Module frame for a modular photovoltaic system, module made with it and modular photovoltaic system

Abstract

A frame (1) for a module of a modular photovoltaic system (100) comprises first and second frame longitudinal members (2, 3) and first and second frame transverse members (4, 5). A longitudinal cover tongue-and-groove portion (22) extends from the first frame longitudinal member (2). A transverse cover tongue-and-groove portion (42) extends from the first frame transverse member (4). The longitudinal cover tongue-and-groove portion (22) has two longitudinal cover tongue-and-groove end regions (22a, 22b). The transverse cover tongue-and-groove portion (42) has two transverse cover tongue-and-groove end regions (42a, 42b). The second longitudinal cover tongue-and-groove end region (22b) and the second transverse cover tongue-and-groove end region (42b) form a cover tongue-and-groove end region (11). The bottom surface (22c) of the longitudinal cover tongue-and-groove portion (22) is at least as high as the top surface (3d) of the second frame longitudinal member (3). The bottom surface (42c) of the transverse covering tongue and groove portion (42) is at least as high as the top surface (5d) of the second frame transverse member (5). The bottom surface (42f) of the first transverse covering tongue and groove portion-end region (42c) is at least as high as the top surface (22e) of the first longitudinal covering tongue and groove portion-end region (22a), and the bottom surface (11a) of the covering tongue and groove portion-corner region (11) is at least as high as the top surface (42e) of the first transverse covering tongue and groove portion-end region (42a).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a frame for a module of a modular photovoltaic system according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a module for a modular photovoltaic system having a frame and functional components arranged within the frame. Finally, the invention relates to a modular photovoltaic system that can be assembled from a large number of photovoltaic modules. Background Technology

[0002] Residential building rooftops are particularly well-suited for installing solar energy systems. These systems are designed to convert solar energy into heat using solar thermal components or to convert solar energy using photovoltaic (PV) modules. In modular designs of PV systems, individual PV modules are typically assembled on the rooftop surface to form a PV system. Such systems can be installed on both flat and sloping rooftops. Especially on sloping rooftops, the PV system can be configured as either an on-roof or in-roof unit.

[0003] In the case of rooftop installation, the photovoltaic system is installed on a substructure fixed to the roof, while in the case of indoor installation, the various modules of the photovoltaic system are integrated into the roof.

[0004] Here, compared to rooftop installations, in-roof installations have the advantage of saving on roofing materials during construction, thereby significantly reducing the cost of roof coverings. Furthermore, compared to rooftop photovoltaic (PV) installations, in-roof PV installations are more aesthetically pleasing because they do not require a conspicuous lower structure on which the PV equipment is installed; instead, they replace at least part of the roof covering, thus harmoniously integrating into the overall roof appearance.

[0005] In the case of photovoltaic rooftop installation systems, the modules are typically arranged in multiple horizontally extending rows that are stacked one on top of the other, with these rows extending from the ridge to the eaves and overlapping each other.

[0006] Such a system is known, for example, from patent application US 2018 / 0254738. This document discloses a system for installing photovoltaic roof tiles, wherein the photovoltaic roof tiles are configured such that when placed on the roof of a building, they function as roof tiles, thereby protecting the building from weather conditions. According to a variant disclosed in that document, the photovoltaic roof module may also include a series of spacer retainers. A corresponding spacer retainer may be placed between a first photovoltaic roof tile and an adjacent photovoltaic roof tile, mechanically connecting the first photovoltaic roof tile and the adjacent photovoltaic roof tile. The spacer retainers may be designed, for example, as profile tracks, or the gap between adjacent panels may be filled with a potting material to form a connection between the adjacent panels.

[0007] Solar roof tiles are known from another patent application, US 2014 / 0069482, which include a substrate and a solar module mounted on the substrate, wherein the solar roof tiles have curved covering surfaces designed to contact the covering surfaces of adjacent solar roof tiles.

[0008] However, the systems available on the market to date for in-roof photovoltaic systems have the disadvantage of being very complex to install. There are several reasons for this.

[0009] On the one hand, for previously available installation systems, additional connecting components, such as profile rails or potting materials, were needed to tightly connect the individual modules arranged side by side in order to prevent water from pooling between the modules by allowing water to drain away. However, when installing photovoltaic-in-roof systems, the use of these additional connecting components creates extra workload.

[0010] On the other hand, in systems available to date, when modules are interconnected, the seams between photovoltaic modules must be cumbersomely sealed in order to prevent water, especially from seeping into the module's sensitive electrical and electronic components.

[0011] Traditional photovoltaic modules suffer from the drawback of complex manufacturing processes, often consisting of numerous different components. This diversity alone makes module production more expensive and requires significant time for assembly. Complex manufacturing methods, such as deep drawing, are frequently employed.

