ROOFING SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a roofing system. This roofing system can be used, for example, for patio roofs, carports, canopies, roofing of open areas, etc. The roof typically consists of a multitude of parallel support modules, the distance between which is bridged by intermediate elements. The support modules usually rest, at least on one side, on a crossbeam, which is either mounted to a wall or stands on corresponding posts. Photovoltaic modules are increasingly being used as intermediate elements; these are now also available as semi-transparent modules that allow a certain amount of sunlight to pass through.

[0002] Photovoltaic roof structures already exist. However, these are predominantly made from standard aluminum profiles as steel frames or from wood. These are generally prototypes that have only been installed once at a test customer's site. Other systems are custom-made for the customer, which is a complex process.

[0003] Conventional roofing systems do not allow for the integration of photovoltaic modules. The intermediate elements are placed on the support modules in such a way that they lie side by side and their edges actually or almost touch. Since it is undesirable for rainwater to penetrate between the edges of adjacent intermediate elements in roofing systems, it is necessary to walk on the intermediate elements during installation to seal or cover the gaps formed by the touching edges. Photovoltaic modules are generally not designed to be walked on, making conventional roofing systems unsuitable. Furthermore, photovoltaic modules require periodic maintenance, repair, or replacement. With conventional roofing systems, it is usually not possible to replace a single intermediate element without dismantling the other intermediate elements.

[0004] Especially with photovoltaic modules, an inclined arrangement is desirable to ensure rapid drainage of rainwater and to maximize energy yield. Photovoltaic modules are also significantly heavier than other intermediate elements made of, for example, glass or transparent plastic. Therefore, the support modules must be firmly connected to the crossbeams.

[0005] With known roofing systems, this requires individual planning and custom manufacturing, as the exact position of the crossbeams must be measured on site and the roofing system adjusted accordingly.

[0006] Especially with inclined roofs, it is necessary with known roofing systems to know the exact position of the posts for a given length of the support modules, since the actual inclination depends on the exact position of the posts or the exact position of the crossbeam on which the support modules are attached.

[0007] DE 20 2016 00519621 and EP 2 697 567A2 also show roofs with crossbeams and support modules.

[0008] In light of the described prior art, the object of the present invention is therefore to provide a roofing system which, when using inclined support modules, allows for easy adaptation of the roofing system to different post positions or different positions of crossbeams.

[0009] According to the invention, this is solved by a roofing system for terraces, balconies or parking lots according to claim 1.

[0010] To explain the invention, it is initially assumed that the first support element is a support module and the second support element is a crossbeam for receiving a support module. However, it will be shown below that the fastening element does not necessarily have to fasten the crossbeam and the support module together.

[0011] The support module serves to accommodate and hold the intermediate elements, such as the photovoltaic modules. Although one support module is generally sufficient, several support modules are preferably provided, with each parallel edge of the photovoltaic modules being held by a support module. To facilitate rainwater runoff, in a preferred embodiment the support modules are arranged at an angle to the horizontal.

[0012] The support modules rest on crossbeams on at least one side, preferably on both sides, which are arranged at different heights to achieve the desired inclination of the support modules. If the crossbeams are arranged at the same height, the inclination can be created by fastening elements between the crossbeams and the support modules, which create a different distance between the crossbeams and the support modules.

[0013] The crossbeams can be mounted to a house wall or on suitable posts. The length of the posts then determines the height of the crossbeam mounted on the post.

[0014] When positioning the posts, local conditions must generally be taken into account. For example, if the posts support the lower crossbeam, i.e., the crossbeam that is geodesically lower than the upper crossbeam, shifting the posts towards the upper crossbeam reduces the inclination of the support module relative to the horizontal.

[0015] For a given height difference d between the two crossbeams, the actual angle of inclination of the support modules depends solely on the distance a between the two crossbeams. The angle α is calculated from arctan(d / a).

[0016] Therefore, if during the assembly of the roofing system it is decided to move the posts of the lower crossbeam closer towards the upper crossbeam, this means that the angle of inclination of the support modules changes slightly and the fastening between the support module and the crossbeam must be adjusted.

[0017] According to the invention, the fastening element with which the support module is attached to the crossbeam is designed such that it allows the rafter element to be attached to the crossbeam in at least two positions, which differ in that the support module is rotated relative to the crossbeam by an angle α. This makes it possible to position the lower crossbeam in two positions that are at different distances from the upper crossbeam without having to replace the fastening element. This means that the roofing system no longer needs to be custom-made, but can be flexibly adapted to the local conditions.

