FR3046666A1 - DEVICE FOR MAINTAINING TWO PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS AND ASSOCIATED SOLAR INSTALLATION - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for holding (2) two photovoltaic panels (2) on a spar (4), comprising a metal flange (7) having: - a bottom wall (70) associated with at least one clamping system (8, 9) of the flange against the spar; - Two lateral wings (71) laterally folded relative to the lower wall and spaced from each other, each side wing having an upper edge (710) which projects a rear tongue (76); where, the upper edges of the lateral wings are provided with incisal elements (73, 78) allowing, against the support of metal frames photovoltaic panels once the flange (7) clamped against the spar, to penetrate the metal material of said frames. The present invention finds application in the field of solar installations, and in particular in the grounding of photovoltaic panels.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for holding two photovoltaic panels on a carrier spar. The invention also relates to a solar installation comprising a carrier structure and at least two photovoltaic panels supported by this carrier structure, wherein the photovoltaic panels are held in place on at least one carrier beam of this carrier structure by means of at least one such holding device. The invention also relates to the use of such a holding device as terrestrial equipotential bonding system, for electrically connecting the photovoltaic panels to the ground. The invention is therefore in the field of solar installations with photovoltaic panels carried by bearing structures, fixed or mobile in rotation; a bearing structure movable in rotation that can be movable along a single generally horizontal axis, called single-axis follower structure, or be movable along two generally horizontal and vertical axes, called bi-axis follower structure.

In general, the carrier structure comprises a platform for supporting photovoltaic panels, and this supporting structure is often composed of an assembly of several longitudinal members on which the photovoltaic panels rest. In addition, a photovoltaic panel conventionally comprises a metal frame having two so-called opposite longitudinal edges and two opposed transverse edges.

To maintain the photovoltaic panels in place on the rails, it is essential to provide adequate holding devices. For this purpose, it is conventional to use self-drilling screws that cross both the frame of the photovoltaic panel and the spar. However, such a solution, in addition to damaging the frame, complicates the assembly operations because it requires appropriate tools and precise centering of the self-drilling screws, to avoid damaging the photovoltaic cells.

It is also known from FR 2 990 266 to use spacers mounted between two longitudinal members and on which are provided sets bites and clamping screws to create a clamping of the frame of the photovoltaic panel on the two longitudinal members. However, this solution has the disadvantage of being complex and expensive, not to mention that it does not ensure optimal blocking of the photovoltaic panel in the direction of sliding along the side members.

The present invention aims to solve all or part of the aforementioned drawbacks, by providing a simple and fast use maintenance device, providing a robust and reliable maintenance of photovoltaic panels on the support rails. For this purpose, it proposes a device for holding two photovoltaic panels on a carrier beam, this holding device comprising a metal flange having: a bottom wall associated with at least one clamping system of the flange against the spar; - Two lateral wings laterally folded relative to the bottom wall and spaced apart from each other, each side wing having an upper edge opposite to the lower wall and which projects a so-called rear tongue, said rear tabs protruding from- above the upper edges of the respective lateral wings; where, in addition, the upper edges of the side wings are provided with incisors allowing, against the support of metal frames photovoltaic panels once the flange clamped against the spar, to penetrate the metal material of said frames.

Thus, as described later, the rear tabs will allow to block the two photovoltaic panels in the direction of a sliding orthogonal to the spar (transverse blocking). This holding device thus makes it possible to block two panels in the transverse direction, and furthermore the flange will also serve as an electrical equipotential bonding system, in order to electrically connect the metal frames of the photovoltaic panels to the ground. Indeed, the electrical connection will be made between the metal frames of the photovoltaic panels and the metal spar via the flange, and then simply electrically connect the earth spar.

Advantageously, the holding device further comprises a longitudinal locking element comprising two tabs said before spaced apart from each other, said longitudinal locking element being associated with a clamping system of the flange against the spar.

Thus, as described later, the front tabs will block the two photovoltaic panels in the direction of sliding along the longitudinal members (axial or longitudinal locking), so that, in association with the rear tabs, the holding device allows blocking of two panels in two orthogonal directions.

It is specified that it is preferable to provide a first holding device on a first end of the spar and a second holding device on a second end of the spar to block the photovoltaic panels in the two longitudinal sliding directions.

