One-piece clamping device for fastening electrical modules, and clamping assembly comprising an electrical module with a one-piece clamping device

Abstract

Clamping device (01) for fastening electrical modules, preferably electrical inverters, to components of photovoltaic systems, preferably to solar panels (24) or mounting components for solar panels (24), with a clamping bracket (04), wherein the clamping bracket (04) has two clamping legs (05) which are connected to each other via a deformation section (06) and which are adjustable relative to each other via an adjusting means (02) by deformation of the deformation section (06), wherein one clamping leg (05) has at least one stop collar (13) on an outer side, characterized in that a projecting hook element (07), preferably for receiving and guiding cables (26) or conductors, is formed from one clamping leg (05) and the clamping legs (05), the deformation section (06) and the hook element (07) are formed as a one-piece, preferably monolithic, component (03).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a clamping device having the features of the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a clamping assembly having the features of the preamble of claim 11.

[0002] Various clamping devices for attaching electrical modules, preferably electrical inverters, to components of photovoltaic systems, preferably solar panels, are already known in the prior art. These electronic components are often, but not exclusively, so-called "optimizers," which in English-language technical jargon are sometimes also referred to as "module-level power electronics" or by the corresponding acronym "MLPE." With such clamping devices, the electrical modules, optimizers, or MLPEs are mechanically attached to the solar panels, preferably to the frame elements of solar panels, by means of a clamping mechanism.

[0003] Various approaches are known from the state of the art.

[0004] For example, US patent 2023 / 0015441 A1 describes a multi-part clamp in which two clamping arms are movably adjustable relative to each other via a bearing point. A spring-loaded screw bolt acts as the adjustment mechanism, allowing the two clamping arms to be moved relative to each other, thus creating a clamping connection between the ends of the clamping arms. The solution also includes an additional component, a hook, which can be attached to the back of the clamp and used as a guide or retainer for cables, pipes, or similar elongated objects.

[0005] A disadvantage of the current state of the art is that the clamp or clamping device, especially when cable management functionality is also to be integrated, has a relatively large number of individual parts and requires a correspondingly large assembly effort. For example, the two clamping arms must be connected in the area of ​​the bearing point, the screw bolt and the spring element must be mounted, and the retaining or guide element must also be attached or clamped on. In addition to the fact that assembly is complex, there is also the possibility that individual parts, such as the retaining or guide device that is attached from the back, may unintentionally come loose and thus lose their function.

[0006] An alternative embodiment of a clamping device of this type is known from US patent 2016 / 0268965 A1. This patent disclosure proposes two clamps with fewer individual parts. However, it does not describe how the guiding or holding of cables or pipes can be achieved or accomplished.

[0007] Against this background, the object of the present invention is to further develop the clamping devices of the generic type in such a way that the disadvantages in the prior art are overcome and, in particular, simple assembly and a wide range of functions can be ensured.

[0008] This problem is solved with regard to the clamping device by the features of claim 1. With regard to a clamping assembly, this problem is solved by the features of claim 11.

[0009] Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the following description, the figure description, the figures themselves, and the dependent claims. In principle, all features disclosed below regarding the device shall also be deemed to be disclosed accordingly regarding the process, and vice versa.

[0010] The clamping device of the present invention for fastening electrical modules, preferably electrical inverters, to components of photovoltaic systems, preferably to solar panels or mounting components for solar panels, comprises a clamping bracket, wherein the clamping bracket has two clamping legs which are connected to each other via a deformation section and which are adjustable relative to each other by means of an adjusting device by deformation of the deformation section. It is further provided that the clamping legs have at least one stop collar on an outer side, preferably for abutting a plate-shaped extension of the electrical module.

[0011] According to the invention, a hook element projecting from a clamping leg, preferably for receiving and guiding cables or wires, is further provided, wherein the clamping legs, the deformation section and the hook element are designed as a single, preferably monolithic, component.

[0012] The basic idea of ​​the invention is therefore based on achieving the clamping functionality as well as the function for holding or guiding cables or wires with only two separate components, namely the adjusting means and the one-piece, preferably monolithic component for providing the clamping legs, the deformation section and the hook element.

[0013] The invention has surprisingly recognized that it is possible to produce a component which provides both the necessary elastic deformability, particularly in the area of ​​the deformation section, to provide the deformation forced by the adjusting means for the clamping as a one-piece component, and is simultaneously able to form or co-form the hook element, which is also stable and stiff enough to be permanently connected to the clamping device and to accommodate and / or guide cables or wires.

