WO2024251762A1 - Building covering system comprising a structure for attaching a position-adjustable panel, and method for installing such a covering system on a building - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a covering system (1000) for cladding a building (2000) by means of a panel (22), comprising a lower rail (201A) and an upper rail (201B) that are attached to the building (2000) and form channels, a first portion (200) and a second portion (300) comprising a panel rail bearing the panel (22) and bearing a lower support that co-operates with the lower rail, and bearing an upper hook assembly that is translatably movable, via adjustment means (6) that are accessible to the user, between an insertion position and a holding position in which the panel rail is vertically supported, and to a method for mounting the covering system (1000) by first pressing the lower support onto the lower rail and then positioning the upper hook assembly on the upper rail and adjusting and locking it into position.

Description

BUILDING CLADDING COMPRISING A POSITION-ADJUSTABLE PANEL FIXING STRUCTURE AND METHOD FOR INSTALLING SUCH CLADDING ON A BUILDING

The invention relates to the field of cladding buildings with panels with technical functions, such as insulation, energy accumulation, air circulation, lighting, display, or with aesthetic functions.

A photovoltaic structure integrated into a building is commonly referred to as “BIPV” (from the English “building-integrated photovoltaics”).

Document EP3182580A1 is known from the prior art, which describes a photovoltaic module for a ventilated facade, comprising a photovoltaic panel composed of a front window, a rear window, lamination films adhering to the windows, and a set of photovoltaic cells arranged between the windows and films, these cells being arranged in parallel rows between them and separated by conductive tracks; the rear window of the photovoltaic panel is permanently connected to wings of vertically oriented aluminum carrier profiles, the cores of which are provided with profiled hooks at their ends, and the edge of a membrane resting on the horizontal edge of a metal angle iron with equal branches is adjacent to the lower side of the rear window.

Document EP3594427A1 describes a system for fastening façade elements, in particular glass panes or photovoltaic modules, to a façade with mounting profiles arranged on a building wall, and connecting means which are connected on the one hand to the rear face of the façade elements and on the other hand can be connected to the mounting profiles. The fastening system comprises mounting profiles of a first type and mounting profiles of a second type for an essentially horizontal arrangement on a substructure of a building wall. Further components of the fastening system are a fastening profile for being arranged on the rear of the façade elements, an anchor for being removably arranged on the fastening profile, and a sliding support on the profile of the second type is guided longitudinally in the direction of the profile. The mounting profiles, the anchor and the sliding support are designed to have a first form-fit connection between the anchor and the mounting profile of the first type and a second interlocking connection between the anchor and the sliding part.

Document CH708361A1 describes a façade anchor for fixing façade elements to a building wall has a first front insertion end for anchoring in a building wall and a second rear end with a fixing option for fixing façade elements. Between the first and second ends there is a rod section made of a fibre-reinforced plastic. The front end has at least one intermediate section of reduced diameter, and the fibre reinforcement is formed by a preferably predominantly unidirectional fibre fabric or by strands aligned essentially in the longitudinal direction.

US2020291659A1 discloses a profiled element and a façade system for mounting on buildings, having façade panels connected to profiled elements, each profiled element having a receiving section, a fixing section and a mounting section. The receiving section forms a receiving space at its free end and the fixing section is formed such that it rests at least partially on the back of the façade panel. The fixing section is positioned relative to the façade panel such that the mounting section extends beyond the façade panel.

EP2180115A1 describes a device comprising a set of L-shaped end pieces connected by a plate-shaped spacer member that bridges a gap between a support frame and a building envelope panel. The spacer member is made of a material having a thermal conductivity of 20 Watts per meter Kelvin to increase resistance to heat transfer between the end pieces. Fastening passages are provided in the spacer member and the end pieces, and a fastener, i.e. a rivet fastener, is formed between the end pieces and the spacer member by the fastening passages. The spacer member is provided with a non-metallic material such as wood, a ceramic or polymer material, or metal.

Document EP2362034A2 describes a support body, on which a plate is fixed, the support body being a frameless construction and having a fixing device, with which the support body is fixed to a building wall. The support body has an adjustment unit. Distances are fixed and adjustable between a front stop and a rear stop using the adjustment unit.

Document EP2568095A1 describes a device for the wall assembly of a covering panel, which forms, with a wall, an intermediate space, comprises a mechanism for regulating the vertical height of the panel supported by a base fixed to the surface of the panel. The regulating mechanism comprises a slider and a screw for controlling the translation of the slider which also has a section for hanging the device on a plate fixed to the wall. The base and the height regulating mechanism are entirely contained in the intermediate space. A second screw for horizontal adjustment (in depth) of the panel is also entirely contained in the intermediate space and cooperates with the slider, the free end of this second screw has a cam profile acting on an edge of the plate, so as to vary the thickness of the intermediate space.

However, prior art façade cladding remains difficult to install, geometric adjustments between panels are delicate and in some cases require significant intervals between the panels. In addition, removing these panels is sometimes dangerous.

The aim of the present invention is to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a very versatile façade cladding, with panels of all types, with technical or aesthetic functionalities, and in particular very well suited to the installation of photovoltaic panels in complete safety for both equipment and personnel.

The invention relates in particular to a photovoltaic structure integrated into a building, placed on a ventilated facade.

For this purpose, the present disclosure relates to a cladding intended for a building, comprising a structure for fixing a panel adjustable in position relative to the structure, the structure comprising a first part intended to be fixed on the building comprising a lower rail and an upper rail each comprising a part with an open hollow profile forming a chute and intended to be mounted parallel, the structure comprising a second part intended to be fixed removably on the first part and comprising a rear panel rail intended to carry said panel, the rear panel rail comprising a lower support arranged to cooperate in support with the open hollow profile of the lower rail, the rear panel rail being able to be movable in translation on the lower rail and on the upper rail, the rear panel rail carrying an upper hook assembly comprising a locking hook arranged to cooperate by pinching with the upper rail, the upper hook assembly and the rear panel rail comprising means for guiding and adjusting in translation, the upper hook assembly being able to be movable in translation relative to the rear panel rail, the upper hook assembly comprising a movable hook able to be movable in translation the along the rear panel rail under the action of the adjustment means for bearing on the upper rail and for vertical adjustment of the rear panel rail relative to the building, and the locking hook being capable of being movable, under the action of the adjustment means, in rotation and/or in translation relative to the movable hook, and the upper hook assembly comprises a locking guide comprising guide grooves cooperating with the movable hook and the locking hook to pass from a release configuration to a locking configuration of the locking hook relative to the upper rail and vice versa.

