SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR MOUNTING A PHOTOVOLTAIC UNIT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a support system for arranging a photovoltaic unit according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

[0002] A support system for arranging a photovoltaic unit is known from the prior art. The photovoltaic unit comprises a plurality of photovoltaic modules, wherein the support system comprises a plurality of support elements that are arranged at a distance from one another and are non-positively connected to a ground surface. The support elements each have a bearing element for supporting photovoltaic modules, wherein the respective bearing element has at least a first bearing section for supporting at least one first photovoltaic module and a second bearing section for supporting at least one further photovoltaic module. The first bearing section and the second bearing section each comprise a stop element and a fastening section.The stop element and the fastening section are formed during the production of the bearing element and their position on the bearing element cannot be subsequently adjusted because they are formed as a single piece and integrally with the bearing element. If the geometric shape, particularly the dimensions of the photovoltaic module, changes, the bearing element must also be modified. As a result, the number of variants for the bearing element increases and, consequently, its manufacturing costs increase because the tools for manufacturing the bearing elements, particularly the fastening sections and the stop elements, must be explicitly adapted for each photovoltaic module variant.

[0003] WO 2015 / 110254 A1 is known from the prior art, which discloses a base unit for stabilizing solar panels on a flat roof, wherein the base unit comprises bending tongues for supporting the solar panels.

[0004] Therefore, the object of the invention is to provide a bearing element which has a simple structural design and can be used universally regardless of the geometric dimensions of the photovoltaic module.

[0005] The object is achieved by patent claim 1, in particular by the characterizing part of patent claim 1. A support system for arranging a photovoltaic unit is provided, wherein the support system comprises at least two photovoltaic modules and at least two support elements which are arranged at a distance from one another and are connected to a ground surface in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner, wherein the support elements each have a bearing element for supporting at least one of the photovoltaic modules, wherein the respective bearing element has at least a first bearing section for supporting at least the first photovoltaic module and / or a second bearing section for supporting at least one further photovoltaic module, wherein the first bearing section and / or the second bearing section each comprise at least one stop element and at least one fastening section, wherein at least one adapter element is provided,which is connected to the respective fastening section, wherein the respective photovoltaic module, in particular a frame section of the respective photovoltaic module, is arranged between at least one stop element and at least one adapter element. The object is achieved in particular in that the respective bearing element has a base section that adjoins the first bearing section and / or second bearing section, wherein the base section has a base fastening section that is designed for arranging the carrier element. Since no adapter element should be arranged in the area of ​​the base section, a worker can quickly and securely fasten the carrier element to the fastening section without great effort. The base fastening section can, for example, be designed as a hole and / or have a thread. The carrier element to be fastened to it can then also be provided with a thread.so that it can be connected, in particular screwed, to the base fastening section. Furthermore, this solution allows the bearing element to be used regardless of the size, in particular the dimensions, such as height, width, and length of the photovoltaic module. It is sufficient to select the appropriate adapter element, which is designed for reliable mounting of the photovoltaic module. This advantageously eliminates the need for structural changes to the bearing element. Consequently, the bearing element can have a very simple and cost-effective design. Preferably, only one tool can be provided, which is designed for the production of the bearing element. As a result, the variety of bearing elements is significantly reduced, and, for example, a universal bearing element can be produced.which can be used for a variety of different photovoltaic modules. This also reduces storage costs because the number of variants of the storage element can be reduced, and especially in extreme cases, only one variant of the storage element is required. Furthermore, overproduction of the storage elements is prevented because the number of variants of the storage element is reduced. Consequently, the CO2 emissions resulting from overproduction are also significantly reduced. A further advantage is that delivery times can be shortened. If the dimensions of the photovoltaic module change, the storage element, which is preferably universally applicable, can be used. Depending on the design of the adapter element, it can even be used unchanged. If the adapter element needs to be modified structurally,This is easier compared to the bearing element because the adapter element can have a simpler structural and compact design. Furthermore, the adapter element allows the photovoltaic module to be reliably and securely mounted on the bearing element, in particular inserted. The photovoltaic module can then be firmly connected to the bearing element without it slipping. The adapter element can also be designed as a positioning element, in particular as a positioning aid. This can significantly simplify assembly for a worker. As a result, the distance between the stop element and the fastening section can be adjusted, in particular reduced, with the aid of the adapter element. The distance between the stop element and the fastening section should be at least as large as the maximum width of the photovoltaic module, in particular of the frame section.which can be provided for the support system. Thus, a single universal support element could advantageously be provided for each known photovoltaic module. Furthermore, each fastening section can comprise at least one fastening element. The fastening section can therefore be designed as a fastening element.

