SOLAR MODULE MOUNTING SYSTEM WITH DIFFERENT ANGLES

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a solar module mounting system comprising a base support, which can be attached to a substrate, in particular to a roof, with a base plate on which at least two opposing and parallel base support retaining walls are arranged, wherein the base support retaining walls each have at least one receiving groove in their mutually directed inner surfaces, which are arranged opposite and parallel to each other and together with the base plate form a bracket support receptacle, a bracket support with a retaining arm which transitions at its end into a fastening area which can be detachably connected to the base support.

[0002] Such a solar module mounting system is known, for example, from EP 2 828 588 B1 and serves to mount solar modules on the roof of a building. For this purpose, the base support is attached to a roof structure, such as rafters. The bracket support, which is detachably attached to the base support, has a mounting area with a bracket section having several arms, each arm of which is detachably connected to the base support. For this purpose, the two arms are each inserted into a receiving groove in the base support. Similar designs are shown in publications EP 4 092 351 A1, EP 2 527 762 A1, EP 4 075 077 A1, DE 20 2021 103 070 U1 and US 8,839,575 B1.

[0003] From European patent application EP 2 194 335 A1, a solar module holder is known which has a bracket that can be detachably attached to the base support, wherein the bracket has a branching section that transitions into two arms, the arms receiving a section of the base support between them for attachment. From European patent application EP 2 093 524 A1, a solar module holder is also known which engages with a free end section in a receiving groove of a base holder and locks into place.

[0004] The known solutions therefore require either two receiving grooves for the free ends of the arms to be provided and used, or a section of the base support to be placed between the arms. This has disadvantages in terms of manufacturing, and there is also the risk that the upward-facing receiving grooves, due to their small cross-section, will quickly become clogged with dirt, for example, making it difficult to insert the free ends of the arms.

[0005] Furthermore, such systems are limited in their application possibilities. In particular, it may be necessary to adjust the distance and / or orientation of the solar modules to the substrate due to varying requirements. This is also hardly possible with the solar module mounting systems described.

[0006] The invention aims to provide an alternative embodiment of such a solar module mounting system. This system should have a simple and robust design, be cost-effective to manufacture, and, in particular, be quick and easy to install. Specifically, the solar module mounting system should enable the simplest possible installation, even under varying on-site conditions.

[0007] This problem is solved according to the invention by a solar module mounting system with the features of claim 1.

[0008] Accordingly, the solar module mounting system has a generic base carrier with a bracket carrier receptacle and a generic bracket carrier, wherein the area between the base support retaining walls forms a free space, the fastening area of ​​the bracket support has a fastening foot which, in the fastened state, forms outer surfaces facing the inner surfaces of the base support retaining walls, which have a distance from each other that corresponds approximately to a distance between the inner surfaces of the base support retaining walls, the fastening foot has on its outer surfaces facing the inner surfaces of the retaining walls each a spring adapted to the receiving groove of the base support retaining walls, the receiving grooves and / or the springs are designed and arranged such that, in the inserted state of the springs, the fastening foot is held in the receiving grooves at an inclination relative to an underside of the base plate facing the substrate in the bracket support receptacle.

[0009] Crucially, the arrangement and orientation of the springs and the mounting grooves cause the mounting foot to be inclined relative to the vertical. This results in a different height of the support arm relative to the base plate or the substrate, depending on the orientation of the bracket carrier before it is inserted into the bracket carrier receptacle.

[0010] According to the invention, when the springs are inserted into the receiving grooves, the mounting foot is held at an angle between 91° and 98°, preferably 92° and 94°, relative to the underside of the base plate facing the substrate in the bracket holder. In the intended installed state, the underside of the base plate rests on the substrate, so that the aforementioned inclination of the mounting foot is analogous to that of the substrate. This inclination refers to an axis that runs vertically when the mounting foot is not inserted and its underside is resting on a substrate.

[0011] According to the invention, both base support retaining walls are inclined in the same direction relative to the base plate. The receiving grooves are formed in cross-section at right angles to the inner surfaces of the base support retaining walls. The inclination is thus determined by the inclination of the base support retaining walls.

[0012] According to the invention, the mounting foot can be inserted into the bracket support receptacle in a first orientation and in a second orientation offset by 180° to the first.

[0013] The degree of inclination of the mounting foot in the bracket receptacle determines the height difference of the support arm, depending on the orientation of the mounting foot and in comparison to a vertical orientation. The support arm of the bracket extends laterally from the mounting foot and has a horizontal section that, in a first orientation of the mounting foot in the bracket receptacle, forms an angle of 2° to 8°, preferably 4° to 6°, with the base plate at the aforementioned inclination angles of the mounting foot. In a second orientation, rotated 180° relative to the first orientation, the angle is 8° to 15°, preferably 10° to 12°. These angles result because the support arm is not exactly horizontal, but rather inclined, even when the bracket is not in use.The final inclination of the installed bracket also depends on the angle enclosed by the horizontal section and the essentially vertically oriented mounting foot.