[0012] A profile component for fixing a photovoltaic module is known from CH 708 859 A2. A first profile component is designed as a hollow profile with openings on both sides, having at least one load-bearing area and groove at a first end and a fixing groove at a second end. A second profile component for fixing the photovoltaic module is designed as a hollow profile with openings on both sides, having at least one load-bearing area and a covering member at a first end, wherein the covering member has a connecting leg on its side facing the second end of the hollow profile. Additionally, complexly designed corner modules are provided for connecting the profile components and preventing rainwater penetration. The solar energy system includes multiple first profile components, second profile components, and photovoltaic modules, which are rested on and bonded to the load-bearing areas of the first and second profile components. An in-roof or rooftop solar system assembly comprises multiple solar systems, wherein the engaging leg of a second profile component of a first solar system extends into a groove in a first profile component of a second solar system, and the first profile component is positioned on the opposite side of the second solar system. A disadvantage of this system is the large number and complexity of the various components that make up the solar system. Installing such a complex solar system on a house roof is also difficult.

[0013] Therefore, there remains a need for systems composed of modular photovoltaic modules and frame-based photovoltaic modules that can be easily and cost-effectively manufactured and installed. Another requirement for photovoltaic module systems is that the modules can be arranged side-by-side on a flat surface on the roof to keep the roof structure as low as possible, meet building requirements, and avoid the drawbacks of installing traditional modular photovoltaic systems where the modules overlap each other like roof tiles. Summary of the Invention

[0014] The present invention addresses the aforementioned problem by providing a frame for a modular photovoltaic system having the features of claim 1, a module for a modular photovoltaic system having the frame according to the invention and functional components arranged in the frame, and a modular photovoltaic system that can be assembled from these modules. Other aspects of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims, the following description, and the accompanying drawings.

[0015] The frame of the module for a modular photovoltaic system according to the invention comprises first and second opposing longitudinal frame members and first and second opposing transverse frame members, wherein the transverse frame members are connected to the longitudinal frame members. The longitudinal and transverse frame members are designed as extruded or rolled profiles. A longitudinal tongue-and-groove portion extends from the top surface of the first longitudinal frame member away from the frame, and a transverse tongue-and-groove portion extends from the top surface of the first transverse frame member away from the frame. The longitudinal covering tongue and groove portion has a first longitudinal covering tongue and groove end region and a second longitudinal covering tongue and groove end region, wherein the transverse covering tongue and groove portion has a first transverse covering tongue and groove end region and a second transverse covering tongue and groove end region, wherein the first longitudinal covering tongue and groove end region and the first transverse covering tongue and groove end region are designed to be exposed, and the second longitudinal covering tongue and groove end region and the second transverse covering tongue and groove end region are connected to each other to form a common covering tongue and groove corner region, wherein—measured from the load-bearing surface of the frame, i.e., from the bottom surface of the frame—, the bottom surface of the longitudinal covering tongue and groove portion is at least as high as the top surface of the second frame longitudinal member, and the bottom surface of the transverse covering tongue and groove portion is at least as high as the top surface of the second frame transverse member. The frame according to the invention is characterized in that the bottom surface of the exposed transverse covering tongue and groove end region is at least as high as the top surface of the exposed longitudinal covering tongue and groove end region, and the bottom surface of the common corner region of the covering tongue and groove portion is at least as high as the top surface of the exposed transverse covering tongue and groove end region.

[0016] It should be noted that the terms “longitudinal” and “transverse” as used herein should be understood as geometric definitions only, not dimensional specifications. That is, for example, longitudinal members of a frame may be the same length or shorter than transverse members of the frame. Typically, frames are constructed rectangularly or squarely, but for certain applications, different geometries may be specified, such as rhombuses or parallelograms.

[0017] Due to this special frame structure, the modules made from it can be arranged side by side on the load-bearing surface of the roof or wall of a building and connected to each other by covering tongue and groove, so that adjacent modules are tightly connected through their covering tongue and groove without water entering between the modules.

[0018] Because the frame components are formed from extruded profiles, the frame can be manufactured particularly easily, for example, by cutting the extruded profiles to the required lengths and joining them together with appropriate fasteners such as screws or angle brackets, or by brazing or bonding. As an alternative to extruded profiles, the frame can also be made from rolled profiles.

[0019] For a wide range of applications and simple assembly, it is preferable that the longitudinal cover tongue and groove portion extends along the entire length of the longitudinal member of the first frame, and the transverse cover tongue and groove portion extends along the entire length of the transverse member of the first frame, wherein the longitudinal and transverse cover tongue and groove portions are interconnected in a common corner area. The connection between the longitudinal and transverse cover tongue and groove portions in the common corner area can be achieved, for example, by brazing, bonding, or crimping. Furthermore, the longitudinal and transverse cover tongue and groove portions can be arranged in a grounded manner in the common corner area, particularly by beveling, or by overlapping each other.

[0020] In order to improve the prevention of water from entering between adjacent modules based on the framework according to the invention, in one embodiment of the invention, a seal is provided on the top surface of the longitudinal member of the first or second frame or on the bottom surface of the longitudinally covering tongue and groove portion, and / or a seal is provided on the top surface of the transverse member of the first or second frame or on the bottom surface of the transversely covering tongue and groove portion.

