FR3144234A1 - clip and locking part of a kit for fixing a panel to a rail - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to means for fixing a panel, for example a photovoltaic panel, to a rail. The fixing means include in particular a clip 100 and a locking part 200. Figure 9

Description

clip and locking part of a kit for fixing a panel to a rail FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of fixing means, and more particularly means of fixing panels, for example solar panels, on rails.

In particular, the invention relates to a clip and a locking part allowing panels to be fixed on rails. In particular, the clip and the locking part are configured to allow the fixing and tightening of the panel against the rail.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Document US9160273 discloses a fixing kit for fixing a panel, and in particular a solar panel, on a rail. In this regard, and as illustrated in of document US9160273, the fixing kit comprises a holding element 31, a bolt 30 and a slide element 1.

In operation, the assembly formed by these three elements is arranged between two adjacent panels resting on a rail 8. More particularly, the assembly comprises, in order and starting from the rail, the slide element 1, the bolt 30 and the holding element 31. The holding element 31 comprises a metal plate provided with opposite edges, called holding edges, and each intended to be held tight against an upper peripheral part 36 of the frame of two adjacent panels. The slide element 1 is in slide connection with the rail 8 and the bolt 30 ensures the tightening of the two retaining edges. In particular, the bolt 30, passing through the holding element, is screwed into a tapped hole in an upper portion of the slide element 1, in order to allow the tightening of the holding element against each of two adjacent panels.

However, this fixing kit implementing tightening using a bolt or screw is not satisfactory.

Indeed, the bolt can, over time and for example under the effect of temperature variations, loosen. This loosening has the effect of reducing the holding force exerted by the holding element on the panel, and can ultimately lead to a separation of said panel and the rail. By ripple effect, adjacent panels may also see their attachment to the rail reduced and in turn become detached from said rail.

Furthermore, the slide element, which is not easily accessible, can be difficult to replace if necessary.

Document EP2867541 proposes a fixing device making it possible to overcome these problems. This fixing device is in particular one-piece and is provided with snap-fastening means intended to cooperate with the rail. However, the implementation of this fixing device requires consideration of relatively wide, and therefore more expensive, rails, in order to allow easier dismantling when the situation requires it.

An aim of the present invention is therefore to propose a clip, a locking part and a fastening kit allowing the permanent fixing of a panel against a rail.

Another aim of the present invention is to propose a clip, a locking part and a fastening kit whose disassembly remains easy compared to devices known from the state of the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The aims of the invention are, at least in part, achieved by a one-piece clip, of a fixing kit, for fixing a panel, provided with a frame, against a rail, the clip comprising:

- a main body provided with two side walls and on each of which a lateral slot is formed, the two side slots being parallel to each other, and opening through one face, called the engagement face, of the main body, said side slots being arranged to receive a planar section of the chassis, in an engagement direction, by the engagement face;

- a flexible tongue formed on an upper wall of the main body and folded internally to the main body, said flexible tongue being intended to come to bear against a face, called the bearing face, of the flat section when said flat section is engaged in the side slits;

- hooking means provided with at least one hook and at least one latching tab, and intended to cooperate with a locking part of the fixing kit.

According to one embodiment, each side slot is delimited by a curved edge, advantageously, said edge is curved externally to the main body.

According to one embodiment, the at least one hook and the at least one latching tab are formed on a lower wall of the main body opposite the upper wall, the at least one hook being oriented to allow the engagement of the locking part of the fixing kit in said at least one hook according to the direction of engagement.

According to one embodiment, the at least one hook and the at least one latching tab project internally into the main body and from the lower wall.

According to one embodiment, said clip also comprises two secondary slots each formed on a side wall of the main body, said secondary slots are parallel to each other, and open through the engagement face, said secondary slots being arranged to receive a central, flat section of the locking part, in the direction of engagement, by the engagement face.

According to one embodiment, the at least one hook and the at least one latching tab project externally to the main body and from the lower wall.

According to one embodiment, the flexible tongue is terminated by points configured to come into contact with the support face when the flat section is engaged in the side slots, and thus oppose the disengagement of said flat section according to a direction opposite to the direction of engagement.