In a first embodiment, the longitudinal locking member is an integral part of the flange in the form of a front portion of said flange, wherein said flange has an opposite rear portion and a front portion, said flange having a cross-section in "U" and comprising the lower wall and the two lateral wings facing each other and extending on either side of the lower wall, where each lateral wing has the upper edge opposite the wall; lower and two opposite end edges comprising a leading edge on the front portion of the flange and a trailing edge on the rear portion of the flange; wherein the front edges of the side wings are extended by the front tabs protruding above the upper edges of the respective side wings, and the rear edges of the side wings are extended by the rear tabs protruding above the upper edges of the side wings. respectively.

Thus, the longitudinal locking member forms a portion of the flange, thus requiring only one piece to clamp, namely the flange, to ensure the dual function of transverse locking and axial locking.

According to a characteristic of the first embodiment, the lateral flanges of the flange are spaced apart from one another with a spacing in a secondary direction orthogonal to the main axis, said spacing being variable along the main axis of the flange. so that the spacing between the front edges of the lateral wings is less than the spacing between the rear edges of the lateral wings.

In this way, the flange is wider on the back so that the rear tabs are positioned almost in contact with the respective inner faces of the relevant longitudinal edges of the frames of the photovoltaic panels, while the flange is narrower on the front so that the front edges of the side wings are fitted with fit around the spar, ensuring a virtually isostatic mounting of the flange once in place on the spar.

According to another characteristic of the first embodiment, the lateral wings are flat and non-parallel so that the spacing between the lateral wings is regular between the rear end and the front end of the flange.

In a second embodiment, the longitudinal locking element is distinct from the flange, where said flange has a generally "U" shape and comprises the bottom wall and the two lateral wings facing each other, and the longitudinal locking member comprises a front wall associated with the clamping system and also comprises the two front tabs laterally folded relative to said front wall and spaced from one another.

Thus, the longitudinal locking element forms a separate element of the flange, thus requiring to tighten both the flange and the longitudinal locking element to ensure the dual function of transverse locking and axial locking.

According to a characteristic of the second embodiment, each front tongue has a free edge provided with incisive elements allowing, by pressing against the metal frames of the photovoltaic panels once the flange clamped against the spar, to penetrate the metallic material of said frames.

According to another characteristic of the second embodiment, the front wall of the longitudinal locking element comprises an orifice cooperating with a clamping system which comprises a screw passing through said orifice.

Advantageously, the bottom wall of the flange comprises at least one orifice cooperating with an associated clamping system which comprises a screw and bolt assembly, said screw passing through said orifice concerned.

This solution is particularly suitable for clamping in a lower groove of the spar. The invention also relates to a solar installation comprising a carrier structure and at least two photovoltaic panels supported by the supporting structure, in which: each photovoltaic panel comprises a metal frame having two so-called opposite longitudinal edges and two opposite transverse edges, each border of the frame having opposing lower and upper faces and opposite inner and outer faces; the carrier structure comprises at least one carrier spar extending parallel to the longitudinal edges of the photovoltaic panels and having, on the one hand, an upper part provided with two open back-to-back top rails on the opposite sides of the spar and, on the other hand, a lower part forming the underside of the spar; wherein the two photovoltaic panels are arranged side by side and each photovoltaic panel has a longitudinal edge engaged within a corresponding upper rail of the same spar; and the installation comprises at least one holding device according to the invention, and whose flange is clamped against the lower part of the spar by means of the at least one clamping system, so that: - the bottom wall of the flange is kept pressed against the lower part of the spar and the lateral wings extend on either side of the spar; the upper edges of the lateral flanges of the flange are pressed against the lower faces of the respective longitudinal and / or transverse edges of the respective photovoltaic panels, and the flange is clamped against the lower part of the spar until the incisal elements of the edges upper side flange wings penetrate the metal material of said lower faces of the respective longitudinal and / or transverse edges of the respective photovoltaic panels; - The rear tabs are positioned opposite the internal faces of the respective longitudinal edges of the respective photovoltaic panels, these rear tabs thus forming stops for the photovoltaic panels in a transverse direction parallel to the transverse edges of the photovoltaic panels.

In the case of a holding device comprising a longitudinal locking element (whether or not integrated in the flange), this longitudinal locking element is clamped on the spar so that the front tongues are positioned opposite the faces external of the respective transverse edges of the respective photovoltaic panels, said front tabs thus forming stops for the photovoltaic panels in a longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal edges of the photovoltaic panels.