[0014] During installation on the substrate, the base support is first connected to the substrate, for example, a roof. In the next step, the bracket support is inserted into the bracket support receptacle. The laterally arranged springs are inserted into the receiving grooves of the base support's retaining walls, thus holding the bracket support in a vertical position. The bracket support is then secured to the base support with an additional screw.

[0015] It is essential that during installation, i.e., before inserting the bracket, a choice can be made between the first and second orientations, resulting in a significant difference in the distance of the support arm to the substrate or base plate. This allows the angle of the bracket to be adjusted to suit the type of roof covering. Additionally, the prior orientation of the base bracket before its installation also influences which direction the bracket should have a greater or lesser distance from the base plate and thus from the substrate. Ultimately, this results in four different positions of the bracket relative to the substrate. This provides quick and easy adjustability for on-site installation.

[0016] The mounting base can be V-shaped, with the two sides of the V merging into the retaining arm at their intersection. Springs are positioned laterally at the free ends of both sides of the V. The ends of the two sides of the V-shaped mounting base can be inserted into the bracket holder from either side.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment, the mounting base is essentially cuboid in shape, forming a mounting block with an approximately rectangular cross-section. At the upper and lower ends, facing the base support, two vertically arranged horizontal plates connecting the retaining walls of the brackets are located between the vertical bracket support walls. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the lower horizontal plate also forms the springs that project laterally from the bracket support walls.

[0018] In this embodiment, the upper horizontal plate transitions into the support arm. Together with the lower horizontal plate and the two bracket support walls, this forms the hollow body. In an alternative embodiment, the mounting base can also be made of solid material, i.e., not as a hollow body.

[0019] One advantage is that the bending stiffness of a block (closed or hollow) is significantly higher than in prior art systems, particularly systems with two upwardly open individual receiving grooves for the free ends of two arms. The solution according to the invention thus enables higher load capacities, which offers considerable advantages for the customer.

[0020] Another advantage of a mounting block is that it, or rather the bracket support, has no free ends that could be damaged or even break off during transport or installation. The design of the mounting base creates an exceptionally robust and virtually indestructible fastening element.

[0021] Furthermore, the space formed between the base support retaining walls is significantly larger than the grooves described in the prior art for accommodating free arms. While this space can also become dirty, cleaning is quick and easy, for example with a broom. In addition, the large cross-section of this space, or rather the bracket support receptacle, does not clog with dirt as quickly.

[0022] To secure the bracket, particularly in the vertical direction, a clamping device can preferably be provided. In a particularly simple embodiment, this is formed by a screw that can be screwed into the mounting base from above when the bracket is connected to the base. For this purpose, the through-hole has a thread. The screw's free end rests against the base plate of the base, thereby clamping the springs in the receiving grooves of the base in the vertical direction.

[0023] The base support itself also features a very simple yet robust construction. It essentially consists of a base plate from which the two support walls extend vertically upwards. The base plate may include suitable elements for attachment to a substructure, such as openings for screws. Depending on regional or national regulations, or due to individual circumstances such as different roof shapes or types, the base support may be designed differently to ensure optimal fastening.

[0024] In a particularly advantageous design, the bearing surface of the base support facing the substrate has a structure that increases the coefficient of friction; for example, it is roughened. Alternatively or additionally, protruding pins can be provided that press into the substrate, especially a wooden roof structure. Such pins or grooves also effectively prevent twisting on the rafter during installation and in the installed state.

[0025] The mounting grooves in the base support brackets extend essentially parallel to the main plane of the base plate and are open to the side, not upwards. This lateral orientation effectively prevents the mounting grooves from becoming clogged with dirt. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the base support brackets have several parallel mounting grooves into which the springs protruding from the mounting foot of the bracket can be inserted. The multiple mounting grooves allow for height adjustment of the bracket relative to the base support and, in particular, to the roof to which the base support is attached. This ensures that the roof covering can be gripped by the bracket. The solar module mounting system can thus be used in a variety of ways, especially on different types of roof constructions and roof coverings.

