Mounting system for photovoltaic modules and components of a mounting system for photovoltaic modules to improve installation

Description

[0001] Numerous mounting systems for photovoltaic modules are already known from the prior art. These systems differ depending on the installation location, for example, for flat or pitched roofs. A basic concept has become established for many mounting systems, employing multiple rows of base profile rails to which the photovoltaic modules are attached via appropriate fixing elements, preferably in the form of supports. These multiple rows of base profile rails are often supplemented by cross rails or rail cross connectors running at right angles to them. These cross rails ensure the alignment and spacing of the base profile rails, guarantee mechanical stability, and / or support the securing of ballast elements.

[0002] In many known mounting systems, base profile rails of varying lengths are used to achieve the overall length of the system to be mounted by appropriately segmenting these rails. Implementing a mounting system with a minimum or relatively few individual base profile rails in a row offers the advantage of relatively few transitions between rails. This, in turn, reduces the need to account for thermal expansion of the base profile rails at these transitions, for example, by incorporating connecting elements with a floating bearing.

[0003] However, this also leads to the disadvantage that many different parts must be manufactured for the floor profile rails and procured, stored, and transported by the installer who uses or installs the mounting system. In particular, transporting floor profile rails longer than 2 meters can be complex, time-consuming, and expensive for various means of transport.

[0004] Further disadvantages of known mounting systems arise from the retaining devices used to attach or connect the photovoltaic modules to the base profile rails and from the cross rails. While it is already known to equip the retaining devices with a movable, particularly pivotable, rocker arm for mounting a wide variety of photovoltaic modules in both longitudinal and transverse directions, thus allowing for different angles or orientations of the modules relative to the base profile rails during installation, this does not address the inherent disadvantages of existing mounting systems.While this makes the familiar mounting devices relatively suitable for various photovoltaic modules with different dimensions and orientations (longitudinal or transverse mounting), it also results in considerable effort for the installer or fitter, as the corresponding mobility or pivotability of the rocker arms or rocker elements must be managed when mounting or attaching the photovoltaic modules to the mounting devices. In particular, an unintentional tilting of the rocker arms or rocker elements into an extreme or stop position leads to increased installation effort.

[0005] With regard to the rail cross connector systems known, it has been shown that while the known systems do in principle allow for adaptation to different distances of transverse floor profile rails, this adaptability is complex and allows or enables little to no pre-assembly.

[0006] US patent 2013 / 111713 A1 discloses a racking system for solar cell modules, comprising divided rails which provide stiffness to the system as structural elements, as well as self-adjusting end clamps.

[0007] In DE 10 2012 108138 B4 a support element for solar modules is described, which includes a base section for placement on a substrate and holding sections projecting at an angle from the base section.

[0008] EP 1 783 440 A2 describes a support structure for mounting solar modules on flat roofs, comprising a support profile unit for installation on a roof surface and an inclined support profile unit for arranging a photovoltaic module.

[0009] From DE 20 2006 009884 U1 a device for arranging photovoltaic modules is known, comprising rail elements which are spaced apart from a surface by support elements, wherein the rail elements are coupled to each other along a longitudinal direction by plug connections.

[0010] Starting from the aforementioned prior art, the present invention aims to propose a mounting system for photovoltaic modules and components of such a mounting system, in particular a connecting element for floor profile rails, a floor profile rail system, which overcome the disadvantages in the prior art.

[0011] With regard to the connecting element for base profile rails of a mounting system for photovoltaic modules, this problem is solved by the features of claim 1. With regard to a base profile rail system of a mounting system for photovoltaic modules, this problem is solved by the features of claim 6. With regard to a mounting system for photovoltaic modules, this problem is solved by the features of claim 9.

[0012] Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims, the following description, and the figure description. All features subsequently disclosed by way of device shall also be deemed disclosed by way of process.

[0013] The connecting element according to the invention for base profile rails of a mounting system for photovoltaic modules comprises a base body designed as a U-profile rail, preferably made of a metal, with two parallel side legs and a connecting section, wherein both side legs have a projection at a free end facing away from the connecting section, preferably formed monolithically with the base body, wherein in the assembled state the side legs are guided in channel sections of the base profile rail such that a wall of the channel sections runs above and preferably adjacent to the free ends of the side legs, wherein the projection is designed such that it does not project above the wall of the channel section in the assembled state.