In a particular embodiment, the spar has, on its lower part, a lower groove defined by two walls facing each other and each having a free edge curved inwards, and the holding device is as described. above with the screw and bolt assembly, and wherein the screw of the at least one clamping system has, on the one hand, a head retained within said lower groove and, on the other hand, a threaded rod passing through the relevant orifice of the bottom wall of the flange to cooperate with the corresponding nut which is clamped against said bottom wall of the flange.

According to a possibility of the invention, the holding device is as described above with a variable spacing between the lateral flanges of the flange, where the spacing between the front edges of the lateral flanges is substantially greater than the width of the flange. lower part of the spar so that said front edges are fitted with fit around said spar. Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the detailed description below, of an example of non-limiting implementation, with reference to the appended figures in which: - Figure 1 is a schematic view in perspective from above of an installation according to the invention; - Figure 2 is a zoomed view, in perspective from below and before, of the zone II of Figure 1 illustrating a first holding device according to the invention in situation on the installation; - Figure 3 is a view similar to that of Figure 2 wherein the first holding device is broken; FIG. 4 is a zoomed view, in perspective from below and from behind, of zone II of FIG. 1, illustrating the first device for maintaining the situation in the installation; - Figure 5 is a view similar to that of Figure 4 where the first holding device is broken; FIG. 6 is a zoomed view from below of zone II of FIG. 1; FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic perspective view from above of the flange alone of the first holding device illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 6; - Figure 8 is a view similar to that of Figure 2 illustrating, in perspective from below and before, a second holding device according to the invention in situation on the installation; - Figure 9 is a view similar to that of Figure 8 where the second holding device is exploded; - Figure 10 is a view similar to that of Figure 4 illustrating, in perspective from below and rear, the second holding device in situation on the installation; - Figure 11 is a view similar to that of Figure 10 where the second holding device is exploded; and FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic perspective view from above of the flange and the front stop piece of the second holding device illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 11.

Referring to Figure 1, an installation 1 according to the invention comprises a plurality of photovoltaic panels 2 supported by a carrier structure 3 consisting of an assembly of longitudinal members 4, otherwise called beams, sleepers or profiles, made of metal material. This carrier structure 3 forms a support platform for the photovoltaic panels 2; this platform defining a support plan parallel to the photovoltaic panels.

This carrier structure 3 can incorporate, by way of non-limiting example, a central beam 30 extending substantially horizontally and on which are fixed transversely the longitudinal members 4.

The carrier structure 3 is itself mounted on an anchoring structure 5 which is anchored on the ground or on another support (such as a frame). In the example illustrated in Figure 1, this anchoring structure 5 is composed of a mast, but it could also take other forms, such as a pylon or a combination of several masts. The carrier structure 3 can also be rotatably mounted, in one or two axes, on the anchoring structure 5, to allow tracking of the sun. It is also conceivable that the supporting structure 3 rests directly on a support (for example a frame such as a roof).

The photovoltaic panels 2 are of parallelepipedal shape and have two opposing so-called longitudinal sides (preferably in the direction of the length of the photovoltaic panel) and two so-called opposite transverse sides (preferably in the direction of the length of the photovoltaic panel).

For the remainder of the description, we will usefully refer to the reference (X, Y, Z) comprising: the longitudinal axis X defining the longitudinal direction X extending in the direction of the length of the longitudinal members supporting the photovoltaic panels 2 this longitudinal direction X being parallel to the longitudinal sides of the photovoltaic panels 2; the transverse axis Y defining the transverse direction Y orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X and parallel to the support plane defined by the supporting structure 3 and therefore parallel to the photovoltaic panels 2, this transverse direction Y being parallel to the transverse sides of the photovoltaic panels 2 the X and Y axes defining a coplanar plane of said support plane and said photovoltaic panels 2; the normal axis Z defining the normal direction Z extending orthogonally to the support plane defined by the carrier structure 3 and therefore orthogonal to the photovoltaic panels 2, this normal direction Z being vertical when this support plane is horizontal.

In the example of Figure 1, the central beam 30 extends in the transverse direction Y, while the longitudinal members 4 extend in the longitudinal direction X. The mast 5 extends in the normal direction Z.

Each photovoltaic panel 2 comprises a metal frame bordering the photovoltaic cells. This frame has two so-called opposite longitudinal edges 20 and two opposite transverse edges 21, the longitudinal edges 20 extending on the longitudinal sides of the photovoltaic panel 2 parallel to the longitudinal direction X, while the transverse edges 21 extending over the transverse sides of the photovoltaic panel 2 parallel to the transverse direction Y.

