Solar module mounting system

Abstract

Solar module mounting system (20), comprising - a base support (22) which can be fastened to a substrate, in particular to a roof, with a base plate (24) on which at least two opposing and parallel base support retaining walls (28) are arranged, which together with the base plate (24) form a bracket support receptacle (34), - a bracket support (36) with a holding arm (50) which, at its end, merges into a fastening region which can be detachably connected to the base support (22), wherein bracket support holding walls (40) in the fastened state form outer surfaces (44) facing the inner surfaces (30) of the base support holding walls (28), which outer surfaces are spaced apart from one another by approximately the same distance as the inner surfaces (30) of the base support holding walls (28) from one another, - the area between the base support retaining walls (28) forms a free space, characterized in that the fastening area has a fastening block (38) with an approximately cuboid basic shape, with - two vertical bracket support walls (40) for attachment to the base support walls (28), - a horizontal plate (42) and an upper horizontal plate (48) extending substantially parallel to the horizontal plate (42), the horizontal plates (42, 48) connecting the bracket support walls (40) to one another, where - the base support retaining walls (28) extend vertically and each have, in their mutually directed inner surfaces (30), a plurality of parallel receiving grooves at different distances from the plane of the base plate (24) - the bracket support retaining walls (40) each have, on their outer surfaces (44) facing the base support retaining walls (28) in the fastened state, a spring (46) adapted to the receiving groove (32) of the base support retaining walls (28), wherein the springs (46) are arranged on the end of the fastening block (38) facing the base plate (24) in the fastened state of the bracket support (36).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a solar module fastening system comprising - a base support (22) which can be fastened to a substrate, in particular to a roof, with a base plate (24) on which at least two opposing and parallel base support retaining walls (28) are arranged, which together with the base plate (24) form a bracket support receptacle (34), - a bracket support (36) with a holding arm (50) which, at its end, merges into a fastening region which can be detachably connected to the base support (22), wherein bracket support holding walls (40) in the fastened state form outer surfaces (44) facing the inner surfaces (30) of the base support holding walls (28), which outer surfaces are spaced apart from one another by approximately the same distance as the inner surfaces (30) of the base support holding walls (28) from one another, - the area between the base support retaining walls (28) forms a free space.

[0002] Such a solar module mounting system is known from EP 2 828 588 B1 and is used for mounting solar modules on the roof of a building. For this purpose, the base support is attached to a roof structure, for example, to rafters. The bracket support, which is releasably attached to the base support, has a mounting area with a bracket section comprising several arms, each arm of the bracket section being releasably connected to the base support. For this purpose, the two arms are each inserted into a receiving groove in the base support.

[0003] From published patent application EP 2 194 335 A1, a solar module holder is known which has a bracket support that can be releasably attached to the base support. The bracket support has a branching region that merges into two arms, the arms accommodating a portion of the base support between them for fastening. Furthermore, published patent application EP 2 093 524 A1 discloses a solar module holder which engages and hooks into a receiving groove of a base holder with a free end portion.

[0004] DE 102 13 902 A1 shows another fastening device for solar collectors. A base element with a substantially round cross-section can be inserted into a rail with a correspondingly round cross-section. Springs are provided on the outer circumference of the base element, which are inserted into corresponding grooves within the round cross-section of the rail, thus securing the base element and ultimately also the attached solar collector against pivoting or twisting. A disadvantage of this design variant is the low resistance to lateral forces, which can occur, for example, due to wind loads.

[0005] The known solutions therefore require either two receiving grooves for the free ends of the arms to be provided and used, or a section of the base support must be inserted between the arms. This has manufacturing disadvantages, and there is also the risk that the upwardly open receiving grooves, due to their small cross-section, will quickly become clogged with dirt, for example, making it difficult to insert the free ends of the arms. Resistance to wind loads is often inadequate.

[0006] The invention is based on the object of providing an alternative embodiment of such a solar module mounting system. This system should have a simple and robust construction, be cost-effective to manufacture, and, in particular, be quick and easy to install.