[0026] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. These represent only a preferred embodiment and are not intended to be limiting. The dimensions are not to scale; dimensions and measurements may vary. They show: Fig. 1: A solar module mounting system in its assembled state, in side view, with the support arm in a first orientation. Fig. 2: A solar module mounting system in its assembled state, in side view, with the support arm in a second orientation. Fig. 3: The solar module mounting system made of Figure 1 and Figure 2 From above, Fig. 4: the solar module mounting system made of Figure 1 and Figure 2 In perspective view, Fig. 5: the solar module mounting system made of Figure 1 and Figure 2 in sectional view according to section line A-A from Fig. 4 , Fig. 6: the solar module mounting system made of Figure 1 and Figure 2 on a first roof form, Fig. 7: the solar module mounting system made of Figure 1 and Figure 2on a second roof shape,

[0027] The Figures 1 to 7 show a preferred design variant of a solar module mounting system 20. The Figures 1 to 5 They only show the solar module mounting system 20 in its assembled state, which Figure 6 and 7 The solar module mounting system 20 in its assembled state. This system essentially comprises a base support 22 and a support arm 50 that can be connected to it. The base support 22 has a base plate 24 which, in its assembled state, rests on a substrate 42 with its underside 25 and is attached to it. Holes 26 serve for fastening, through which fasteners, in particular screws, can be passed.

[0028] Two support bracket walls 28 extend vertically upwards from the base plate 24, parallel to each other. The two support bracket walls 28 form approximately a right angle with the base plate 24. In the illustrated embodiment, three receiving grooves 32 are provided in each of the facing inner surfaces of the support bracket walls 28, arranged one above the other. The receiving grooves 32 extend parallel to a principal plane of extension of the base plate 24, i.e., essentially in a horizontal direction. The base plate 24 and the two support bracket walls 28 together form a bracket support receptacle 34. The bracket support receptacle 34 is thus formed by a U-shaped recess that is created between the support bracket walls 28. This recess allows a mounting foot 38 of a bracket support 36 to be received.

[0029] The bracket support 36 has a bracket support foot or mounting foot 38 with an integrally formed retaining arm 50, which in the illustrated embodiment is triple-cranked and has a fastening element 52 at its free end for attaching a rail onto which a solar module (not shown) can be mounted. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening element 52 has a grooved, structured surface, and a slotted hole 53 for fastening a module mounting rail (not shown) is provided in the surface of the fastening element 52. A fastening screw with a corresponding nut serves as the fastening element 52.

[0030] The support arm 50 has a horizontal section 60 that extends from the mounting base 38 essentially horizontally parallel to the substrate 42. The term "horizontal" is to be understood only as a rough orientation; in the illustrated embodiment, this section does not run exactly horizontally to the surface 40 of the base plate 24, but rather forms an angle of approximately 83° upwards with a vertical axis (dashed line) running through the mounting base 38.

[0031] The module mounting rail is attached to the mounting element 52 laterally, which simplifies installation. Furthermore, the elongated hole 53, which extends orthogonally to the mounting grooves 32, allows for additional height adjustment, thus enabling further height adjustment of the module mounting rail's position.

[0032] The outer surfaces of the mounting foot 38 have a distance from each other that corresponds to the distance between the inner surfaces of the base support retaining walls 28, minus a minimum distance that allows them to be slid into each other and takes manufacturing tolerances into account.

[0033] Springs 46 protrude from the outer surfaces of the mounting foot 38 and are designed and arranged in such a way that they can be inserted into the receiving grooves 32 of the inner surfaces of the base support retaining walls 28. Figure 1Figure 1 shows, by way of example, springs 46 inserted into the lowest receiving groove adjacent to the base plate 24. Alternatively, the springs 46 can also be inserted into receiving grooves 32 arranged above them. The vertically arranged receiving grooves 32 allow a bracket 36 to be mounted at different heights or with different distances from the base plate 24. This enables more flexible mounting of solar modules, for example on a roof, adapted to local conditions. In particular, the mounting can be adapted to different roof tiles with varying shapes and dimensions, which is especially evident from the Figure 6 and 7 results.

[0034] The mounting grooves 32, which run at an angle to the base plate 24, are clearly visible. These grooves cause the mounting foot 38, and thus the bracket support 36, to be tilted laterally. In the illustrated embodiment, the vertical axis (dashed line) running through the mounting foot 38 forms an angle α of 93° with a bottom surface 25 of the base plate 24 or a substrate 40, and an angle α of 87° in the opposite direction.

[0035] In Figure 1 The bracket support 36 is inserted into the bracket support receptacle 34 such that the horizontal section 60 of the retaining arm 50 and the underside 42 of the base plate 24 form an angle of 11°. Figure 2 The bracket 36 is rotated by 180° for alignment in Fig. 1The horizontal section 60 of the support arm 50 and the surface 40 of the base plate 24 are arranged such that they form an angle of only 5°. The angles shown between the horizontal section 60 and the surface 40 of the base plate 24 are only examples; depending on the design-related inclination of the horizontal section 60 to the vertical axis of the mounting foot 38, other angles can of course be provided.

