Adjustable water drainage clamp device for a solar panel device

Abstract

Water drainage clamp device (1) for a solar cell device (5), comprising two arm parts (2, 3) which are connected to each other at a respective first and second lower end (2b, 3b) via a base part (4), wherein the arm parts (2, 3) have a respective first and second hook element (2ah, 3ah) at a first and second upper end (2a, 3a), respectively - the first of the two arm parts (2) is designed to drain water from the solar cell device (5) by engaging a frame (5a) of the solar cell device (5) at a top (5at) with the first hook element (2ah); ​​and / or - the second of the two arm parts (3) is designed to drain water from the solar cell device (5) by gripping the frame (5a) of the solar cell device (5) on the top (5at) with the second hook element (3ah); and - wherein the respective lower ends (2b, 3b) and the respective upper ends (2a, 3a) are opposite ends along the respective principal extension directions (E1, E2) of the arm parts (2, 3); - wherein the base part (4) comprises a clamping element (4c) designed to be arranged on a bottom side (5ab) of the frame (5a) of the solar cell device (5); - wherein the arm parts (2, 3) are flexible relative to each other to allow the distance (df) between the clamping element (4c) of the base part (4) and the hook elements (2ah, 3ah) of the arm parts (2, 3) to be adjusted to a distance (ft) between a top (5at) of the frame (5a) and a bottom (5ab) of the frame (5a).

Description

Field of invention

[0001] Regarding the long-term performance of solar modules, dirt on the modules can significantly reduce energy yield. This is because it prevents sunlight from reaching the photovoltaic cells. Common causes of soiling include dust and pollution, soot and bird droppings, as well as plant debris and pollen.

[0002] Several solutions are currently known to address these problems, including automatic cleaning systems, hydrophobic or self-cleaning surface coatings, and manual cleaning routines. However, standing water on the module surface, especially in a depression between the module surface and the solar array frame, poses additional risks. It can lead to dirt accumulation as particles settle in the standing water and to structural damage if water penetrates the solar module or frame over time. This problem is particularly prevalent in roof installations with a shallow pitch, where water runoff is less effective and water is more likely to accumulate.

[0003] Installing a solar water drainage clip on the bottom edge of the (usually aluminum) frame is an alternative approach that can help mitigate these problems. Such drainage clips, or water drainage devices, attached to the solar array frame are becoming increasingly popular. These solar water drainage clips serve to drain water that accumulates on the surface of a photovoltaic module. Without intervention, this water can dry on the solar panel, i.e., the photovoltaic module, leaving behind residue or dirt deposits that reduce energy yield. Examples of drainage clips are described in EP 4 277 117 A1, WO 2025 074 459 A1, and JP 2015 060 888 A. These solutions generally rely on providing a drainage channel to channel water away from the solar panel, particularly from the groove between the frame and the solar panel.By diverting water away from the panel surface, the drainage clamp reduces soiling, minimizes the risk of water ingress and potentially extends cleaning intervals, thereby improving long-term performance and reducing maintenance.

[0004] However, most available solutions are either limited to a specific frame thickness or complicated to install. background

[0005] The technical challenge, therefore, is to provide a simplified way to drain water from solar modules. Overview

[0006] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are evident from the dependent claims, the description, and the figures.

[0007] One aspect concerns a water drainage clamp device for a solar cell device, comprising two arm parts connected to each other at a respective first and second lower end via a base part, wherein the arm parts have a respective first and second hook element at a respective first and second upper end.

[0008] The first of the two arm sections can be configured to drain water from the solar array by engaging the frame at the top of the array with the first hook element; the second arm section can be configured to drain water from the solar array by engaging the frame at the top of the array with the second hook element; or both arm sections can be configured in this way. Accordingly, an arm section configured to drain water from the solar array can be referred to as a drainage arm section. The top of the solar array is the side configured to be exposed to light for generating electrical energy. Consequently, the bottom may be closer to the ground, and water can flow from the top to the bottom of the frame due to gravity.

