MODULE CLAMP

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a module clamp for attaching a module. The module is in particular a photovoltaic module or solar module.

[0002] Module clamps are known from the prior art for attaching photovoltaic modules to roofs, for example. This typically involves installing several rails with grooves. Module clamps can be inserted into the grooves of the rails. These clamps, in turn, have corresponding module holders that are hooked onto the modules. This allows the modules to be clamped between the module holder and the underlying rail.

[0003] EP 2 292 988 A2 shows a fastening device for attaching solar panels to a mounting rail.

[0004] DE 20 2012 005 671 U1 shows a fastening device for solar modules and a corresponding arrangement with the fastening device.

[0005] US 9,147,986 B2 discloses a mounting system for solar modules on a rail. The object of the present invention is to provide a module clamp that enables quick and reliable mounting of modules.

[0006] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1. The dependent claims relate to preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0007] The following describes a module clamp according to the invention. This module clamp is part of an arrangement according to the invention. Besides the module clamp, the arrangement also includes a rail and preferably the module itself.

[0008] The module is preferably a photovoltaic module or a solar module. The photovoltaic module is used to directly generate electricity. The solar module is used to directly heat a liquid flowing through it. In both cases, these are plate-shaped elements that can be mounted quickly and reliably on roofs or other supports.

[0009] The rail of the arrangement according to the invention has a groove into which a T-nut of the module clamp can be inserted. In particular, the rail is an extruded profile, for example made of aluminum.

[0010] The module clamp according to the invention is designed to clamp the module relative to the rail. For this purpose, the module clamp has a module holder. The module holder is designed for placement on the module. In particular, the module holder has a base body from which a retaining lug extends. The retaining lug can be inserted into a groove of the module or placed on the module, so that the module can be weighted downwards and thus secured by the module holder. In particular, it is provided that the module holder has such a retaining lug on two opposite sides, so that the module holder can be arranged between two modules and holds both modules downwards simultaneously.

[0011] The module rests on its underside either on the described rail or on a corresponding support surface, which in turn is firmly connected to the rail. This allows the module to be clamped relative to the rail and thus secured using the module clamp.

[0012] In addition to the module holder described, the module clamp also includes the T-nut. This T-nut fits into the groove of the rail described. A screw of the module clamp connects the T-nut to the module holder. The screw extends along a longitudinal axis.

[0013] The screw protrudes through the module holder and is screwed into the T-slot nut. This positions the module holder at the top of the screw, so the screw head rests against the module holder. The lower end of the screw, with its external thread, engages in a corresponding internal thread of the T-slot nut.

[0014] When the module is clamped with the module clamp, the screw is turned, which reduces the distance between the T-nut and the module holder. This puts downward pressure on the module through the module holder, thus clamping it in place.

[0015] However, before the module is clamped in place, the module clamp is inserted into the groove of the rail during the assembly process and would tip over without further measures, since the module clamp is only secure relative to the rail after the module has been inserted and the screw tightened.

[0016] To prevent the module clamp from tipping over during the assembly process, a retaining element is used according to the invention. This retaining element has an upper section, a lower section, and an elastic section. The elastic section connects the upper section to the lower section. In particular, the elastic section is designed such that the upper section can be moved onto the lower section by means of elastic deformation of the elastic section. This ensures that the elastic section maintains a desired distance between the upper and lower sections, while simultaneously allowing the screw to be tightened and thus reducing the distance between them.

[0017] The retaining element is attached to the screw and is therefore positioned between the module holder and the T-nut.

[0018] The retaining element is designed and positioned so that the module holder rests on the upper section of the retaining element, while the lower section is designed to support it against the rail. This allows the module clamp to be positioned independently on the rail before the module is clamped. "Independently standing" means that in this state, the screw is essentially perpendicular to the rail. Because the module clamp stands independently on the rail, the module holder is in the correct position and at the correct height, allowing the module to be inserted—especially without having to hold or align the module clamp. This results in a quick and safe installation process.