[0021] For better sealing, at least one groove and / or at least one web extends along the length of the top surface of the longitudinal member of the second frame, and a web and / or groove opposite to the groove or web of the longitudinal member of the second frame extends along the length of the bottom surface of the longitudinally covering tongue and groove portion. Alternatively or additionally, it may be specified that at least one groove and / or at least one web extends along the length of the top surface of the transverse member of the second frame, and a web and / or groove opposite to the groove or web of the transverse member of the second frame extends along the length of the bottom surface of the transversely covering tongue and groove portion.

[0022] In order to manufacture frame components on an industrial scale, it is advantageous to construct the longitudinal cover tongue and groove portion integrally with the first frame longitudinal component, and / or the transverse cover tongue and groove portion integrally with the first frame transverse component.

[0023] In practice, the photovoltaic system according to the invention comprises multiple modules based on the frame according to the invention, arranged adjacent to each other in multiple rows, i.e., in a matrix of columns and rows. Here, similar to the roof, the modules are laid from bottom to top, in such a manner that the first row (bottom row) is laid from right to left, then the second row is generated from right to left, and so on, until the top row. If the longitudinal covering tongue and groove of the frame is located on opposite sides of the frame, the rows are laid from left to right.

[0024] In order to reliably connect adjacent frames in a row by interlocking in a few operations, one embodiment of the invention provides that a protrusion is constructed in the outer wall of one of the two frame transverse members, and a recess or hole is constructed in the outer wall of the other of the two frame transverse members, wherein the protrusion of one frame transverse member is opposite to the recess or hole of the other frame transverse member, and the size of the recess or hole is at least as large as the protrusion.

[0025] To join the modules in a row, it is further specified that a protrusion is constructed in the outer wall of one of the two frame longitudinal members, and a recess or hole is provided in the outer wall of the other frame longitudinal member, wherein the protrusion of one frame longitudinal member is opposite to the recess or hole of the other frame longitudinal member, and the size of the recess or hole is at least as large as the protrusion. However, it should be noted that if adjacent frame longitudinal members have webs on their surfaces, or if the frame to be pushed has a web on its bottom surface covering the tongue and groove of its longitudinal section, it is not possible to simply push the modules of one row onto the frames of adjacent columns in the same row. To ensure that the joining works even in this case, it is further specified that the recess is constructed as a curved or inclined channel, or the hole is constructed as a curved or inclined elongated hole, and preferably, the protrusion tapers gradually towards its free end. Therefore, adjacent frames in the same row can join together during inclined or curved movements.

[0026] In one aspect of the frame according to the invention, the bottom surfaces of the longitudinal and transverse components of the frame lie in a common plane that forms a load-bearing surface.

[0027] In order to arrange adjacent frames side by side with a high infill density, the outer walls of the longitudinal and transverse members of the frames should be constructed to accommodate multiple frames side by side.

[0028] Due to their strength, low price, and ability to be industrially produced, it is preferred that the longitudinal and transverse components of the frame be made of aluminum or preferably fiber-reinforced plastic.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the frame according to the invention, a cut is constructed in the exposed first end region that longitudinally covers the tongue and groove joint. When multiple frames are arranged side by side, this cut serves to cover the interconnected frames to prevent water from flowing upwards, which can occur during strong winds and rain.

[0030] To compensate for material strain in the frame caused by strong temperature fluctuations, which inevitably occur, such as on a roof, distances are specified between certain areas of the frame. These distances, which can accommodate material strain in the frame, can be arranged inwards towards the seals; advantageously, cutouts are constructed in the exposed first end area that laterally covers the tongue and groove joint.

[0031] The module for a modular photovoltaic system according to the invention comprises a frame according to one of the above embodiments and at least one functional component arranged in the frame, wherein the frame has a retainer to which the functional component is sealed. According to a preferred embodiment, the retainer is formed of a connecting plate, shaped as a U-shaped profile, a tubular profile, or a flat sealing surface, in which the functional component is housed. The functional component can be a photovoltaic component, but can also be selected from cover plates, decorative components, ventilation components, components with at least one channel, window components, edge components, and / or ridge components. The functional component can therefore be advantageously selected according to its purpose and inserted into the retainer of the frame before the module is installed, which allows for great flexibility during rooftop installation and significantly reduces the time required for installation.

[0032] The modular photovoltaic system according to the invention can be assembled from a large number of the aforementioned modules, wherein at least one module has a functional component in the form of a photovoltaic element. Therefore, the photovoltaic system can save at least a portion, or even the entire roof covering, by means that at least a portion or the entire roof is also formed from modules designed in this way, wherein these modules can be combinations of photovoltaic elements, decorative elements, cover plates, ventilation elements, elements with at least one channel, window elements, edge elements, and / or ridge elements, allowing great flexibility in roof design. The photovoltaic system according to the invention can be well integrated into the roof covering by means that the modules can be arranged side-by-side, and the bottom surface of the module frame forms a load-bearing surface located on the substructure of the roof in a plane. This avoids the traditional modular "roof tile arrangement," where one module partially sits on top of another module. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, using exemplary designs. In these drawings:

[0034] Figure 1 This is a plan view of the frame according to the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A partial sectional side view of the frame, viewed from the outside of the first frame's transverse component, in the direction of arrow L.

[0036] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 A partial sectional side view of the frame, viewed from the outside of the second frame transverse component, in the direction of arrow K.

