially plastic in their cooperation zone with the groove, and thus prevent inadvertent sliding in the groove of the latter.

Advantageously, the transverse section may further comprise a transverse channel extending from the free edge of said lower surface. This channel allows in particular to recover the accumulated condensate under the first panel.

The upper surface of the tiling surface may be provided with at least one transverse projection extending along said surface, to prevent possible upwellings.

The upper face of the tiling surface may also be provided with at least one transverse groove extending along said surface, this transverse groove may be intended to receive a seal or to recover the cumulative condensate under the second panel .

Advantageously, the lower housing can be filled with a paste type silicone or polyurethane, for the purpose of optimizing the seal at the upper edge of the first panel. In addition, it improves the maintenance of the upper edge of the first panel in the housing.

According to one embodiment, the securing means comprise at least: a connecting block intended to be fixed under the tiling surface; and a fixing bracket adapted to secure the connecting block to the longitudinal profile, said bracket comprising at least two wings.

For example, the bonding block may comprise at least: a bearing surface for supporting a portion of the tiling surface; - A vertical wall substantially perpendicular to the bearing surface provided with a through hole adapted to cooperate with a second fastening means for securing said vertical wall to one of the wings of the bracket.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the bearing surface has an opening and the lower face of the tiling surface is provided with at least one transverse fin extending along the tiling surface and having a L-shaped section retaining housing, said retaining housing being adapted to receive a portion of the edge of said opening so as to prevent slippage of the cross section due to the slope.

The invention also relates to a building roof, such as a roof, intended to be fixed on a roof structure having a water flow slope, comprising at least: longitudinal sections arranged on the frame according to the direction of the slope; sealing membranes disposed between two longitudinal profiles 20 adjacent to each other; and photovoltaic panels held in position relative to the roof frame by means of holding structures as described above, the transverse sections being arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal sections, and fixed to the longitudinal sections by means of fastening means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge clearly from the description which is given hereinafter, by way of indication and in no way limitative, with reference to the appended figures, in which: FIG. schematic representation of a portion of a roof covering provided with photovoltaic panels arranged in a clinch and held in position by means of holding structures according to one embodiment of the invention; - Figure 2 is an enlarged schematic view of the area referenced Y in Figure 1, showing the junction between two adjacent panels of the same line; FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic view of the zone referenced X in FIG. 1, showing the shape of the holding structure according to one embodiment of the invention; - Figure 4 is a schematic sectional view along the axis AA 'of the holding structure of Figure 3; - Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the transverse section according to one embodiment of the invention; - Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of the transverse section according to another embodiment of the invention; FIG. 7 is an enlarged schematic view of the zone referenced X in FIG. 1, showing the shape of the holding structure according to another embodiment of the invention; - Figure 8 is a schematic sectional view along the axis AA 'of the holding structure of Figure 7; - Figure 9 is a schematic sectional representation of another embodiment of the holding structure according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With reference to FIG. 1, a waterproof roof covering consists in particular of tiles and several successive rows of panels 1 or photovoltaic modules of frameless (or laminated) type fixed directly to a frame 2. in addition, this roof cover defines a direction of greater slope P according to which the runoff water, especially from the rain, is intended to flow.

In what follows, the terms "upper" and "lower" refer to the direction of flow of such runoff water on the roof covering. In addition, the term "transverse" refers to a direction perpendicular to that of the slope, and the term "longitudinal" refers to a direction parallel to that of the slope.

The panels are arranged so that two adjacent panels of the same line in a direction perpendicular to the slope of the roof covering, do not overlap. The water can flow through the spacing that could exist between the longitudinal edges 12, 13 of two adjacent panels 1 of the same line, as shown in Figure 2 in which the flow of water has been represented by the arrow referenced E.

To prevent water from seeping into the building, there is an under-roof screen 3 under the photovoltaic panels. More specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sub-roofing screen 3 may be composed of: longitudinal profiled sections 30 arranged on the frame 2 parallel to the direction of the slope P; and - sealing membranes 31, 32 stretched between the longitudinal sections 30.

Advantageously, each membrane 32 facing a spacing existing between the longitudinal edges 12, 13 of two adjacent panels 1 of the same line, constitutes a gutter for collecting the water flowing through this spacing, and each membrane 31 facing the underside of a panel 1 is an additional sealing screen. In contrast to the panel lines, two adjacent photovoltaic panels 1 of the same row in the direction of the slope P of the roof cover overlap, like the tiles, so as to limit water infiltration under the roof. the roof covering. Thus, the upper transverse edge 11 of a first panel overlaps the lower transverse edge of a second panel of the same row.

The mounting of these overlapping panels 1 and their holding in position relative to the frame 2 are obtained using the holding structures of the invention.

A structure for holding panels 1 in position on the frame comprises in particular: - a transverse section 4 arranged in a direction perpendicular to that of the slope P; and - securing means 5 of the transverse profile 4 to the longitudinal sections 30.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, each transverse section 4 is preferably fixed on two longitudinal sections 30.