[0019] The lower section of the retaining element is preferably designed to rest on the rail and / or to clamp onto the rail. As will be described in more detail below, an optional contact plate can be inserted between the retaining element and the rail. In this optional configuration, the retaining element does not necessarily rest directly on the rail; instead, this contact plate is located between the retaining element and the rail.

[0020] The retaining element can be positioned perpendicular to the rail, either by resting on it (especially with a sufficiently large contact surface) or by clamping it to the rail. Since the screw passes through the retaining element, the element also holds the screw in a vertical position. Simultaneously, this ensures that the module holder rests on top of the retaining element, thus positioning it correctly.

[0021] For resting on the rail, the lower section of the retaining element preferably has at least one flat bearing surface. This bearing surface is designed to rest, optionally with an interposed contact plate, on one of the opposing bearing surfaces of the described rail.

[0022] Particularly preferred is the at least one bearing surface inclined to the longitudinal axis. In particular, the bearing surface is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis with a deviation of + / - 20°, and especially + / - 10°.

[0023] In particular, the rail is designed such that the groove is open at the top with a slot. The screw of the module clamp can protrude through this slot. The slot is preferably bounded on both sides by a leg of the rail. In the assembled state, the T-nut is located in the groove and, when the screw is tightened, is pressed against the inside of the two legs. The upper sides of the two legs preferably form the aforementioned bearing surfaces for the retaining element of the module clamp.

[0024] Particularly preferred are two opposing bearing surfaces provided, with the screw positioned between the two bearing surfaces. This allows the two bearing surfaces to rest, for example, on the two opposite legs of the described rail.

[0025] The two opposing surfaces of the legs, i.e., the surfaces that border the slot on both sides, are preferably used as clamping surfaces for the holding element of the module clamp.

[0026] At least one clamping extension is provided for clamping the retaining element to the rail. Preferably, a clamping surface is formed on the clamping extension, which clamps against the described clamping surface of the rail.

[0027] The at least one clamping surface preferably extends parallel to the longitudinal axis with a deviation of + / - 20°, in particular + / - 10°.

[0028] It is preferably provided that the retaining element has at least two opposing clamping projections, each with a clamping surface. The screw preferably runs between the two clamping projections.

[0029] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the lower section of the retaining element has a transverse web. The transverse web is particularly oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the transverse web has a recess, in particular a hole, in its center. The screw passes through this recess.

[0030] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the crossbar forms the two opposing bearing surfaces on its two outer sides.

[0031] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the two described clamping extensions extend from the crossbar in the direction of the T-nut.

[0032] The elastic section, i.e., the connection between the upper and lower sections of the retaining element, preferably has at least one column. In particular, it is provided that the elastic section has two opposing columns and that the screw runs between the two columns.

[0033] The at least one column preferably has an inner surface facing the screw and an opposite outer surface. The inner surface is preferably concave. The outer surface is preferably convex. This gives the column a curved shape, allowing it to bulge outwards when the screw is tightened.

[0034] Preferably, the entire retaining element is manufactured in one piece. In particular, the retaining element is made of plastic. Specifically, it is an injection-molded part.

[0035] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the upper and lower sections of the retaining element are identical. This allows the retaining element to be attached to the screw in any orientation and still fulfill its function. In the upper section, the two "unneeded" clamping extensions are used as a support for the module holder.

[0036] Regardless of whether the upper and lower sections are identical, it is preferably provided that the upper section also has a recess, in particular a hole, through which the screw protrudes. This ensures that the retaining element supports the screw in both the upper and lower sections.

[0037] In particular, the retaining element is symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Additionally or alternatively, the retaining element is symmetrical with respect to at least one plane of symmetry parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0038] As already mentioned, the module clamp can have a contact plate. The contact plate preferably has at least one scratching element designed to scratch a surface in contact with it. The contact plate preferably has a recess for the screw, so that the contact plate can be placed onto the screw between the retaining element and the T-nut.

[0039] During the installation of the module clamp, it is slid along the rail. In doing so, the scratching element of the contact plate can scratch the surface of the rail. This surface is typically a non-conductive or poorly conductive layer, such as anodized aluminum. Scratching the surface ensures electrical contact between the contact plate and the rail. The contact plate, in turn, makes electrically conductive contact with the screw, and the screw makes electrically conductive contact with the module holder. The module holder then makes contact with the module. This allows the module to be grounded via the rail.