[0006] Preferably, the support element can be arranged at least partially or completely within a floor and / or at least partially or completely below the floor surface. Preferably, the floor surface fastening element can be arranged at least partially or completely within a floor and / or at least partially or completely below the floor surface. The floor can then be formed, for example, as soil. According to a preferred embodiment of the support system, it can be provided that the adapter element has precisely one or at least two connecting sections, which are each connected in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting and / or material-fitting manner to at least one fastening section of the bearing element.If the adapter element has exactly one connecting section, assembly of the adapter element can be made easier for the worker because there is only one possible connection between the exactly one connecting section and the respective fastening section. If the adapter element has at least two connecting sections, the adapter element can also be used variably. This can reduce the number of variants for the adapter element because, depending on the dimensions of the corresponding photovoltaic module, in particular the frame section, the adapter element can be relocatably positioned on the fastening section. The higher the number of connecting sections of the adapter element, the more different variants of photovoltaic modules can be inserted and / or stored on the storage element using the adapter element.

[0007] According to a further preferred embodiment of the carrier element, the adapter element can comprise at least two, preferably three, connecting sections, wherein at least one connecting section is connected to a fastening section and at least one other connecting section is unoccupied. With the help of this advantageous embodiment of the adapter element, the variety of variants thereof can be reduced. Furthermore, due to the material removed from the adapter element for the production and formation of the connecting sections, the weight of the adapter elements can be reduced. As a result, less weight can be transported when transporting the adapter elements from the production site to the assembly site or storage location. This also makes it possible to reduce the CO2 emissions generated during transport of the adapter elements.

[0008] The adapter element can be securely and reliably connected to the bearing element if the respective fastening section is designed as a fastening locking element or fastening counter-locking element and / or the respective connecting section is designed as a connecting locking element or connecting counter-locking element, wherein the fastening locking element engages with the connecting counter-locking element and / or the fastening counter-locking element engages with the connecting locking element in a force-locking and / or positive-locking manner. This measure ensures that the adapter element remains positioned on the bearing element even in stormy weather conditions.

[0009] The adapter element and / or the bearing element can be manufactured very cost-effectively and easily if the connecting portion of the respective adapter element is designed as a hole or recess and the respective fastening portion of the bearing element is designed as a projection. For fastening the adapter element to the bearing element, the projection is arranged within the hole or recess. The hole can, for example, be arranged centered on a surface of the adapter element.

[0010] According to a further preferred embodiment of the support element, the adapter element can have a nose designed as a connecting section, which is non-positively and / or positively connected to a bearing hole designed as a fastening section. Using the nose, a worker can easily and securely connect the adapter element to the support element. The nose can be designed, for example, as a locking nose with a barb. Thus, subsequent release of the adapter element can only occur by destroying it. For this purpose, the locking nose could have a predetermined breaking point. This predetermined breaking point could break under a predetermined force, allowing the adapter element to be easily and safely removed from the bearing element. Alternatively, the nose, in particular the locking nose, can also be designed to be flexible, allowing it to be moved to enable the adapter element to be removed from the bearing element without causing damage.

[0011] In general, the connection of the fastening section to the connecting section can be designed, for example, as a positive-locking plug connection. The connection of the fastening section to the connecting section can alternatively be designed, for example, as a non-positive and positive-locking plug connection which preferably has a press fit.