Referring to Figures 3 to 8, and according to a first embodiment of the invention, the transverse section 4 comprises in particular: - a transverse lower housing 40 adapted to fit the upper transverse edge 11 of a first photovoltaic panel 1a; a plurality of transverse upper housings 41 directly above the lower housing 40, distributed along the transverse section, each being able to fit a portion of the lower transverse edge 10 of a second photovoltaic panel 1b arranged above the first panel; the in the direction of the slope P; and a tiling surface 42 intended to be secured to the securing means 5, and extending the transverse lower housing 40, so as to be positioned facing the lower surface of the second panel 1b, and thus able to considerably increase the surface area. effective overlap.

The transverse section 4 may furthermore be provided (FIGS. 3 to 6) or not (FIGS. 7 and 8) with a transverse channel 43 secured to or emanating from the lower housing 40 and intended to face the underside of the first panel. and recover the accumulated condensate under this first panel la. Advantageously, the ends of the trench 43 are each placed in line with one of the gutters so as to allow the evacuation of water.

More specifically, the lower housing 40 has a U-shaped section and is formed by a lower surface 400 secured to an upper surface 401 by a connecting wall 402. This latter form barrier against any rise of the runoff water, likely to infiltrating between said first panel la and the lower surface 400.

In addition, and as can clearly be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the tiling surface 42 extends said lower surface 400 of the lower housing 40.

Each upper housing 41 is formed by a tab 410 extending from the free edge of the upper surface 401 of the lower housing 40 so that the upper housing 41 has a U-shaped section. As a result, certain portions of the transverse section have a cross section. These upper housings are advantageously shaped so that they fulfill the function of gripping the lower transverse selvedge 10 of the second panel lb, to ensure a real mechanical strength of the latter.

These upper housings can be reported, in particular reversibly on the section 4. In this configuration, said upper housing consists of hooks, whose base is slidable in a groove, provided for this purpose within said profile.

This configuration allows the winking arrangement of the panels of the same longitudinal row. In addition, the tabs 410 of the upper housings 41 serve both as a stop to the second panel 1b to prevent its sliding in the direction of the slope P, and pinch structure to limit the lifting of the lower transverse edge 10 of this second panel lb.

Furthermore, the upper housings 41 are preferably distributed on the transverse section spaced from each other. The spacing between two upper housings 41 constitutes a drainage zone 411 which allows the water to flow, thus avoiding the accumulation of water in these upper housings 41. In order to improve the waterproofness of the roof , the upper face of the upper housing may be provided with a plurality of transverse grooves 412 (Figure 6), each extending along the upper surface 401 and being adapted to prevent possible upwellings. In addition, the lower housing 40 may be filled with a silicone or polyurethane paste suitable for coating the upper edge 11 of the first panel 1a. This paste is preferably arranged so as to fill the gap which could exist between the upper edge 11 of the first panel 1a and the inside of the lower housing 40, to ensure both the sealing but also the preservation of the selvedge upper 11 of the first panel la in the housing 40.

The tiling surface 42 is substantially coplanar with the lower surface 400 of the lower housing 40, and extends from the connecting wall 402 in a direction opposite to that of the lower surface 400. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 8, the upper face of this tiling surface 42 may be provided with a plurality of transverse protrusions 420 extending along the tiling surface 42 to prevent any upwellings, either because of the wind or because of and a transverse groove 421 extending along the tiling surface 42 for receiving a seal or for recovering condensate accumulated under the second panel 1b. This tiling surface 42 is also provided with two orifices 422 through which are arranged at the lateral edges of said surface, and which are adapted to cooperate with first fixing means 61, such as screws, to secure the transverse section 5.5 Advantageously, the profile 4 is longer than the width of the panels 1a, 1b. In doing so, it protrudes on both sides of said panels. Thus, there is a spacing shim between two adjacent panels in the transverse direction, avoiding the risk of interlocking between said panels, the profiles being in turn fixed edge to edge.

The securing means 5 (FIGS. 4 and 8) comprise in particular: a connecting block 50 intended to be fixed under the tiling surface; and a fixing bracket 51 formed of at least two wings 510, 511 and capable of securing the connection block 50 to one of the longitudinal profiles 30.

The connecting block 50 comprises: a bearing surface 500 intended to support a portion of the tiling surface 42; a vertical wall 501 substantially perpendicular to the bearing surface 500, this vertical wall 501 being provided with a through orifice 502 adapted to cooperate with a second fastening means 62, such as a nut and a screw, for securing the vertical wall 501; at one of the wings 510 of the square. The other wing 511 of the bracket 51 is fixed on the longitudinal profile 30 by means of a third attachment means 63, such as a screw and a nut.

The bearing surface 500 may further have an opening and the underside of the tiling surface 42 may further be provided with a transverse vane 423 (Figures 4 and 5) extending along the tiling surface 42 and having an L-shaped section forming a retaining housing. This retaining housing receives a portion of the edge 503 of the opening of the bearing surface 500 so as to prevent slippage of the transverse section due to the slope.

