ROOF TILE WITH A SOLAR MODULE

Abstract

Besides the conventional method of covering pitched roofs with roof tiles and installing solar panels on the covered roof, it is already known to connect solar panels to individual roof tiles, thereby achieving effective use of the roof area. Furthermore, the cabling can be routed through the individual roof tiles. However, ensuring that the cable penetrations are sufficiently watertight to prevent water from penetrating the roof is considered a problem. The present invention solves this problem by placing the supports on the raised sections of the roof tiles and assigning the cable penetrations to a nozzle which is elliptically shaped and has an annular groove into which a sealant associated with the solar element engages. The sealant surrounds a connection unit of the solar module and thus ensures that no leaks can occur between the solar module and a base body of the roof tile.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a roof tile for covering a pitched roof, comprising a corrugated base body which forms a plurality of protrusions which enclose depressions between them, wherein the protrusions form supports on which a solar module is placed, bridging at least one depression, and a cable passage is assigned to one of the protrusions below the solar module.

[0002] Such a roof tile is already known from EP 1 071 138 B1. The roof tile described therein has a corrugated base, either in a completely round shape or in a completely round wave shape, with cutouts into which solar modules can be inserted. A rectangular recess is provided in a central cutout for routing a cable for a photovoltaic module. However, in known photovoltaic modules, the cables run laterally out of the modules; routing them is difficult and tight, and the previously known document only provides a drainage groove for sealing beneath the solar module, through which any water that enters is to be channeled downwards.

[0003] Similarly, WO 2008 / 005896 A2 uses cutouts in the roof tiles, with the photovoltaic modules also used here being mounted on an intermediate frame in which the wiring is installed. Connection to a junction box is only made below a roof tile; no measures appear to be in place to prevent water from penetrating the interior of the roof.

[0004] However, a fundamental problem with roof tiles is that they must be protected against water penetration. Roof tiles for pitched roofs, for example, are designed with at least a slope and an overlap, so that the next higher tile overlaps the next lower one, preventing water from penetrating simply due to gravity. However, every depression in the roof tile represents a potential water reservoir, making it problematic to create an additional opening in such a depression.

[0005] Against this background, the present invention aims to create a roof tile with one of its individually assigned solar modules, which enables a safe and watertight cable routing to the solar module and thus ensures the safe operation of the solar module.

[0006] This problem is solved by a roof tile according to the features of independent claim 1. Useful embodiments of such a roof tile can be found in the subsequent dependent claims.

[0007] The invention provides a roof tile for covering a pitched roof, comprising a corrugated base body with a plurality of protrusions enclosing depressions between them. These protrusions form supports on which a solar module is placed, bridging at least one depression. A cable gland is assigned to one of the protrusions below the solar module. According to the invention, such a roof tile is characterized in that the supports are raised relative to the protrusions, and the cable gland is assigned to a spigot with an elliptical sealing groove. The sealing groove encloses a planar opening all around, and a sealing element is assigned to the solar module for engaging the sealing groove. This sealing element connects to the solar module in a sealing manner and encloses a connection unit that engages in the cable gland.

[0008] The described design offers several advantages over the prior art. Firstly, the supports are positioned so that they are raised above the bulges. This prevents the supports from developing weak points, a problem inherent in the prior art solutions mentioned. Where material is removed from the bulges to accommodate a solar module, the roof tile becomes significantly thinner and more vulnerable. Conversely, this also necessitates a certain thickness, which the roof tile must possess from the outset.

[0009] A significantly more problematic issue, however, is that embedding the solar modules deeper reduces the space available for rear ventilation. Because the solar modules are mounted on raised supports, the air beneath them can circulate freely, preventing heat buildup. This keeps the efficiency, especially of photovoltaic modules, high and avoids hotspots.

[0010] Moisture ingress can also be prevented by incorporating an elliptical, preferably circular, sealing groove into the spigot. This groove not only encloses a small bore but also a conduit through which a connection unit already attached to the solar module can be inserted. This allows the solar module to be pre-assembled during the roof tile assembly, meaning the process is largely complete by the time the roof is laid.