Each longitudinal edge 20 has several faces: a lower face 201 and an upper face 202 opposite and parallel to the plane (X, Y), the upper face 202 (not visible in the figures) being on the top of the photovoltaic panel 2 facing the sun, while the lower face 201 is on the underside of the photovoltaic panel 2 facing the ground; an inner face 203 and an outer face 204 opposite and parallel to the (X, Z) plane, the inner face 203 being on the inside of the photovoltaic panel 2 and the outer face 204 being on the outside of the photovoltaic panel 2.

Similarly, each transverse edge 21 has several faces: a lower face 211 and an upper face 212 opposite and parallel to the (X, Y) plane, the upper face 212 being on top of the photovoltaic panel 2 facing the sun, while the lower face 211 is on the underside of the photovoltaic panel 2 facing the ground; an inner face 213 and an outer face 214 opposite and parallel to the plane (Y, Z), the internal face 213 being on the inside of the photovoltaic panel 2 and the outer face 214 being on the outside of the photovoltaic panel 2.

The internal faces 203, 213 of the respective longitudinal and transverse edges 21 may also incorporate internal flanges 2030, 2130. For the purposes of the present application, such internal flanges 2030, 2130 are considered to be part of the corresponding inner faces 203, 213. .

As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, each spar 4 has an upper portion 41 provided with two upper back-to-back rails 42 open on the opposite sides of the spar 4.

This upper portion 41 has a cross section, in a plane parallel to the plane (Y, Z), in the general shape of "H". Thus, this upper portion 41 has: - a central wall 410 extending parallel to the plane (X, Z); and - two opposite walls, respectively lower 411 and upper 412, parallel to the plane (X, Y) and extending on either side of the central wall 410.

Thus, each upper rail 42 is bordered by the central wall 410 common to the two upper rails 42 and the respective portions of the lower and upper walls 411, 412 protruding from either side of the central wall 410.

In situation, two photovoltaic panels 2 adjacent, that is to say placed side by side, each have a longitudinal edge 20 engaged inside a corresponding upper rail 42 of the same spar 4. The lower faces 201 and upper 202 of each longitudinal edge 20 are facing (or in contact with) the walls respectively lower and upper of the upper portion 41 of the spar 4. The outer face 204 of each longitudinal edge 20 comes opposite (or in contact) with the central wall of the upper part 41 of the spar 4.

As seen in Figures 2 to 6, each spar 4 has a lower portion 43 forming the underside of the spar 4. This lower portion 43 is in the form of a lower rail and thus has a lower groove 44 defined by two walls in vis-à-vis, parallel to the plane (X, Z), each having a free edge curved inwardly. The lower groove 44 thus extends in the longitudinal direction X. The installation 1 further comprises at least a first holding device 6 according to the invention or at least a second holding device 16 according to the invention; the or each holding device 6 or 16 being fixed on one end of a spar 4, with the function of blocking the two photovoltaic panels 2 contiguous to the X and Y function.

The remainder of the description relates to the first holding device 6, described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7.

The first holding device 6 comprises a flange 7 made in one piece of rigid material, in particular metal material.

This flange 7 extends along a main axis A which, in situation is parallel to the longitudinal direction X; the flange 7 being symmetrical with respect to a plane passing through the main axis A and parallel to the plane (X, Z) in situation.

The flange 7 has two opposite parts, namely a front portion 77 (which will be located on the outside of the photovoltaic panels 2 in situation) and a rear portion 79 (which will be located on the inside of the photovoltaic panels 2 in situation).

This flange 7 has a cross section "U" in a plane perpendicular to the main axis A, in a plane parallel to the plane (Y, Z) in situation, and comprises: - a bottom wall 70 having at least one orifice 74 passing through, or two orifices 74 through as in the example of Figures 2 to 7 with a front opening 74 on the front portion 77 and a rear hole 74 on the rear portion 79; and two lateral wings 71 facing each other, laterally folded with respect to the lower wall 70, and extending on either side of the lower wall 70, each lateral wing 71 having an upper edge 710 opposite to the bottom wall 70 and two opposite end edges comprising a front edge 711 on the front portion 77 of the flange 7 and a rear edge 712 on the rear portion 79 of the flange 7.