By means of the invention, it is possible to pre-position the panel in support by the lower support inserted in the chute of the lower rail taking up part of its weight, then to ensure its attachment to the upper rail with the upper hook assembly, in a connection allowing adjustments before locking in position. The configuration of the hook movable in translation allows the position of the panel to be adjusted in a first direction, parallel to the rear rail of the panel, in particular vertical. It is understood that to move from the release configuration to the locking configuration, the locking hook is brought closer to the upper rail by a kinematic applied to the upper hook assembly, and that to move from the locking configuration to the release configuration, the locking hook is moved away from the upper rail by a kinematic applied to the upper hook assembly.

In the release configuration, the rear panel rail can translate along the top rail and/or the movable hook assembly can be disengaged from the top rail.

The friction between the top rail and the rear panel rail, combined with the locking, ensures that the panel holds securely even in severe weather conditions (strong winds, shear winds, unusual climatic loads, and the like). The panel can be adjusted in a second direction, in particular horizontally.

In some embodiments, the locking hook includes a lower notch and the upper rail includes a recessed flange, the lower notch and the recessed flange being operable to cooperate in a locking configuration.

In some embodiments, the locking hook includes a detent tooth and the top rail includes a detent tooth, the detent teeth being configured to cooperate in a locking configuration.

In some embodiments, the latch hook includes a latch pin and a first bore adapted to receive the latch pin, the latch guide including a first lower groove adapted to guide the latch pin and a second upper groove, not aligned with the first lower groove, adapted to guide a latch pin received in a second bore of the latch hook.

Thus the juxtaposition of simple components allows a kinematics of the locking hook.

In some embodiments, the locking guides are interposed with the movable hook and the locking hook.

The guidance of the lock axis and that of the hook axis are thus optimized.

In some embodiments, the second upper groove is either a curved groove or a straight groove oblique to the first lower groove.

The guiding kinematics by such grooves is simple, reliable, and reversible. The curved grooves allow in particular a smooth, jolt-free movement. As a non-limiting example, the grooves can be lights.

In some embodiments, the movable hook has a bore for guiding the hook shaft.

The upper hook assembly is thus a rigid assembly.

In some embodiments, the movable hook has a bore for guiding a safety pin and the locking hook has an upper notch for housing the safety pin, the safety pin being arranged to prevent unlocking of the locking hook.

The safety pin limits the angular travel of the locking hook. The choice of bore on the movable hook, to guide the hook pin, also allows locking between the hook notch and the safety pin.

In some embodiments, the bore is oblong in shape.

In some embodiments, the movable hook forms a yoke surrounding the locking hook.

In some embodiments, the locking hook is in two parts, with the movable hook disposed between the two parts.

In some embodiments the upper hook assembly includes two locking guides.

In some embodiments, the locking guide is interposed between the movable hook and the locking hook.

In some embodiments, the upper hook assembly includes a member for returning the locking hook to a release configuration.

In some embodiments, the biasing element is a compression spring attached to the latch hook or housed in a recess in the latch hook.

This spring allows the locking hook to be spread apart to release the edge of the top rail. when the stresses on the locking hook are reduced allowing the locking hook to move from the locking configuration to the releasing configuration.

In certain embodiments, the adjustment means comprise a nut which can be stopped axially by a nut support and arranged to control the rotation of a threaded shaft which is capable of cooperating with a tapping which the movable hook comprises to move it in translation.

Thus, the adjustment means are both robust and inexpensive, allowing fine and reproducible adjustment.

In some embodiments, the rear panel rail is capable of being angularly and translationally movable to allow insertion or extraction of the upper hook assembly into or from the upper rail chute to allow installation or removal of the panel.

Here again, the arrangement facilitates the installation and removal operations. The translation allows the upper hook assembly to be inserted or extracted from the upper rail chute and the rotation allows the lower support to be inserted or extracted from the lower rail.

In some embodiments, the second portion includes a lower bracket assembly, which includes the lower bracket and a lower vertical blocker secured by a screw to the lower bracket and having an inclined surface arranged to cooperate with a complementary inclined surface included in the lower bracket to form therewith an adjustable wedge arranged to be held by pressure in a profile of the rear panel rail.

The lower support assembly is thus rigid, and can be positioned at will on the rear panel rail, in which it is firmly held by the expanding wedge effect.

In some embodiments, the lower support comprises, on the side opposite the rear panel rail, a stop arranged to cooperate in support with the lower rail, in a mounted and assembled position of the second part on the first part.

The pivoting of the panel is made easier, and the stop is an anti-tilt safety device and helps reduce, or even eliminate, noise linked to vibrations of the panel, particularly when subjected to wind.

In some embodiments, the upper hook assembly includes a locking indicator.

The lock indicator is a visual indicator.

By way of non-limiting example, the lock indicator is a drilling, a visual mark that is visible when the system is in the lock configuration. This lock indicator makes it possible to verify that the system is in the lock configuration.

In some embodiments, the rear panel rail comprises, at its lower end, a lower safety hook arranged to support the weight of said panel, and/or, at its upper end, an upper safety hook arranged to prevent the panel from tilting.

This ensures safety in service, as well as safety on the installation or removal site. This arrangement allows the panel to be fixed a posteriori on panel rails already installed and pre-positioned on the rails. It also provides safety during handling, and relieves the means of fixing the panel with the panel rails.

In some embodiments, the means for attaching the panel to the panel rail comprises at least one interface seal or at least one adhesive film.