[0009] The respective lower and upper ends of the arm sections are opposite ends along their respective principal directions of extension. Preferably, these principal directions of extension are not parallel. Therefore, the drainage clamp can be described as V- or U-shaped. Accordingly, a principal plane of extension of the drainage clamp can be defined by the two principal directions of extension. The drainage clamp can be symmetrical about a plane of symmetry that runs transversely to the principal plane of extension of the drainage clamp and includes a bisector of the angle between the principal directions of extension of the arm sections. The plane of symmetry can run along the top-bottom direction defined below.

[0010] The base part includes a clamping element configured to be positioned on the underside of the solar panel mounting frame. Thus, the hook elements and the clamping element encompass the frame on two opposite sides. The clamping element, the first hook element, and the second hook element can therefore project from the remainder of the respective base or arm part in the same direction, preferably transverse to the main extension plane of the drainage clamping device. In particular, the clamping element can project further in the same direction than the first and / or second hook element. This is advantageous for clamping the drainage clamping device to the frame, as it simplifies a serial arrangement of the respective clamping / hook elements on the frame.

[0011] The arm sections are flexible relative to each other to adjust the distance between the clamping element of the base and the hook elements of the arm sections to match the distance between the top and bottom of the solar panel mounting frame. This distance can be adjusted by bending the arm sections relative to each other, either by squeezing the upper ends together (decreasing the angle between the principal extensions of the two arm sections) or by pushing the upper ends apart (increasing the angle between the principal extensions of the two arm sections). The distance between the clamping element of the base and the hook elements can be measured by measuring the distance between two parallel lines, one passing through the clamping element and the other through the hook elements.

[0012] This has the advantage that the drainage clamp can be attached to solar panel frames of varying thicknesses. Due to its geometric design, where the distance between two parallel lines—one passing through the clamping element and the other through the hook elements—is maximized when the arms are parallel and decreases proportionally to a cosine of 0.5*α, where α is the angle between the arms, simple geometric deformation of the drainage clamp allows for adjustment. Since the drainage clamp tends to return to its original shape, it clamps itself to the frame once positioned.

[0013] The angle between the principal extension direction of the first arm section and the principal extension direction of the second arm section can be less than 135°, preferably less than 90°, and / or more than 15°, preferably more than 30°. Most preferably, the angle is less than 75° and / or greater than 45°, for example, 60° ± 5°. Unless otherwise specified, all angles are measured in a neutral, stress-free state of the water drainage clamp device, in which no external forces act upon the water drainage clamp device. These values ​​have proven particularly advantageous for standard thicknesses of solar panel frames. In particular, the distance between the clamping element of the base section and the hook elements of the arm sections is adjustable by changing the distance between the upper ends of the arm sections within a range of at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10 mm.Preferably, the adjustable distance between the clamping element of the base part and the hook elements has a range of at least 28 mm to 35 mm or at least 35 mm to 40 mm, preferably at least 28 mm to 40 mm. This is advantageous because it corresponds to the standard frame thicknesses specified for solar module devices.

[0014] When clamped onto the frame, the hook elements break the surface tension of the water in the groove between the frame and the solar module. The water is channeled through the clamp's contour. As the water flows, it also helps to flush away dirt particles, contributing to a cleaner module surface and potentially improving energy yield. The proposed water drainage clamp device features a V- or U-shaped design, with both upper sections of the arms positioned towards the solar module. The V / U design ensures interoperability with various modules with frame dimensions ranging from, for example, 28 mm to 40 mm, provides mounting flexibility, and ensures the necessary tension for a secure fit. Differently sized versions can be used to accommodate various frame dimension ranges, e.g.,A smaller version is available for frame dimensions of 28 mm to 33 mm, and a larger version for frame dimensions of 35 mm to 40 mm. An important requirement for the clamp's functionality is the presence of water, typically from rain or cleaning, which activates the drainage effect.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first hook element comprises at least one first drainage channel, preferably two drainage channels, on an inner, particularly concave, surface of the hook element. Additionally or alternatively, the second hook element comprises at least one second drainage channel, preferably two drainage channels, on an inner, particularly concave, surface of the second hook element. The channels can also be referred to as grooves, since they are slots of a specific depth and width that run along a specific path. Preferably, they have a diameter that is at least substantially rectangular. Each of the channels has a channel inlet and a channel outlet.The inner surface can refer to a surface that, in the installed state where the water drainage clamp device is clamped to the solar cell device, faces the solar cell device, in particular the frame of the solar cell device. The channels can be configured to form a channel with a surface of the frame in the installed state. In particular, the channels can have a depth of at least 0.5 mm, preferably at least 0.6 mm and / or at most 1 mm, preferably at most 0.8 mm, and more preferably at most 0.7 mm. The channels can have a depth of 0.7 mm ± 0.1 mm. The depth can be at least substantially constant along the length of the channels. The channels can be straight and / or configured to run at least substantially along a top-bottom direction that follows gravity in the installed state.