[0037] Figure 4 It is along Figure 1A partially cut-out side view of the frame, viewed from the outside of the longitudinal component of the first frame, in the direction of arrow N.

[0038] Figure 5 It is along Figure 1 A partially cut-out side view of the frame, viewed from the outside of the longitudinal component of the second frame, in the direction of arrow M.

[0039] Figure 6 It is along Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the frame viewed from the inside of the first frame transverse component, along the GG line.

[0040] Figure 7 It is along Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the frame viewed from the inside of the second frame transverse component, along the HH line.

[0041] Figure 8 It is along Figure 1 A partial longitudinal section view of the frame viewed from the inside of the first frame longitudinal member along the FF line.

[0042] Figure 9 It is along Figure 1 A partial longitudinal section view of the frame through the JJ line and the longitudinal component of the first frame;

[0043] Figure 10 It is along Figure 1 A partial longitudinal section view of the frame viewed from the inside of the second frame longitudinal member along line II.

[0044] Figure 11 It shows Figure 1 and 12 Details of the floor plan E;

[0045] Figure 12 A plan view of a modular photovoltaic system with four modules according to the present invention is shown, each module having a frame and functional components;

[0046] Figure 13 It is along Figure 12 A partial cross-sectional view of the photovoltaic system taken by line AA;

[0047] Figure 14 It is along Figure 12 A partial cross-sectional view of the photovoltaic system taken by the BB line;

[0048] Figure 15 It is along Figure 12 A partial longitudinal sectional view of the photovoltaic system taken by the CC line; and

[0049] Figure 16 It is along Figure 12A partial longitudinal section view of the photovoltaic system taken by the DD line. Detailed Implementation

[0050] First, refer to the appendix. Figure 1-10 These accompanying drawings show, in different views and cross-sections, a frame 1 according to the invention for a module of a modular photovoltaic system. The frame 1 consists of first and second opposing longitudinal frame members 2, 3 and first and second opposing transverse frame members 4, 5. The transverse frame members 4, 5 are connected to the longitudinal frame members 2, 3 at their ends, thus forming a rectangle. The longitudinal frame members 2, 3 and the transverse frame members 4, 5 are designed as extruded profiles, particularly made of aluminum or preferably fiber-reinforced plastic. Each extruded profile—viewed in cross-section—has a hollow body 6, which in this embodiment is a rectangular hollow body 6, giving the transverse frame members 4, 5 and the longitudinal frame members 2, 3 stiffness against bending and torsion. From the hollow body 6, from its top surface and near its top surface, webs 7, 8 extend inwardly along the length of the longitudinal frame members 2, 3 and the transverse frame members 4, 5. These webs 7, 8 are used to hermetically receive functional components, particularly photovoltaic components, but also to receive functional components selected from cover plates, decorative components, ventilation components, components with at least one channel, window components, edge components and / or ridge components. Webs 9, extending inward from the bottom surface of the hollow body 6 of the extruded profile along the length of the longitudinal members 2 and 3 and the transverse members 4 and 5 of the frame, together with the bottom surface of the hollow body of the extruded profile, form the bearing surface 10 of the frame 1. The outer walls 2a, 3a, 4a, and 5a of the longitudinal members 2 and 3 and the transverse members 4 and 5 of the frame are designed for arranging multiple frames 1 side by side.

[0051] From the top surface 2d of the first frame longitudinal member 2, a longitudinal covering tongue and groove portion 22 extends outward from the frame 1 along the length of the first frame longitudinal member 2. The longitudinal covering tongue and groove portion 22 has a first longitudinal covering tongue and groove end region 22a and a second longitudinal covering tongue and groove end region 22b. From the top surface 4d of the first frame transverse member 4, a transverse covering tongue and groove portion 42 extends outward from the frame 1. The transverse covering tongue and groove portion 42 has a first transverse covering tongue and groove end region 42a and a second transverse covering tongue and groove end region 42b. The first longitudinal covering tongue and groove end region 22a and the first transverse covering tongue and groove end region 42a are designed to be exposed. The second longitudinal tongue-and-groove end region 22b and the second transverse tongue-and-groove end region 42b are connected to each other to form a common tongue-and-groove corner region 11, wherein, measured from the bearing surface 10, the bottom surface 22c of the longitudinal tongue-and-groove 22 is at least as high as the top surface 3d of the second frame longitudinal member 3, and the bottom surface 42c of the transverse tongue-and-groove 42 is at least as high as the top surface 5d of the second frame transverse member 5. The bottom surface 42f of the exposed first transverse tongue-and-groove end region 42a is at least as high as the top surface of the exposed first longitudinal overlapping end region 22a. The bottom surface 11a of the common tongue-and-groove corner region 11 is at least as high as the top surface 42e of the exposed first transverse tongue-and-groove end region 42a. Preferably, the longitudinal tongue-and-groove 22 is integrally constructed with the first frame longitudinal member 2. Also preferably, the transverse tongue-and-groove 42 is integrally constructed with the first frame transverse member 4. Fastening screws 50 are shown as dashed lines in the figure. The positioning of the fastening screws 50 within the frame 1 ensures that these screws are covered and invisible at their mounting positions by the lateral tongue-and-groove joint 42 and the longitudinal tongue-and-groove joint 22 of the adjacent frame 1. This provides advantages in terms of the sealing, appearance, and cost of the photovoltaic system, as gaskets are not required.