[0011] With considerable advantage, the sealing element can be directly connected to the solar module, preferably by bonding or injection molding. This ensures that the sealing element offers no permeability to moisture between itself and the solar module, thus facilitating a very simple seal between the base body and the solar module. The elliptical shape prevents the sealing element from being forced into corners, which would lead to uneven stresses and weakening. A circular shape, a special case of the elliptical shape, is particularly preferred, as precise angular positioning is not initially required. Inserting the sealing element into the corresponding sealing groove of the fitting can therefore be achieved by simply placing it on top and twisting it back and forth, resulting in a very tight yet easily manufactured connection.

[0012] In this context, it may also be provided that the sealing groove is drained by a downward-facing drainage notch. Such a drainage notch allows water that has already entered the sealing groove to be channeled downwards via a beveled notch, so that it does not remain in the sealing groove and overflow inwards.

[0013] It is advantageous to have at least one, but preferably all, of the supports fitted with a damping element placed between the base and the solar module. This element can be made of an elastic material, such as rubber. Particularly in the case of hail, this prevents an undamped solar module from being damaged by hail. Instead, the damping element absorbs the impact and prevents damage.

[0014] To attach the roof tiles to a substructure, a retaining frame for the detachable mounting of the solar module can be provided for the supports. This allows the solar modules to be easily connected to the roof tiles and replaced if necessary. This may be required, for example, if, despite the measures described above, a severe hailstorm damages individual solar modules, but especially if technological advancements lead to more efficient solar modules over time. In this way, the invention provides a modular and demountable system in which the solar modules can be replaced even at a later date.

[0015] In a specific design, the mounting frame can form a support surface and a circumferential flange, at least partially around the solar module. While the support surface runs parallel to the roof surface and represents an extension of the supports without necessarily abutting them, the circumferential flange runs as an edge, at least partially, around the perimeter of the solar module, ensuring that the solar module cannot slip on the base of the roof tile. Overall, the solar module thus rests as if in a recess, which, however, is not completely closed off between the supports and the mounting frame (which may only be present in sections) towards the roof. Despite the mounting frame, the particularly advantageous rear ventilation is maintained.

[0016] Furthermore, the mounting frame can be designed with a slot on a downward-facing side to accommodate the solar module. This allows the solar module to be secured against lifting in this slot on the downward-facing side, while along the other edges it is only secured against displacement.

[0017] This can be countered by providing the mounting frame with at least one retaining clip, preferably at least one spring clip, to fix the solar module in the area of ​​one side of the mounting frame opposite the insertion groove. This also ensures that the free edges of the solar module are secured in all spatial directions, so that when the retaining clips are engaged, the solar module can no longer move relative to the base body.

[0018] The inventive roof tile can accommodate various solar modules. Primarily, this can be a photovoltaic module. A photovoltaic module has solar cells on its visible side, which generate a voltage that can be applied to a consumer via cable connections. Photovoltaic technology is still advancing significantly, making it possible to easily replace the photovoltaic elements.

[0019] In a specific design, the connection unit can be an electrical connection unit and form vertical cable outlets oriented in the normal direction of the photovoltaic module. It is advantageous that, in the proposed photovoltaic module, the connection unit is located on the surface facing the roof and positioned so that it lies entirely within the cable penetration. This eliminates the need for an additional cable penetration, or even just cable routing. The connection cables can be received and connected directly inside the building, thus minimizing the cabling effort.

[0020] Additionally, a thermal heat exchanger can be arranged between the photovoltaic module and the base unit. Besides converting solar radiation into electrical energy, this can also utilize thermal radiation, both from the sun and from the heat generated during the operation of the photovoltaic module.

[0021] It is also possible that instead of a photovoltaic element, the solar module is a solar thermal module or simply a thermal heat exchanger without a photovoltaic module. A solar thermal element comprises a collector through which a medium is circulated. This medium is heated by solar radiation in a tube system within the solar thermal module and then cooled again, generally in a domestic hot water tank, via a heat exchanger.

[0022] In a specific design, the protrusions of the roof tile can be barrel-shaped, with a substantially segment-shaped cross-section, and the recesses are flat connecting strips between the protrusions. This shape is particularly helpful for plastic roof tiles, which are preferably used in this case, because it allows the screws to be mounted flush against the roof battens, while the protrusions remain stable, ensure efficient water drainage through the recesses, and provide good ventilation for the solar module.