[0014] The connecting element according to the invention advantageously achieves the following: firstly, a floating bearing can be formed or implemented between adjacent base profile rails, and secondly, the transition between two adjacent base profile rails, including the connecting element arranged between the base profile rails, does not impair or even prevent the arrangement or fastening of other components of the mounting system, in particular the arrangement of retaining elements. Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous that the transitions between adjacent base profile rails do not preclude or exclude them as mounting locations or points for securing elements, and thirdly, that floating bearings can be provided between a corresponding number of base profile rails without effort or technical limitations to compensate for thermal expansion.

[0015] This, in turn, has the particularly advantageous effect of allowing the corresponding mounting system to manage with a minimal number of different floor profile rails, especially different lengths of floor profile rails. While this means that more individual floor profile rails need to be laid or mounted and fitted with connectors or connecting elements, it also allows for the use of correspondingly short floor profile rails, for example with a maximum length of 2 meters. These are easier and more cost-effective to transport and also significantly reduce the procurement, transport, and storage requirements for the contractor carrying out the installation.

[0016] The particularly advantageous use of the transition area between adjacent base profile rails, for example for the arrangement of retaining elements, is achieved according to the invention by ensuring that the projection, which is preferably used on one side or on a base profile rail to create or establish a stop, does not protrude onto the top surface or other areas of the base profile rail used for the arrangement or fastening of retaining elements or other components of the mounting system. Consequently, a stop can be created on one side of or adjacent to a base profile rail via the projection, establishing a defined position relative to the base profile rail.Using suitable means, which will be discussed below, or manually, a gap or distance for the next adjacent floor profile rail can be created on a second side of the overhang where no stop with a floor profile rail has been made, or adjusted during initial assembly, so that a corresponding loose bearing is set up to compensate for thermal expansion of the floor profile rails.

[0017] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous that the connecting element, preferably including the overhang as well as the side legs and the connecting section, can consist of a one-piece or monolithic component, which can be manufactured, for example, as a bent part from a sheet or a similar flat or plate-shaped base material.

[0018] A metal construction has the particular advantage that not only is mechanical stability guaranteed, but also the electrical properties, especially with regard to lightning resistance, are ensured between the floor profile rails, which are also made of metal.

[0019] According to a first advantageous embodiment of the connecting element, it can be provided that the free end of the side legs has a marking, in particular a notch, in a longitudinal direction on one side, preferably on both sides, at a predetermined distance from the projection.

[0020] This also makes assembly, and in particular the connection of two base profile rails via a suitable connecting element, particularly advantageous. In the present embodiment, it is possible, as described above, for the overhang on one side to be inserted longitudinally into a base profile rail up to a stop of a channel section, preferably the top side of a channel section, and for the second base profile rail to be pushed onto the connecting element only until one end of the base profile rail reaches the marking, in particular the notch, on the remaining free side of the overhang.Therefore, it can be particularly advantageous to place the marking, especially the notch, on both sides of the projection to ensure mounting from either side or to guarantee that the mounting of the connecting element remains consistent in the longitudinal direction, even if only one marking is used to specify a distance or gap between the adjacent base profile rails. It is particularly advantageous for the distance between the projection, especially its end, and the longitudinal marking, especially the notch, to be dimensioned such that it is greater than the expected thermal expansion of the base profile rail, including a corresponding tolerance.

[0021] In this respect, too, the connecting element and the assembly system according to the invention benefit from relatively short floor profile rails with a length of 2 meters or less. This is because the distance between the overhang or the end of the overhang and the marking can then very likely be universally applicable to all floor profile rails, thus reliably and securely providing a suitable floating bearing or compensation for the thermal expansion of the floor profile rails.

[0022] According to a further, particularly preferred embodiment of the connecting element, the base body may have a receiving opening or recess in the longitudinal direction at the end sections of the side legs, which serves to receive a clamping element. The receiving opening or recess is a structurally simple means of receiving a clamp, for example, a separate component. The clamping element will be discussed in more detail in the following embodiment. Essentially, the clamping element serves to electrically connect adjacent base profile rails via the connecting element. Accordingly, the clamping element is preferably made of a metallic material or has at least a partially electrically conductive surface that enables electrically conductive contact with the connecting element.The clamping element can also contribute to the mechanical securing or fastening of the connecting element to or in the aforementioned floor profile rails.

[0023] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the receiving opening or recess can extend from the free end of the side legs towards the connecting section, preferably as a slot. This allows for both a simple design of the receiving opening or recess and a simple insertion or mounting of the clamping element onto or into the connecting element, thus facilitating both the pre-assembly and the final assembly of the mounting system.

[0024] In a further, also preferred embodiment of the connecting element, it can be provided that a clamping element inserted into the receiving opening or receiving recess, which in a width direction with elastically deformable side parts protrudes at least partially beyond the side legs of the connecting element, provides, in the assembled state, a pressure of the side parts against the bottom profile rail, preferably the channel sections, by means of a deformation of the side parts by the bottom profile rail.