The invention also relates to a locking part of a fixing kit intended to cooperate with the clip according to the present invention, the locking part comprising:

- a central section, generally flat, delimited at least in part by an edge, called the front edge, and by which said central section is intended to be engaged in the at least one hook of the clip, said central section also being provided with complementary latching means intended to cooperate with the at least one latching tab of the clip when the central section is engaged in the at least one hook;

- connection means configured to cooperate with a rail on which a panel is intended to be fixed.

According to one embodiment, the complementary locking means comprises at least one through opening formed on the central section.

According to one embodiment, said locking part comprises a stop member linked to a rear edge of the central section opposite the front edge, and perpendicular to said central section.

According to one embodiment, the connecting means extend from lateral edges of the central section.

According to one embodiment, the connecting means are concave in shape by a front face of the central section, and their generatrix extends parallel to the side edges.

According to one embodiment, the connecting means are configured to cooperate with internally curved edges of a rail having a U-shaped section.

According to one mode of implementation, the connection means are configured to cooperate in a slide connection mode maintained with a rail having a T or H section.

The present invention also relates to a fixing kit comprising:

- a clip according to the present invention;

- a locking part according to the present invention.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the detailed description which follows with reference to the appended figures in which:

There is a schematic representation of a section of a panel provided with a frame, in particular, said section is represented in a perspective view;

There is a schematic representation of a first example of rail capable of being implemented within the framework of the present invention;

There is a schematic representation of a second example of rail capable of being implemented within the framework of the present invention;

There is a schematic representation of a fixing kit according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

There is a schematic representation of a staple in a perspective view according to the first embodiment;

There is a schematic representation, in a perspective view, of a holding part according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

There is a schematic representation of another example of a holding part conforming to the first embodiment of the present invention, the holding part is shown in a perspective view and engaged in a slide connection mode held with the rail of the ;

There is an illustration of the mounting of the clip, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, on the flat section of a frame associated with a panel;

There is an illustration of the mounting of the locking part according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the panel resting on a rail having a “U” section, and the mounting of the locking part involving engagement, according to the direction engagement, of the locking piece in the means of attachment of the clip of the ;

There is a schematic representation of a staple in a perspective view according to the second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a one-piece clip, from a fixing kit, for fixing a panel, provided with a frame, against a rail.

In particular, the clip includes:

- a main body provided with two side walls and on each of which a lateral slot is formed, the two side slots being parallel to each other, and opening through one face, called the engagement face, of the main body, said side slots being arranged to receive a planar section of the chassis, in an engagement direction, by the engagement face;

- a flexible tongue formed on an upper wall of the main body and folded internally to the main body, said flexible tongue being intended to come to bear against a face, called the bearing face, of the flat section when said flat section is engaged in the side slits;

- hooking means provided with at least one hook and at least one latching tab, and intended to cooperate with a locking part of the fixing kit.

The invention also relates to a locking part of a fixing kit intended to cooperate with the clip according to the present invention.

The lock piece includes:

- a central section, generally flat, delimited at least in part by an edge, called the front edge, and by which said central section is intended to be engaged in the at least one hook of the clip, said central section also being provided with complementary latching means intended to cooperate with the at least one latching tab of the clip when the central section is engaged in the at least one hook;

- connection means configured to cooperate with a rail on which a panel is intended to be fixed.

It is understood that the cooperation between the connecting means and the rail, when the central section is engaged by its front edge in the at least one hook, results in the panel remaining on the rail. In particular, according to this configuration, the connecting means oppose any force exerted on the panel with a view to separating it from the rail on which it is held.

The invention also relates to a fixing kit which includes the clip and the locking part.

To the , we can see a section of a panel 1 provided with a frame 2 holding said panel over its entire periphery. The frame 2 comprises in this regard 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. More particularly, the panel 1 can be held at the level, or close to, d an upper edge of the contour wall 2a. The frame 2 also includes a return 2b which is essentially flat and folded internally from a lower edge of the contour wall 2a and opposite the upper edge. The return 2b is notably flat and in a plane parallel to the plane formed by the panel 1. Furthermore, the width of the return 2b is essentially constant around the entire perimeter of the chassis 2.

The return 2b is advantageously implemented for fixing the panel on a rail 3, and a first example of which is shown in .

In particular, and according to this first example, the rail 3 comprises a “U” section. In this regard, the rail 3 comprises a bottom 3a surmounted by side walls 3b whose edges, called attachment edges 3c, are folded or rolled up internally.