[0052] The second longitudinal covering tongue-and-groove end region 22b and the second transverse covering tongue-and-groove end region 42b can be connected to form a common covering tongue-and-groove corner region 11 by welding, bonding, crimping, etc. For this purpose, the second longitudinal covering tongue-and-groove end region 22b and the second transverse covering tongue-and-groove end region 42b can be cut, for example, beveled, so that the cut edges of these end regions 22b, 42b are placed side-by-side and closely connected to each other by bonding, welding, etc. Alternatively, the second longitudinal covering tongue-and-groove end region 22b and the second transverse covering tongue-and-groove end region 42b can be arranged overlapping each other and connected to each other.

[0053] For a high sealing effect, seals 12 and 13 can be arranged on the top surface of the longitudinal members 2 and 3 of the first or second frame or on the bottom surface of the longitudinal tongue and groove covering 22. Similarly, seals 14 can be provided on the top surface of the transverse members 4 and 5 of the first or second frame or on the bottom surface of the transverse tongue and groove covering 42.

[0054] To seal adjacent frames 1 and prevent water ingress, two webs 3c are constructed along the length of the top surface 3d of the longitudinal member 3 of the second frame, and a groove 22d opposite to the webs 3c of the longitudinal member 3 is constructed along the length of the bottom surface 22c of the longitudinally covering tongue and groove portion 22. When adjacent frames 1 are connected, the webs 3c are inserted into the grooves 22d, thereby forming a labyrinthine channel that prevents even wind-driven water from flowing through. Furthermore, the grooves 22d provide a drain for any small amount of water that may have entered the labyrinthine channel.

[0055] It is stipulated that adjacent frames 1 can be connected to each other in the form of a matrix of columns and rows, wherein the connection is preferably made from right to left and from bottom to top by interlocking frames 1. That is, the first row (bottom row) is placed first from right to left, then the second row is generated from right to left, and so on, until the top row. For this purpose, two protrusions 2b in the form of pins are constructed in the outer wall 2a of the first frame longitudinal member 2, and a hole 3b is opened in the outer wall 3a of the second frame longitudinal member 3. The protrusions 2b of the first frame longitudinal member 2 face the hole 3b of the second frame longitudinal member 3, and the size of the hole 3b is at least the same as the protrusions 2b. To ensure that adjacent frames 1 can engage during sliding movement even when a web 3c is present on the top surface 3d of the longitudinal member of the second frame and a groove 22d is present on the bottom surface 22c of the longitudinally covering tongue and groove 22, it is specified that the hole 3b is constructed as a curved and / or inclined elongated hole, wherein the height difference x at the beginning and end of the elongated hole is at least as large as the height of the web 3c or the groove 22d (see...). Figure 15 ).exist Figure 10 In this embodiment, the hole 3b is designed, for example, as an elongated hole with a curved portion. This embodiment represents a preferred embodiment. The pin-shaped protrusion 2b preferably tapers gradually towards its free end to facilitate insertion of the protrusion 2b into the hole 3b.

[0056] To insert the frames 1 together in the matrix arrangement, a pin-shaped protrusion 4b is constructed in the outer wall 4a of the first frame transverse member 4. Furthermore, a hole 5b is formed in the outer wall 5a of the second frame transverse member 5. The protrusion 4b of the first frame transverse member 4 is opposite to the hole 5b of the second frame transverse member 5. The size of the hole 5b is at least the same as the protrusion 4b.

[0057] To prevent water flowing upwards at the common corner of the four joined frames 1 from seeping into the corner, a cut 22f is made in the exposed first end region 22a of the longitudinally covering tongue and groove portion 22. Furthermore, a cut 42g is made in the exposed first end region 42a of the transversely covering tongue and groove portion 42, resulting in a distance y (see [reference needed]) specified for the material expansion of the frame 1. Figure 13 It can be shifted inwards.

[0058] The features of frame 1 allow it to be connected side-by-side in a matrix layout on the load-bearing surface 10, ensuring that water does not seep between the individual frames 1. This design of frame 1 is based on the fact that the four corner areas of frame 1 have different heights, so when the four frames 1 are joined together in two columns and two rows, adjacent frames 1 overlap each other at four different levels in the common corner areas of these four frames. The lowest level, to some extent, represents a reference plane, formed by the top surface 3d of the second frame longitudinal member 3 and the top surface 5d of the second frame transverse member 5, wherein the common corner area of ​​the second frame longitudinal member 3 and the second frame transverse member 5 is particularly relevant. The second level is defined by the exposed first longitudinal covering tongue-and-groove end area 22a, which is higher than the top surfaces 3d and 5d of the second frame longitudinal member 3 and the second frame transverse member 5. Above this second level, the exposed first transverse covering tongue-and-groove end area 42a is set as the third level. The fourth level, as the highest level, is formed by the common covering tongue-and-groove corner area 11. Different levels can be achieved through bends in the corresponding parts or sections of frame 1.