[0023] A connection between adjacent roof tiles, either uphill or downhill, can also be achieved by providing the protrusions at their upward overlap area with an adjacent tile. At the apex of their visible side, these protrusions have an undercut groove that engages with insertion elements located at the apex of the underside of the adjacent tile at a downward end, creating a positive fit. Thus, a plug-in connection, and if necessary a clamping connection, can first be established with the downward-facing tile via its grooves and insertion elements. The recesses can then be screwed to the roof battens.

[0024] For this purpose, it may be provided that screw holes are assigned to the recesses in an overlapping area on the roof side for screwing the base body to a roof batten below. Once the screwing is complete, the next roof tile in the next higher row can first be inserted and then screwed in place.

[0025] The invention described above will be explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment.

[0026] They show Fig. 1. A roof tile with a base and a solar module mounted on it, in a perspective view from a slant above. Fig. 2 the roof tile according to Fig. 1 in a perspective view from a low angle, Fig. 3 an exploded view of the roof tile according to Fig. 1 in a side view looking upwards towards the roof, as well as Fig. 4 a variant of the roof tile according to Fig. 1 in a downward-facing, perspective view with the solar module removed.

[0027] Fig. Figure 1 shows a roof tile 10, which consists of a base body 20 and a solar module 30, in this case a photovoltaic module, attached to it. The roof tile 10 has a sectioned retaining frame 23 attached to the base body 20, which holds the solar module 30 in place. Additional securing is provided in the upper area of ​​the solar module 30 by retaining clips 234, which are attached to a part of the retaining frame 23 and project beyond the surface of the solar module 30, so that the solar module 30 can no longer be lifted out of the retaining frame 23.

[0028] The base body 20 of the roof tile 10 is made of a plastic, preferably recycled polyethylene, and is therefore both sustainably produced and lightweight and easy to work with. The roof tile with the base body 20 and the solar module 30 is part of a system of roof tiles that enables the seamless and complete covering of building roofs, so that the solar modules 30 of a building roof blend harmoniously into the overall roof.

[0029] Each base body 20 features multiple protrusions 21, each forming shallow depressions 24 between them. Rainwater is thus distributed from the protrusions 21 down into the depressions 24, creating an air passage behind the solar modules 30 in the area of ​​the depressions 24, which ensures good ventilation. This prevents hotspots and improves the efficiency of the solar modules 30.

[0030] In the recesses 24, screw holes 241 are provided at the upper end of the base body 20, through which the base body 20 can be screwed to the roof battens (not shown here). As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the base body 20 can first be inserted into grooved rails 212 formed on the outer sides of the bulges 21 and clamped there. These grooved elements 213 are formed on the inner side of the bulges 21 at their roof-downward-facing end. Then the roof tiles 10 are screwed onto the battens through the screw holes 241 shown previously, and the process is repeated for the next row of roof tiles 10.

[0031] Furthermore, a spigot 22 can be seen on the underside of the roof tile 10, which forms a cable penetration 221 that is located in the Fig. Figure 3 shows a connection unit 31, which is attached to the underside of the solar module 30 and positioned in the center of the spigot 22. This makes placement of the connection unit 31 particularly easy, as it is simply placed on the open end of the spigot 22. Precise alignment is not required. When the solar module 30 is installed, the vertically extending cable leads 311 are inserted through the cable gland 221 in the spigot 22.

[0032] Fig. Figure 3 shows an exploded view illustrating the process. The base body 20 has a mounting frame 23 onto which the solar module 30 is placed. It is secured by two retaining clips 234. The connection unit 31 is attached to the solar module 30, from which the cable outlets 311 extend perpendicular to the solar module 30. An elliptical, preferably circular, sealing element 32 is attached to the solar module 30 around the connection unit 31. This sealing element is preferably glued or directly injection-molded onto the solar module 30. This prevents water from penetrating between the solar module 30 and the sealing element 32.