[0012] According to a further preferred embodiment of the support element, it can be provided that the adapter element is designed as a locking element for at least one photovoltaic module, wherein the adapter element is designed to be movable, in particular rotatable, on the bearing element, in particular on the fastening section, for fastening the at least one photovoltaic module. This solution has the advantage that a clamping element for fastening the at least one photovoltaic module could be dispensed with. The adapter element would thus have two functions. Firstly, it could serve for the reliable mounting of the photovoltaic module on the bearing element, and secondly, it ensures the fastening of the photovoltaic module on the bearing element.At least the locking element, designed as an adapter element, can be used for pre-assembling the photovoltaic module on the support element, and then subsequently connecting the photovoltaic module to the support element using a clamping element. Slipping of the photovoltaic module during assembly can thus be advantageously prevented.

[0013] The adapter element can have a very simple and cost-effective design if it is designed as a preferably cuboid-shaped plate or preferably as a circular or round disc. With this design, the adapter elements can be manufactured using simple tools. Due to this simple design, the adapter element can be mass-produced cost-effectively.

[0014] It can further be provided that the respective stop element is designed as a retaining lug that protrudes from the respective bearing section of the bearing element. The retaining lugs can advantageously be formed during the manufacture of the bearing element, so that no further manufacturing step is required.

[0015] The adapter element can be easily mounted on the bearing element by a single worker if the respective connecting section of the adapter element is designed as a slot and is designed to be laterally slidable onto an edge section of the bearing element. After the adapter element has been mounted on the bearing element, the slot engages the edge section in a force-locking and / or positive-locking manner. It should be ensured that the size, in particular the width, of the slot is smaller than the width of the edge section of the bearing element in order to ensure secure mounting of the adapter element on the bearing element, preferably in the form of a press fit.If the width of the slot is larger than the width of the edge portion of the bearing element, an insert element can be arranged within the bearing element to reduce the slot size, so that it then has a smaller width than the width of the edge portion of the bearing element. This insert element can be designed as a mat, which is preferably made of a flexible material, such as rubber or foam.

[0016] According to a further preferred embodiment of the support system, it can be provided that the respective support element is connected to at least one floor surface fastening element, wherein the floor surface fastening element is connected in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner to the floor surface provided for the arrangement of the support system.

[0017] The support elements, preferably designed as rods, can comprise the ground surface fastening element, preferably designed as a plate, which preferably rests on the ground surface. This prevents the support system, in particular the support elements, from sinking into the ground, for example due to the weight of the photovoltaic modules.

[0018] The energy generation by the photovoltaic modules can be significantly increased if the support system comprises at least a first and a second support element, wherein the distance of the bearing element of the first support element to the ground surface is longer than the distance of the bearing element of the second support element to the ground surface, wherein the first bearing section and the second bearing section of the bearing element of the first support element are arranged at an angle alpha1 of greater than or equal to 180 degrees to one another and the first bearing section and the second bearing section of the bearing element of the second support element are arranged at an angle alpha2 of less than or equal to 180 degrees to one another.

[0019] The number of adapter elements of the support system can be reduced if at least one adapter element comprises at least two connecting sections, wherein at least the first connecting section is connected to the first fastening section of the respective bearing element, in particular the first bearing section or second bearing section, and at least the second connecting section is connected to the second fastening section of the same bearing element, in particular the same first bearing section or the same second bearing section. The adapter element can extend from the first bearing section via the base section to the second bearing section. The adapter element should be arranged at a distance from the base fastening section. Thus, the support element can continue to be connected securely and reliably to the base fastening section.

[0020] The photovoltaic module can be connected to the support element even more reliably and securely if a clamping fastening section is provided on the first support section and the second support section for arranging a clamping element, which connects at least two photovoltaic modules to each other in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting and / or material-fitting manner. The clamping element can be designed, for example, as a plug-in element.

[0021] The adapter element can be manufactured cost-effectively if it is made of plastic or metal, particularly stainless steel, galvanized steel, or hot-dip galvanized steel. Furthermore, with this selection of materials, the adapter element is weatherproof and thus has a long service life.