[0025] By allowing the clamp or clamp element to project at least partially laterally or in the width direction beyond the side legs, and by creating corresponding channel sections on the side of the base profile rail that are only slightly wider in the width direction than the width of the side legs of the connecting element, the connecting element with the clamp element inserted therein and its at least partial projection of the side parts in the width direction can achieve a compression of the side parts against the base profile rail, preferably the channel sections, when the connecting element enters or is inserted into the channel section of a base profile rail. This results in electrical contact, for example in the manner of a sliding contact, and / or mechanical locking or clamping in the channel section or in the base profile rail via the clamp element.

[0026] An inventive base profile rail system of a mounting system for photovoltaic modules comprising at least two rows of base profile rails which serve to fasten holding means for holding photovoltaic modules, wherein each row of base profile rails comprises at least two base profile rails, solves the above-mentioned problem in an inventive manner by arranging a connecting element according to one of the previously described embodiments between each pair of adjacent base profile rails.The ground profile rail system can, as already indicated above, preferably have a large number of relatively short ground profile rails in each row, for example with a standardized length of 2 meters, and any end pieces cut to a correspondingly shorter length. This significantly simplifies the transport of the ground profile rails from the place of manufacture, via intermediaries and assembly plants, to the installation or assembly site, and enables this at very low cost. The connecting elements described above ensure that, despite the relatively high number of transitions between adjacent ground profile rails per row, an almost unimpeded or unlimited arrangement of fixing elements for fastening or connecting the ground profile rails on the one hand and photovoltaic modules on the other is possible.The base profile rails preferably have a mounting channel or mounting channel section for attaching the fastening elements. The mounting channel section can preferably be arranged centrally or in the middle of the base profile rail. Adjacent to the mounting channel section, further channel sections can preferably be provided or implemented symmetrically on both sides; these can, for example, also serve to accommodate the connecting elements.

[0027] It may be advantageous to provide that two connecting elements are arranged at each transition between two floor profile rails, preferably each on one side of a central mounting channel or mounting channel section.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment of the floor profile rail system, it can be provided that, in the state of initial assembly, the connecting element is arranged such that the projection on one side is flush with a floor profile rail in the longitudinal direction, and on the other side of the projection a floor profile rail is arranged with a distance to the projection in the longitudinal direction, wherein said floor profile rail particularly preferably ends at or in the area of ​​a marking, in particular a notch, of the connecting element.This enables a particularly simple and effective assembly of the floor profile rail system, and at the same time creates a simple and effective floating bearing between adjacent floor profile rails, which both takes into account and allows the thermal expansion of the floor profile rails and does not render the transitions of adjacent floor profile rails unusable for the arrangement or fastening of holding devices.

[0029] In a further, particularly preferred embodiment of the floor profile rail system, a removable spacer is provided. This spacer, positioned on or attached to the connecting element on one side of the overhang during initial assembly, acts as an auxiliary stop for the floor profile rail. It ensures a predetermined distance between the overhang of the connecting element and an adjacent floor profile rail in a longitudinal direction. The removable spacer thus ensures that a distance is maintained between the end of the overhang and the nearest adjacent floor profile rail on one side of the overhang, thereby compensating for or ensuring the thermal expansion of the floor rails after initial assembly.

[0030] Advantageously, holding means of a mounting system for photovoltaic modules for attaching a photovoltaic module to a base profile rail or a series of base profile rails can be provided with a base element for connection to a base profile rail and a rocker element pivotably mounted relative to the base element about a pivot axis for connection to the photovoltaic module, preferably in an edge or corner area of ​​a photovoltaic module, wherein a pretensioning element is provided which interacts with the base element and the rocker element in such a way that, when the rocker element is accelerated solely by the force of gravity, rotation of the rocker element relative to the base element is prevented, and when an additional acceleration, in particular by a manual or tool-free force, an adjustment of the rocker element relative to the base element, in particular stepless adjustment, is enabled.

[0031] The advantageous design of the pre-tensioning element allows the benefits of a variable angle of the rocker element compared to the base element—which fundamentally enables the installation of differently sized and oriented photovoltaic modules—to be combined with particularly advantageous ease of assembly or pre-assembly. For example, during initial assembly, one or more holding devices can be positioned and fastened to one or more base profile rails. During or after this fastening, the rocker elements can be pre-aligned, for example, without tools, and this pre-alignment is then maintained.This pre-alignment, preferably done manually or without tools, which is maintained or not lost after the pre-alignment due to the pre-tensioning element, allows for a particularly simple and effective subsequent assembly or connection of the rocker element to the photovoltaic modules. This reduces assembly effort and saves on assembly personnel.