[0059] The following is for reference. Figures 12 to 16 This explanation describes a modular photovoltaic system 100 according to the present invention, comprising modules 60, 70, 80, and 90, each module including a frame 1 and functional components 61, 71, 81, and 91, to explain the waterproof overlapping design of modules 60, 70, 80, and 90 via their frames 1. Figures 12 to 16 The frame portion shown in the image is marked with reference symbols, and also references... Figures 1 to 11 The views are shown above, and to avoid repetition, refer to the description of these frame parts above, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same parts. Functional components 61, 71, 81, and 91 of modules 60, 70, 80, and 90 are fixed in retainers formed by the webs 7 and 8 on the inner side of frame 1. Together with the hollow body 6 of the extruded profile, a U-shaped profile is thus formed surrounding the edges of functional components 61, 71, 81, and 91, from which frame 1 is made. Functional components 61, 71, 81, and 91 are, on the one hand, photovoltaic components, but on the other hand, may also be selected from cover plates, decorative components, ventilation components, components having at least one channel, window components, edge components, and / or ridge components.

[0060] exist Figures 12 to 16 The modular photovoltaic system 100, exemplarily shown in the diagram, includes four modules 60, 70, 80, and 90. The photovoltaic system 100 is assembled by initially placing and mounting a first module 60 on a base such as a roof substructure. Next, a second module 70 is placed on top of the first module 60, such that the second frame transverse member 5 of the first module 60 and the first frame transverse member 4 of the second module 70 are side-by-side, and the transverse overlay tongue-and-groove portion 42 of the second module 70 covers the second frame transverse member 5 of the first module 60. For a secure connection, the first frame transverse member 4 of the second module 70 is designed such that a protrusion 4b of a pin inserts into a hole 5b in the second frame transverse member 5 of the first module 60. Then, a third module 80 is inserted into the photovoltaic system 100 in such a way that it is positioned near the first module 60. Figure 12 The second frame longitudinal member 3 of the first module 60 is positioned side-by-side with the first frame longitudinal member 2 of the third module 80 on the left side of the first module 60. A protrusion 2b (pin) of the outer sidewall 2a of the first frame longitudinal member 2 of the third module 80 is inserted into an elongated hole 3b on the outer sidewall 3a of the second frame longitudinal member 3. The longitudinal tongue-and-groove portion 22 of the third module 80 covers the second frame longitudinal member 3 of the first module 60. The third module 80 is then pushed downwards to its end position, where the web 3c on the top surface 3d of the second frame longitudinal member 3 of the first module 60 is inserted into a groove 22d formed on the bottom surface 22c of the longitudinal tongue-and-groove portion 22 of the third module 80. Finally, the fourth module 90 is placed next to the second module 70 and above the third module 80, and similarly to what has been described above for the second and third modules 70 and 80, the fourth module is moved such that, in its final position, the longitudinal tongue-and-groove portion 22 of the fourth module 90 covers the second frame longitudinal member 3 of the second module 70, and the transverse tongue-and-groove portion 42 of the fourth module 90 covers the second frame transverse member 5 of the third module 70. (As in...) Figure 13 and 15 As can be most clearly seen, in the common corner area of ​​the four modules 60, 70, 80, and 90, the sections of all four modules 60, 70, 80, and 90 are stacked vertically. However, due to the design of frame 1, the common corner area of ​​these four modules 60, 70, 80, and 90 is also sealed to prevent water ingress. Figure 13Module 60 is shown at the bottom (left side of the figure). Its second frame longitudinal member 3, the outer side wall 3a of the second frame longitudinal member 3, and the web 3c located on the top surface 3d of the second frame longitudinal member 3 are visible. Module 80 is arranged to the right of module 60. Its first frame longitudinal member 2 is visible, having its outer side wall 2a and a longitudinal covering tongue and groove 22, with a groove 22d on its bottom surface 22c. The longitudinal covering tongue and groove 22 of module 80 covers the frame longitudinal member 3 of module 60. Figure 13 On the left side, the lateral covering tongue and groove portion 42 of module 70 can be seen, and its exposed first lateral covering tongue and groove portion - end region 42a covers the longitudinal covering tongue and groove portion 22 of module 80. Figure 13 On the right side, the common tongue-and-groove area 11 of module 90 can be seen, which covers the exposed first lateral tongue-and-groove end area 42a of module 70. The distance of material strain is indicated by arrow y. Modular photovoltaic systems 100 of any size can be assembled in the manner described above. The importance of this photovoltaic system 100 also lies in the fact that modules 60, 70, 80, and 90 can be arranged side-by-side, and the bottom surfaces of the frames 1 of modules 60, 70, 80, and 90 form a load-bearing surface 10 on the roof substructure. Therefore, compared to the prior art, the "roof tile arrangement" where one module's bottom surface is partially located on another module can be avoided.

[0061] List of reference numerals

[0062] 1 framework

[0063] 2. First frame longitudinal component

[0064] 2a The outer wall of the longitudinal component of the first frame

[0065] 2b. Protrusion (pin) in the outer wall of the longitudinal member of the first frame.