[0014] It can be particularly advantageous for the clamping device to be designed in such a way that both overhead and underhead mounting are possible. This allows for particularly flexible use and different mounting positions.

[0015] In a particularly desirable and advantageous embodiment of the clamping device, the clamping arms, deformation section, and adjustment means can be designed and arranged such that a clamping range of up to 5.1 mm, preferably up to 5.3 mm, and most preferably between 1.0 mm and 5.3 mm, is adjustable or achievable. In other words, this means that, without adverse, potentially plastic deformation of the clamping device, the clamping arms can grip and clamp an object that has a width or thickness of up to 5.1 mm, preferably up to 5.3 mm, and most preferably between 1.0 mm and 5.3 mm at the point to be clamped. This is particularly advantageous because it significantly increases the positioning of the clamping device and thus also the flexibility in the arrangement and mounting of the electrical modules.This is because standard clamping devices are typically designed only to enable clamping within the frame element of a solar panel or solar module. However, to also allow clamping on a stand, bracket, or profile rail of a photovoltaic system, it is usually necessary to clamp to a component section with a significantly greater material thickness.

[0016] In this context, a particular advantage of the present invention is that the large span of up to 5.1 mm, preferably up to 5.3 mm, and most preferably between 1.0 mm and 5.3 mm, is nevertheless possible with a monolithic component for forming the clamping bracket, in particular the clamping leg and the deformation section. This is because the larger the span, the greater the challenges in designing the deformation section, which connects the clamping legs together in one piece, preferably monolithically.

[0017] In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the clamping arms, the deformation section, and the adjustment means can be designed and arranged such that a clamping range of 1 mm and / or less is adjustable. This particularly advantageously allows clamping even on components or sections of components with a very thin wall.

[0018] A particular advantage of the invention is that a particularly large variability in the span is achieved with a monolithic component. This allows the clamping device to be used and mounted with exceptional flexibility.

[0019] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the adjusting means can also have a head with underhead serrations. This can advantageously improve the securing of the adjusting means. It can also be particularly advantageous to provide a surface of the adjusting means with a position-retaining coating that comes into frictional contact with a surface of the clamping legs. This also provides a securing function for the adjusting means. Preferably, the position-retaining coating is applied in the area of ​​an external thread of the adjusting means. Particularly preferably, the adjusting means can be designed as a threaded bolt with a head featuring an internal or external tool engagement and an external thread in a shank area adjacent to the head. This allows for easy handling.

[0020] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the clamping device, the hook element can be designed to encompass at least part of the deformation section, with the deformation section serving at least on one side as a retaining element for cables or wires inserted into the hook element. This achieves several advantages. Firstly, it results in a compact design or dimensions, which not only positively impacts storage and distribution of the clamping device but also allows for installation in confined spaces. Secondly, it ensures that cables and wires can be guided or held securely, as at least part of the deformation section simultaneously makes it more difficult for the cables or wires to be pulled out or slip out of the hook element.The function as a retaining element can be realized by having a curved or angled section of the deformation section project into the space bounded by the hook element in such a way that a constriction of the space enclosed by the hook element is formed.

[0021] In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment, part of the deformation section can also serve as an insertion ramp for the hook element, thus facilitating the insertion, placement, or hooking of cables and wires. This allows the deformation section to be used in a particularly advantageous, multifunctional way, not only to achieve the adjustment of the clamping legs relative to each other – caused by the adjusting means – but also to facilitate and improve the guiding and retention of wires or cables within the hook element.

[0022] Another, particularly desirable embodiment of the clamping device can provide that the hook element projects at one end of a clamping leg in a transition area to the deformation section. This design can also offer several advantages. On the one hand, it allows for a compact construction. Simultaneously, it provides an improved and larger contact surface for an electrical module, especially if the transition between the hook element and the clamping leg is straight and / or flat, without requiring the clamping device to be particularly large or bulky overall.

[0023] Accordingly, it is also a matter of an advantageous design that the transition between the clamping leg and the hook element is straight, flat and / or level.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment, the hook element may be provided with a coating of electrically non-conductive material. For example, a plastic or polymer coating may be provided. However, other electrically non-conductive materials or insulators are also suitable. Advantageously, the hook element may be coated with the non-conductive material or electrical insulator by powder coating or dip coating. Alternatively, spraying is also conceivable.