[0032] According to a first advantageous embodiment of the holding device, the preload element can be designed such that a clamping effect is exerted at least on the rocker element. By means of appropriate clamping, the force, torque, or impulse required to effect an adjustment of the rocker element by overcoming the clamping effect or corresponding clamping forces can be particularly well and advantageously specified or set.

[0033] In a further, particularly preferred embodiment of the holding device, the pretensioning element can be arranged concentrically to the pivot axis about which the rocker element can pivot relative to the base element. The concentric arrangement facilitates the manufacture and assembly of the holding device itself and can also exert a particularly simple clamping or other inhibiting effect on the base element and / or the rocker element to ensure the required securing in a substantially force-free state.

[0034] It is particularly preferred that a preload element is arranged on both sides of a pivot axis. By having at least two preload elements arranged on opposite sides of the pivot axis, the clamping or inhibiting forces can be distributed particularly advantageously to the base element and / or the rocker element.

[0035] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the holding device, the preload element can be arranged radially around the pivot axis. This allows the generated holding forces, clamping forces, or other inhibiting forces to be transmitted particularly well over a relatively large area, so that a particularly secure inhibition or clamping can be achieved even with manufacturing tolerances of the components involved, especially the base element and the rocker element.

[0036] The preload element can be particularly advantageously made as a rubber ring, disc spring or plastic spacer, which is attached to the outside of a pivot axis, for example a bolt for realizing the pivot axis, on one or both sides and advantageously creates an axial force component along the pivot axis, for example by tightening a screw nut on one end of the bolt, thus causing a clamping or inhibiting effect by pressing against the base element and / or rocker element in the axial direction.

[0037] Furthermore, rail cross connectors of a mounting system for photovoltaic modules can advantageously be provided for the transverse connection of floor profile rails arranged in rows, with a pair of angle rails inserted into one another in a longitudinal direction of the rail cross connectors, such that the angle rails have a fixed fastening device for connection with a floor profile rail in each outer end area and a variable overlap of the inserted angle rails for specifying the length of the rail cross connectors is set by a fastening means for fixing the relative position of the angle rails to each other in the area of ​​the longitudinally inner overlap.

[0038] The angle brackets can, for example, be manufactured as bent components. In one example, the fixed fastening device at the end can be a recess or circular hole for a screw to connect to a base profile rail or a corresponding bolt. However, more complex or intricate fastening devices can also be provided at the outer ends of the angle brackets.The basic idea is that the fastening devices in the outer end areas of the angle rails are fixed and thus, unlike in the prior art, the adjustment to different spacings of the rows of floor profile rails is not adjusted via the end-side, outer fastening devices, but that the fixed outer and end-side fastening devices are connected to the floor profile rails according to their specified design and instead, adjustment to different spacings of the rows of floor profile rails is not made on the outside or at the end, but on the inside in the longitudinal direction of the rail cross connectors.

[0039] For this purpose, the rail cross connector provides an overlap realized at the transition of the two interlocking angle rails, which is initially variable and allows adjustment to a specific spacing of rows of base profile rails. After this adjustment to a specific spacing of rows of base profile rails, and thus also to a specific spacing of the predetermined, external, end-side fastening devices, the variable overlap is fixed by a fastening element. The length or dimension of the overlap is set by the fastening element and its fixation of the relative position of the angle rails to each other, and thus ultimately also determines the length of the rail cross connector and / or the spacing of the predetermined fastening devices.

[0040] This allows the rail cross-connector to be adjusted particularly effectively and easily to the appropriate distance between adjacent rows of floor profile rails. A particular advantage is that the internal overlap and the fastening device located there for fixing the relative position of the angle rails enable a particularly simple and effective pre-assembly of the rail cross-connectors before final assembly or connection to the floor profile rails. For example, the overlap appropriate to the rows of floor profile rails for the first pair of angle rails is determined and fixed with the fastening device, and then any number of rail cross-connectors can be adjusted to this dimension, especially to this overlap dimension, and fixed or fastened with the appropriate fasteners.So, after presetting the length of the rail cross connectors and fixing the overlap accordingly with the fasteners, only the mounting of the rail cross connectors to the base profile rails using the fixed fastening devices is required. Alternatively, the rail cross connectors can first be connected to the base profile rails at their ends with a variable overlap, and then the relative position of the angle rails and the degree of overlap are fixed or adjusted by the arrangement or by attaching the fastener.