This avoids the use of mechanical fixing methods which, in addition to their cost, may prove unsuitable for thin panels, particularly those with glazing.

In some embodiments, the panel is a photovoltaic panel, or a reflective glazing panel, or a panel comprising light diffusion or display means, or an insulation panel, or a forced air circulation panel.

The invention is therefore versatile, and suitable for installing any type of panel.

The invention also relates to a building comprising a cladding according to the invention and a panel, said panel being a photovoltaic panel, or a reflective glazing panel, or a panel comprising light diffusion or display means, or an insulation panel, or a forced air circulation panel.

The invention also relates to a method for installing a cladding according to the invention on a building defining a plane, comprising the following steps: a step of obtaining a cladding according to the invention; a step of fixing the lower rail and the upper rail mounted parallel to each other on the building; a step of fixing the lower support and the upper hook assembly to each rear panel rail through the adjustment translation guide means; a step of separating the upper hook assembly and the lower support by acting on the adjustment means; a step of introducing each lower hook assembly into the channel of the lower rail for temporary support; a step of adjusting the position of the upper hook assembly of each rear panel rail, so that its locking hook fits into the channel of the upper rail; a step of fixing the upper hook assembly of each rear panel rail by pinching it on the upper rail; a step of adjusting the position of the rear panel rail in the vertical direction.

The building is arranged on a ground defining a vertical direction according to the Earth's gravity field, a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, the vertical direction and the longitudinal direction forming a plane parallel to said plane of the building, and a transverse direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and to the longitudinal direction. The direction of the upper rail and the lower rail is according to the longitudinal direction.

This makes it easy to adapt to the building layout and to best adapt the fixing methods for each panel. It is possible to choose to directly install the panel equipped with its panel rail or its panel rails. This greatly facilitates the organization of the construction site.

Particularly when installing the panel, the panel and thus the panel rear rail can be assembled simultaneously on the upper and lower rails, i.e. the panel rear rail is inserted parallel to the plane formed by the upper rail and the lower rail.

In some embodiments, the method includes a step of adjusting the position of each panel rear rail along the top rail and the bottom rail after the introducing step.

The position adjustment is according to the longitudinal direction.

The invention will be further detailed by the description of non-limiting embodiments, and on the basis of the appended figures illustrating variants of the invention, in which:

schematically illustrates, in front view, a building equipped with cladding according to the invention;

illustrates schematically and in perspective, in view facing the building (not shown), the cladding of , without the panel, like the following figures;

is the reverse shot of , in perspective view from behind the building lock hook;

schematically illustrates, in a front view towards the building, the cladding mechanism, and fixing means for the panel to the back of the panel rail;

schematically illustrates the cladding mechanism in frontal view from the building;

schematically illustrates, in exploded perspective, the whole of the second part of the cladding according to the invention;

schematically illustrates the dressing mechanism of ready to be mounted on the first fixed part, on the left part of the figure in front view from the building, and on the right part of the figure in sectional view along a vertical median plane;

schematically illustrates, in a similar way to the right part of the dressing mechanism in an intermediate assembly or disassembly position;

illustrates schematically and in top view the cladding mechanism attached to the building in the position of ;

has illustrate, in side view, the kinematics of assembly and disassembly of the cladding in relation to the building:

schematically illustrates, in three drawings, the presentation of the ready-to-assemble panel (as visible in ) in relation to the structure of the building: on the left oblique presentation with the lower hook assembly inserted in the lower rail, in the middle tilting in the plane of the rails of the building, on the right vertical positioning of the panel until it comes into contact with the upper rail of the building;

schematically illustrates, in two drawings, the start of the locking kinematics of the upper hook assembly on the upper rail of the building, with on the left the descent of the upper hook assembly resting on the upper rail of the building, and on the right the angular movement of the locking hook with going around the edge of the upper rail then its closing on the upper rail under compression of the spring;

schematically illustrates, in two drawings, the continuation of the locking kinematics of the upper hook assembly on the upper rail of the building, with on the left the support of the hook axis on the low point of the lower light of the movable hook and the locking of the locking hook, and on the right the height adjustment of the panel to the desired height relative to the building;

schematically illustrates, in two drawings, the start of the unlocking kinematics during a panel removal operation, with on the left the lowering of the panel until the lower hook assembly comes into contact with the lower rail of the building, the start of the unlocking of the locking hook being carried out during this lowering stroke, and on the right the complete unlocking of the locking hook;

schematically illustrates, in three drawings, the end of the unlocking kinematics, on the left the release of the upper hook assembly from the upper rail to be able to remove the panel, in the middle the oblique tilting of the panel, and on the right the extraction of the panel by lifting for the extraction of the lower hook assembly from the lower rail;

schematically illustrates in three views, one in the middle from the building, surrounded by the two corresponding side views, a panel equipped with a single rear panel rail, in its locked and height-adjusted service position;

illustrates schematically and in perspective a panel comprising two parallel rear panel rails, ready to be installed on the rails of a building;

has detail the main components of the mechanism according to the execution of :

illustrates schematically and in perspective the mobile hook;

illustrates schematically and in perspective the locking hook;

illustrates schematically and in perspective a locking guide;

illustrates schematically and in perspective a nut support;

illustrates schematically and in perspective a rear panel rail;

illustrates schematically and in perspective a lower and/or upper rail;

illustrates schematically and in perspective a lower support;

schematically and in perspective illustrates a blocker;

illustrates schematically and in perspective a nut;

illustrates schematically and in perspective an upper safety hook;

illustrates schematically and in perspective a lower safety hook;

schematically illustrates in exploded perspective the upper hook assembly;

schematically illustrates, in assembled perspective, all the constituents of ;

is a flowchart showing the successive steps of the method of installing a covering according to the invention on a building.