[0066] Top surface of the longitudinal component of the first 2D frame

[0067] 2e The bottom surface of the first frame longitudinal component

[0068] 3. Second frame longitudinal components

[0069] 3a The outer wall of the longitudinal member of the second frame

[0070] 3b. Holes (elongated, inclined, or curved) in the outer wall of the longitudinal member of the second frame.

[0071] 3c Web plate on the top surface of the longitudinal member of the second frame

[0072] Top surface of the longitudinal component of the 3D second frame

[0073] 3e The bottom surface of the longitudinal component of the second frame

[0074] 4 First frame transverse components

[0075] 4a The outer wall of the first frame transverse component

[0076] 4b A protrusion (pin) in the outer wall of the transverse member of the first frame.

[0077] Top surface of the horizontal component of the first frame in 4D

[0078] 4e First frame transverse component bottom surface

[0079] 5. Second frame transverse component

[0080] 5a The outer wall of the second frame transverse component

[0081] 5b Hole in the outer wall of the second frame transverse member

[0082] Top surface of the horizontal component of the 5d second frame

[0083] 5e Second frame transverse component bottom surface

[0084] 6. Hollow body of extruded profile

[0085] Inner web of extruded profiles 7, 8, and 9

[0086] 10. Bearing surface of the frame

[0087] 11 Common coverage area: tongue and groove - corner area

[0088] 11a Common coverage of the tongue-and-groove area bottom surface

[0089] 12. Sealing element on the bottom surface of the longitudinally covering tongue and groove section.

[0090] 13. Seal on the top surface of the longitudinal component of the second frame

[0091] 14. Sealing element on the bottom surface of the tongue and groove joint that covers laterally.

[0092] 22 Vertical coverage of tongue and groove

[0093] 22a First longitudinal coverage tongue and groove section - end area (exposed)

[0094] 22b Second longitudinal coverage tongue and groove region

[0095] 22c longitudinally covers the bottom surface of the tongue and groove joint

[0096] 22d is a groove on the bottom surface of the tongue and groove section that covers the longitudinal part.

[0097] 22e First longitudinal coverage tongue and groove end region top surface

[0098] 22f Incision in the exposed first end region covering the tongue and groove portion longitudinally

[0099] 42 Lateral coverage tongue and groove

[0100] 42a First lateral coverage tongue and groove section - end area (exposed)

[0101] 42b Second Lateral Coverage Tongue and Groove - End Region

[0102] 42c Laterally covers the bottom surface of the tongue and groove joint

[0103] 42e First lateral coverage tongue and groove - top surface of end region

[0104] 42f First transverse coverage tongue and groove - bottom surface of end region

[0105] 42g of cut in the exposed first end region of the transversely covering the tongue and groove.

[0106] 50 fastening screws

[0107] 60 photovoltaic modules

[0108] 61 functional components

[0109] 70 photovoltaic modules

[0110] 71 functional components

[0111] 80 photovoltaic modules

[0112] 81 functional components

[0113] 90 photovoltaic modules

[0114] 91 functional components

[0115] 100 Modular Photovoltaic System

[0116] x Height difference

[0117] y-distance

Claims

1. A frame (1) for modules (60, 70, 80, 90) used in a modular photovoltaic system (100), wherein, The frame (1) is composed of a first frame longitudinal member (2), a second frame longitudinal member (3), a first frame transverse member (4), and a second frame transverse member (5). The first frame longitudinal member (2) and the second frame longitudinal member (3) are opposite to each other, as are the first frame transverse member (4) and the second frame transverse member (5). The first frame transverse member (4) and the second frame transverse member (5) are connected to the first frame longitudinal member (2), and the first frame transverse member (4) and the second frame transverse member (5) are connected to the second frame longitudinal member (3). The first frame longitudinal member (2), the second frame longitudinal member (3), the first frame transverse member (4), and the second frame transverse member (5) are designed as extruded or rolled profiles. A longitudinal tongue-and-groove portion (22) extends from the top surface (2d) of the first frame longitudinal member (2) away from the frame (1), and a transverse tongue-and-groove portion (22) extends from the top surface (4d) of the first frame transverse member (4). The tongue and groove portion (42) extends away from the frame (1), wherein the longitudinal covering tongue and groove portion (22) has a first longitudinal covering tongue and groove end region (22a) and a second longitudinal covering tongue and groove end region (22b), wherein the transverse covering tongue and groove portion (42) has a first transverse covering tongue and groove end region (42a) and a second transverse covering tongue and groove end region (42b), wherein the first longitudinal covering tongue and groove end region (22a) and the first transverse covering tongue and groove end region (42a) The design is exposed, and the second longitudinal covering tongue-and-groove region (22b) and the second transverse covering tongue-and-groove region (42b) are connected to each other to form a common covering tongue-and-groove region (11), wherein the bottom surface (22c) of the longitudinal covering tongue-and-groove (22) is at least as high as the top surface (3d) of the second frame longitudinal member (3), and the bottom surface (42c) of the transverse covering tongue-and-groove (42) is at least as high as the top surface (5d) of the second frame transverse member (5), characterized in that, The bottom surface (42f) of the exposed first transverse covering tongue-and-groove region (42c) is at least as high as the top surface (22e) of the exposed first longitudinal covering tongue-and-groove region (22a), and the bottom surface (11a) of the common covering tongue-and-groove region (11) is at least as high as the top surface (42e) of the exposed first transverse covering tongue-and-groove region (42a).