[0018] Furthermore according to the invention, the fastening element has a head part and a socket part, wherein the head part has a head joint section and the socket part has a socket joint section which at least partially encloses the joint section and comes into contact with the head joint section at at least three points, wherein the head joint section and socket joint section are designed in a spherical segment shape and the head part and socket part can be rotated relative to each other about the axis of rotation.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the fastening element is designed to allow fastening in any position between the first and second positions.

[0020] In other words, this allows the lower crossbeam to be positioned arbitrarily between two positions that are at different distances from the upper crossbeam. This results in slightly different tilt angles of the support module. However, the support module can be attached to the crossbeam in all positions.

[0021] The axis of rotation then runs through the center of the spherical segment or on the cylinder axis of the cylindrical segment, so that the atlanto-occipital joint section can be rotated relative to the acetabular joint section.

[0022] Furthermore, according to the invention, the first and / or second support element is designed as a hollow profile, wherein the hollow profile has an undercut groove and the fastening element has a T-nut which engages in the undercut groove.

[0023] This allows the first and second support elements—in the described example, the support module and the crossbeam—to be manufactured cost-effectively as hollow profiles. The two hollow profiles are then connected by a fastener that engages in an undercut groove of one or both support elements. For example, the undercut groove could be a dovetail groove. Securing the fastener in the groove also has the advantage that the fastener can be moved along the groove, increasing the flexibility of the roofing system.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the head part and / or pan part have a T-nut which engages in the undercut groove.

[0025] In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that either i) the first support element is a support module and the second support element is a crossbeam for receiving a rafter element or ii) the first support element is a post for supporting a crossbeam and the second support element is a crossbeam for receiving a support module.

[0026] The first option has already been explained. Alternatively, the fastening element can also be positioned between the crossbeam and the post to allow for adjustment to different tilt angles of the support module. In this case, the crossbeam cannot be mounted in two different positions relative to the support module. Instead, the flexibility in the tilt of the support module is provided by the fastening element between the crossbeam and the post. When the tilt angle of the support module changes, the crossbeam tilts along with the support module. The post, however, remains in its preferably vertical position, and the fastening element allows the crossbeam to tilt relative to the post.

[0027] In a further preferred embodiment, a support module, a crossbeam, and a post are provided, wherein both the crossbeam and the post are designed as hollow chamber profiles, and preferably the cross-section of the hollow chamber profile of the post matches the cross-section of the hollow chamber profile of the crossbeam. This significantly reduces the manufacturing costs of the roofing system, since the same hollow chamber profile is used for both the post and the crossbeam.

[0028] Further advantages, features, and applications will become clear from the following description of some preferred embodiments and the accompanying figures. These show: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment, Figure 2 is a top view of a second embodiment, Figure 3 is a perspective view of a third embodiment, Figure 4 is a top view of an embodiment, Figures 5 to 6 are different views of a further embodiment, Figure 7 is an alternative embodiment of a crossbeam and Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a gutter element.

[0029] None of the in the Figures 1-8 The embodiments shown correspond exactly to the invention as defined in the claims.

[0030] In Figure 1A perspective view of a first embodiment is shown. A support module 1 is visible. Such a support module can have lateral receiving grooves (not shown) for receiving intermediate elements, such as photovoltaic modules. In the example shown, the support module 1 can be formed by a rafter element and a retaining profile attached to it. The support module 1 is arranged at an angle so that rainwater striking the photovoltaic module can easily run off.

[0031] The support module 1 rests on a crossbeam 2 formed as an extruded profile. A flat bar 3 with a round bar 5 connected via a blade 4 is attached to the underside of the support module. This round bar 5 has a cylindrical segment-shaped cross-section which engages in an undercut groove 6 in the extruded profile. The undercut groove 6 has dimensions corresponding to the cylindrical segment-shaped cross-section, so that the round bar 5 can be rotated within the groove 6 by a limited angle along the cylinder axis of the cylindrical surface segment.

[0032] This makes it possible to achieve a variety of different inclination angles of the support module 1 using the same crossbeam 2 and the same support module 1. The crossbeam 2 can also be shifted perpendicular to the support module 1 such that the round bar 5 shifts in the groove 6.

[0033] In Figure 2A top view of a second embodiment is shown. This differs from the first embodiment essentially in that the crossbeam 2' has a T-slot as an undercut groove 6'. The T-slot is designed such that the round bar 5 contacts the undercut groove 6' at essentially three different points. Such a three-point bearing is sufficient to allow a certain degree of rotational mobility of the round bar 5 about its axis within the T-slot 6', thereby enabling various movements of the support module 1.

[0034] In Figure 3A third embodiment is shown. Here, three bearing units 7 are visible, two of which are mounted on the crossbeam 2, while the third bearing unit 7 is mounted between the first two bearing units 7 on the support module 1. Each bearing unit 7 has a bore, the bores being aligned with each other so that a pivoting axis 8 can pass through the three bearing units 7, thereby allowing a change in the inclination angle of the support module 1. The bearing units 7 can have T-nuts (not shown) which engage in corresponding undercut grooves (not shown) in the support module 1 and the crossbeam 2 to fasten the bearing units 7 to the support module 1 and the crossbeam 2.