[0033] Fig.Figure 4 shows a variant of the roof tile 10 with a continuous retaining frame 23, with the solar module 30 removed. However, the bearing surfaces 231 and the circumferential flange 232 are visible, which are intended to prevent the solar module 30 from shifting towards the base body 20 and within the plane of the solar module 30. The solar module 30 is first inserted downwards into a slot 233 and then tilted onto the base body 20 against the retaining frame 23, whereby the connection unit 31, attached to the solar module 30, with its cable outlets 311, is pushed through the cable gland 221. At the same time, the sealing element 32 is inserted into a sealing groove formed around the cable gland 221 in the spigot 22, which is drained via a downward-facing drainage groove 223.

[0034] In addition to the recess 21 in which the nozzle 22 is formed, further recesses 21 with supports 211 are also provided, which support the solar module 30. Elastic pads can be assigned to the supports 211 for this purpose, which are intended to dampen the impact, particularly in the case of hail, so that the solar modules 30 cannot be damaged due to the spring effect of these elastic pads.

[0035] The above description thus describes a roof tile with one of these individually assigned solar modules, which enables a safe and watertight cable routing to the solar module and thus ensures the safe operation of the solar module. REFERENCE MARK LIST 10 roof tiles 20 basic shapes 21 bulge 211 supports 212 T-slot rail 213 Insert element 22 stubs 221 Cable entry 222 Sealing groove 223 Drainage notch 23 mounting frames 231 Contact area 232 Circumferential flange 233 Insertion slot 234 Retaining clip 24 In-depth study 241 screw hole 30 solar modules 31 Connection unit 311 Line exit 32 Sealing element

Claims

[1] Roof tile for covering a pitched roof, comprising a corrugated base body (20) which forms a plurality of protrusions (21) which enclose depressions (24) between them, wherein the protrusions (21) form supports (211) on which a solar module (30) is placed, bridging at least one depression (24), and a cable entry (221) is assigned to one of the protrusions (21) below the solar module (30), characterized by , that the supports (211) are raised relative to the protrusions (21) and the cable entry (221) is associated with a nozzle (22) with an elliptical sealing groove (222), wherein the sealing groove (222) surrounds a flat opening and a sealing element (32) for engagement in the sealing groove (222) is associated with the solar module (30), which seals against the solar module (30) and encloses a connection unit (31) engaging in the cable entry (221). [2] Roof tile according to claim 1, characterized by that the sealing element (32) is sealedly connected to the solar module (30), preferably bonded. [3] Roof tile according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by , that the sealing groove (222) is drained by a downwardly located drainage notch (223). [4] Roof tile according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one support (211) is assigned a damping element placed between the base body (20) and the solar module (30). [5] Roof tile according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a retaining frame (23) for the detachable fastening of the solar module (30) is assigned to the supports (211). [6] Roof tile according to claim 5, characterized by , that the retaining frame (23) forms a support surface (231) and a circumferential flange (232), at least partially around the solar module (30). [7] Roof tile according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized by , that the retaining frame (23) forms a slot (233) on a roof-downward side for receiving the solar module (30). [8] Roof tile according to claim 7, characterized by , that the retaining frame (23) is assigned at least one retaining clip (234), preferably at least one spring clip, for fixing the solar module (30) in the area of ​​one side of the retaining frame (23) opposite the insertion groove (233). [9] Roof tile according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the solar module (30) is a photovoltaic module. [10] Roof tile according to claim 9, characterized by , that the connection unit (31) is an electrical connection unit and that it forms vertical conductor exits (311) which are aligned in the normal direction of the photovoltaic module. [11] Roof tile according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized by, that a thermal heat exchanger is arranged between the photovoltaic module and the base body (20). [12] Roof tile according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the solar module (30) is a solar thermal module or a thermal heat exchanger. [13] Roof tile according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the protrusions (21) are barrel-shaped round arches with an essentially segment-shaped cross-section and the depressions (24) are flat connecting strips between the round arches. [14] Roof tile according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the protrusions (21) have an undercut groove rail (212) at their roof-upward overlap area with an adjacent roof tile at the apex of their visible side, which interacts force-fit with insertion elements (213) located at a roof-downward end of the adjacent roof tile at the apex of its underside. [15] Roof tile according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the recesses (24) in an upward-sloping overlap area are assigned screw holes (241) for screwing the base body (20) to an underlying roof batten.

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