[0040] Further details, advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a perspective view of an arrangement according to the invention with a module clamp according to an embodiment, Fig. 2 a perspective view of a holding element of the module clamp according to the embodiment, Fig. 3 a side view of the holding element of the module clamp according to the embodiment and Fig. 4 the arrangement according to the invention with a module clamp according to the embodiment with a contact plate.

[0041] The following describes in detail an arrangement 100 with module terminal 1 based on the Figures 1 to 4 described. Unless otherwise stated in detail, reference is always made to all characters.

[0042] The arrangement 100 comprises a rail 101 and, in particular, a module 102. Module 102 is specifically a photovoltaic module. For the sake of clarity, module 102 is shown only schematically in the figures.

[0043] The rail 101 has a groove 103. This groove 103 is open at the top by a slot 105. The slot 105 is bounded on both sides by a leg 104 of the rail 101. A bearing surface 106 is formed on the upper side of each leg 104. The opposing sides of the legs 104 – thus the lateral boundaries of the slot 105 – are referred to as clamping surfaces 107.

[0044] The module clamp 1 comprises a module holder 2. The module holder 2 has a base body 3; in the illustrated embodiment, the base body 3 is U-shaped.

[0045] The base body 3 has retaining lugs 4 on both sides. One of the modules 102 can be placed under each retaining lug 4, so that the corresponding module 102 can be loaded downwards using the module holder 2.

[0046] The module holder 2 can also have only one retaining lug 4, for example a module clamp 1 on a side area and not between two modules 102.

[0047] The module clamp 1 also includes a screw 5 that extends along a longitudinal axis 6. The screw 5 is inserted into a hole in the base body 3 of the module holder 2 and thus its screw head rests against the module holder 2.

[0048] The lower end of screw 5 is screwed into a T-nut 8. The T-nut 8 is located in the groove 103 and rests against the inside of the two legs 104.

[0049] A retaining element 7 is located between the module holder 2 and the T-nut 8. This retaining element 7 is in the Figures 2 and 3 shown in detail. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining element 7 is made of plastic in one piece.

[0050] The retaining element 7 has an upper section 10, an elastic section 11 and a lower section 12.

[0051] The upper section 10 and the lower section 12 are designed identically, so for the sake of simplicity only the structure of the lower section 12 is described here.

[0052] The lower section 12 has a crossbar 13. In the middle of the crossbar 13 is a recess 17 in the form of a hole. The screw 5 protrudes through this recess 17.

[0053] On both sides of the recess 17, the cross web 13 has two bearing surfaces 14 which, in the illustrated embodiment, are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 6. These bearing surfaces 14 rest on the opposing bearing surfaces 106 of the rail 101.

[0054] Furthermore, two clamping projections 15 extend from the transverse web 13 towards the T-nut 8. The two clamping projections 15 have clamping surfaces 16 facing away from each other. These clamping surfaces 16 bear against the clamping surfaces 107 of the rail 101. In the illustrated embodiment, the two clamping surfaces 106 are parallel to the longitudinal axis 6.

[0055] In the upper section 10, the two clamping extensions 15 are used as a support for the module holder 2.

[0056] The upper section 10 and the lower section 12, in particular the two cross webs 13, are connected to each other in the elastic section 11 by two opposing columns 18. The screw 5, and thus the longitudinal axis 6, runs between the two columns 18.

[0057] Each column 18 has an inner surface 19 facing the screw 5 and an outer surface 20. The inner surface is concave. The outer surface 20 is convex. As a result, both columns 18 are pre-bent outwards, and when the screw 5 is tightened, the columns 18 can bulge outwards.

[0058] It is preferably provided, regardless of the specific embodiment shown, that all contact surfaces 14 together form a surface area of ​​at least 5 mm². Additionally or alternatively, it is preferably provided that the clamping surfaces 16 also together form a surface area of ​​at least 5 mm². This results in a particularly stable support and / or a particularly secure clamping of the retaining element 7 on the rail 101.