[0025] The coating of insulating or electrically non-conductive material provides a particularly advantageous additional protection when electrical cables or wires are held or guided in the hook element. The electrically insulating coating in the area of ​​the hook element of the clamping device can also serve to create smooth and blunt edges and surfaces of the hook element, thus protecting against damage to cable insulation.

[0026] In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the clamping device, the hook element can extend over the entire width of the clamping legs. This ensures a particularly secure and effective holding and guiding of cables or wires.

[0027] Another particularly desirable embodiment of the clamping device can provide that the clamping arms, the deformation section, and the hook element are designed or manufactured as undercut-free extruded profiles. This enables particularly easy and efficient manufacturing, in which only a profile, for example, an aluminum profile, needs to be extruded and cut to length to create a preliminary stage of the finished one-piece or monolithic component. The present embodiment, however, does not provide for the monolithic component to be ready for assembly, in particular for receiving the adjustment mechanism, immediately after extrusion and cutting to length. It can be advantageous to provide that recesses or openings are introduced into the one-piece, preferably monolithic, component after extrusion and cutting to length, for example, by machining.

[0028] In a further, preferred embodiment, the adjusting means can be designed as a threaded bolt that engages in a thread in a clamping leg. The electrical component can, for example, be clamped or fastened by a plate-shaped projection on one side against an outer side of a clamping leg and on the opposite side by the bolt head of the threaded bolt. Simultaneously, tightening or screwing in the threaded bolt advantageously causes the deformation section to deform, moves the clamping legs relative to each other, and, if appropriately arranged, clamps them onto a component located between the clamping legs.

[0029] In another, particularly desirable variant of the clamping device, it can also be provided that the adjusting means, in particular with a threaded section, extends through an elongated hole in a clamping leg, which extends along a longitudinal direction of the clamping legs.

[0030] As already explained above, it is particularly desirable if the clamping device according to the invention consists of as few components as possible and accordingly provides a one-piece design of the clamping bracket including the hook element, while simultaneously allowing the clamping of highly variable components or components with highly varying thicknesses. However, this also leads to a relatively large angular range, especially compared to the prior art, over which the clamping arms can be pivoted or adjusted relative to each other. This places particular demands on the deformation range.To ensure that the adjusting means does not tilt and that clamping is possible over the entire maximum span, it may be advantageous to form a corresponding elongated hole in one of the clamping legs along the longitudinal direction or extension direction of the clamping legs, which then allows the adjusting means to be moved or shifted along the elongated hole, especially while the clamping legs are being adjusted relative to each other.

[0031] In a further, particularly preferred embodiment, it can also be provided that a clamping leg has an inner and an outer stop collar, wherein the inner stop collar preferably has an interruption in an extension of an elongated hole in one of the clamping legs, more preferably in an extension of an elongated hole in the clamping leg that includes the stop collars. The stop collars can be particularly advantageously provided to generate, on the one hand, a stop for the electrical module and, on the other hand, a stop for the component to which the clamping device is to be clamped.

[0032] In this context, it is particularly advantageous if the inner stop collar does not impede the movement or displacement of the adjusting mechanism, especially when bridging a relatively large angular range during adjustment of the clamping legs relative to each other. Accordingly, it can be advantageously provided that the inner stop collar is removed in the area of ​​an extension of a slot in one clamping leg. For example, the removal of the inner stop collar can be carried out during machining, such as machining that also creates the slot itself. Then, for example, the slot and the removal of the inner stop collar in the extension of the slot can be performed in a single machining step using a suitable drill or milling cutter.

[0033] In a further, particularly preferred embodiment of the clamping device, a contact tip, preferably two contact tips, can be formed in an end section of a clamping leg, particularly to achieve electrical grounding of the clamping device to the clamped component. The contact tip can advantageously also be formed in one piece, particularly monolithically, with the clamping legs, the deformation section, and the hook element. For example, it is possible to subsequently machine or fabricate the contact tip without requiring an additional component. If two contact tips are provided, it can be particularly advantageous if they are arranged in a lateral direction B in the end regions of the end section of a clamping leg.This ensures reliable contact even if the clamping legs are not perfectly parallel but slightly tilted relative to each other during clamping.

[0034] The invention also includes a clamping assembly comprising an electrical module, preferably an electrical inverter, which, preferably with a plate-shaped projection, rests against an outer surface of a clamping leg of a clamping device, wherein an adjusting means of the clamping device extends through the projection and presses it against the clamping device with a locking means, preferably a bolt head. According to the invention, the clamping device is designed according to one of the embodiments described above.