[0022] The adapter element can be designed very compactly if it has a height h of 2 mm to 30 mm. If the photovoltaic modules of the support system have different dimensions, it can be advantageous if the adapter elements intended for the support system are of different sizes and have a different shape.

[0023] In order to protect the photovoltaic module from damage and at the same time to mount it securely on the bearing element, it can be provided that the respective photovoltaic module, in particular the frame section of the respective photovoltaic module, is arranged in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting and / or material-fitting manner between at least one stop element and at least one adapter element.

[0024] The individual components, in particular the adapter element and / or the fastening section, preferably the at least one fastening element and / or the stop element, have component tolerances that can form a tolerance chain. Therefore, a clearance can be arranged between the photovoltaic module, in particular the frame section and the fastening section and / or the photovoltaic module, in particular the frame section and the stop element and / or the photovoltaic module, in particular the frame section and / or the adapter element. If the adapter element is designed as a cuboid plate, the clearance can be arranged between the photovoltaic module, in particular the frame section, preferably the frame element and / or a long side of the cuboid plate and / or on a long side of the cuboid plate.The above-described clearance between the individual components can be very beneficial in fluctuating outdoor temperatures, as temperature fluctuations can lead to geometric changes in the aforementioned components. This can advantageously prevent unwanted stresses from acting on the photovoltaic modules, which could cause damage.

[0025] The frame section comprises a frame that preferably surrounds the photovoltaic module and can be made of plastic or metal. Particularly when the adapter element is made of metal or hard plastic, the frame protects the photovoltaic module when the adapter element exerts a force on it, for example, when locking or arranging the adapter element or when using the clamping element on the photovoltaic module.

[0026] The invention and the technical environment are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the figures show particularly preferred embodiments of the invention, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0027] The figures show: Figure 1 shows a support system for arranging a photovoltaic unit comprising a plurality of photovoltaic modules in a side view, Figure 2 shows a section of the support system for arranging the photovoltaic unit comprising four photovoltaic modules in a perspective view, Figure 3 shows a bearing element of the support system with adapter elements according to a first embodiment in a perspective view, wherein the bearing element is connected to a support element. Figure 4 shows the bearing element of the support system with adapter elements according to a second embodiment in a perspective view, wherein the bearing element is connected to a support element, and Figure 5 shows the bearing element of the support system with the adapter element according to the first embodiment and with the adapter element according to the second embodiment, wherein the bearing element is connected to a support element.

[0028] In the Figure 1A support system 1 according to the invention is visualized with a photovoltaic unit 2, which has a plurality of photovoltaic modules 3. The support system 1 comprises a plurality of support elements 4, preferably designed as rods, which are arranged at a distance from one another and are connected to a ground surface 5 in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner.

[0029] In the Figure 2 A section of the support system 1 is shown in more detail, whereby this Figure 2 The structural design of the support system 1 is illustrated in more detail. The support system 1 comprises four photovoltaic modules 3a-3d. The nine support elements 4 each have a ground surface fastening element 6, preferably designed as a plate, which is preferably supported on the ground surface 5 (see Figure 1 ). In the Figure 2 The support system 1 comprises nine ground surface fastening elements 6, of which five ground surface fastening elements 6a-6e are in the Figure 2can be seen, wherein the respective support element 4 is connected to at least one floor surface fastening element 6 in a force-locking and / or form-locking and / or material-locking manner, wherein the respective floor surface fastening element 6 is connected to the floor surface 5 provided for the arrangement of the support system 1 in a force-locking and / or form-locking manner. The floor surface 5 is in the Figure 2 not shown in detail, wherein the floor surface fastening elements 6 either rest on the floor surface 5 or are at least partially enclosed by this 5. Preferably, each support element 4 is assigned exactly one floor surface fastening element 6. Furthermore, the support system 1 comprises Figure 2nine support elements 4, of which seven support elements 4a-4f can be seen. Each of the nine support elements 4 is assigned a bearing element 7 for supporting the photovoltaic modules 3a-3d. In the present embodiment, for example, the distance of the bearing element 7d of the support element 4d to the ground surface 5 is longer than the distance of the bearing element 7c or 7e of the support element 4c or 4e to the Figure 2 not shown in detail ground surface 5. This arrangement can also be designed analogously to the other support elements 4 and bearing elements 7 of the support system 1, so that, for example, a wave-shaped arrangement of the photovoltaic modules 3 is achieved, as in the support system 1 in the side view of the Figure 1 zu erkennen ist.