In situation, the bottom wall 70 is parallel to the plane (X, Y). The lateral flanges 71 are in turn orthogonal to this lower wall 70, and therefore to the (X, Y) plane in situation, and these lateral flanges 71 are flat and not parallel to each other. In other words, the lateral wings 71 are both inclined with respect to the main axis A, and therefore with respect to the plane (X, Z) and the situation, at identical angles, so that the lateral wings 71 come closer to each other. one from the other along the main axis from the rear end towards the front end.

Thus, the lateral flanges 71 are spaced from one another with a spacing in the transverse direction Y orthogonal to the main axis A in situation, and this spacing varies regularly along the main axis A so that the distance E1 between the front edges 711 is smaller than the gap E2 between the rear edges 712.

The upper edges 710 of the lateral wings 71 are parallel to the bottom wall 70 and are provided with incisal elements 73, 78 formed of a succession of notches or sharp teeth; with a first series of incisive elements 73 on either side of the front orifice 74 and a second series of incisive elements 78 on either side of the rear orifice 74.

In addition, the front edges 711 of the lateral wings 71 are extended by front tabs 75 projecting above the upper edges 710 of the respective lateral wings 71, and the rear edges 712 of the lateral wings 71 are extended by rear tabs 76 making protruding above the upper edges 710 of the respective lateral wings 71.

Thus, the front portion 77 of the flange 7, which incorporates these two front tabs 75, forms, as explained hereinafter, a longitudinal locking element capable of blocking in X the two adjacent photovoltaic panels 2.

The holding device 6 further comprises at least one clamping system 8, 9 of the flange 7 against the spar 4, and more specifically a clamping system 8 associated with the front orifice 74 and a clamping system 9 associated with the rear hole 74.

Each clamping system 8 (respectively 9) comprises a screw assembly 80 (respectively 90) and nut 81 (respectively 91), where the screw 80 (respectively 90) has an enlarged head adapted to be retained inside the lower groove 44 of the spar 4 and a threaded rod passing through the corresponding orifice 74, and wherein the nut 81 (respectively 91) is screwed onto the free end of the threaded rod until it bears against the lower wall 70 of the flange 7.

The following description relates to the assembly and use of the first holding device 6.

At first, the heads of the screws 80, 90 are engaged inside the lower groove 44 of the spar 4, by introducing them at a first end of the spar 4; this first end of the spar 4 protruding photovoltaic panels 2, and more precisely protruding external faces 214 of their transverse edges 21.

In a second step, the flange 7 is positioned on the spar 4 by passing the threaded rods of the screws 80 through the orifices 74, then the nuts 81 are put in place and tightened, until: - the bottom wall 70 of the flange 7 is kept pressed and clamped against the lower portion 43 of the spar 4 and the lateral flanges 71 extend on either side of the spar 4; the upper edges 710 of the lateral flanges 71 of the flange 7 are pressed against the lower faces 211 of the respective transverse edges 21 of the respective photovoltaic panels 2, the incisive elements 73, 78 thus penetrating into the metallic material of the transverse edges 21 and / or longitudinal 20 of the two photovoltaic panels 2; - The front tabs 75 are positioned facing, or almost in contact, the outer faces 214 of the respective transverse edges 21 of the respective photovoltaic panels 2; and - the rear tabs 76 are positioned facing, or almost in contact, the inner faces 203 (and for example their internal flanges 2030 if present) longitudinal edges 20 concerned respective photovoltaic panels 2.

Thus, once the flange 7 is tight against the spar 4 thanks to the screws 80, 90 and nuts 81, 91, the front tongues 75 of the flange 7 form stop stops for the photovoltaic panels 2 in the longitudinal direction X in the direction of an exit out of the first end of the spar 4. In addition, the rear tabs 76 form stops for the photovoltaic panels 2 in the transverse direction Y in the direction of an output out of their upper rails 42 respectively.

When clamping the flange 7, the upper edges 710 of the lateral flanges 71 of the flange 7 push up the photovoltaic panels 2, thus closing the longitudinal edges 20 of the two photovoltaic panels 2 against the upper wall 412 of the spar 4, ensuring thus tightening the photovoltaic panels 2 in the upper rails 42.

The remainder of the description relates to the second holding device 16, described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 12.

The second holding device 16 comprises a flange 17 made in one piece of rigid material, in particular metal material.