[0035] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are illustrated below in the purely schematic drawings showing exemplary embodiments and are described below.

[0036] Showing: Fig. 1: a schematic side view of a clamping device according to the invention in an open, unclamped state; Fig. 2: a schematic perspective view of the clamping device according to Fig. 1; Fig. 3: a schematic side view of a clamping assembly according to the invention in the clamped state; Fig. 4a to Fig. 4b: schematic representation of different possibilities for arranging the clamping assembly on solar panels or mounting components for solar panels; Fig. 5: Schematic representation of a clamping assembly according to the invention, including the cable guided in the hook element.

[0037] Fig. Figure 1 shows a clamping device 01 according to the invention. This consists of two separate components, namely the adjusting means 02 designed as a threaded bolt and the one-piece, in particular monolithic, component 03, wherein the one-piece component 03 forms a clamping bracket 04 with two clamping legs 05 and a deformation section 06 as well as a projecting hook element 07.

[0038] The hook element 07 projects from one end of the lower clamping leg 05 in a transition area 08 to the deformation section 06. The transition 08 between the lower clamping leg 05 and the hook element 07 is flat, straight and / or without offset.

[0039] The hook element 07 largely or even completely surrounds the deformation section 06. A lower section 09 of the deformation section 06 acts as a retaining element 10 for cables or wires inserted into the hook element 07, as shown in Fig. 5 shown and further below with reference to Fig. 5 describe. An upper section 11 of the deformation section 06 also serves as an insertion ramp 12 for inserting cables and wires into the hook element 07.

[0040] The lower clamping leg 05 has an outer stop collar 13 and an inner stop collar 14. The outer stop collar 13 can serve as a stop for a plate-shaped extension of an electrical module, which rests against the outside of the lower clamping leg 05 and can be fastened or clamped with the bolt head 15 of the locking device. For this system, refer to the following description of the Fig. Reference is made to sections 3 to 5 and the representations therein.

[0041] On the upper clamping leg 05, two contact tips 17 can advantageously be formed in an end section 16, with which grounding can be effected on the clamped component when the clamping legs 05 are adjusted relative to each other by a clamping movement caused by the adjusting means 02 and come into contact with the component to be clamped. The contact tip 17 can, for example, penetrate a paint, varnish, and / or other protective layer and establish an electrically conductive contact with a metallic material located beneath the coating. Advantageously, the contact tip 17 can be formed as a single piece or monolithically as an integral part of the component 03. In the illustration of the Fig. For reasons of perspective, only one contact tip 17 is visible in Figure 1. The two contact tips 17 can advantageously be arranged in a lateral direction B in the end regions of the end section 16 of a clamping leg 05 in order to enable reliable contact even if the clamping legs 05 are not adjusted absolutely parallel to each other when the clamping is made.

[0042] In the perspective representation of the Fig. Figure 2 shows that the adjusting element 02 engages in a thread 18, in particular an internal thread, in the upper clamping leg 05. In the lower clamping leg 05, the adjusting element 02 extends through an elongated hole 19, which extends in the longitudinal direction L of the clamping legs 05. The inner stop collar 14 is divided into two parts and is partially or completely removed in line with the elongated hole 19. The hook element 07 is the same width in the lateral direction B as the clamping legs 05 and the deformation section 06. An electrically insulating or non-conductive coating, not shown in detail, may be provided on the hook element 07.

[0043] Fig. Figure 3 shows a clamping assembly 27 according to the invention with an electrical module 20 and a clamping device 01 according to the embodiment of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. A plate-shaped projection 21 of the electrical module 20 rests against the lower clamping leg 05 and extends to the outer stop collar 13. On the non-visible underside 22 of the plate-shaped projection 21, the plate-shaped projection 21 is connected to the bolt head 15 - see Fig. 1 - pressed against the lower clamping leg 05. For this purpose, the adjusting means 02 was screwed into the thread 18. Simultaneously securing the plate-shaped projection 21, this causes an adjustment of the clamping legs 05 and a deformation of the deformation section 06, so that the clamping legs 05 are clamped against a surface in the Fig. 3. Component not shown.

[0044] In the Fig. Figure 4a shows a first fastening option or application option for the clamping device 01 and the clamping assembly 27 according to the invention. The clamping device 01 is clamped to a frame element 23 of a solar panel 24.