[0030] In the Figure 3 a bearing element 7 is shown in which adapter elements 8a-8d are arranged according to a first embodiment.

[0031] In the Figure 3 Consequently, a bearing element 7 is visualized, which can be arranged, for example, in the carrier system 1, as shown in the Figures 1 and 2 is shown. The bearing element 7 has a first bearing section 9, for example, for supporting the first photovoltaic module 3a and the second photovoltaic module 3b and further has a second bearing section 10 for supporting the third photovoltaic module and fourth photovoltaic module, which are arranged in the Figure 3are not shown in detail. The respective photovoltaic module, in particular here the photovoltaic modules 3a, 3b, are each formed with a frame element 11a, 11b, which in each case comprises a frame section 12a, 12b. In the present exemplary embodiment, the first bearing section 9 and the second bearing section 10 each comprise two stop elements 13a, 13b and 13c, 13d, respectively, and four fastening sections 14a, 14b and 14c, 14d, respectively. The respective stop element 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d can, for example, be designed as a retaining lug, which protrudes from the respective bearing section 9, 10 of the bearing element 7. Furthermore, each fastening section 14a, 14b and 14c, 14d can comprise at least one fastening element.

[0032] The one in the Figures 3 to 5The first bearing section 9 shown and the second bearing section 10 of the bearing element 7 of the carrier element 4 present here are arranged at an angle alpha2 of less than or equal to 180 degrees to each other. This corresponds, for example, to the Figure 2 illustrated bearing elements 7a, 7b, 7c, 7e, 7f, 7g. The first bearing section 9 and the second bearing section 10 of the bearing elements 7d, 7h, 7i ( Figure 2 ) are arranged at an angle alpha1 of greater than or equal to 180 degrees to each other.

[0033] Furthermore, the bearing element 7 has a base section 15, which adjoins the first bearing section 9 and the second bearing section 10, wherein the base section 15 has a base fastening section 16, preferably designed as a circular or round-shaped hole, which is designed for the arrangement of the support element 4. On the first bearing section 9 and the second bearing section 10, a clamp fastening section 17a, 17b is provided for the arrangement of a clamping element (not shown in detail), which, for example, connects at least the first photovoltaic module 3a and the second photovoltaic module 3b to one another in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner.

[0034] In the Figure 3The four adapter elements 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d are provided, wherein the respective adapter element 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d has a height h of 2mm to 30mm and the adapter element 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d is preferably designed as a cuboid plate or alternatively preferably as a circular or round disc. For example, in the Figure 3In a simplified manner, only the two photovoltaic modules 3a, 3b are shown. The adapter element 8a is connected to the fastening section 14a and the adapter element 8b is connected to the fastening section 14b, wherein the photovoltaic module 3a, in particular the frame section 12a, preferably the frame element 11a, is arranged between the stop element 13a and the adapter element 8a, and the photovoltaic module 3b, in particular the frame section 12b, preferably the frame element 11b, is arranged between the stop element 13b and the adapter element 8b. The respective photovoltaic module 3a, 3b, in particular the frame section 12a, 12b of the respective photovoltaic module 3a, 3b can be arranged in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting and / or material-fitting manner between at least one stop element 13a, 13b and at least one adapter element 8a, 8b.