Detailed description

The present invention represents an improvement of prior designs for cladding a building facade with panels, in particular BIPV panels. In each of these designs, the mounting system is equipped with panel rails which are fixed, in particular glued, to the panel; on each panel rail there are two hook assemblies, one lower, the other upper, which can be adapted to the position of the rails, which are fixed to the structure of the building; and the mounting system is equipped with a fixing system accessible from one side of the panel; this fixing makes it possible to fix the panel to the rail and to avoid the movement of the panel after installation.

'The invention relates to a changeable fixing system with at least two fixings per panel rear rail, the upper one serving to lock the system (the upper fixing can move up and down thanks to the rotation of the leveling system which also locks the system in place). The system is applicable for both portrait and landscape orientations and for modules of any special shapes in addition to the standard rectangular modules. The fixing is ensured by blocking one of the upper hooks with a plate raised and screwed from the lateral side. A spring is attached to the upper clamp to keep it open by default and, with a turn of a screw and the weight of the system, it locks in place. It can be moved vertically using the leveling system and locked in place.

In addition, there is an additional lock to prevent vertical movement of the panels once they are in the locked position under the self-weight of the panel, with the advantage of an additional verification of the lock by means of a color code which ensures that the system is properly locked.

The system also allows the horizontal movement of the panels on the rails in the unlocked position, i.e. in the release configuration.

The device according to the invention is a standard solution for photovoltaic panels (it can also be used for any other type of covering, for example, glass, wood, metal, composite panel, board material, or other). It is also possible to adapt different shapes of panels by placing the mechanical supports at strategic locations to hold the panels in place to prevent any failure of the fixing of the system.

Thus, more particularly, and as visible in the figures, the invention relates to a cladding 1000 of a building 2000. This cladding 1000 comprises at least one structure 100 for fixing at least one panel 22 adjustable in position on the structure 100.

The figures refer to a reference trihedron XYZ, with a first direction Z called vertical, a second direction Y called longitudinal, perpendicular to the first direction Z, and a third direction X called transverse, perpendicular to the first direction Z and to the second direction Y. If the invention is illustrated in the particular and non-limiting case where the first direction Z corresponds to that of the gravity field of the assembly site, it can also be used for the assembly of panels 22 with a slight inclination. According to the invention, the panel 22 is adjustable vertically according to the first vertical direction Z, and longitudinally according to the second longitudinal direction Y.

As seen in , the structure 100 comprises a first supporting part 200, which is arranged to be fixed to the building 2000, and a second part 300 which is arranged to be removably fixed to the first part 200.

The first part 200 comprises at least two mounting rails, which are mounted parallel and spaced apart from each other, according to a previously defined spacing: a lower rail 201A is arranged to be mounted closer to the ground than an upper rail 201B. Each rail, lower 201A or upper 201B, in particular detailed in in an advantageous execution as a profile, comprises at least one part with an open hollow profile forming a chute, the open hollow profile being arranged to receive as support a lower support 2 of the second part 300. The chute may comprise an opening arranged to be turned upwards, that is to say towards the side opposite the ground.

The lower rail 201A and the upper rail 201B are fixed to the building 2000 by traditional fixing means, known to those skilled in the art; advantageously, these fixing means do not protrude inside the chute, for example by using countersunk screws cooperating with chamfered holes in the rail, or protrude little, with flat-head screws 101, or similar, as visible in the figures. More particularly and advantageously, the lower rail 201A and the upper rail 201B are identical, which simplifies management.

By convention, the longitudinal direction Y is here called the direction in which the rails 201A and 201B extend.

The second part 300 comprises at least one rear panel rail 1, which is arranged to support at least one panel 22, directly or through fixing means. The number of rear panel rails 1 depends on the mass and dimensions of the panel 22 to be supported. The example of has two rear panel rails 1 mounted parallel, in the vertical direction Z.

According to the invention, the rear panel rail 1 carries an upper hook assembly 30 comprising a locking hook 9 arranged to cooperate by pinching with the upper rail 201B. The upper hook assembly 30 and the rear panel rail 1 comprise translational guiding and adjustment means. The upper hook assembly 30 is capable of being movable in translation relative to the rear panel rail 1. The upper hook assembly 30 comprises a movable hook 8 capable of being movable in translation in the vertical direction Z along the rear panel rail 1 under the action of the adjustment means for bearing on the upper rail 201B and for vertical adjustment of the rear panel rail 1 relative to the building 2000. The locking hook 9 is capable of being movable, under the action of the adjustment means, in rotation and/or in translation relative to the movable hook 8. And the upper hook assembly 30 comprises locking guides 12 comprising guide grooves cooperating with both the movable hook 8 and the locking hook 9 to control a kinematics of separation or approach of the locking hook 9 relative to the upper rail 201B to release it or lock it respectively.

The locking hook 9 comprises a hook pin 11 and a first bore 91 capable of receiving the hook pin 11. And each locking guide 12 comprises a first lower oblong groove 141 in which the hook pin 11 is capable of being movable and a second upper oblong groove 142 not aligned with the first lower oblong groove 141 and which is capable of receiving a latch pin 13 guided in a second bore 92 of the locking hook 9.

The rear panel rail 1 is thus movable in a longitudinal direction Y along the lower rail 201A, and carries a lower support 2 arranged to cooperate with the chute of the lower rail 201A. locking hook

The upper hook assembly 30 is movable in translation relative to the rear panel rail 1, and therefore relative to the lower support 2, thanks to the adjustment means of the second part 300. These adjustment means are accessible to the user, here in the upper part of the rear panel rail 1, preferably flush with the upper end of the panel 22. These adjustment means comprise a translation means operable by a user, and cooperating with a movable hook solution to move it in translation.

The upper hook assembly 30 is movable from an insertion position to a position for maintaining the rear panel rail 1 in vertical support relative to the gravity field. In this insertion position, the distance between the lower support 2 and the upper hook assembly 30 is greater than the gap between the lower 201A and upper 201B rails, and the lower support 2 is insertable into the chute of the lower rail 201A; in this insertion position, the rear panel rail 1 is free angularly and in translation relative to the building 2000.

More particularly, the upper hook assembly 30 is arranged to, in the vertical support holding position of the rear panel rail 1, grip the upper rail 201B by clamping means carried by the upper hook assembly 30.