[0016] The channels offer the advantage that drainage can be achieved through two methods: In addition to breaking the surface tension described above, drainage is achieved through a combination of gravity and capillary action. If the channels of the drainage clamp are compromised, the drainage method of breaking the surface tension is activated. Accordingly, the channels promote water drainage and simplify installation, as they can compensate for faulty installation.

[0017] The respective drainage channels can extend from their respective channel inlet at a tip or tip edge of the respective hook element to their respective channel outlet at a side edge of the respective arm section. Preferably, the tip edge is an end edge where the inner and / or concave surface of the respective hook element terminates and / or where the inner and / or concave surface transitions into an outer and / or convex surface. Preferably, the outlet is configured so that, in the installed state, it is positioned lower in the gravitational field than the inlet.

[0018] The diameter of the drainage channels can vary along their length. In particular, the diameter and / or width in a central section of the drainage channel can be smaller than at the inlet, and / or the diameter and / or width can be larger at the outlet than in the central section. Specifically, a minimum channel width, for example in the central section, can be more than 1.35 mm, preferably more than 1.40 mm, and / or less than 1.60 mm, preferably less than 1.50 mm. It can, for example, be 1.44 mm ± 0.01 mm. The width of a channel can be determined by the distance between two parallel (inner) surfaces of the channel. Furthermore, a diameter, particularly of the drainage channels, can be at least twice as large at the channel outlet as at the channel inlet. The width-to-depth ratio of the channels can be at least 2:1.The ratio is essentially 2:1 at the point of minimum width and larger at other points along the channel. For example, the ratio might be essentially 3:1 at the inlet and / or essentially 6:1 at the outlet. These dimensions have proven particularly useful because the capillary effect is sufficiently developed for adequate water drainage, and the channels are wide enough to avoid being easily clogged by dust and the like. Furthermore, the smaller diameter / width central section promotes the Bernoulli effect, which further enhances water drainage.

[0019] One, several, or all drainage channels can feature one or more water-repellent and / or microstructured surfaces. Such a surface can be created using special nano-sealants and / or coatings containing nanoparticles. Alternatively or additionally, the microstructures of the microstructured surfaces can be laser-cut into the drainage clamping device, resulting in laser-cut microstructured surfaces. These surfaces are also known as lotus-effect surfaces and offer the advantage of a self-cleaning, highly water-repellent (superhydrophobic) surface that simply washes away dirt particles as water droplets bead up and roll off, similar to the lotus plant.

[0020] In a further embodiment, an end edge of the first arm section, formed in particular by the tip edge of the first hook element, forms an angle of at least 5°, preferably at least 8°, more preferably at least 9° and / or at most 15°, preferably at most 12°, with an end edge of the second arm section, formed in particular by the tip edge of the second hook element. The edges are preferably at least substantially straight. The course of an at least substantially straight edge can be defined by a straight line along the principal direction of extension of the edge from one end of the edge to an opposite end of the edge.This has the advantage that, even with different angles between the two arm sections corresponding to different frame thicknesses in the installed state, optimal drainage can be achieved due to the optimized alignment of the end or tip edge with respect to the groove between the frame and the solar module. This is particularly advantageous in combination with the two or more drainage channels on each hook element, as the positioning of the drainage channels relative to the groove can be optimized for different frame thicknesses. The claw structure mentioned below, especially with shorter claws at the ends of a claw row, further contributes to this beneficial feature.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the first and second hook elements comprise a claw structure at their respective ends, wherein the claw structure is configured to promote a capillary effect in the respective hook elements, in particular a capillary effect in the respective drainage channels. The claw structure can promote the capillary effect, for example, by transitioning into one or more drainage channels, in particular by having an (outer) side surface of the respective claw transition into (inner) side surfaces of the corresponding drainage channel(s). The ends of the hook elements can be or comprise the aforementioned end edges of the arm parts and / or the tip edges of the hook elements.This maximizes the effective surface area for the capillary effect and is particularly effective with different frame thicknesses when the end edges of the arm parts are not parallel, preferably at an angle of 3° or more (as described in the last paragraph).