[0035] The individual components, in particular the respective adapter element 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d and / or the respective fastening section 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, preferably the at least one fastening element and / or the respective stop element 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, have component tolerances that can form a tolerance chain. Therefore, a clearance can be arranged between the respective frame section 12a, 12b and the respective fastening section 14a, 14b, and / or the respective frame section 12a, 12b and the respective stop element 8a, 8b and / or the frame section 12a, 12b and / or the adapter element 8a, 8b. If the respective adapter element 8a, 8b is designed as a cuboid plate, the play between the frame section 12a, 12b, in particular the frame element and / or a longitudinal side of the cuboid plate - for example in the Figure 3the longer side of the adapter element 8a - and / or on a transverse side of the cuboid plate - for example in the Figure 3 the shorter side of the adapter element 8a. In the Figure 3 For example, play can be clearly seen on one long side of the adapter element 8b and the frame section 12b.

[0036] The adapter element 8a or 8b here comprises at least two connecting sections, preferably three connecting sections 18a or 18b, which are each connected in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting and / or material-fitting manner to at least one fastening section 14a or 14b of the bearing element 7, wherein at least one connecting section 18a or 18b is connected to a fastening section 14a or 14b and at least one other connecting section 18a or 18b, here two connecting sections 18a or 18b, are unoccupied.

[0037] The respective connecting section 18a or 18b of the respective adapter element 8a or 8b is designed here, for example, as a hole or alternatively as a recess and, for example, the respective fastening section 14a or 14b of the bearing element 7 is designed as a projection, wherein for fastening the adapter element 8a or 8b to the bearing element 7, the projection is arranged within the hole or alternatively the recess.

[0038] In the Figure 4 A bearing element 7 is shown in which adapter elements 8e-8h are arranged according to a second embodiment. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in particular in that the respective adapter element 8e, 8f, 8g, 8h has precisely one connecting section 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h, which is / are connected in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting and / or material-fitting manner to at least one fastening section 14e, 14f, 14g, 14h of the bearing element 7.

[0039] In the Figure 5 A bearing element 7 is shown in which, for example, adapter elements 8b are arranged according to the first embodiment and adapter elements 8e are arranged according to the second embodiment. This embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in particular in that the adapter elements 8b and 8e provided for the support system 1 are of different sizes and have a different shape. Thus, different variants of photovoltaic modules 3 can be arranged on the bearing element 7.

[0040] In all embodiments described here, the respective adapter element 8a-8g can be made of plastic or metal, in particular of stainless steel or galvanized steel or hot-dip galvanized steel.

[0041] Alternative configurations of the carrier system 1 are possible and can be combined with or expanded upon the exemplary embodiments described above. For example, it is conceivable that the respective fastening section 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f, 14g, 14h is designed as a fastening locking element or fastening counter-locking element and / or the respective connecting section 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h is designed as a connecting locking element or connecting counter-locking element, wherein the fastening locking element engages with the connecting counter-locking element and / or the fastening counter-locking element engages with the connecting locking element in a force-locking and / or positive-locking manner.

[0042] It is also possible for the adapter element 8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 8h to have a nose designed as a connecting section 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h, which is non-positively and / or positively connected to a bearing hole designed as a fastening section 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f, 14g, 14h.

[0043] It may also be conceivable that the adapter element 8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 8h is designed as a locking element for at least one photovoltaic module 3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, wherein the adapter element 8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 8h is designed to be movable, in particular rotatable, on the bearing element 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f, 7g, 7h, 7i, in particular on the fastening section 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f, 14g, 14h, for fastening the at least one photovoltaic module 3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d.

[0044] A further alternative or additional possibility for the design of the carrier system 1 is that the respective connecting section 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h of the adapter element 8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 8h is designed as a slot and is designed to be laterally pushed onto an edge section of the bearing element 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f, 7g, 7h, 7i, wherein after the assembly of the adapter element 8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 8h with the bearing element 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f, 7g, 7h, 7i, the slot is in force-locking and / or form-locking engagement with the edge section.