These clamping means comprise a cooperation of elements for gripping the upper rail 201B. More particularly, the upper hook assembly 30 comprises a movable hook 8, detailed in , which is movable in translation along the rear rail of panel 1 under the action of the adjustment means for its support on the upper rail 201B, and for the vertical adjustment of the rear rail of panel 1 relative to the building 2000 for its placement in a predefined position or in a position of alignment with other elements of the building 2000.

More particularly, the adjustment means comprise a threaded shaft 5, controlled by a nut 6 operable by the user and stopped axially by a nut support 4 detailed in , and cooperating with a tapping 85 of the movable hook 8, as visible in And , to move it in translation.

In the embodiment of the And , the locking guides 12 each comprise a locking indicator, in particular a visual locking indicator. In the embodiment of the And , the visual indicator of locking is a drilling 149. As shown in , the hole 149 is visible only when the system is in the locking configuration, that is to say when the panel 22 is locked on the building 2000. In the release configuration, the hole 149 is not visible. It is hidden by the movable hook 8.

More particularly, the upper hook assembly 30 comprises immobilization means, which are arranged to press the upper rail 201B and the rear panel rail 1 against each other.

More particularly, these immobilization means include a locking hook 9, detailed in , which is arranged to, in a locked holding position of the rear panel rail 1, immobilize the rear panel rail 1 on the upper rail 201B in all directions, and to, in an unlocked holding position, authorize a translational movement of the upper hook assembly 30 in the direction of the upper rail 201B, i.e. the longitudinal direction Y in which this upper rail 201B extends, to authorize a lateral adjustment of the position of the panel 22.

Advantageously, the immobilization means comprise a locking hook 9 comprising a first bore 91 in which the hook axis 11 is received, also guided in two aligned housings 82 of the movable hook 8, which are preferably oblong grooves allowing a short stroke, of the order of 2 mm for example. This locking hook 9 is movable in rotation and/or in translation relative to the movable hook 8, in an opening/closing kinematics which is controlled by locking guides 12, detailed in , which are interposed between the movable hook 8 forming an external yoke and the locking hook 9 arranged between these locking guides 12. The locking hook 9 closes and locks by the simultaneous action of the threaded rod 5 and the locking guides 12 when the latter come into contact with the upper surface of the upper rail 201B, aided by the weight of the rear panel rail 1 and the panel 22.

The movable hook 8 thus comprises a U-shaped yoke, in which the locking hook 9 is positioned, separated from the movable hook 8 by a locking guide 12 on each side. The two arms 81 of the yoke comprise aligned housings 82, receiving the hook axis 11, which constitutes the axis of the locking hook 9, and around which this locking hook 9 can pivot. The movable hook 8 comprises a guide surface 83 for guiding it in the rear panel rail 1, and, in a particular embodiment, a notch 84 for support on the upper rail 201B.

The assembly of the movable hook 8, the locking guides 12, and the locking hook 9, is carried out with minimal functional clearance, to prevent any Y-shaped movement of the locking hook 9 relative to the movable hook 8. The two locking guides 12 are identical. Preferably, the hook axis 11 and the latch axis 13 are both mounted in tight fit, either with the movable hook 8, or with the locking hook 9. It is understood that the combination of the directions of the oblong grooves defines a movement of the locking hook 9 combining a translation and a rotation. This first variant is very robust, and particularly well suited to supporting heavy panels.

The user begins by moving the upper hook assembly 30 and the lower support 2 as far apart as possible, prepositions the lower support 2 in the channel of the lower rail 201A, then tilts the rear panel rail 1 towards the upper rail 201B. In this starting position, the hook axis 11 and the lock axis 13 are in the upper part of the corresponding grooves, that is to say opposite the lower support 2. Then the user controls, by rotating the threaded rod 5 using the nut 6, in particular provided with a hexagonal head or similar receiving a very thin flat spanner, the maneuver of bringing together the upper hook assembly 30 and the lower support 2, until the upper hook assembly 30 rests on the upper rail 201B. During this approach maneuver, the hook axis 11 and the lock axis 13 go to the lower part of the corresponding grooves, that is to say on the side of the lower support 2, which controls the spacing of the locking hook 9 relative to the plane of the rear panel rail 1. It is then possible to move the rear panel rail 1, still in lower support in the lower rail 201A, in the longitudinal direction Y, to adjust its position. Continuing the maneuver of the threaded rod 5, still in the same direction, has the joint effect of folding the locking hook 9 onto the upper rail 201B, and of moving the lower support 2 away from the bottom of the lower rail 201A, by raising the lower support 2 in the vertical direction Z, which makes it possible to adjust the position of the rear panel rail 1 relative to the lower rail 201A and the upper rail 201B, in the vertical direction Z.

More particularly, the upper hook assembly 30 comprises, in the first as in the second variant, at least one spring 10, which is fixed to the locking hook 9, in particular at the level of a recess 99, and which tends to keep it open by default: this spring 10 works in repulsion, except when it is installed on the rail, the locking hook 9 is open. The locking hook 9 closes and locks by the simultaneous action of the threaded rod 5 and the locking guides 12 with oblongs when they come into contact with the upper face of the upper rail 201B (aided by the weight of the panel rail, or of the rear panel rail 1 and of the panel 22 when the latter is previously mounted on the rear panel rail 1. The upper hook assembly 30 is then pinched on the upper rail 201B.

The movable hook 8 forms an outer yoke surrounding the locking hook 9 and has two aligned holes 87 for guiding a safety pin 7 arranged to prevent the locking hook 9 from falling, which has an upper notch 97 for housing the safety pin 7. Indeed, the locking hook 9 naturally tends to open (because of the spring 10): if the panel is lifted by force, there is a risk of the hook opening and the system being released. Hence the addition of this safety pin 7 and this upper notch 97, which, when the movable hook 8 is in contact with the rail and the hook is closed, prevents the locking hook 9 from opening; this is valid as long as the panel is not dismantled. It is therefore an inexpensive and very useful safety feature.