[0007] This object is achieved according to the invention by a solar module fastening system having the features of claim 1.

[0008] Accordingly, the solar module mounting system comprises a mounting area with a mounting block with two vertical bracket support walls for attachment to the base support walls, wherein - the stirrup support walls are connected to each other via a horizontal plate, - the bracket support walls, when fastened, form outer surfaces facing the inner surfaces of the base support walls, which are spaced apart from each other by approximately the same distance as the inner surfaces of the base support walls, - the area between the base support retaining walls forms a free space, - the bracket support retaining walls each have a spring on their outer surfaces facing the inner surfaces of the retaining walls when fastened, which spring is adapted to the receiving groove of the base support retaining walls.

[0009] The fastening block is therefore compactly constructed and is inserted as a whole into the free space created between the base support retaining walls. The laterally arranged springs are inserted into the receiving groove of the base support retaining walls, thereby holding the bracket support vertically. Overall, the free space created between the base support retaining walls is significantly larger than the grooves described in the prior art for receiving free arms. Although the free space can also become dirty, cleaning is quick and easy, for example with a broom. In addition, the free space or the bracket support receptacle does not become clogged with dirt as quickly due to the large cross-section.

[0010] A further advantage is that the flexural rigidity of the closed cross-section, i.e., with the mounting block inserted, is significantly higher than in state-of-the-art systems, especially compared to systems with two upwardly open individual receiving grooves for the free ends of two arms. The solution according to the invention thus enables higher load-bearing capacities, which brings significant advantages for the customer.

[0011] Another advantage is that the bracket support has no free ends that could be damaged or even broken during transport or assembly. The design of the mounting block creates an extremely robust and virtually indestructible fastening element.

[0012] According to the invention, the fastening block is essentially cuboid-shaped, i.e., has an approximately rectangular cross-section. In relation to the cross-section, at the lower end facing the base support, between the vertical support walls of the stirrup support, there is a horizontal plate connecting the support walls. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the horizontal plate also forms the springs that protrude laterally from the stirrup support walls. The horizontal plate can also be arranged in a different vertical position in the fastening block than at the outer end. It is also conceivable for the fastening block to have two or even more springs on each side, which can be inserted into a corresponding number of receiving grooves in the base support. This can further increase stability.

[0013] A support arm preferably extends laterally from the mounting block. The support arm is preferably located on the area of ​​the mounting block facing away from the base support.

[0014] The mounting block has an additional horizontal plate, which, in a preferred embodiment, merges into the support arm. Together with the lower horizontal plate and the two bracket support walls, this creates a hollow body. In an alternative design, the mounting block can also be made of solid material, i.e., not as a hollow body.

[0015] To secure the bracket support, particularly in the vertical direction, a clamping device can preferably be provided. In a particularly simple embodiment, this is formed by a screw that can be screwed into the fastening block from above through corresponding through-holes in the horizontal plates when the bracket support is connected to the base support. For this purpose, the through-holes have suitable threads. The screw rests with its free end against the base plate of the base support, thereby clamping the springs in the receiving grooves of the base support in the vertical direction.

[0016] The base support itself also features a very simple yet robust construction. It essentially consists of a base plate from which the two base support retaining walls extend vertically upwards. The base plate can incorporate suitable elements for attachment to a substructure, such as openings for screws. The base support can be designed differently depending on regional or national regulations or, for example, due to the individual characteristics of different roof shapes or types, to ensure optimal attachment.

[0017] In a particularly advantageous design variant, the support surface of the base support facing the substructure has a structure that increases the coefficient of friction; for example, it is roughened. Alternatively or additionally, protruding pins can be provided that press into the substructure, particularly into a wooden roof structure. Such pins or grooves also effectively prevent twisting on the rafter during installation and even after installation.