This flange 17 is symmetrical with respect to a plane parallel to the (X, Z) plane in situation, and it has a general "U" shape and comprises: a lower wall 170 having a through orifice 174; and - two lateral wings 171 facing each other, laterally folded with respect to the bottom wall 170, each lateral wing 171 having an upper edge 1710 opposite to the bottom wall 170.

In situation, the lower wall 170 is parallel to the plane (X, Y) and the lateral wings 171 are parallel to the plane (Y, Z), and these lateral wings 171 are flat and coplanar.

Thus, the lateral wings 71 are spaced apart from one another with a spacing in the transverse direction Y which is substantially greater than the width of the spar 4.

The upper edges 1710 of the lateral wings 171 are provided with incisal elements 173 formed of a succession of notches or sharp teeth; these incisal elements 173 being more specifically provided on the inside of the flange 170.

In addition, the upper edges 1710 of the side wings 171 are extended by rear tabs 176 projecting above the upper edges 1710 of the respective side wings 171; these rear tabs 176 being more specifically provided on the outside of the flange 170. The rear tabs 176 are spaced apart from each other with a spacing in the transverse direction Y which is substantially equivalent to the aforesaid spacing E2.

The second holding device 16 also comprises a longitudinal locking element 177 consisting of a metal part having: a flat front wall 1711, in which is provided an orifice 1712 for the passage of a screw 190 of a control system. tightening 19 on a free end of the spar 4, where in situation the front wall 1711 extends parallel to the plane (Y, Z); two front tabs 175 laterally folded with respect to the front wall 1711 and spaced from each other, each front tab 175 having a free edge provided with incisal elements 178 formed of a succession of notches or sharp teeth.

The holding device 16 further comprises a clamping system 18 of the flange 17 against the spar 4, and also a clamping system 19 of the longitudinal locking element 177 against a free end of the spar 4.

The clamping system 18 comprises a screw assembly 180 and nut 181, wherein the screw 180 has an enlarged head adapted to be retained inside the lower groove 44 of the spar 4 and a threaded rod passing through the corresponding orifice 174, and where the nut 181 is screwed onto the free end of the threaded rod until it bears against the bottom wall 170 of the flange 17.

The tightening system 19 comprises a screw 190, possibly supplemented by a washer 191, where the screw 190 passes through the orifice 1712 to be screwed into an internal cavity 45 of general shape "C" or "O" , conventionally called alveovis, provided in the spar 4 above the lower groove 44.

The following description relates to the assembly and use of the second holding device 16.

In a first step, the head of the screw 180 is engaged inside the lower groove 44 of the spar 4, by introducing it at a first end of the spar 4; this first end of the spar 4 protruding photovoltaic panels 2, and more precisely protruding external faces 214 of their transverse edges 21.

In a second step, the flange 17 is positioned on the spar 4 by passing the threaded rod of the screw 180 through the orifice 174, then the nut 181 is put in place and tightened, until: the flange 17 is kept pressed and clamped against the lower part 43 of the spar 4 and the lateral flanges 171 extend on either side of the spar 4; the upper edges 1710 of the lateral flanges 171 of the flange 17 are pressed against the lower faces 201 of the respective longitudinal edges 20 of the respective photovoltaic panels 2, the incisive elements 173 thus penetrating into the metal material of the longitudinal edges 20 of the two photovoltaic panels 2 ; and - the rear tabs 176 are positioned facing, or almost in contact, the inner faces 203 (and for example their internal flanges 2030 if present) longitudinal edges 20 concerned respective photovoltaic panels 2.

Thus, once the flange 17 is tightened against the spar 4 by virtue of the screw 180 and the nut 181, the rear tabs 176 form stop stops for the photovoltaic panels 2 in the transverse direction Y in the direction of a output out of their respective upper rails 42.

When clamping the flange 17, the upper edges 1710 of the lateral flanges 171 of the flange 17 push up the photovoltaic panels 2, thus closing the longitudinal edges 20 of the two photovoltaic panels 2 against the upper wall 412 of the spar 4, ensuring thus tightening the photovoltaic panels 2 in the upper rails 42.

In a third step, the longitudinal locking element 177 is positioned on the end of the spar 4 and the screw 191 is engaged through the orifice 1712 and screwed into the internal cavity 45, until the element of longitudinal locking 177 against the end of the spar 4 so that: - the front tabs 175 are pressed and clamped against the outer faces 214 of the respective transverse edges 21 of the respective photovoltaic panels 2, so that the incisors 178 enter the metallic material of these transverse edges 21; and - the central wall 410 of the spar 4 is inserted between the two front tabs 175 which are spaced apart from each other.