In reverse operation, the system is released by operating the threaded rod 5 until the lower support 2 touches the lower rail 201A, the weight of the assembly is then no longer supported by the upper part but by the lower rail 201A. If the operation is continued, the locking hook 9 is released from the upper rail 201B, pushed by the spring 10 and the locking guides 12. Then the movable hook 8 and the locking hook 9 can be released above the upper rail 201B, which then allows the panel to be tilted to remove it safely.

More particularly, between the insertion position and the vertical support holding position, the rear panel rail 1 is movable angularly and in translation, to allow the insertion or extraction of the upper hook assembly 30 into or from the chute of the upper rail 201B, in order to allow the installation or removal of a panel 22.

More particularly, at least the upper rail 201B comprises internally, at its upper part furthest from its support on the building 2000, a retracted edge 190, which is directed towards the building 2000. And the locking hook 9 and the movable hook 8 are arranged to, in the locked holding position of the rear panel rail 1, immobilize the retracted edge 190 of the upper rail 201B, and, in an intermediate mounting position, allow the release of the retracted edge 190 to allow the insertion or extraction of the upper hook assembly 30 into or from the chute of the upper rail 201B, in order to allow the installation or removal of a panel 22. For this purpose, the locking hook 9 advantageously comprises a lower notch 93 provided to immobilize this retracted edge 190.

More particularly, the second part 300 comprises a lower support assembly, which comprises the lower support 2 and a lower vertical blocker 3 fixed by a screw 20 to the lower support 2 and comprising an inclined surface 38 arranged to cooperate with a complementary inclined surface 28 that the lower support 2 comprises to form with it an adjustable wedge arranged to be held by pressure in a profile of the rear panel rail 1. The adjustment can be adapted during installation of the panel, since the lower support 2 and the lower vertical blocker 3 slide in the rear panel rail 1. No positioning pre-drilling is necessary.

More particularly and non-limitingly, the lower support 2 also comprises, on the side opposite the rear panel rail 1, a stop 29 which is arranged to cooperate in support with the lower rail 201A, in the mounted and assembled position of the second part 300 on the first part 200, in which the substantially cylindrical lower part 25 is supported on a side wall of the lower rail 201A. This arrangement allows, with adequate dimensioning of the lower support 21 relative to the calibrated rail 1, to have a lower support without play in this mounted and assembled position, while the upper hook assembly 30 is also firmly clamped on the upper rail 201B, which makes it possible to avoid vibrations and preserves the structure 100 and the panel 22 which it carries.

More particularly, the rear panel rail 1 comprises, at its end closest to the ground, a lower safety hook 15 which is arranged to support the weight of the panel 22. A good fixing is thus ensured, capable of supporting the mass of the panel 22, and the stop constitutes an anti-tilt safety. Or/and the rear panel rail 1 comprises, at its end furthest from the ground, an upper safety hook 14 arranged to prevent the panel 22 from tilting.

More particularly, and not limited to, the means for fixing the panel 22 to the rear panel rail 1 comprise at least one interface joint 16 or at least one adhesive film 17. The panel 22 can also be fixed by conventional mechanical means, screws, slides, profiles or the like, or by a combination of adhesive means and mechanical means.

Advantageously, the guidance of the nut 6 in the upper part of the rear panel rail 1 is secured to ensure that only rotation about the vertical Z axis is possible.

In an advantageous execution, the rear rail of panel 1, detailed in , is a hollow profile, and the nut support 4 has a shape complementary to the internal profile of this profile, in which it is threaded, it is therefore blocked in the longitudinal Y and transverse X directions by the shape of the rear panel rail 1. The nut support 4 is blocked in a single position along the vertical axis Z, in particular by front screws, once the pre-assembly of the system has been carried out.

In another particular variant, to secure the position adjustment carried out, the upper end of the rear panel rail 1 comprises a latch, movable in the longitudinal direction Y, to immobilize the locking system, and in particular to prevent the rotation of the nut 6 once the rear panel rail 1 and the panel 22 are adjusted in position.

More particularly, the panel 22 is a photovoltaic panel, or a reflective glazing panel, or a panel comprising light diffusion or display means, or an insulation panel, or a forced air circulation panel.

The invention also relates to a building 2000 comprising at least one such covering 1000.

The invention also relates to a method of installing such a covering 1000 on a building 2000.

According to the invention, the method comprises the following steps:
- a step E1 of obtaining the cladding 1000, a lower rail 201A and an upper rail 201B; the geometry of the structure 100, the spacing between the lower rail 201A and the upper rail 201B, and the number and position of the panel rails 3 relative to the panel 22 have been determined beforehand;
- a step E2 of fixing on the building 2000 the lower rail 201A and the upper rail 201B, parallel to each other in the second direction Y, which can in a usual but non-limiting variant coincide with the horizontal of the location of the building 2000, the lower rail 201A mounted closest to the ground of the location of the building 2000, with the openings facing the side opposite the ground;
- a fixing step E3 on each rear rail of panel 1 of the lower support 2 and of the upper hook assembly 30 through the translational guide means and the adjustment means;
- a step of spacing E4 of the upper hook assembly 30 and the lower support 2 by action on the adjustment means
- a step E5 of introducing each lower support 2 into the chute of the lower rail 201A for temporary support in the vertical direction Z, and of adjusting the longitudinal position of each rear panel rail 1 in the longitudinal direction Y;
- a step E6 of adjusting the position of the upper hook assembly 30 of each rear panel rail 1, so that its locking hook 9 fits into the channel of the upper rail 201B;
- a step E7 of fixing the upper hook assembly 30 of each rear rail of panel 1 by pinching on the upper rail 201B;
- an adjustment step E8 of the position of the rear rail of panel 1 according to the vertical direction Z.

The panel 22 is finally fixed to the rear panel rail 1, directly or through fixing means, during the fixing step E3 or during, or after, the adjustment step E8.