[0045] Furthermore, it is conceivable that at least one adapter element 8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 8h comprises at least two connecting sections 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h, wherein at least the first connecting section 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h is connected to the first fastening section 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f, 14g, 14h of the respective bearing element 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f, 7g, 7h, 7i, in particular the first bearing section 9 or the second bearing section 10 and at least the second Connecting section 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h is connected to the second fastening section 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f, 14g, 14h of the same bearing element 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f, 7g, 7h, 7i, in particular the same first bearing section 9 or the same second bearing section 10. List of reference symbols

[0046] 1Carrier system 2Photovoltaic unit 3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3dPhotovoltaic module 4, 4a, 4b,4c, 4d, 4e, 4fCarrier element 5Ground surface 6, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6eGround surface fastening element 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f, 7g, 7h, 7iBearing element 8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 8hAdapter element 9First bearing section 10Second bearing section 11a, 11bFrame element 12a, 12bFrame section 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f, 13g, 13hAnschlagselement 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f, 14g, 14hBefestigungsabschnitt 15Basisabschnitt 16Basisbefestigungsabschnitt 17a, 17bKlemmbefestigungsabschnitt 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f, 18g, 18hVerbindungsabschnitt

Claims

1. Support system (1) for arranging a photovoltaic unit (2), wherein the support system (1) comprises at least two photovoltaic modules (3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) and at least two support elements (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f), which are arranged at a distance from one another and are connected to a ground surface (5) in a force-fit and / or form-fit manner, wherein the respective support elements have a bearing element (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f, 7g, 7h, 7i) for bearing at least one of the photovoltaic modules (3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d), wherein the respective bearing element (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f, 7g, 7h, 7i) has at least a first bearing portion (9) for bearing at least the first photovoltaic module (3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) and / or a second bearing portion (10) for bearing at least one further photovoltaic module (3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d), wherein the first bearing section (9) and / or the second bearing section (10) each have at least one stop element (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f, 13g, 13h) and at least one attaching portion (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f, 14g, 14h), wherein at least one adapter element (8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 8h) is provided, which is connected to the respective attaching portion (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f, 14g, 14h), wherein the respective photovoltaic module (3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d), in particular a frame portion (12a, 12b) of the respective photovoltaic module (3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) is arranged between at least one stop element (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f, 13g, 13h) and at least one adapter element (8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 8h), wherein the respective bearing element (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f, 7g, 7h, 7i) has a base portion (15) which is adjacent the first bearing portion (9) and / or second bearing portion (10), wherein the base portion (15) has a base attaching portion (16) which is designed for the arrangement of the support element (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f), characterised in that the adapter element (8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 8h) has a height h of 2 mm to 30 mm.

2. Support system (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the adapter element (8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 8h) has exactly one or at least two connecting portions (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h), which is / are each connected in a force-fit and / or form-fit and / or material-fit manner to at least one attaching portion (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f, 14g, 14h) of the bearing element (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f, 7g, 7h, 7i).

3. Support system according to claim 2, characterised in that the adapter element (8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 8h) comprises at least two, preferably three, connecting portions (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h), wherein at least one connecting portion (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h) is connected to a attaching portion (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f, 14g, 14h) and at least one other connecting portion (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h) is unoccupied.

4. Support system (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that the respective attaching portion (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f, 14g, 14h) is designed as an attaching latching element or attaching counter-latching element and / or the respective connecting portion (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h) is designed as a connecting latching element or connecting counter-latching element, wherein the attaching latching element engages with the connecting counter-latching element and / or the attaching counter-latching element engages with the connecting latching element in a force-fit and / or form-fit manner.

5. Support system (1) according to at least one of claims 2 to 4, characterised in that the connecting portion (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h) of the respective adapter element (8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 8h) is designed as a hole or recess and the respective attaching portion (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f, 14g, 14h) of the bearing element (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f, 7g, 7h, 7i) is formed as a projection, wherein for attaching the adapter element (8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 8h) with the bearing element (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f, 7g, 7h, 7i), the projection is arranged inside the hole or the recess.

6. Support system (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the adapter element (8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 8h) has a nose formed as a connecting portion (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h), which is connected in a force-fit and / or form-fit manner to a bearing hole formed as a attaching portion (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f, 14g, 14h).