[0022] The claw structure can comprise a series of at least three claws, preferably an odd number of claws, wherein the claws at the end of the series are shorter than the one or more claws in the middle of the series. This further enhances the advantages described in the last paragraph.

[0023] In one embodiment, the water drainage clamp device is made of plastic, in particular injection-molded, and / or manufactured as a single piece. This makes installation particularly easy, as the device is easy to handle and the elastic properties of the material can be especially well adapted to the requirements of a reliable fastening that can be deformed for installation by hand (without tools).

[0024] In a further embodiment, the extent of the water drainage clamp device (in the main plane of extension of the water drainage clamp device, which is spanned by the main extension directions of the two arm sections) along the top-bottom direction is less than twice, preferably less than 1.5 times, its extent along a right-left direction and / or more than 0.5 times, preferably more than 0.7 times, its extent along a right-left direction. The right-left direction runs transversely to the top-bottom direction. The described dimensions result in a particularly effective combination of the flexibility of the arm sections required for manual bending of the arm sections and the range of distances between the clamping element and the hook elements that can be achieved by manual bending.In particular, the distance between the upper ends of the arm sections can be more than 25 mm, preferably more than 35 mm, and / or less than 55 mm, preferably less than 45 mm. The length of the water drainage clamp device along the arm sections from the upper end to the lower end of the base section can be more than 35 mm, preferably more than 45 mm, and / or less than 65 mm, preferably less than 55 mm.

[0025] As can be seen by those skilled in the art, the operating principle of the described water drain clamp device, i.e. the adaptation of the water drain clamp device to different frame dimensions by bending two arm parts of a V / U-shaped geometry towards each other and utilizing the spring force of the bent water drain clamp device to reliably clamp the water drain clamp device to the frame of the solar cell device, is functional regardless of the orientation of the water drain clamp device.

[0026] Accordingly, the same principle allows for a reversed construction, in which the ends of the arm sections engage the underside of the frame and the base section engages the top of the frame. In such a configuration, the base section becomes an upper section, and its former clamping element must take over the function of the first and / or second hook element, thus becoming an upper hook element. Conversely, the former upper ends take over the function of the former base section and thus become lower ends with corresponding clamping elements.

[0027] Another aspect concerns a water drainage clamp device for a solar cell array, comprising two arm sections connected at their respective first and second upper ends by a head or top section. Each arm section has a first and second clamping element at its respective first and second lower end, and the top section has an upper hook element. The top section is configured to drain water from the solar array by gripping a frame of the solar array on its upper side with the upper hook element. The clamping elements are configured to be positioned on the underside of the frame of the solar array. Again, the respective lower and upper ends are opposite each other along the respective principal directions of extension of the arm sections.Here too, the arm parts are relatively flexible to each other in order to allow adjustment of the distance between the upper hook element of the upper part and the clamping elements of the arm parts to a distance between a top of the frame and a bottom of the frame.

[0028] The features described above in connection with the drainage function of the first / second hook elements correspond mutatis mutandis to the features of the upper hook element described here. In particular, the upper hook element can include the drainage channels described in one of the associated embodiments. The features described above in connection with the clamping function of the first / second hook elements correspond to the clamping elements described here.

[0029] The general concept described here can thus be considered a water drainage clamp device for a solar cell installation, comprising two arm sections extending along a principal plane of the drainage clamp device and connected at their respective first ends by another section. The drainage clamp device further includes three projections extending transversely to the principal plane. A first projection is located on the other section, a second projection is located at the second end of the first of the two arm sections, and a further second projection is located at the second end of the second of the two arm sections. Depending on the specific design, the arrangement can be adapted to drain water from the top of the solar installation to the underside and the ground. The first ends can be bottom ends, with the second ends being top ends (i.e., ends that are located at the top and bottom of the solar array, respectively): Then the first projection is a (lower) clamping element or includes one, and the second projections are (upper) hook elements or include one. Conversely, the first ends can be upper ends, with the second ends being lower ends: then the first projection is or includes a (upper) hook element, and the second projections are or include (lower) clamping elements. Hook and clamping elements are referred to by different names because it can be advantageous for the upper element to have a hook function, e.g., extending around a top edge of the solar cell device into a groove or corner where water collects. Such functionality offers no additional benefit to the lower element, which could nevertheless have such a function.In both configurations, one or both arm sections can be configured as drainage arm sections: In the first case, corresponding drainage channels can direct the water from the second end (the second ends) to the first end, and in the second case, from the first end to the second end (the second ends).