More particularly, for each panel 22 a selection step selects, depending on its size and its mass, either a first alternative for handling the panel 22 provided with each rear panel rail 1, fixed together beforehand, or a second alternative for positioning each rear panel rail 1 relative to the lower rail 201A and the upper rail 201B before fixing the panel 22 on each rear panel rail 1.

For each rear panel rail 1, an insertion step consists of inserting its lower support 2 into the channel of the lower rail 201A, a folding step consists of angularly folding the rear panel rail 1 towards the upper rail 201B resting on the lower rail 201A, an operating step consists of controlling the adjustment means to bring the upper hook assembly 30 to rest on the upper rail 201B, and to grip the upper rail 201B by clamping means carried by the upper hook assembly.

In a first alternative, a release step makes it possible to release the clamping means to allow a longitudinal adjustment in the longitudinal direction Y of the position of the panel 22 relative to the lower rail 201A and the upper rail 201B and in the direction of the lower rail 201A and the upper rail 201B, before locking the clamping means and carrying out a vertical adjustment of the position of the panel 22 away from the lower rail 201A and the upper rail 201B by continuing the action on the adjustment means and losing the lower support of the lower support 2 in the chute of the lower rail 201A.

Or, in a second alternative, a fixing step consists of fixing the panel 22 on each rear rail of panel 1, before a step of releasing the clamping means to allow a longitudinal adjustment in the longitudinal direction Y of the position of the panel 22 relative to the lower rail 201A and the upper rail 201B and in the direction of the lower rail 201A and the upper rail 201B, before locking the clamping means and carrying out a vertical adjustment of the position of the panel 22 away from the lower rail 201A and the upper rail 201B by continuing the action on the adjustment means and losing the lower support of the lower support 2 in the chute of the lower rail 201A.

has illustrate the kinematics of assembly and disassembly of the cladding in relation to the building.

illustrates, in three drawings 01, 02, 03, the presentation of the ready-to-assemble panel (as visible in ) relative to the building structure. Drawing 01 and its detail 01A show the oblique presentation with the lower hook assembly 2 inserted in the lower rail 201A: the BIPV system is inclined to allow the insertion of the part 10 in the fixed lower rail. Drawing 02 and its detail 02B show the tilting of the assembly in the plane of the building rails: the lower hook assembly 2 comes into contact (A1) with the lower rail 201A fixed to the wall. Drawing 03 shows the verticalization of the panel until it comes into contact with the upper rail 201B of the building: the BIPV system is brought into a vertical position until it comes into contact (A2) with the upper rail 201B fixed to the wall.

illustrates, in two drawings 04 and 05, the start of the locking kinematics of the upper hook assembly on the upper rail of the building. Drawing 04 and its detail 04C show the descent of the upper hook assembly resting on the upper rail of the building: by rotating the nut 6 and the threaded rod 5, the upper hook assembly 30 descends in Z until it comes into contact (A3) with the upper rail 201B fixed to the wall. Drawing 05 and its detail 05D show the angular movement of the locking hook 9 with bypassing of the edge 190 of the upper rail 201B, then its closing on the upper rail 201B by compressing the spring 10: by continuing the rotation of the nut 6 and the threaded rod 5, the locking hook 9 closes (A4) on the upper rail 201B fixed to the wall, by action of the locking guides 12, compressing the spring 10.

illustrates, in two drawings 06 and 07, the continuation of the locking kinematics of the upper hook assembly 30 on the upper rail 201B of the building. Drawing 06 and its detail 06E show the support of the hook axis 11 on the low point of the lower light 82 of the movable hook 8, and the locking of the locking hook 9: by continuing the rotation of the nut 6 and the threaded rod 5, the hook axis 11 reaches the low point (A5) of the lower light 82 and blocks the locking hook 9. Drawing 07 and its detail 07F show the height adjustment of the panel 22 to the desired height relative to the building: by continuing the rotation of the nut 6 and the threaded rod 5, the assembly of the BIPV system rises to the desired height (A6) (with a stroke in particular, but not limited to, of the order of 10 mm); It is noted that when the lower hook assembly 2 is no longer in contact with the lower rail 201A fixed to the wall, the BIPV system is considered to be completely locked and enters the adjustment phase.

illustrates, in two drawings 08 and 09, the start of the unlocking kinematics during a panel removal operation. Drawing 08 and its detail 08H show the lowering of the panel until the lower hook assembly 2 comes into contact with the lower rail 21A of the building, the start of the unlocking of the locking hook 9 being carried out during this lowering stroke: by reverse rotation of the nut 6 and the threaded rod 5, the entire BIPV system descends to come into contact (A7) with the lower rail 201 fixed to the wall, the movable hook 8 continues to rise, placing the hook axis 11 on the low point (A8) of the opening 82, this action unlocks the locking hook 9. Drawing 09 and its detail 09I show the complete unlocking of the locking hook 9: this locking hook 9 (A9), the reverse rotation of the nut 6 and the threaded rod 5 is continued.

illustrates, in three drawings 10, 11, 12, the end of the unlocking kinematics. Drawing 10 and its detail 10J show the release of the upper hook assembly 30 from the upper rail 201B to be able to remove the panel: the reverse rotation of the nut 6 and the threaded rod 5 is continued until there is sufficient space (A9) to remove the BIPV system. Drawing 11 shows the oblique tilting of the panel, by action reverse to that of drawing 02 of . Drawing 12 shows the extraction of the panel by lifting for the extraction of the lower hook assembly 2 from the lower rail 201, by reverse action to that of drawing 01 of .

In summary, the building cladding according to the invention is a new mounting system for facades, in particular for cladding with BIPV photovoltaic panels, and is much easier to install than the systems available on the market. In addition, it is equipped with a one-point fixing system and an easy-to-access leveling system compared to other systems available on the market (in some cases, fixing and leveling are absent from the systems available on the market).

In addition, the position of the fixings can be adapted to the location of the fixing on the facade.

In summary, the designs are based on a glued backbar mounting system, in which the backbars are attached to a horizontal mounting rail.