There is an illustration of a second example of rail 4 capable of being implemented within the framework of the present invention. The rail 4 conforming to this second example comprises, along a section plane perpendicular to its axis of elongation, a base 5, a central wall 6, and an end section 7. The base 5 can be planar and is connected to the terminal section 7 by the central wall 6. The terminal section 7 can have a “C” profile or a planar profile and is intended to serve as an anchoring base for the locking part which will be described in detail later. the statement.

The invention is not limited to the sole implementation of rails conforming to the first example or the second example. In particular, those skilled in the art may consider “T” profiles.

There is an illustration of a fixing kit according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

In particular, the fixing kit includes a clip 100 and a locking part 200. also reveals a flat section, symbolizing a portion of return 2b illustrated in the , and which is engaged in side slots of the clip 100. This aspect will be described in more detail later in the statement.

As illustrated in , the clip 100 comprises a main body 110.

In general, the main body 110 can take the form of a rectangular parallelepiped delimited by two side walls 111, an upper wall 112 and a lower wall 113. In particular, the upper wall 112 and the lower wall 113 are connected by a on the one hand by one of the two side walls 111 and on the other hand by the other of the two side walls 111. Thus, the two side walls 111 are opposite each other and parallel to each other. Equivalently, the upper wall 112 and the lower wall 113 are opposite each other and can be parallel to each other.

The main body 110 also comprises two faces opposite each other called, respectively, engagement face 114 and rear face 115, and perpendicular to the two side walls 111.

The engagement face 114 is open and delimited by the edges of the side faces 111, the upper face 112 and the lower face 113 (More particularly, the engagement face is delimited by the edges of the walls 111, 112 and 113 flush with said engagement face).

The clip 100 also comprises two side slots 116a and 116b parallel to each other and formed, respectively, on one and the other of the two side walls 111. In other words, the side slot 116a is formed on one of the two side walls 111 while the side slot 116b is formed on the other of the two side walls 111. In addition, each of these side slots 116a, 116b opens through an edge, called the engagement edge 114a, 114b, of the side wall 111 and partly delimiting the engagement face. Thus, each side slot 116a, 116b therefore extends from an engagement edge 114a, 114b, for example parallel to the upper wall 112, in a direction called the engagement direction. The side slots 114a, 114b are thus arranged to receive a plane section 2b of the chassis 1, in the direction of engagement, by the engagement face ( ).

Advantageously, each side slot is delimited by an edge which can be curved and more particularly curved externally to the main body.

The clip 100 also comprises a flexible tongue 117 formed on the upper wall 112 of the main body 100. By "flexible" is meant capable of being deformed by spring effect in order to exert a force on the surface on which said tongue is in position. support.

The tongue 117 is in particular folded internally to the main body 110 and is intended to come to bear against a face, called the bearing face, of the flat section 2b when said flat section is engaged in the lateral slots 116a and 116b. In other words, the tongue 117 extends divergently relative to the upper wall. It is understood that the bearing face of the flat section, when the latter is engaged in the side slots 116a and 116b, faces the upper wall 112 of the main body 110.

Advantageously, the tongue 117 is terminated by points configured to come into contact with the support face when the flat section is engaged in the lateral slots, and thus oppose the disengagement of said flat section in a direction opposite to the direction of engagement.

Finally, the tongue 117 is advantageously oriented, from its base towards its end, in a direction going from the engagement face towards the rear face.

The clip 100 also comprises hooking means provided with at least one hook 118 and at least one latching tab 119, and intended to cooperate with the locking part 200 mentioned above. A latching tab 119 is in particular formed by a flexible metal strip (or spring) which extends divergently relative to the lower wall.

As illustrated in , the at least one hook 118 and the at least one latching tab 119 are formed on the lower wall 113 of the main body 110. In particular, the at least one hook 118 is oriented to allow the engagement of the part locking the fixing kit in said at least one hook according to the direction of engagement. More particularly, and this aspect will appear clearly in the remainder of the description, the hook 119 is configured and oriented to abut a front edge of a central, flat section of a locking part.

The at least latching tab 119 is configured to lock, in a latched position, the central section of the locking part when the latter is engaged in the at least one hook by its front face.

