SOLAR MODULE MOUNTING SYSTEM

Description

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

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

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

[0004] The publications US 2019 / 190437 A1 and US10 663 195 B2 also show similar fastening devices for solar collectors.

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

[0006] The document EP 2 423 622 B1 describes a fastening device with holders for a support rail.

[0007] The invention is based on the object of providing an alternative embodiment of such a solar module fastening system. This should have a simple and robust construction, be inexpensive to manufacture and, in particular, be quick and easy to install.

[0008] This object is achieved according to the invention by a solar module fastening system having the features of claim 1.

[0009] Accordingly, the solar module mounting system has a base support that can be fastened to a substrate, in particular to a roof, with a base plate on which at least two opposing and parallel base support retaining walls are arranged, wherein a free space is formed between the base support retaining walls and the base support retaining walls together with the base plate form a bracket support receptacle, a bracket support with a retaining arm that merges at the end into a fastening area that is detachably connectable to the base support, wherein the bracket support retaining walls, in the fastened state, form outer surfaces facing inner surfaces of the base support retaining walls, which outer surfaces are spaced apart from one another by approximately the distance between the inner surfaces of the base support retaining walls,wherein the fastening area comprises a fastening block with an approximately cuboidal basic shape with springs projecting therefrom, with the two vertical stirrup support retaining walls for fastening to the base support retaining walls and a horizontal plate and an upper horizontal plate which extends parallel to the horizontal plate, wherein the horizontal plates connect the stirrup support retaining walls to one another and the horizontal plate, with respect to the cross-section, is located at the lower end facing the base support between the vertical stirrup support retaining walls and forms the springs which protrude laterally from the stirrup support retaining walls, the base support retaining walls extend vertically and each have a plurality of parallel receiving grooves at different distances from the plane of the base plate in their inner surfaces facing one another, wherein the horizontal plate extends in the same plane as the springs,the bracket support retaining walls each have, on their outer surfaces facing the base support retaining walls in the fastened state, one of the springs adapted to the receiving groove of the base support retaining walls, wherein the springs are arranged on the end of the fastening block facing the base plate in the fastened state of the bracket support, the horizontal plate and the upper horizontal plate each have a through-opening, a clamping device is formed by threads in the through-openings and a screwed-in screw supported on the base plate of the base support.

[0010] The fastening block is therefore compactly constructed and is inserted as a whole into the free space created between the base support retaining walls. The laterally arranged springs are inserted into the receiving groove of the base support retaining walls, thereby holding the bracket support vertically. Overall, the free space created between the base support retaining walls is significantly larger than the grooves described in the prior art for receiving free arms. Although the free space can also become dirty, cleaning is quick and easy, for example with a broom. In addition, the free space or the bracket support holder does not become clogged with dirt as quickly due to the large cross-section.

[0011] A further advantage is that the flexural rigidity of the closed cross-section, i.e., with the mounting block inserted, is significantly higher than in state-of-the-art systems, especially compared to systems with two upwardly open individual receiving grooves for the free ends of two arms. The inventive solution thus enables higher load-bearing capacities, which brings significant advantages for the customer.

[0012] A further advantage is that the bracket support has no free ends that could be damaged or even break off during transport or assembly. The design of the fastening block creates an extremely robust and virtually indestructible fastening element. According to the invention, the fastening block is essentially cuboid-shaped, i.e. has an approximately rectangular cross-section. In relation to the cross-section, at the lower end facing the base support, between the vertical bracket support retaining walls, there is a horizontal plate connecting the retaining walls. According to the invention, the horizontal plate also forms the springs that protrude laterally opposite the bracket support retaining walls. The horizontal plate can also be arranged in the fastening block at a different position in the vertical direction than at the outer end.It's also conceivable for the mounting block to have two or even more springs on each side, which can be inserted into several corresponding grooves in the base support. This can further increase stability.

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

[0014] The mounting block has another horizontal plate, which, in a preferred embodiment, merges into the support arm. Together with the lower horizontal plate and the two bracket support walls, this creates a hollow body.

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

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

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

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

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

[0020] The Figures 1 to 5 show a preferred embodiment of a solar module mounting system 20. Figure 1shows the solar module mounting system 20 in the assembled state. This has a base support 22 which can be fastened to a substrate and which Figures 4 and 5 is also shown in perspective.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0034] 20Solar module mounting system 22Base support 24Base plate 26Holes 28Base support retaining walls 30Inner surface 32Receiving grooves 34Bracket support receptacle 36Bracket 38Mounting block 40Bracket retaining walls 42Horizontal plate 44Outer surfaces of bracket support walls 46Springs 48Upper horizontal plate 50Retaining arm 52Fastening element 53Elongated hole 54Window 55Fastening screw 56Screw 58Through openings

Claims

1. A solar module mounting system (20) having - a base support (22), mountable on a substrate, in particular on a roof, with a base plate (24) on which at least two base support retaining walls (28) are arranged extending opposite and parallel to one another, a free space being formed between the base support retaining walls (28) and the base support retaining walls (28) forming a bracket support receptacle (34) together with the base plate (24), - a bracket support (36) with a holding arm (50) which transitions on an end side into a mounting area and which is detachably connectable to the base support (22), the bracket support retaining walls (40) in the mounted state forming outer surfaces (44) facing inner surfaces (30) of the base support retaining walls (28), said outer surfaces having a distance from one another which approximately corresponds to a distance of the inner surfaces (30) of the base support retaining walls (28), wherein - the mounting area has a mounting block (38) with an approximately cuboidal based shape, with tongues (46) projecting therefrom, with the two vertical bracket support retaining walls (40) for mounting on the base support retaining walls (28), and a horizontal plate (42) and an upper horizontal plate (48) which extends parallel to the horizontal plate (42), the horizontal plates (42, 48) connecting the bracket support retaining walls (40) to each other, and the horizontal plate (42) being located, with respect to the cross section, at the lower end between the vertical bracket support retaining walls (40) facing the base support (22) and forming the tongues (46) which project laterally with respect to the bracket support retaining walls (40), the horizontal plate (42) extending in the same plane as the tongues (46), - the base support retaining walls (28) extend vertically and respectively have, in their inner surfaces (30) facing one another, multiple accommodation grooves running parallel at different distances to the plane of the base plate (24), - in their mounted state, the bracket support retaining walls (40) respectively have on their outer surfaces (44) facing the base support retaining walls (28) one of the tongues (46) adapted to the accommodation groove (32) of the base support retaining walls (28), the tongues (46) being arranged on the end of the mounting block (38) facing the base plate (24) in the mounted state of the support bracket (36). - the horizontal plate (42) and the upper horizonal plate (48) each have a through opening (58), - a safety clamp is formed by threads in the through openings (58) and a screw (56) screwed into and supported on the base plate (24) of the base support (22).

2. Solar module mounting system (20) according to claims 1, characterized in that the holding arm (50) of the support bracket (36) extends laterally away from one of the bracket support retaining walls (40).