The invention allows to achieve a level of stability much higher than current competing systems on the market.

The leveling system is accessible at the horizontal joints.

The locking system is based on a simple and effective clamping mechanism.

Installation is much faster and easier than standard systems.

There is no need to manage spare parts sets, as everything is already integrated into the rear rail system and the various hooks and adjustment systems, it is truly a ready-to-install device.

The implementation process guarantees the safety of the installation personnel, thanks to the prior support on the lower rail, and also guarantees the integrity of the panels which can be handled without risk. The possibility of easy flat adjustment in two dimensions, namely vertical and horizontal, allows a perfect adjustment of a panel among other panels or according to particular architectural elements of the building.

Access to the adjustment means requires only a space of a few millimetres, sufficient for the insertion and handling of a tool such as a flat spanner, which helps prevent the insertion of foreign bodies, particularly insects, under the panel.

The invention can also be used for panels mounted slightly obliquely to the gravity field, either with rails slightly obliquely to the horizontal, or with a panel plane slightly obliquely to the vertical of the location, for example with a sloping facade.

The invention also allows easy and secure assembly of panels of a shape other than rectangular and allows good adaptation to the architectural design of the building.

In some embodiments, the locking indicator may be carried by a member other than the locking guide 12.

By way of non-limiting example, the locking indicator may be carried by the locking hook 9, in particular when the locking hook 9 is in two parts.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to a specific exemplary embodiment, it is obvious that various modifications and changes may be made to these examples without departing from the general scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Furthermore, individual features of the various embodiments recited may be combined in additional embodiments. Accordingly, the description and drawings are to be considered in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.

Claims (13)

Cladding (1000) intended for a building (2000), comprising a structure (100) for fixing a panel (22) adjustable in position relative to the structure (100), the structure (100) comprising a first part (200) intended to be fixed on the building (2000) comprising a lower rail (201A) and an upper rail (201B) each comprising a part with an open hollow profile forming a chute and intended to be mounted parallel, the structure (100) comprising a second part (300) intended to be fixed removably on the first part (200) and comprising a rear panel rail (1) intended to support said panel (22), the rear panel rail (1) comprising a lower support (2) arranged to cooperate in support with the open hollow profile of the lower rail (201B), the rear panel rail (1) being able to be movable in translation on the lower rail (201A) and on the upper rail (201B), the rear panel rail (1) carrying an upper hook assembly (30) comprising a locking hook (9) arranged to cooperate by pinching with the upper rail (201B), the upper hook assembly (30) and the rear panel rail (1) comprising means for guiding and adjusting in translation, the upper hook assembly (30) being able to be movable in translation relative to the rear panel rail (1), characterized in that the upper hook assembly (30) comprises a movable hook (8) able to be movable in translation along the rear panel rail (1) under the action of the adjustment means for bearing on the upper rail (201B) and for vertical adjustment of the rear panel rail (1) relative to the building (2000), and characterized in that the locking hook (9) is able to be movable, under the action of the adjustment means, in rotation and/or in translation relative to the movable hook (8), and the upper hook assembly (30) comprises a locking guide (12) having guide grooves (141, 142) cooperating with the movable hook (8) and the locking hook (9) to pass from a release configuration to a locking configuration of the locking hook (9) relative to the upper rail (201B) and vice versa. Covering (1000) according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking hook (9) comprises a hook axis (11) and a first bore (91) capable of receiving the hook axis (11), in that the locking guide (12) comprises a first lower groove (141) capable of guiding the hook axis (11) and a second upper groove (142), not aligned with the first lower groove (141), capable of guiding a lock axis (13) received in a second bore (92) of the locking hook (9). Covering (1000) according to claim 2, characterized in that the locking guide (12) is interposed with the movable hook (8) and the locking hook (9). Covering (1000) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the second upper groove (142) is a curved groove or a straight groove oblique with respect to the first lower groove (141). Covering (1000) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the movable hook (8) comprises a housing (82) for guiding the hook axis (11). Covering (1000) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the movable hook (8) has a bore (87) for guiding a safety pin (7) and the locking hook (9) has an upper notch (97) for housing the safety pin (7), the safety pin (7) being arranged to prevent unlocking of the locking hook (9). Covering (1000) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the upper hook assembly (30) comprises a return element of the locking hook (9) in the release configuration. Covering (1000) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the locking hook (9) comprises a lower notch (93) and the upper rail (201B) comprises a retracting edge (190), the lower notch (93) and the retracting edge (190) being able to cooperate in the locking configuration. Covering (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the lower support (2) comprises, on the side opposite the rear panel rail (1), a stop (29) arranged to cooperate in support with the lower rail (201A), in a mounted and assembled position of the second part (300) on the first part (200). A cover (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the upper hook assembly comprises a locking indicator. Building (2000) comprising a cladding (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and a panel (22), said panel (22) being a photovoltaic panel, or a reflective glazing panel, or a panel comprising light diffusion or display means, or an insulation panel, or a forced air circulation panel, or a decorative panel. Method for installing a cladding (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 on a building (2000) defining a plane, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps: a step of obtaining (E1) a cladding (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, a step of fixing (E2) on the building (2000) the lower rail (201A) and the upper rail (201B) mounted parallel to each other a step of fixing (E3) on each rear panel rail (1) the lower support (2) and the upper hook assembly (30) through the translational guide and adjustment means, a step of separating (E4) the upper hook assembly (30) and the lower support (2) by acting on the adjustment means, a step of introducing (E5) each lower support (2) into the chute of the lower rail (201A) for a temporary holding, a step of adjusting (E6) the position of the upper hook assembly (30) of each rear panel rail (1), so that its locking hook (9) fits into the channel of the upper rail (201B), a step of fixing (E7) the upper hook assembly (30) of each rear panel rail (1) by pinching on the upper rail (201B), a step of adjusting (E8) the position of the rear panel rail (1) according to the vertical direction (Z). Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the method comprises a step of adjusting the position of each rear panel rail (1) along the upper rail and the lower rail after the introduction step (E5).