[0035] In Figure 4Another embodiment is shown. Here, the crossbeam 2" has an undercut groove in which the foot 9 of a commercially available articulated foot 9, 10 engages, which is attached to the support module 1. The articulated foot 9, 10 consists of a leg 10 and the foot 9, which is rotatable relative to it. Rotatability is also provided here.

[0036] Furthermore, in the Figures 5 to 6 Another embodiment is shown. Here, too, an articulated foot 9, 10 is provided, which engages in an undercut groove of the crossbeam 11. The crossbeam 11 has a bone-shaped cross-section with an undercut groove for receiving the foot 9. The crossbeam 11 is held by one or more posts 12, which have a slot at their end for receiving the crossbeam 11. The crossbeam profile and post profile are identical in this design.

[0037] In Figure 7Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a crossbeam. The crossbeam essentially has a U-shaped cross-section with a U-base 13 and two U-legs 14, 15. The crossbeam is designed to be screwed to a wall by its U-base 13. The two U-legs 14, 15, together with the U-base 13, form a groove for receiving support modules. The lower U-leg 15 has a bead 16. The support module, which is to be inserted into this crossbeam, has a corresponding recess for the bead 16, so that the bead 16 lies in the recess of the support module and the support module pivots relative to the crossbeam about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the paper. Figure 7 stands, or at least can be interlocked to a limited extent.

[0038] Instead of the bead 16, the U-leg 15 could also have an undercut groove 17, as shown in the Figure 7indicated. In this case, the support module would need to have a corresponding element that engages in the undercut groove, such as a standard articulated foot.

[0039] The upper leg of the U 14 has a receptacle 19 for a seal. Furthermore, a functional chamber 18 is provided, in which, for example, the connection cable of the photovoltaic modules can be routed.

[0040] In Figure 8 Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a rain gutter element 20. This rain gutter element 20 is also designed as a hollow chamber profile. The rain gutter element 20 can be screwed to the underside of the support modules so that the upwardly open rain collection chamber 21 is located below the lowest geodetic edge of the PV modules. The rain gutter element 20 provides additional stabilization for the roofing system. Reference sign

[0041] 1 Beam module 2, 2', 2" Crossbeam 3 Flat bar 4 Sword 5 Round bar 6, 6' Groove 7 Bearing unit 8 Axle 9 Foot 10 Leg 11 Crossbeam 12 Post 13 U-base 14, 15 U-leg 16 Bead 17 Groove 18 Functional chamber 19 Receptacle for seal

Claims

1. Roofing system for terraces, balconies or car parks with a first support element (1) and a second support element (2, 2', 2"), each of which has a length, a width and a thickness, wherein the length is greater than the width and the thickness, wherein the first and second support elements are aligned perpendicular to each other and are detachably fastened to each other by means of a fastening element, wherein the fastening element is designed in such a way that it enables the first support element (1) to be fastened to the second support element (2, 2', 2") in a first and a second position, the second position differing from the first position in that the first support element (1) is rotated relative to the second support element (2, 2', 2") about an axis of rotation which is parallel to the second support element (2, 2', 2") and perpendicular to the first support element (1), by an angle α, wherein the fastening element has a head part and a socket part, wherein the head part has a head joint section and the socket part has a socket joint section which at least partially encloses the head joint section and comes into contact with the head joint section at at least three points, wherein the first and / or second support elements are designed as hollow profiles, wherein the hollow profile has an undercut groove and the fastening element has a groove nut which engages in the undercut groove, characterised in that the head joint section and socket joint section are designed in the form of ball segments.

2. Roofing system according to claim 1, characterised in that the fastening element is designed in such a way that it allows fastening in any position between the first and second positions.

3. Roofing system according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterised in that the head part and / or socket part has a groove nut which engages in the undercut groove.

4. Roofing system according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that either i) the first support element is a rafter element and the second support element is a crossbeam (2, 2', 2") for receiving a rafter element, or ii) the first support element is a post for supporting a crossbeam (2, 2', 2") and the second support element is a crossbeam (2, 2', 2") for receiving a rafter element.

5. Roofing system according to claim 4, characterised in that a rafter element, a crossbeam (2, 2', 2") and a post are provided, wherein both crossbeams (2, 2', 2") and posts are designed as hollow chamber profiles, wherein preferably the cross-section of the hollow chamber profile of the post corresponds to the cross-section of the hollow chamber profile of the crossbeam (2, 2', 2").