[0018] The receiving grooves in the base support retaining walls extend essentially parallel to the main extension plane of the base plate of the base support and are open to the side rather than upwards. This lateral orientation effectively prevents the receiving grooves from becoming dirty. According to the invention, the base support retaining walls have a plurality of parallel receiving grooves into which the springs protruding from the fastening block of the bracket support can be inserted. Due to the plurality of receiving grooves, the height of the bracket support is adjustable relative to the base support and in particular to the roof to which the base support is attached. This ensures that the roof covering can be encompassed by the bracket support. The solar module fastening system can therefore be used in a variety of ways, in particular on different types of roof structures and roof coverings.

[0019] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. These represent only a preferred embodiment and are not intended to be limiting. The dimensions are not to scale; dimensions and measurements may vary. They show: Fig. 1: a solar module mounting system in assembled state in side view, Fig. 2: a bracket support of the solar module mounting system made of Fig. 1 in side view, Fig. 3: the bracket support Fig. 1 from top, Fig. 4: a base support of the solar module mounting system made of Fig. 1 in perspective view, Fig. 5: the solar module mounting system Fig. 1 in perspective view.

[0020] The Fig. 1 to 5 show a preferred embodiment of a solar module mounting system 20. Fig. Figure 1 shows the solar module mounting system 20 in the assembled state. This system comprises a base support 22 which can be fixed to a substrate and which is inserted into the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 is additionally shown in perspective.

[0021] The base support 22 has a base plate 24, which, when assembled, rests on a substrate and is secured thereto. Holes 26 serve for fastening purposes, through which fastening elements, in particular screws, can be passed.

[0022] Two base support retaining walls 28 extend vertically upwards from the base plate 24, parallel to one another. The two base support retaining walls 28 form a right angle to the base plate 24. In the illustrated embodiment, four receiving grooves 32 arranged one above the other are provided in the mutually facing inner surfaces 30 of the base support retaining walls 28. The receiving grooves 32 extend parallel to the main extension plane of the base plate 24, i.e., in the horizontal direction. The base plate 24 and the two base support retaining walls 28 together form a bracket support receptacle 34.

[0023] The stacked receiving grooves 32 allow for the mounting of a bracket support 36 at different heights or at different distances from the base plate 24. This allows for more flexible mounting of solar modules, for example, on a roof, adapted to local conditions. In particular, the mounting can be adapted to various roof tiles with varying shapes and dimensions.

[0024] The bracket support 36 is in Fig. 2 additionally in side view and in Fig. 3 from above. It is essential that the bracket support 36 forms a fastening block 38 that can be inserted into the bracket support receptacle 34, i.e., between the two base support retaining walls 28.

[0025] The mounting block 38 has two bracket support walls 40 which are connected to each other via a horizontal plate 42.

[0026] Outer surfaces 44 of the bracket support retaining walls 40 are spaced apart from one another by a distance corresponding to the distance between the inner surfaces 30 of the base support retaining walls 28, less a distance that allows for telescoping and takes manufacturing tolerances into account

[0027] Springs 46 project from the outer surfaces 44 of the bracket support retaining walls 40 and are designed and arranged such that they can be inserted into the receiving grooves 32 of the inner surfaces 30 of the base support retaining walls 28. Fig. 1 shows, by way of example, springs 46 inserted into the lowest receiving grooves adjacent to the base plate 24. Alternatively, the springs 46 can also be inserted into receiving grooves 32 arranged above them.

[0028] In the embodiment shown, the springs 46 are laterally connected to the horizontal plate 42, i.e. they are arranged in the same plane as the horizontal plate 42, the horizontal plate 42 forms the springs 46 with its edge regions.

[0029] It is important that the bracket support receptacle 34 is formed by a U-shaped space between the base support retaining walls 28. This space allows the entire mounting block 38 to be accommodated.

[0030] The bracket support 36 according to the invention shown in the figures further comprises an upper horizontal plate 48, which in the illustrated embodiment extends parallel to the horizontal plate 42 and laterally transitions into a support arm 50 of the bracket support 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the support arm 50 is designed with three offsets and has a fastening element 52 at its free end for attaching a rail onto which a solar module can be mounted. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening element 52 has a grooved, structured surface; furthermore, an elongated hole 53 for attaching a module support rail (not shown) is provided in the surface of the fastening element 52. A fastening screw 55 serves for fastening.