[0041] According to a first advantageous embodiment of the rail cross-connectors, the angle rails can be provided with an L-profile transverse to the longitudinal direction of the rail cross-connectors. This not only ensures the necessary mechanical stability, but also allows the rail cross-connectors to provide a guiding effect in addition to their stabilizing function. This guiding effect, for example for ballast elements, can be achieved particularly advantageously when two rows of rail cross-connectors with corresponding L-profiles are arranged such that the sections of the L-profile projecting from the base profile rails, essentially at right angles, are aligned parallel to each other, enabling the guidance of ballast elements between the projecting sections of the L-profiles. Preferably, the ballast elements rest on sections of the angle rails that run parallel to the base profile rails.

[0042] According to a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the rail cross connectors, guiding means for guiding the nested angle rails can be formed by deformations of the end regions of at least one angle rail. Particularly preferably, a deformation to form a tab can be provided in one or both end regions of the angle rail in the profile direction or transversely to the longitudinal direction, wherein the tab can then serve to guide a second angle rail internally within the tab, at least in the area of ​​the overlap, and thus provide a guiding effect for the end-side deformation.

[0043] Advantageously, the modifications can be designed to allow for the alternating insertion of angle rails, even across a single rail cross-connector, and preferably also provide guidance. For example, on an inner row of base profile rails, two fixed fastening devices arranged in the outer end regions of the angle rails can be inserted into each other and preferably guided together in such a way that a common fastening to or on the base profile rail is achieved via the fixed fastening devices, which are aligned with each other.

[0044] Furthermore, in an advantageous embodiment, the angle rails may each have an elongated hole or slot in an inner end region, which, when the angle rails are inserted into one another, are at least partially aligned, particularly to form an overlap. This allows for a connection or fastening to a row of floor profile rails in the middle, in addition to the end-end fastenings with or to rows of floor profile rails.This can be advantageous, especially in order to enable a connection via the rail cross connectors according to the invention, even in the case of a close proximity of rows of base profile rails caused by the orientation of the base sides of the photovoltaic modules, and in addition to installing relatively few rail cross connectors, since a total of three rows of base profile rails can be connected to each other via one rail cross connector.

[0045] According to a further preferred embodiment of the rail cross connector, the fastening element can also be designed as a screw, pin, bolt, or rivet, which preferably runs through the end regions and / or guide elements of the angle rails in the overlap. When designed as a screw, for example as a self-tapping screw, the pre-assembly of the angle rails for defining and fixing the overlap, and thus for defining and adjusting the length of the rail cross connectors to match the spacing of the rows of floor profile rails, can be carried out particularly easily and conveniently.

[0046] The above-mentioned task is furthermore solved by a mounting system for photovoltaic modules, which has rail cross connectors of the type described above and / or holding means according to one of the above description and / or a bottom profile rail system of the design shown and / or connecting elements according to the embodiments described at the outset.

[0047] As already explained above, by implementing the appropriate rail cross connectors, holding devices, base profile rail systems and / or connecting elements, a particularly simple and safe installation of the mounting system can be achieved, whereby the simple installation does not only refer to the installation on site or at the installation location, but also includes the transport or handling of the individual parts to be mounted to the installation or assembly location.

[0048] The invention is further explained below with reference to schematic drawings illustrating advantageous embodiments of the invention. These drawings show: Fig. 1: a schematic, perspective view of a mounting system according to the invention including photovoltaic modules; Fig. 2: a schematic view of a first enlarged section of the representation of the Fig. 1 Fig. 3: a schematic representation of a second enlarged section of the representation of the Fig. 1 Fig. 4: a schematic perspective view of a connecting element according to the invention; Fig. 5a: a schematic top view of a section of a floor profile rail system according to the invention at the transition between two floor profile rails; Fig. 5b: a schematic perspective view of a section of a floor profile rail system according to the invention at the transition between two floor profile rails; Fig. 6: a schematic representation of a third enlarged section of the illustration of the Fig. 1 in a top view; Fig. 7: a schematic representation of a section through two rail cross members not included in the invention at the level of the fastening means; Fig. 8: a schematic perspective view of a holding means not included in the invention.

[0049] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a photovoltaic system comprising a mounting system 02 and photovoltaic modules 03 arranged on or connected to the mounting system. Several rows 04 of base profile rails 05 are already visible. Ballast elements 06 are also already visible.