[0030] Another aspect concerns a method for attaching a water drainage clamp device to a solar cell array. One method step consists of hooking the upper hook elements of two arm sections onto the top of a frame of the solar cell array. Another method step consists of bending the two arm sections toward or away from each other, with the two arm sections being connected at their respective lower ends by a base section. The bending can be performed in a right-left direction. A further method step consists of sliding a clamping element of a base section under a bottom surface of the solar cell array frame, so that the frame is positioned between the hook elements and the clamping element, thereby clamping the water drainage clamp device to the solar cell array.The pushing can be carried out in a direction that runs perpendicular to the main extension plane of the water drainage clamp device.

[0031] The advantages and advantageous embodiments of the latter aspects correspond to the advantages and advantageous embodiments described for the former aspect, and vice versa.

[0032] The described features and combinations of features, including those of the general introduction, as well as the features and combinations of features disclosed in the figure description or in the figures themselves, can be used not only alone or in the described combination, but also with other features or without some of the disclosed features, without deviating from the scope of the invention. Consequently, embodiments that are not expressly shown and described in the figures, but which can be produced by separately combining the individual features disclosed in the figures, are also part of the invention. Therefore, embodiments and combinations of features that do not include all the features of an originally formulated independent claim are also to be considered disclosed.Furthermore, embodiments and combinations of features that differ from or go beyond the combinations of features described in the dependencies of the claims are to be considered disclosed.

[0033] In the context of this disclosure, "transverse / along" can be understood as "at least substantially perpendicular / parallel," i.e., "perpendicular / parallel" or "essentially perpendicular / parallel," i.e., perpendicular / parallel except for a predetermined deviation. The predetermined deviation may, for example, be at most 15°, preferably at most 5°, and particularly preferably at most 3°. Similarly, "oppositely oriented" in the context of this disclosure can be understood as "at least substantially oppositely oriented," i.e., "at least substantially antiparallel." The orientation of a plane can be determined by its normal vector. The limitation "essentially" can also refer to a predetermined maximum permissible percentage deviation, for example, at most 15%, preferably at most 5%, and particularly preferably at most 3%.

[0034] Unless the context specifies otherwise, the use of the word "or" here can be considered an "inclusive or," or a term that permits the inclusion or application of one or more elements joined by the word "or" (e.g., the phrase "A or B" can be interpreted as permitting only "A," only "B," or both "A" and "B"). Furthermore, an expression referring to "at least one of" a list of elements refers to any combination of those elements, including single elements. For example, "at least one of a, b, or c" can mean a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, and abc, as well as any combination with multiple occurrences of the same element (e.g., aa, aaa, aab, aac, abb, acc, bb, bb b, bbc, cc, and ccc, or any other order of a, b, and c).Furthermore, the elements depicted in the attached illustrations and the terms discussed herein may refer to one or more elements or terms, so that in this written description reference can be made interchangeably to the singular or plural form of the elements and terms. Detailed description

[0035] Exemplary embodiments are described in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. These show Fig. 1 a perspective view of an exemplary water drainage clamp device; Fig. 2 an example of a hook element of an upper end of a drain arm section in a perspective view; Fig. 3 the example of a hook element from Fig. in another perspective view; Fig. 4. A front view of an exemplary water drainage clamp device; Fig. 5 a top side of the exemplary water drainage clamp device made of Fig. in a front view; and Fig. 6 Another example of a water drainage clamp device installed on a solar power system, in a perspective view.

[0036] In the illustrations, identical or functionally equivalent features are labelled with the same reference symbols.