Advantageously, and in accordance with the first embodiment, the at least one hook 118 and the at least one latching tab 119 project externally to the main body and from the lower wall 113.

There is an illustration of the locking part 200 according to the first embodiment.

The locking part 200 comprises a central section 210, generally flat, delimited at least in part by an edge, called the front edge 211.

The central section 210 is in particular intended to be engaged by the front edge 211 in the at least one hook 118 of the clip 100.

The central section 210 is also provided with complementary latching means intended to cooperate with the at least one latching tab 119 of the clip 100 when the central section is engaged in the at least one hook.

Advantageously, the complementary latching means may comprise at least one through opening 212 formed on the central section. In particular, the opening 212 is configured to cooperate with the latching tab 119 in order to lock the locking part in its latched position.

The locking part 200 also comprises connection means configured to cooperate with a rail on which a panel is intended to be fixed. In particular, the connecting means extend from side edges 213 and 214 of the central section.

By way of example, and without however limiting the invention to this aspect alone, the connecting means 215 and 216 are of concave shape by a front face of the central section, and their generatrix extends parallel to the lateral edges 213, 214. By “generating” we mean a segment, or a straight line which, when moved along a line, for example a curved line, generates the connecting means considered.

In the example shown in , the connecting means form a gutter, and are therefore configured to cooperate with the internally curved edges of a rail having a U-shaped section.

There illustrates another example of locking part 200 conforming to the first embodiment of the present invention and in slide connection maintained with the rail shown in . In this example, the connecting means 215 and 216 are curved towards a face of the central section opposite the front face of said central section. More particularly, according to this example, the connection means are configured to partially envelop the terminal portion 7 of the rail 4.

Alternatively or additionally, the connection means can be configured to cooperate in a slide connection mode held with a rail having a T- or H-shaped section.

The locking part 200 also comprises a stop member 217 linked to a rear edge of the central section 210 opposite the front edge 211. The stop member 217 is perpendicular to said central section. The stop member 217 is advantageously configured to abut against the contour wall 2a of the chassis 2 shown in .

In operation, and as illustrated in , the flat section 2b of the chassis 2 is engaged, according to the direction of engagement, in the lateral slots 116a and 116b of said clip 100. At the end of this engagement (illustrated in the ), the tongue 117 rests against a bearing face of the flat section 2b and exerts a force opposing a withdrawal of said flat section 2b in a direction opposite to the direction of engagement.

The panel is then placed on a rail 4, and so as to bring said rail 4 into correspondence with the clip 100 in which the flat section 2b of the chassis 2 supporting the panel is engaged.

Finally, the holding part, positioned in slide connection with the rail, is engaged according to the direction of engagement in the hooking means and until complete cooperation of the latching means and the complementary latching means.

This last aspect generates a noise, called snapping noise, confirming in particular the complete cooperation of a snapping tab 119 with the opening 212 of the holding part 200.

The present invention also relates to a second embodiment which essentially incorporates the characteristics associated with the first embodiment.

In particular, the clip 100 according to this second embodiment differs from the first mode in that:

- The at least one hook and the at least one latching tab project internally into the main body and from the lower wall.

- The clip also comprises two secondary slots each formed on a side wall of the main body, said secondary slots are parallel to each other, and open out through the engagement face, said secondary slots being arranged to receive a section central, flat, of the locking part, according to the direction of engagement, by the engagement face.

There illustrates an example of clip 100 conforming to the second embodiment.

In this regard, and as mentioned previously, the clip 100 comprises hooking means which extend internally to the lower wall 113. More particularly, the at least one hook 118 and the at least one cleat d The snap 119 projects internally to the lower wall 113, in other words into the main body 110.

Furthermore, the main body 110 also includes two secondary slots 120a and 120b.

The two secondary slots 120a and 120b are in particular parallel to each other and formed, respectively, on one and the other of the two side walls 111. In other words, the secondary slot 120a is formed on the one of the two side walls 111 while the secondary slot 120b is formed on the other of the two side walls 111. In addition each of these secondary slots 120a, 120b opens through the engagement edge 114a, 114b, of the side wall 111. Thus, each secondary slot 120a, 120b therefore extends from an engagement edge 114a, 114b, for example parallel to the upper wall 112, in the direction of engagement. The secondary slots 120a and 120b are thus arranged to receive the central section 210 of the locking part 200, in the direction of engagement, by the engagement edge. It is further understood that the secondary slots 120a and 120b are arranged so that the engagement of the central section in said secondary slots results in the engagement of said central section, by the front edge of the hook 118.