[0050] In the Fig. 2 An enlarged section of photovoltaic system 01 is shown. Besides the ballast elements 06, other features are also more clearly visible than in the... Fig. 1 The retaining elements 07 are shown, which are used to create a connection or fastening between base profile rails 05 and photovoltaic modules 03. The retaining elements 07 are shown in two different versions, the differences of which essentially relate to a base element 08. In a first embodiment, which is in the Fig. 2 In the left-hand illustration, the base element 08 is short. In an embodiment of the holding element 07 shown further to the right, the base element 08 is longer or taller and has a stand shape or stand effect.

[0051] A rocker element 09 is formed or arranged on the respective base elements 08, pivotably mounted about a rotational axis. Furthermore, in the right area of ​​the Fig. 2 a rail cross connector 10 shown or recognizable, which enables or ensures a cross connection of floor profile rails 05 arranged in the rows 04.

[0052] In the Fig. 3 An alternative section of a photovoltaic system 01 with a corresponding mounting system 02 is shown, whereby it is already apparent that pairs of rail cross connectors 10 can each be used to serve as guides, supports and / or receivers for ballast elements 06, whereby the shape of the rail cross connectors is utilized as basic angle rails with an L-profile.

[0053] The Fig. 4 Figure 11 shows a connecting element 11 according to the invention for base profile rails of a mounting system for photovoltaic modules. The connecting element 11 comprises a base body 12, which is designed as a U-profile rail and has two parallel side legs 13 and a connecting section 14 arranged between the side legs 13. At a free end 15 facing away from the connecting section 14, the side legs 13 have a projection 16 in the longitudinal direction L of the connecting element 11 or the base body 12. The projection 16 is preferably formed integrally, and in particular monolithically, with the base body 12. Preferably, the projection 16 and the base body 12 can be made of a metallic material, particularly preferably as a bent part.

[0054] In the longitudinal direction on both sides of the projection 16, markings 17, in particular in the form of a notch 18, are formed.

[0055] As with regard to the Fig. 5a und 5b As will be further elaborated, the projection 16 is designed such that, in the assembled state, it does not extend above the wall of a channel section of a base profile rail into which the connecting element, in particular the side leg 13 of the connecting element 11, is inserted during assembly. This allows retaining devices for mounting or fastening photovoltaic modules to be arranged even in the transition area of ​​two base profile rails without the projection 16 or the connecting element 11 interfering with or preventing this. At the same time, the projection 16, especially in conjunction with the markings 17 or the notches 18, makes it particularly easy and advantageous to form an expansion joint between adjacent base profile rails, which compensates for the thermal expansion of the base profile rails and thus forms a floating bearing between adjacent base profile rails.

[0056] The side legs 13 have a rounding 19 in the longitudinal direction at the end sections in the area of ​​the free ends 15. This rounding 19 can improve and facilitate the insertion or insertion of the connecting element 11 into a floor profile rail, in particular into channel sections of a floor profile rail.

[0057] Furthermore, longitudinal receiving recesses 20 are formed in the end regions or end sections of the side legs 13, into which a clamping element 21 is inserted. The receiving recesses 19 are designed as slots 22, which extend from the free end 15 in the direction of the connecting section 14.

[0058] The clamping elements 21 have elastically deformable side parts 23 which partially extend beyond the side legs 13 in a width direction B and thereby, in the assembled state, enable a pressure against the bottom profile rail, preferably the channel sections of the bottom profile rail, by means of a deformation of the side parts 23.

[0059] The Fig. 5a Figure 1 shows a section of a floor profile rail system 24 according to the invention at the transition between two floor profile rails 05. It can be seen that the connecting element 11 on one side of a central channel 25 has been inserted or inserted into corresponding channel sections 26 of the floor profile rail 05. A further connecting element 11 on the other side of the central channel 25 may be provided, as shown in the illustration. Fig. 5a but not shown for the sake of clarity.

[0060] It can be seen that the projections 16 of the side legs 13 are flush with an upper base profile rail 05 on one side or are butted against the upper base profile rail 05. On the opposite side of the projections 16 in the longitudinal direction L, the adjacent base profile rail 05 is arranged at a distance from the end of the projection 16, the distance corresponding to the distance between the end of the projection and the marking 17. This creates a gap A between the base profile rails 05, which, with the exception of the extension of the projection 16, can be used as an expansion joint to compensate for thermal expansion of the base profile rail 05.

[0061] The Fig. 5b shows one who Fig. 5a The corresponding section of a floor profile rail system 24 is shown in a perspective view, in which, in addition to the central channel 25, the lateral channel sections 26 into which the connecting element 11 is inserted are also more clearly visible. It is evident in the perspective view of the Fig. 5b It is further evident that the overhangs 16 do not extend beyond the channel sections 26 of the bottom profile rails 05 above or otherwise, so that retaining means for fastening photovoltaic modules can also be arranged in the transition area between the bottom profile rails 05.