[0037] Fig. Figure 1 shows an example water drainage clamp device in a perspective view. The water drainage clamp device 1 comprises two (here: drainage) arm sections 2, 3, which are connected to each other at their respective first and second lower ends 2b, 3b via a base section 4. The first arm section 2 is configured to drain water from the solar system 5 ( Fig. 6) derives by constructing a frame 5a ( Fig. 6) of the solar system on a top side 5at ( Fig. 6) with a first hook element 2ah of a first upper end 2a of the first arm section 2. The second arm section 3 is configured to drain water from the solar device 5 by gripping the frame 5a of the solar device 5 at its upper end 5at with a second hook element 3ah of a second upper end 3a of the second arm section 3.

[0038] The respective lower ends 2b, 3b and the respective upper ends 2a, 3a are opposite ends along the respective principal extension directions E1, E2 of the arm sections 2, 3. The principal extension directions E1, E2 define a principal extension plane of the water drainage clamp device 1, which here runs along the xy-plane. In the installed state ( Fig. 6) Gravity pulls in the negative y-direction, thus making the negative y-direction an up-down direction for the water drain clamp device 1. Accordingly, a right-left direction runs along the x-axis. One front side of the water drain clamp device 1 is oriented in the positive z-direction.

[0039] The base part 4 includes a clamping element 4c, which is configured to be attached to a bottom side 5ab ( Fig. 6) of the frame 5a of the solar cell device 5. Thus, in the installed state, the clamping element 4c and the hook elements 2ah, 3ah are arranged on opposite sides (top 5at and bottom 5ab) of the frame 5a of the solar module device 5.

[0040] The arm sections 2 and 3 are flexible relative to each other to allow the distance df between the clamping element 4c of the base section 4 and the hook elements 2ah and 3ah of the arm sections 2 and 3 to be adjusted to a distance between the top and bottom of the frame. By bending the arm sections 2 and 3 relative to each other, the distance da between the upper ends 2a and 3a is reduced, while the distance df is increased. It should be noted that the distance df is measured in a plane that passes through the frame in the installed state; that is, the distance df is not measured between the tips 2aht and 3aht of the hook elements 2ah and 3ah and the clamping element 4c, but rather between the inner surfaces 2ai and 3ai that abut the frame in the installed state.

[0041] Consequently, the water drainage clamp 1 can be slid onto the frame of the solar cell assembly when the arm sections 2, 3 are compressed. Ideally, the flexibility of the arm sections 2, 3 is adjusted so that they can be bent sufficiently by hand. Once slid onto the frame, the arm sections 2, 3 tend to return to their original geometry with the initial, smaller distance df, thereby clamping the water drainage clamp 1 to the frame of the solar module assembly.

[0042] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the first hook element 2ah can have at least one first drainage channel, here two first drainage channels 2ac, on the inner surface 2ai of the hook element 2ah, wherein the inner surface 2ai is oriented towards the frame in the installed state. Preferably, the inner surface 2ai is a concave surface, as shown here. Each of the channels 2ac, 2ac' has a channel inlet 2aci, 2aci' and a channel outlet 2aco, 2aco'.

[0043] In this example, the drainage channels 2ac, 2ac' extend from their respective channel inlet 2aci, 2aci' at the tip 2aht of the hook element 2ah to their channel outlet 2aco, 2aco' on a side edge 2e of the arm part 2. The side edge 2e can be an outer side edge 2e, i.e., on an outside that is further away from the other arm part 3, thus directing the drainage water away from the water drainage clamp device 1.

[0044] As also in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the diameter of the drainage channels 2ac, 2ac', and in particular the width wc, wc' of the drainage channels, can vary along the course of the respective drainage channel 2ac, 2ac'. Specifically, the diameter and / or width wc, wc' in a central section 2acm, 2acm' of the drainage channel 2ac, 2ac' can be smaller than at the inlet 2aci, 2aci', and / or the diameter and / or width at the outlet 2aco, 2aco' can be larger than in the central section 2acm, 2acm'. The width wc, wc' and / or the diameter can be measured perpendicular to the course of the drainage channels 2ac, 2ac' and / or at the inlet 2aci, 2aci' or at the outlet 2aco, 2aco'.