Thus, once the longitudinal locking element 177 has been tightened, the front tongues 175 form stop stops for the photovoltaic panels 2 in the longitudinal direction X in the direction of an exit out of the first end of the spar 4, and their incisal elements 178 will make it possible to make an electrical connection of the metal frames of the two photovoltaic panels 2.

It is of course advantageous to provide another holding device 6 or 16 on the opposite second end of the spar 4, in order to provide stops for the photovoltaic panels 2 in the longitudinal direction X in the direction of an output out of the second end of the spar 4. It is also advantageous to provide holding devices on the other spars 4.

Referring to Figure 6, the spacing E1 between the front edges 711 of the side flanges 71 of the flange 7 is substantially greater than the width of the spar 4, the mounting clearance, so that these front edges 711 are positioned with adjustment around the spar 4. The spacing E2 between the rear edges 712 of the lateral flanges 71 of the flange 7 is substantially greater than the transverse spacing ET between the inner faces 203 of the longitudinal edges 20 (and in particular between the internal flanges 2030 s they are present), with the mounting clearance close, so that the rear tabs 75 are almost in contact with the inner faces 203 (or internal flanges 2030 if present).

Thanks to the incisal elements 73, 78, 173, 178, the holding device 6 or 16 also serves as an electrical equipotential bonding system, in order to electrically connect the photovoltaic panels 2 to the ground, thanks to an electrical connection between the panels' frames. photovoltaic 2 and the metal spar 4 via the flange 7 or 17.

Of course the implementation example mentioned above is not limiting and further improvements and details can be made to the holding device according to the invention, without departing from the scope of the invention where other forms of the flange may for example be made.

Claims (12)