[0059] Figure 4Figure 1 shows that, according to an optional embodiment, the module terminal 1 can have a contact plate 21. This contact plate 21 preferably has a recess for the screw 5, so that the contact plate 21 can be placed on the screw 5 between the retaining element 7 and the T-nut 8. Reference symbol list

[0060] 1 Module clamp 2 Module holder 3 Base body 4 Retaining lugs 5 Screw 6 Longitudinal axis 7 Retaining element 8 T-nut 10 Upper section 11 Elastic section 12 Lower section 13 Crossbar 14 Bearing surfaces 15 Clamping extension 16 Clamping surfaces 17 Recess 18 Columns 19 Inner sides 20 Outer sides 21 Contact plate 100 Arrangement 101 Rail 102 Module 103 Groove 104 Leg 105 Slot 106 Counter-bearing surface 107 Counter-clamping surface

Claims

1. A module clamp (1) for clamping a module (102), in particular a photovoltaic module or solar module, relative to a rail (101), comprising - a module holder (2) formed to be arranged on the module (102), - a slot nut (8) formed to be received in a groove (103) of the rail (101), - a screw (5), which extends along a longitudinal axis (6) and which projects through the module holder (2) and is screwed into the slot nut (8) - and a holding element (7), which is fitted onto the screw (5) and is arranged between the module holder (2) and the slot nut (8), - wherein the holding element (7) comprises an upper section (10), a lower section (12) and an elastic section (11), wherein the elastic section (11) connects the upper section (10) to the lower section (12), - wherein the module holder (2) rests on the upper section (10) and the lower section (12) is formed for supporting on the rail (101), so that the module clamp (1), before the module (102) is clamped, can be arranged independently standing on the rail (101), - characterized in that the lower section (12) comprises at least one clamping extension (15), which is formed to be inserted into the rail (101).

2. The module clamp according to claim 1, wherein the lower section (12) is formed to rest on the rail (101), optionally with an intermediate contact plate (21), and / or to clamp on the rail (101).

3. The module clamp according to claim 2, wherein the lower section (12) comprises at least one flat support surface (14) to rest on the rail (101), optionally with an intermediate contact plate (21).

4. The module clamp according to claim 3, wherein the screw (5) extends through a recess (17) of the lower section (12), and wherein two of the support surfaces (14) are formed and the screw (5) extends between the two support surfaces (14).

5. The module clamp according to claim 4, wherein the lower section (12) comprises a crosspiece (13), in the center of which the recess (17) is formed, and which forms the two support surfaces (14).

6. The module clamp according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lower section (12) comprises two of the clamping extensions (15) and the screw (5) extends between the two clamping extensions (15).

7. The module clamp according to any of claims 5 to 6, wherein the at least one clamping extension (15) extends from the crosspiece (13) in the direction of the slot nut (8).

8. The module clamp according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the resilient portion (11) comprises at least one column (18) connecting the upper portion (10) to the lower portion (12); wherein preferably the resilient portion (11) comprises two of the columns (18) and the screw (5) is positioned between the two columns (18).

9. The module clamp according to claim 8, wherein the at least one column (18) is formed concave at its inner side (19) facing the screw (5) and convex at the opposite outer side (20).

10. The module clamp according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the entire holding element (7) is manufactured in one piece, in particular made of plastic.

11. The module clamp according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the upper section (10) and the lower section (12) of the holding element (7) are formed identically, so that the holding element (7) can be fitted onto the screw (5) with any orientation.

12. The module clamp according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a contact plate (21) made of electrically conductive material is inserted onto the screw (5) between the holding element (7) and the slot nut (8), wherein the contact plate (21) preferably comprises at least one scratching element for scratching a surface of the rail (101).

13. An arrangement (100) comprising at least one rail (101) with a slot (103) and at least one module clamp (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the slot nut (8) is formed to be received in the slot (103).

14. The arrangement according to claim 13, comprising a module (102), in particular a photovoltaic module or solar module, on which the module holder (2) can be arranged, in particular can be suspended, so that the module (102) can be clamped between the module holder (2) and the rail (101) or a surface firmly connected to the rail (101).