[0045] In the example shown, the first hook elements 2ah include a claw structure 2cs at the upper end 2a, specifically at the end edge 2ate. The claw structure is configured to support a capillary effect of the hook element 2ah, in this case a capillary effect of the drainage channels 2ac, 2ac'. In this example, the claw structure 2cs comprises a series of three claws 2cs', 2cs'', and 2cs''', where the claws 2cs' and 2cs'' at the end of the series are shorter than the claw 2cs'' in the middle of the series.

[0046] The second hook element 3ah may have the same or some of the same features as the first hook element 2ah.

[0047] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, an end edge 2ate of the first arm section 2, which here is formed by the tip 2aht of the first hook element 2ah, forms an angle β of at least 3°, preferably at least 5°, preferably at least 8° with an end edge 3ate of the second arm section 3, which here is formed by the tip 3aht of the second hook element 3. The water drainage clamp device 1 of the present example is symmetrical about a plane of symmetry S, which here runs transversely to the xy-plane.

[0048] An angle α between the principal extension direction of the first arm section 2 and the principal extension direction of the second arm section 3 can be less than 135°, preferably less than 90°, and / or greater than 15°, preferably greater than 30°. In the present example, the angle α is approximately 60°. The extension of the water drainage clamp device along the top-bottom direction is Y, and the extension along the right-left direction is X.

[0049] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the clamping element 4c and the first hook element 2ah and the second hook element 3ah protrude from the remainder of the respective base 4 or arm section 2, 3 in the same direction. Here, the clamping element 4c protrudes more than the first and / or second hook element 2ah, 3ah.

[0050] Fig.Figure 1 shows another example of a water drainage clamp device installed on a solar cell device in a perspective view. In a gravitational field where gravity acts in the negative y-direction, water flows towards frame 5a, the bottom frame, due to the tilt of solar panel 5b. The installed water drainage clamp device 1 assists the water drainage from a groove 5c between frame 5a and solar panel 5b, as the hook elements 2ah, 3ah are positioned with their tips 2aht, 3aht in the groove 5c. Frame 5 has a thickness given by the distance ft between the top 5at and the bottom 5ab. The distance df can be adjusted to this thickness or distance ft. QUOTES INCLUDED 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] EP 4 277 117 A1

[0003] WO 2025 074 459 A1

[0003] JP 2015 060 888 A

[0003]