1. A device for holding (6; 16) two photovoltaic panels (2) on a carrier beam (4), said holding device (6) comprising a metal flange (7; 17) having: - a bottom wall (70; 170) associated with at least one clamping system (8, 9; 18) of the flange (7; 17) against the spar (4); - two lateral wings (71; 171) laterally folded relative to the lower wall (70; 170) and spaced from each other, each lateral wing (71; 171) having an opposite upper edge (710; 1710); at the bottom wall (70; 170) and from which protrudes a so-called rear tongue (76; 176), said rear tongues (76; 176) projecting above the upper edges (710; 1710) of the lateral wings (71; 171) respectively; wherein, in addition, the upper edges (710; 1710) of the lateral wings (71; 171) are provided with incisal elements (73,78; 173) which, by pressing against metal frames, photovoltaic panels (2) once the flange (7; 17) clamped against the spar (4), to penetrate the metallic material of said frames. 2. A holding device (6; 16) according to claim 1, further comprising a longitudinal locking element (77; 177) comprising two so-called front tabs (75; 175) spaced apart from each other; longitudinal locking (77; 177) being associated with a clamping system (8, 9; 19) of the flange (7; 17) against the spar (4). Holding device (6) according to claim 2, wherein the longitudinal locking element (77) is an integral part of the flange (7) in the form of a front part of said flange (7). , wherein said flange (7) has an opposite rear portion (79) and a front portion (77), said flange (7) having a "U" -shaped cross section and having the bottom wall (70) and both side wings ( 71) facing each other and extending on either side of the bottom wall (70), wherein each side wing (71) has the upper edge (710) opposite the bottom wall (70) and two opposed end edges including a leading edge (711) on the front portion (77) of the flange (7) and a trailing edge (712) on the rear portion (79) of the flange (7); wherein the front edges (711) of the lateral wings (71) are extended by the front tongues (75) projecting above the upper edges (710) of the respective lateral wings (71), and the rear edges (712) of the wings lateral projections (71) are extended by the rear tabs (76) projecting above the upper edges (710) of the respective lateral wings (71). 4. Holding device (6) according to claim 3, wherein the lateral flanges (71) of the flange (7) are spaced from one another with a spacing along a secondary direction orthogonal to the main axis ( A), said spacing being variable along the main axis (A) so that the spacing (E1) between the front edges (711) of the lateral wings (71) is smaller than the spacing (E2) between the rear edges (712) of the lateral wings (71). 5. Holding device (6) according to claim 4, wherein the side wings (71) are flat and non-parallel so that the spacing between the side wings (71) is regular between the rear end and the end. before the flange (7). The holding device (16) according to claim 2, wherein the longitudinal locking element (177) is distinct from the flange (17), wherein said flange (17) has a generally "U" shape and comprises the lower wall (170) and the two lateral wings (171) facing each other, and the longitudinal locking element (177) comprises a front wall (1711) associated with the clamping system (19) and also comprises the two front tabs (175) laterally folded relative to said front wall (1711) and spaced apart from each other. 7. Holding device (16) according to claim 6, wherein each front tongue (175) has a free edge provided with incisors (178) allowing, against the metal frames of the photovoltaic panels (2) once the flange (7; 17) clamped against the spar (4), to penetrate the metallic material of said frames. 8. Holding device (16) according to claims 6 or 7, wherein the front wall (1711) of the longitudinal locking element (177) comprises an orifice (1712) cooperating with a clamping system (19) which comprises a screw (190) passing through said orifice (1712). 9. Holding device (6; 16) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom wall (70; 170) of the flange (7; 17) comprises at least one orifice (74; 174) cooperating with a an associated clamping system (8; 9) which includes a screw assembly (80; 90; 180) and a bolt (81; 91; 181), said screw (80; 90; 180) extending through said respective orifice (74; 174). 10. Solar installation (1) comprising a carrier structure (3) and at least two photovoltaic panels (2) supported by said carrier structure (3), wherein: - each photovoltaic panel (2) comprises a metal frame having two edges said opposing longitudinal members (20) and two opposed transverse edges (21), each frame edge (20; 21) having opposing lower (201; 211) and upper (202; 212) faces and inner faces (203; 213); and external (204; 214) opposed; - The carrier structure (3) comprises at least one carrier spar (4) extending parallel to the longitudinal edges (20) of the photovoltaic panels (2) and having, on the one hand, an upper portion (41) provided with two rails upper (42) back-to-back open on opposite sides of the spar (4) and, on the other hand, a lower portion (43) forming the underside of the spar (4); wherein the two photovoltaic panels (2) are arranged side by side and each photovoltaic panel (2) has a longitudinal edge (20) engaged within a corresponding upper rail (42) of the same spar (4); and said installation comprises at least one holding device (6; 16) according to any one of the preceding claims, and whose flange (7; 17) is clamped against the lower part (43) of the spar (4) by means of at least one clamping system (8; 9; 18), so that: - the bottom wall (70) of the flange (7) is kept pressed against the lower part (43) of the spar (4) and the wings side members (71) extend on either side of said spar (4); the upper edges (710) of the lateral flanges (71) of the flange (7) are pressed against the lower faces (201; 211) of the respective longitudinal and / or transverse edges (20, 21) of the respective photovoltaic panels (2). and the flange (7) is clamped against the lower portion (43) of the spar (4) until the incisal elements (73, 78; 173) of the upper edges (710; 1710) of the lateral flanges (71; 171) of the flange (7; 17) penetrate the metallic material of said lower faces (201, 211) of the respective longitudinal and / or transverse edges (20, 21) of the respective photovoltaic panels (2); the rear tabs (76; 176) are positioned facing the internal faces (203) of the said longitudinal edges (20) concerned of the respective photovoltaic panels (2), the said rear tabs (76) thus forming stoppers for the panels; photovoltaic cells (2) in a transverse direction (Y) parallel to the transverse edges (21) of the photovoltaic panels (2). The solar installation (1) according to claim 10, wherein the or each holding device (6; 16) according to claim 2 further comprising a longitudinal locking member (77; 177), wherein said longitudinal locking (77; 177) is clamped on the spar (4) so that the front tongues (75; 175) are positioned facing the external faces (214) of said respective transversal edges (21) of the respective photovoltaic panels (2). said forward tabs (75) thus forming stop-stops for the photovoltaic panels (2) in a longitudinal direction (X) parallel to the longitudinal edges (20) of the photovoltaic panels (2). 12. solar installation (1) according to claims 10 or 11, wherein the spar (4) has, on its lower portion (43), a lower groove (44) defined by two walls facing each other and presenting each a free edge curved inwards, and the holding device (6) according to claim 9, and wherein the screw (80; 90; 180) of the at least one clamping system (8) has a part, a head retained within said lower groove (44) and, secondly, a threaded rod passing through the relevant orifice (74) of the bottom wall (70; 170) of the flange (7; ) to cooperate with the corresponding nut (81; 91; 181) which is clamped against said bottom wall (70; 170) of the flange (7; 17).