[0062] Fig. 6 Figure 1 shows a further section of a mounting system according to the invention. In addition to the mounted photovoltaic modules 03, several rows 04 are shown, each with several adjacent base profile rails 05, preferably connected to one another via connecting elements according to the invention. Rail cross connectors 27 extend transversely to the longitudinal direction L of the base profile rails 05 between the base profile rails 05. The rail cross connectors 27 each comprise a pair of nested angle rails 28, the angle rails having fixed fastening devices 30 in their respective outer end regions. In the example of the Fig. 6 The fastening devices are preferably designed as simple holes drilled through the angle brackets, preferably in conjunction with a screw bolt and / or a washer.

[0063] The fastening devices 30 are preferably screwed into the central channel 25 of the base profile rail 05 and secured there. In order to adjust the fastening devices 30 on both sides of the rail cross connector 27 to the spacing of the rows 04 of base profile rails 05, an overlap 31 is formed in the nested area of ​​the angle rails 28, wherein fastening means 32 for fixing the relative positions of the angle rails 28 to each other are arranged or attached in the inner overlap 31.

[0064] The fastening means 32 can, for example, be designed as a self-tapping screw which is screwed through both angle rails 28 arranged in overlap in order to adjust the fixation of the relative position of the angle rails 28 to each other.

[0065] We already the Fig. 3 can be taken from this and also subsequently with reference to the Fig. 7 As will become even more apparent, the angle rails 28, especially with the exception of corresponding end areas of the profile, are essentially designed as L-profiles.

[0066] Furthermore, in the Fig. 6 shown that the angle rails each have an elongated hole 34 in an inner end region 33, wherein the two elongated holes 34 of the two angle rails 28 are designed and arranged such that, in the nested state of the angle rails 28, at least partial overlap of the elongated holes 34 is achieved, as shown in the illustration of the Fig. 6 This results in the possibility of fastening to or with another floor profile rail 05 or a series 04 of floor profile rails 05 via additional fastening devices. In the illustration of the Fig. 6 It is evident that the middle row 04 of base profile rails 05 has no real technical relevance or significance, but merely serves to illustrate the purpose of the elongated holes 34 and the inner end area of ​​the angle rails 28. However, the middle row 04 of base profile rails 05 can indeed be technically relevant if the photovoltaic modules 03 are not installed as shown in the Fig. 6 The photovoltaic modules 03 are shown not with their short side aligned parallel to the longitudinal direction L of the base profile rails, but rotated 90 degrees so that one long side of the photovoltaic modules 03 is aligned parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rows 04 of base profile rails. In this case, the additional, inner row 04 of base profile rails 05 can be used to allow for a correspondingly reduced spacing of the retaining elements.

[0067] The Fig. 6 This also shows that the angle rails 28, also advantageously with their essentially L-shaped profile, are particularly well suited to act in pairs as guides and receivers for ballast elements 06, when the angle rails 28 are arranged as, for example, in the Fig. 6 depicted.

[0068] The Fig. 7 Figure 1 shows a cross-section through two rail cross-connectors 27 at the level of the fasteners 32. The cross-section of the rail cross-connectors 27 reveals that two angle rails 28 are inserted into one another, the angle rails 28 having an L-shaped profile. Furthermore, a guide and associated guide elements 35 are formed in the outer or end sections of the profile by means of a deformation of the end areas. The guide elements 35 facilitate the insertion and sliding of the angle rails 28 of the rail cross-connectors 27 relative to each other. It is evident that the fasteners 32 pass through the guide elements 35 to enable better fixation of the angle rails 28 relative to each other.

[0069] The guide elements also allow angle rails 28 to be inserted into one another and guided against each other in the transition area of ​​two rail cross connectors, such as in the right area of ​​the Fig. 6 As shown. This allows any number of rail cross connectors to be arranged in alternating sequence with a corresponding arrangement of the angle rails 28.

[0070] In the Fig. 7 It is also evident how the angle rails 28 of the rail cross connectors 27 serve as a receptacle or guide for any ballast elements 06, in that the ballast elements 06 partially rest on the angle rails 28 and partially are guided laterally by the angle rails 28.

[0071] The Fig. 8 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a holding device 07, which comprises a base element 08 and a rocker element 09. The base element 08 serves to connect a photovoltaic module to a base profile rail. The rocker element 09 is pivotally mounted relative to the base element 08 about a pivot axis 36. The pivot axis 36 can be, as shown in the Fig. 8 depicted as a bolt, for example as a screw bolt, with an end head, for example a head with an internal hexagon.