Claims

[1] Water drainage clamp device (1) for a solar cell device (5), comprising two arm parts (2, 3) which are connected to each other at a respective first and second lower end (2b, 3b) via a base part (4), wherein the arm parts (2, 3) have a respective first and second hook element (2ah, 3ah) at a first and second upper end (2a, 3a), respectively - the first of the two arm parts (2) is designed to drain water from the solar cell device (5) by engaging a frame (5a) of the solar cell device (5) at a top (5at) with the first hook element (2ah); ​​and / or - the second of the two arm parts (3) is designed to drain water from the solar cell device (5) by gripping the frame (5a) of the solar cell device (5) on the top (5at) with the second hook element (3ah); and - wherein the respective lower ends (2b, 3b) and the respective upper ends (2a, 3a) are opposite ends along the respective principal extension directions (E1, E2) of the arm parts (2, 3); - wherein the base part (4) comprises a clamping element (4c) designed to be arranged on a bottom side (5ab) of the frame (5a) of the solar cell device (5); - wherein the arm parts (2, 3) are flexible relative to each other to allow the distance (df) between the clamping element (4c) of the base part (4) and the hook elements (2ah, 3ah) of the arm parts (2, 3) to be adjusted to a distance (ft) between a top (5at) of the frame (5a) and a bottom (5ab) of the frame (5a). [2] Water drain clamp device (1) according to the preceding claim, where the first hook element (2ah) has at least one first drainage channel (2ac, 2ac'), preferably two first drainage channels (2ac, 2ac'), on an inner, in particular concave, surface (2ai) of the first hook element (2ah); ​​and / or the second hook element (3ah) has at least one second drainage channel (3ac, 3ac'), preferably two second drainage channels (3ac, 3ac'), on an inner, in particular concave, surface of the second hook element (3ah), wherein each of the channels (2ac, 2ac', 3ac, 3ac') has a channel inlet (2aci, 2aci') and a channel outlet (2aco, 2aco'). [3] Water drain clamp device (1) according to the preceding claim, where the respective drainage channels (2ac, 2ac', 3ac, 3ac') extend from their respective channel inlet (2aci, 2aci') at a tip (2aht, 3aht) of the respective hook element (2ah, 3ah) to their respective channel outlet (2aco, 2aco') at a side edge (2e) of the respective arm part (2, 3). [4] Water drainage clamp device (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, where a diameter of the drainage channels (2ac, 2ac', 3ac, 3ac'), in particular a width (wc, wc') of the drainage channels (2ac, 2ac', 3ac, 3ac'), varies along the course of the respective drainage channel (2ac, 2ac', 3ac, 3ac'), wherein in particular the diameter and / or the width (wc, wc') in a middle section (2acm) of the drainage channel (2ac, 2ac', 3ac, 3ac') is smaller than at the inlet (2aci, 2aci') and / or the diameter and / or the width (wc, wc') at the outlet (2aco, 2aco') is larger than in the middle section (2acm). [5] Water drain clamp device (1) according to one of the three preceding claims, where a width (wc, wc') of the drainage channels (2ac, 2ac', 3ac, 3ac') at the channel outlet (2aco, 2aco') is at least twice as large as at the channel inlet (2aci, 2aci') and / or the depth of the drainage channels (2ac, 2ac', 3ac, 3ac') is at least substantially constant. [6] Water drain clamp device (1) according to one of the four preceding claims, where one, several or all drainage channels (2ac, 2ac', 3ac, 3ac') have one or more water-repellent and / or microstructured surfaces. [7] Water drain clamp device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, where an end edge (2ate) of the first arm part (2), which is formed in particular by the tip (2aht) of the first hook element (2ah), with an end edge (3ate) of the second arm part (3), which is formed in particular by the tip (3aht) of the second hook element (3ah), forms an angle (β) of at least 3°, preferably at least 5°, more preferably at least 8°. [8] Water drain clamp device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, where the first and / or second hook element (3ah) has a claw structure (2cs) at the respective ends of the hook elements (2ah, 3ah), wherein the claw structure (2cs) is configured to support a capillary action of the respective hook elements (2ah, 3ah), in particular a capillary action of the respective drainage channels (2ac, 2ac', 3ac, 3ac'). [9] Water drainage clamp device (1) according to the preceding claim, where the claw structure (2cs) comprises a series of at least three claws (2cs', 2cs'' 2cs''''), wherein the claws (2cs', 2cs'''') at the end of the series are shorter than the claws (2cs'') in the middle of the series. [10] Water drain clamp device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, where an angle (α) between the principal extension direction (E1) of the first arm part (2) and the principal extension direction (E2) of the arm part (3) is less than 135°, preferably less than 90°, and / or greater than 15°, preferably greater than 30°. [11] Water drain clamp device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, where the water drainage clamp device (1) is made of plastic or is manufactured with plastic, in particular injection molded and / or as a one-piece piece. [12] Water drain clamp device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, where an extension (Y) of the water drainage clamp device (1) along an up-down direction - less than twice, preferably less than 1.5 times, its extent (X) along a right-left direction, the right-left direction being perpendicular to the up-down direction; and / or - more than 0.5 times, preferably more than 0.7 times, its extent along a right-left direction. [13] Water drain clamp device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, where the distance (df) between the clamping element (4c) of the base part (4) and the hook elements of the arm parts (2, 3) is adjustable in a range of at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10 mm. [14] Water drainage clamp device for a solar cell device comprising two arm parts which are connected to each other at a respective first and second upper end via a top part, wherein the arm parts have a respective first and second clamping element at a respective first and second lower end and the top part has an upper hook element, wherein - the upper part is designed to drain water from the solar cell device by engaging a frame (5a) of the solar cell device (5) at an upper surface (5at) with the upper hook element; and - the clamping elements are designed to be arranged on a bottom side (5ab) of the frame (5) of the solar module device (5); - wherein the respective lower ends and the respective upper ends are opposite ends along the respective principal extension directions of the arm parts; - wherein the arm parts are flexible in relation to each other to allow adjustment of the distance between the upper hook element of the upper part and the clamping elements of the arm parts to a distance (ft) between a top (5at) of the frame (5a) and a bottom (5ab) of the frame (5a).

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