2. The framework according to claim 1, characterized in that, The longitudinal covering tongue and groove (22) extends over the entire length of the first frame longitudinal member (2), and the transverse covering tongue and groove (42) extends over the entire length of the first frame transverse member (4), wherein the longitudinal covering tongue and groove (22) and the transverse covering tongue and groove (42) are interconnected in a common covering tongue and groove-corner region (11).

3. The frame according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A seal (12, 13) is provided on the top surface (2d, 3d) of the first frame longitudinal member (2) or the second frame longitudinal member (3) or on the bottom surface (22c) of the longitudinal covering tongue and groove (22), and / or a seal (14) is provided on the top surface (4d, 5d) of the first frame transverse member (4) or the second frame transverse member (5) or on the bottom surface (42c) of the transverse covering tongue and groove (42).

4. The frame according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one groove and / or at least one web (3c) extends along the length of the top surface (3d) of the second frame longitudinal member (3), and a web and / or groove (22d) opposite to the groove or web (3c) of the second frame longitudinal member (3) extends along the length of the bottom surface (22c) of the longitudinal covering tongue and groove (22).

5. The frame according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one groove and / or at least one web extends along the length of the top surface (5d) of the second frame transverse member (5), and a web and / or groove opposite to the groove or web of the second frame transverse member (5) extends along the length of the bottom surface (42c) of the transverse covering tongue and groove (42).

6. The frame according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The longitudinal covering tongue and groove portion (22) is integrally constructed with the first frame longitudinal component (2), and / or the transverse covering tongue and groove portion (42) is integrally constructed with the first frame transverse component (4).

7. The frame according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one protrusion (2b) is constructed in the outer sidewall (2a, 3a) of the first frame longitudinal member (2) or the second frame longitudinal member (3), and at least one recess or hole (3b) is constructed in the outer sidewall (3a, 2a) of the other of the first frame longitudinal member (2) or the second frame longitudinal member (3), wherein the protrusion (2b) is opposite to the recess or hole (3b), and the size of the recess or hole (3b) is at least the same as that of the protrusion (2b).

8. The frame according to claim 7, characterized in that, The recessed structure is a curved or inclined channel, or the hole (3b) structure is a curved or inclined elongated hole.

9. The frame according to claim 8, characterized in that, The protrusion (2b) gradually tapers toward its free end.

10. The frame according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one protrusion (4b) is constructed in the outer wall (4a, 5a) of one of the first frame transverse members (4) or the second frame transverse members (5), and at least one recess or hole (5b) is constructed in the outer wall (5a, 4a) of the other of the two first frame transverse members (4) or the second frame transverse members (5), wherein the protrusion (4b) is opposite to the recess or hole (5b), and the size of the recess or hole (5b) is at least the same as that of the protrusion (4b).

11. The frame according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The bottom surfaces (2e, 3e, 4e, 5e) of the longitudinal components (2, 3) and the transverse components (4, 5) of the frame are located in a common plane, which forms the bearing surface (10).

12. The frame according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The outer walls (2a, 3a, 4a, 5a) of the longitudinal components (2, 3) and the transverse components (4, 5) of the frame are configured to arrange multiple frames (1) side by side.

13. The frame according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The longitudinal components (2, 3) and the transverse components (4, 5) of the frame are made of aluminum or plastic.

14. The frame according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A cut (22f) is constructed in the exposed first longitudinal covering tongue-end region (22a) of the longitudinal covering tongue (22).

15. The frame according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A cut (42g) is constructed in the exposed first transverse covering tongue-end region (42a) of the transverse covering tongue (42).

16. A module (60, 70, 80, 90) for a modular photovoltaic system (100), comprising a frame (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and at least one functional component (61, 71, 81, 91) arranged in said frame (1), wherein, The frame (1) has a retainer, on which at least one of the functional components (61, 71, 81, 91) is fixed in a sealed manner.

17. The module according to claim 16, characterized in that, The retainer is designed as a web (7, 8), a U-shaped profile, a tubular profile, or a flat sealing surface, in which the functional components (61, 71, 81, 91) are housed.

18. The module according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, At least one of the aforementioned functional components (61, 71, 81, 91) is a photovoltaic component.

19. The module according to claim 18, characterized in that, At least one of the functional components (61, 71, 81, 91) is selected from cover plates, decorative components, components having at least one channel, edge components, or ridge components.

20. A modular photovoltaic system (100), characterized in that, It can be assembled from multiple modules (60, 70, 80, 90) according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein at least one module (60, 70, 88, 90) has a functional component (61, 71, 81, 91) in the form of a photovoltaic component.

21. The photovoltaic system according to claim 20, characterized in that, The modules (60, 70, 80, 90) are arranged side by side, and the bottom surface of the frame (1) of the modules (60, 70, 88, 90) forms a bearing surface (10).

Images