[0072] The holding device 07 comprises a preload element 37, which interacts with the base element 08 and / or the rocker element 09 in such a way that, when the rocker element 09 is accelerated solely by its weight, rotation of the rocker element 09 relative to the base element 08 is prevented, and when additional acceleration occurs, particularly through manual or tool-free force application, a preferably stepless adjustment of the rocker element 09 relative to the base element 08 is enabled. In the example of the Fig. 8 The preload element is designed as an O-ring, for example made of plastic or hard rubber, and causes a clamping effect on the rocker element. The O-ring of the preload element 37 is concentric to the pivot axis 36 and preferably arranged in both end regions of the preload element 37. The preload element 37 extends radially around the pivot axis 36. Fig. 8 shows a short holding element with a correspondingly short base element 08, as introductory with reference to the Fig. 2 As already implemented, the holding device 07 can also be designed with a correspondingly long, stand-shaped base element 08, without this having any effect on the realization or effect of the prestressing element 37. Bezugszeichenliste

[0073] 01 Photovoltaic system 02 Mounting system 03 Photovoltaic modules 04 Rows 05 Base profile rails 06 Ballast elements 07 Fastening elements 08 Base element 09 Rocker element 10 Rail cross connector 11 Connecting element 12 Base body 13 Side leg 14 Connecting section 15 Free end 16 Overhang 17 Markings 18 Notch 19 Radii 20 Recesses 21 Clamping element 22 Slot 23 Side parts 24 Base profile rail system 25 Center channel 26 Channel sections 27 Rail cross connector 28 Angle rails 29 End areas 30 Fastening devices 31 Overlap 32 Fastening elements 33 End area 34 Slotted hole 35 Guide element 36 Swivel axis 37 Preload element Longitudinal direction Broad direction

Claims

1. A connection element for bottom profile rails of a mounting system for photovoltaic modules, characterized by a base body (12) realized as a U-profile rail and having two parallel side legs (13) and a connection section (14), wherein both side legs (13) have a projection (16) on a free end (15) facing away from the connection section (14), said projection (16) being realized preferably monolithically with the base body (12), wherein, in the mounted state, the side legs (13) are guided in channel sections (26) of the bottom profile rail (05) in such a manner that a wall of the channel sections (26) runs above and preferably adjacent to the free ends (15) of the side legs (13), wherein the projection (16) is realized in such a manner that it does not project at the top beyond the wall of the channel section (26) in the mounted state.

2. The connection element according to claim 1, characterized in that the free end (15) of the side legs (13) has a mark, in particular a notch (18), on one side, preferably on both sides, in a longitudinal direction at a predetermined distance from the projection (16).

3. The connection element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the base body (12) has a receiving opening or receiving indentation (20) in end sections of the side legs (13) in the longitudinal direction, said receiving opening or receiving indentation (20) serving to receive a clasp element (21).

4. The connection element according to claim 3, characterized in that the receiving opening or receiving indentation (20) extends from the free end (15) of the side legs (13) in the direction of the connection section (14), preferably as a slit (22).

5. The connection element according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that a clasp element (21) inserted into the receiving opening or receiving indentation (20) and projecting in a width direction at least partially beyond the side legs (13) with elastically deformable side parts (23), in the mounted state, provides a pressing of the side parts (23) on the bottom profile rail (05), preferably the channel sections (26), due to a deformation of the side parts (23) by means of the bottom profile rail (05).

6. A bottom profile rail system of a mounting system for photovoltaic modules, said bottom profile rail system comprising at least two rows of bottom profile rails serving for the fixation of holding elements for holding photovoltaic modules, wherein each row of bottom profile rails comprises at least two bottom profile rails, characterized in that a connection element (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 is disposed between each two adjacent bottom profile rails (05).

7. The bottom profile rail system according to claim 6, characterized in that in the state of an initial mounting, the connection element (11) is disposed in such a manner that the projection (16) adjoins in a flush manner with a bottom profile rail (05) on one side and that, on the other side of the projection (16), a bottom profile rail (05) ends at or in the area of the mark (17).

8. The bottom profile rail system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by a removable distance gauge which is positioned on one side of the projection (16) on or at the connection element (11) during the initial mounting and is an auxiliary stop for a bottom profile rail (05) in order to ensure a predetermined distance between the projection (16) of the connection element (11) and an adjacent bottom profile rail (05) in a longitudinal direction.

9. A mounting system for photovoltaic modules characterized by a bottom profile rail system (24) according to any one of claims 6 to 8 and / or a connection element (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.