According to another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, it is possible to provide several fins 623, the structure of the connection block 50 then being adapted accordingly.

According to another embodiment not shown, the section may comprise only one upper housing occupying a portion or the entire length of the cross section.

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the holding structure of the invention. According to the latter, the lower housing 40 is not constituted by a U-shaped, but a flat area, adapted to receive by gluing the lower face of the upper edge of the first panel la. The upper housing 41 emanates from the underside of said lower housing. In this case, the whole is derived from die, then one carries out localized machining to avoid the retention of runoff water. It is also possible to report said upper housing on the lower housing.

The maintenance structure thus proposed makes it possible both to maintain the panels arranged in a clinch, but also to limit the infiltration of water into the roof covering, while avoiding the implementation of joint.

It is advantageously made of aluminum, by die, and is therefore easily achievable at a reduced cost. 20

Claims (12)

REVENDICATIONS1. Structure for holding photovoltaic panels (1) in position relative to a frame (2), in particular a roof structure having a slope (P) for the flow of water, comprising at least one transverse profile (4) arranged in a direction perpendicular to that of the slope (P) and intended to receive the upper transverse edge (11) of a first panel or lower panel (1a) and the lower transverse edge (10) of a second panel or upper panel (Ib), partially overlapping said lower panel (la), characterized in that: - the transverse section (4) comprises at least: - a transverse lower housing (40) adapted to receive the upper transverse edge (11) of said first panel photovoltaic (la); - And at least one transverse upper housing (41) reported reversibly or not on the lower housing (40), adapted to fit at least a portion of the lower transverse edge (10) of the second panel or upper panel (Ib) arranged above the first panel (la) in the direction of the slope (P); - in that the assembly consisting of the lower housing (40) and the upper housing (41) defining a sealed transverse barrier; and in that said lower housing (40) further extending by a tiling surface (42) extending under the second panel or top panel (1b) beyond the overlap area of said panels. 2. Photovoltaic panel holding structure (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the transverse lower housing (40) has a U-shaped section, formed by a lower surface (400) secured to an upper surface (401). ) by a connecting wall (402), said connecting wall (402) constituting the sealed transverse barrier, and the tiling surface (42) extending said lower surface (400), and in that the upper housing (41) is formed by a tab extending from the free edge of the upper surface (401) of the lower housing (40) so that the upper housing also has a U-shaped section, said upper housing advantageously forming a clamp of the lower edge (10) of the second photovoltaic panel (lb). 3. structure for holding photovoltaic panels (1) in position according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower housing (40) consists of a planar receiving zone of said first panel (la), then capable of being glued at this area, the tiling surface (42) extending this planar area. 4. Structure for holding in position photovoltaic panels (1) according to one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the transverse section (4) further comprises a transverse channel (43) extending from the free edge of said bottom surface (400) or the planar area. 5. Photovoltaic panel holding structure (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the upper face of the tiling surface (42) is provided with at least one transverse projection (420). extending along said surface. 6. Photovoltaic panel holding structure (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the upper face of the tiling surface (42) is provided with at least one groove (421) transverse extending along said surface. 7. Structure for holding in position photovoltaic panels (1) according to one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the lower housing (40) is filled with a silicone paste or polyurethane capable of coating the upper edge (11) of the first panel (la). 8. Structure for holding in position photovoltaic panels (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises means (7) for fastening to the frame (2) of the cover, comprising at least: - a connecting block (50) to be fixed under the tiling surface (42); and - a fixing bracket (51) adapted to secure the connecting block (50) to said frame, said bracket (51) comprising at least two wings (510, 511). 9. Photovoltaic panel holding structure (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the connecting block (50) comprises at least: - a bearing surface (500) intended to support a portion of the surface tiling (42); a vertical wall (501) substantially perpendicular to the bearing surface (500), provided with a through orifice (502) adapted to cooperate with a second fastening means (62) for securing said vertical wall (501) to a wings (510) of the square (51). 10. Structure holding photovoltaic panels (1) according to one of claims 8 and 9, characterized in that the bearing surface (500) has an opening and in that the underside of the tiling surface (42) is provided with at least one transverse fin (423) extending along said surface and having an L-shaped section forming a retaining housing, said retaining housing being adapted to receive a portion of the rim (503) of said opening so as to prevent slippage of the transverse section (4) due to the slope. 11. Roof covering, such as a roof, intended to be fixed on a roof structure having a slope (P) for the flow of water, comprising at least: longitudinal sections (30) arranged on the frame according to the direction of slope (P); sealing membranes (31, 32) disposed between two adjacent longitudinal sections (30); and - photovoltaic panels (1) held in position relative to the roof frame by means of a plurality of holding structures according to one of claims 1 to 10, the transverse sections (4) being arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal profiles (30), and fixed to the longitudinal profiles (30) via the securing means (5). 12. Building cover according to claim 11, characterized in that the profiles (4) have a length greater than the width of the photovoltaic panels (la, lb), and are fixed edge to edge on the frame.