[0031] The module support rail is attached to the fastening element 52 from the side, which facilitates assembly. Furthermore, the elongated hole 53, which extends orthogonally to the receiving grooves 32, provides further height adjustment, allowing the position of the module support rail to be adjusted further.

[0032] The mounting block 38, viewed from the side, has a window 54, which is defined by the two bracket support walls 40 and the horizontal plate 42 and the upper horizontal plate 48. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the mounting block 38 is designed as a hollow body.

[0033] Fig.1 further shows a clamping device formed by a screw 56 extending through through holes 58 in the horizontal plates 42, 48. The through holes 58 each have a thread corresponding to the screw 56, so that the screw 56 can be screwed with its free end against the base plate 24 and supported there. The screw 56 clamps the springs 46 vertically in the receiving grooves 32.

[0034] The illustrated embodiment has many advantages, but the invention is not limited to it. In particular, other technical features not shown in the description and claims can also be combined with each other and with the variants shown in any way. Reference symbol 20 Solar module mounting system 22 base supports 24 Base plate 26 holes 28 base support retaining walls 30 interior surface 32 mounting grooves 34 bracket support 36 bracket supports 38 Mounting block 40 bracket support walls 42 Horizontal plate 44 External surfaces of the bracket support walls 46 springs 48 upper horizontal plate 50 holding arm 52 Fastening element 53 slot 54 windows 55 fixing screw 56 screw 58 passage openings

Claims

[1] Solar module mounting system (20), comprising - a base support (22) which can be fastened to a substrate, in particular to a roof, with a base plate (24) on which at least two opposing and parallel base support retaining walls (28) are arranged, which together with the base plate (24) form a bracket support receptacle (34), - a bracket support (36) with a holding arm (50) which, at its end, merges into a fastening region which can be detachably connected to the base support (22), wherein bracket support holding walls (40) in the fastened state form outer surfaces (44) facing the inner surfaces (30) of the base support holding walls (28), which outer surfaces are spaced apart from one another by approximately the same distance as the inner surfaces (30) of the base support holding walls (28) from one another, - the area between the base support retaining walls (28) forms a free space, characterized by , that the fastening area has a fastening block (38) with an approximately cuboid basic shape, with - two vertical bracket support walls (40) for attachment to the base support walls (28), - a horizontal plate (42) and an upper horizontal plate (48) extending substantially parallel to the horizontal plate (42), the horizontal plates (42, 48) connecting the bracket support walls (40) to one another, where - the base support retaining walls (28) extend vertically and each have, in their mutually directed inner surfaces (30), a plurality of parallel receiving grooves at different distances from the plane of the base plate (24) - the bracket support retaining walls (40) each have, on their outer surfaces (44) facing the base support retaining walls (28) in the fastened state, a spring (46) adapted to the receiving groove (32) of the base support retaining walls (28), wherein the springs (46) are arranged on the end of the fastening block (38) facing the base plate (24) in the fastened state of the bracket support (36). [2] Solar module mounting system (20) according to claim 1, characterized by that the horizontal plate (42) extends in the same plane as the springs (46). [3] Solar module mounting system (20) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the holding arm (50) of the bracket support (36) extends laterally away from one of the bracket support holding walls (40). [4] Solar module mounting system (20) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the horizontal plate (42) has a through opening (58). [5] Solar module mounting system (20) according to claim 4, characterized by that the upper horizontal plate (48) also has a through opening (58). [6] Solar module mounting system (20) according to claim 4 or claim 5, characterized by a clamping device formed by threads in the through-openings (58) and a screw (56) screwed in and supported on the base plate (24) of the base support (22). [7] Solar module mounting system (20) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the fastening block (38) is designed as a hollow body. [8] Solar module mounting system (20) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the mounting block (38) is made of solid material.

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