7. Support system (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the adapter element (8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 8h) for attaching the at least one photovoltaic module (3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) is designed as a locking element for at least one photovoltaic module (3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d), wherein the adapter element (8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 8h) is designed to be movable, in particular rotatable, on the bearing element (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f, 7g, 7h, 7i), in particular on the attaching portion (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f, 14g, 14h),.

8. Support system (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the adapter element (8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 8h) is designed as a preferably cuboidal plate or is preferably designed as a circular or round disc.

9. Support system (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the respective stop element (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f, 13g, 13h) is designed as a retaining nose, which protrudes from the respective bearing portion (9, 10) of the bearing element (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f, 7g, 7h, 7i).

10. Support system (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the respective connecting portion (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h) of the adapter element (8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 8h) is designed as a slot and is designed to slide laterally onto an edge section of the bearing element (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f, 7g, 7h, 7i), wherein after mounting the adapter element (8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 8h) with the bearing element (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f, 7g, 7h, 7i), the slot is in an engagement with the edge portion in a force-fit and / or form-fit manner.

11. Support system (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the respective support element (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f) is connected to at least one ground surface attaching element (6, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e), wherein the ground surface attaching element (6, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e) is connected to the ground surface (5) provided for the arrangement of the support system (1) in a force-fit and / or form-fit manner.

12. Support system (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the support system (1) comprises at least a first and a second support element (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f), wherein the distance of the bearing element (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f, 7g, 7h, 7i) of the first support element (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f) to the ground surface (5) is longer than the distance of the bearing element (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f, 7g, 7h, 7i) of the second support element (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f) to the ground surface (5), wherein the first bearing portion (9) and the second bearing portion (10) of the bearing element (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f, 7g, 7h, 7i) of the first support element (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f) are arranged at an angle alpha1 of greater than or equal to 180 degrees to one another and the first bearing portion (9) and the second bearing portion (10) of the bearing element (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f, 7g, 7h, 7i) of the second support element (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f) are arranged at an angle alpha2 of less than or equal to 180 degrees to one another.

13. Support system (1) according to at least one of claims 2 to 12, characterised in that at least one adapter element (8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 8h) comprises at least two connecting portions (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h), wherein at least the first connecting portion (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h) is connected to the first attaching portion (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f, 14g, 14h ) of the respective bearing element (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f, 7g, 7h, 7i), in particular the first bearing portion (9) or second bearing portion (10) and at least the second connecting portion (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h) is connected with the second attaching portion (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f, 14g, 14h) of the same bearing element (7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f, 7g, 7h, 7i), in particular of the same first bearing portion (9) or the same second bearing portion (10).

14. Support system (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that a clamping attaching portion (17a, 17b) is provided on each of the first bearing portion (9) and the second bearing portion (10) for the arrangement of a clamping element which connects at least two photovoltaic modules (3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) to each other in a force-fit and / or form-fit and / or material-fit manner.

15. Support system (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that the adapter element (8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 8h) is made of plastic or of metal, in particular of stainless steel or galvanised steel or of hot-galvanised steel.

16. Support system (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 15, characterised in that characterised in that the adapter elements (8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 8h) provided for the support system (1) are of different sizes and have a different shape.

17. Support system (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 16, characterised in that characterised in that the respective photovoltaic module (3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d), in particular the frame portion (12a, 12b) of the respective photovoltaic module (3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) is arranged in a force-fit and / or form-fit and / or material-fit manner between at least one stop element (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f, 13g, 13h) and at least one adapter element (8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 8h).

18. Support system (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 17, characterised in that characterised in that a clearance is arranged between the photovoltaic module (3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d), in particular the frame portion (12a, 12b) and the attaching portion (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f, 14g, 14h) and / or the photovoltaic module (3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d), in particular the frame portion (12a, 12b) and the stop element (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d) and / or the photovoltaic module (3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d), in particular the frame portion (12a, 12b) and / or the adapter element (8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 8h).