[0045] In the Fig. 4b shows an alternative embodiment. In the Fig. 4b The solar panel 24 is attached or held by means of mounting elements, in particular mounting brackets 25. It can be seen that the clamping device 01 engages the mounting bracket 25 and attaches the electrical module 20 to it. The possibility of clamping according to Fig. 4b and according to Fig. Performing the clamping operation 4a with one and the same clamping device 01 is particularly advantageous because it creates a corresponding degree of flexibility. This can also be particularly advantageous if the material thickness of the frame element 23 and the mounting bracket 25 as a mounting component differs significantly. Clamping with a span of up to 5.1 mm, preferably up to 5.3 mm, and most preferably between 1.0 mm and 5.3 mm, can be achieved particularly advantageously with the clamping device 01.

[0046] In the presentation of the Fig. Figure 5 shows how cables 26 are held and guided by the hook element 06. It can be seen that, depending on the number and thickness of the cables 26, the deformation section 06 can act as an insertion ramp 12 and / or a retaining element 10 to ensure that cables 26 or lines are not removed from the hook element 06, or at least not unintentionally. List of reference symbols 01 Clamping device 02 Adjustment devices 03 one-piece component 04 Clamping brackets 05 Clamping legs 06 Deformation section 07 Hook element 08 Transition area 09 lower section 10 Retaining element 11 upper section 12. Lead-in ramp 13 outer stop collars 14 inner stop collar 15 bolt head 16 final section 17 Contact tip 18 threads 19 elongated holes 20 electrical module 21 plate-shaped protrusion 22 Underside 23 frame element 24 solar panels 25 mounting brackets 26 cables 27 Clamping assembly B Latitude direction L Longitudinal direction QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 2023 / 0015441 A1

[0004] US 2016 / 0268965 A1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Clamping device (01) for fastening electrical modules, preferably electrical inverters, to components of photovoltaic systems, preferably to solar panels (24) or mounting components for solar panels (24), with a clamping bracket (04), wherein the clamping bracket (04) has two clamping legs (05) which are connected to one another via a deformation section (06) and which are adjustable relative to one another via an adjusting means (02) by deformation of the deformation section (06), wherein a clamping leg (05) has at least one stop collar (13) on an outer side characterized by that a projecting hook element (07), preferably for receiving and guiding cables (26) or lines, is formed from a clamping leg (05), and the clamping legs (05), the deformation section (06) and the hook element (07) are formed as a one-piece, preferably monolithic, component (03). [2] Clamping device according to claim 1, characterized bythat the clamping leg (05), deformation section (06) and adjustment means (02) are designed and arranged such that a clamping width of up to 5.1 mm, preferably up to 5.3 mm, particularly preferably between 1.0 mm and 5.3 mm can be set. [3] Clamping device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the hook element (07) encompasses the deformation section (06) at least in sections and the deformation section (06) serves at least on one side as a retaining element (10) for cables (26) or lines inserted into the hook element (09). [4] Clamping device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the hook element (07) protrudes at one end of a clamping leg (05) in a transition region (08) to the deformation section (06). [5] Clamping device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , the hook element (07) has a coating of electrically non-conductive material. [6] Clamping device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the hook element (07) extends over the entire width of the clamping legs (05). [7] Clamping device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , the clamping legs (05), the deformation section (06) and the hook element (07) are designed as an undercut-free extruded profile. [8] Clamping device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the adjusting means (02) is designed as a threaded bolt which engages in a thread (18) in a clamping leg (05). [9] Clamping device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the adjusting means (02), in particular with a threaded section, extend through an elongated hole (19) in a clamping leg (05) which extends along a longitudinal direction (L) of the clamping legs (05). [10] Clamping device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in that a clamping leg (05) has an inner and an outer stop collar (13, 14), wherein preferably the inner stop collar (14) has an interruption in the extension of an elongated hole (19) in one of the clamping legs (05), preferably an elongated hole (19) in the clamping leg (05) which comprises the stop collars. [11] Clamping assembly comprising an electrical module (20), preferably an electrical inverter, which preferably rests with a plate-shaped projection (21) on an outer surface of a clamping leg (05) of a clamping device (01), wherein an adjusting means (02) of the clamping device (01) passes through the projection (21) and presses it onto the clamping device (01) with a securing means, preferably a bolt head (15), characterized by that the clamping device (01) is designed according to one of claims 1 to 10.

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