Advantageously, each side slot is delimited by an edge which can be curved and more particularly curved internally to the main body.

The locking part 200 according to this second embodiment takes up all of the characteristics of the locking part described in relation to the first embodiment.

The invention also relates to a fixing kit comprising the clip 100 and the retaining part 200.

The invention also relates to an installation provided with at least one panel held on at least one rail by means of at least one fixing kit.

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 (15)

One-piece clip (100), from a fixing kit, for fixing a panel, provided with a frame, against a rail, the clip (100) comprising:
- a main body (110) provided with two side walls (111) and on each of which a side slot (116a, 116b) is formed, the two side slots (116a, 116b) being parallel to each other, and open through a face, called the engagement face (115), of the main body (110), said slots being arranged to receive a planar section of the chassis, in a direction of engagement, through the engagement face (115);
- a flexible tongue (117) formed on an upper wall (112) of the main body (110) and folded internally, said flexible tongue (117) being intended to come to bear against a face, called the support face, of the section flat when said flat section is engaged in the side slots (116a, 116b);
- hooking means provided with at least one hook (118) and at least one latching tab (119), and intended to cooperate with a locking part (200) of the fixing kit. Clip (100) according to claim 1, in which each side slot (116a, 116b) is delimited by a curved edge, advantageously, said edge is curved externally to the main body (110). Clip (100) according to claim 1 or 2, in which the at least one hook (118) and the at least one latching tab (119) are formed on a lower wall (112) of the main body (110) opposite the upper wall, the at least one hook (118) being oriented to allow engagement of the locking part (200) of the fixing kit in said at least one hook (118) in the direction of engagement. Clip (100) according to claim 3, in which the at least one hook (118) and the at least one latching tab (119) project internally into the main body (110) and from the lower wall . Clip (100) according to claim 4, wherein said clip (100) also comprises two secondary slots (120a, 120b) each formed on a side wall of the main body (110), said secondary slots (120a, 120b) are parallel to each other. 'one from the other, and open through the engagement face (115), said secondary slots (120a, 120b) being arranged to receive a central section (210), flat, of the locking part (200), according to the direction of engagement, by the engagement face (115). Clip (100) according to claim 3, in which the at least one hook (118) and the at least one latching tab (119) project externally to the main body (110) and from the lower wall. Clip (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which the flexible tongue (117) is terminated by points configured to come into contact with the bearing face when the flat section is engaged in the lateral slots (116a , 116b), and thus oppose the disengagement of said flat section in a direction opposite to the direction of engagement. Locking part (200) of a fixing kit intended to cooperate with the clip (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, the locking part (200) comprising:
- a central section (210), generally flat, delimited at least in part by an edge, called the front edge, and by which said central section (210) is intended to be engaged in the at least one hook (118) of the clip (100), said central section (210) also being provided with complementary latching means intended to cooperate with the at least one latching tab (119) of the clip (100) when the section central (210) is engaged in the at least one hook (118);
- connection means (215, 216) configured to cooperate with a rail on which a panel is intended to be fixed. Locking part (200) according to claim 8, in which the complementary locking means comprises at least one through opening (212) formed on the central section (210). Locking part (200) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein said locking part (200) comprises a stop member (217) linked to a rear edge of the central section (210) opposite the front edge, and perpendicular to said central section (210). Locking part (200) according to one of claims 8 to 10, in which the connecting means (215, 216) extend from lateral edges (213, 214) of the central section (210). Locking part (200) according to claim 11, in which the connecting means (215, 216) are of concave shape by a front face of the central section (210), and their generatrix extends parallel to the lateral edges (213 , 214). Locking part (200) according to claim 12, in which the connecting means (215, 216) are configured to cooperate with internally curved edges of a rail having a U-shaped section. Locking part (200) according to claim 8, in which the connection means (215, 216) are configured to cooperate in a slide connection mode maintained with a rail having a T or H section. Fixing kit including:
- a clip (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7;
- a locking part (200) according to claims 8 to 14.