[0036] Especially the Figures 3 and 5The illustration further clarifies a clamping device formed by a screw (not shown) that can be passed through a through-hole 58 located in the mounting base 38. The through-hole 58 has a thread corresponding to the screw, allowing its free end to be screwed against the base plate 24 and supported there. The screw clamps the springs 46 vertically in the receiving grooves 32.

[0037] The Figure 6 and 7 The figures illustrate the positive effect resulting from the different angle settings of the bracket 36. Simplified schematic diagrams in both figures show solar module mounting systems 20 mounted on different roofs. Figure 6 shows a variant for flat tiles with high overlap and therefore a higher inclination angle of the retaining arm 50, as is often used in Great Britain, for example. Figure 7 shows a variant for classic roof tiles with lower overlap and therefore a lower inclination angle of the support arm 50.

[0038] Both roofs have battens 62 to which roof tiles 64 are attached. The roof tiles 64 have different cross-sectional shapes, resulting in different orientation requirements and distances between the solar modules (not shown) and the substrates 42 of the roofs. Figure 6 Figure 20 shows the arrangement of the solar module mounting system such that the bracket support 36 or the retaining arm 50 is oriented flat against the surface 42 of the roof (approximately 5°). In the arrangement variant according to Figure 7 In contrast, the bracket support 36 or the retaining arm 50 is oriented at a steeper angle relative to the base 42 (approximately 11°). This results from the fact that the bracket on 36 is oriented in the same direction, while the base support 22 is rotated by 180°.

[0039] The illustrated embodiment has many advantages; however, the invention is not limited to this embodiment. In particular, further technical features not shown, as described in the description and the claims, can be combined with each other and with the illustrated variants in any way. For example, the mounting foot 38 can also be designed as a hollow body with a through-opening in an alternative embodiment not shown. Viewed from the side, it has a window which is bounded by two substantially vertically extending bracket support walls, an upper horizontal plate, and a lower horizontal plate. Reference sign

[0040] 20 Solar module mounting system 22 Base support 24 Base plate 25 Underside 26 Holes 28 Base support retaining walls 32 Mounting grooves 34 Bracket mounting 36 Bracket 38 Mounting foot 40 Base plate surface 42 Substrate 46 Springs 50 Retaining arm 52 Fastening element 53 Slotted hole 58 Through openings 60 Horizontal section 62 Battens 64 Roof tiles

Claims

1. Solar module fastening system (20) having - a base support (22) which can be fastened to a base (42), in particular to a roof, with a base plate (24) on which at least two base support retaining walls (28) are arranged, positioned opposite and extending parallel to each other, wherein the base support retaining walls (28) each have at least one receiving groove (32) which face each other and extend parallel to one another in the inner surfaces thereof that are arranged facing each other, forming a bracket support receptacle (34) together with the base plate (24), - a bracket support (36) with a holding arm (50), the end of which transitions into a fastening region that can be detachably connected to the base support (22), wherein - the region between the base support retaining walls (28) forms a free space, - the fastening region of the bracket support (36) has a fastening foot (38) which, in the fastened state, forms outer surfaces that face the inner surfaces of the base support retaining walls (28) and are spaced apart from each other by a distance that approximately corresponds to a distance between the inner surfaces of the base support retaining walls (28), - the fastening foot (38) has a spring (46) adapted to each receiving groove (32) of the base support retaining walls (28) on each of its outer surfaces facing the inner surfaces of the retaining walls (40) in the fastened state, - both base support retaining walls (28) are designed to be inclined in the same direction with respect to the base plate (24), and the receiving grooves (32) in the cross-section are created in them at right angles to the inner surfaces of the base support retaining walls (28), - the receiving grooves (32) and / or the springs (46) are designed and arranged such that with the springs (46) in the inserted state in the receiving grooves (32) the fastening foot (38) arranged between the base support retaining walls (28) is held in the bracket support receptacle (34) at an angle between 91° and 98° relative to an underside (25) of the base plate (24) facing the substrate (42), wherein the inclination is relative to an axis that extends vertically to the base with the fastening foot (38) in the uninserted state, when the underside (25) of the fastening foot is arranged on a base, - the fastening foot (38) can be inserted into the bracket support receptacle (34) in a first orientation and in a second orientation offset by 180° with respect to the first orientation, - a clamping securing arrangement is formed by a screw that can be passed through a through hole (58) arranged in the fastening foot (38), wherein the through hole (58) has a thread that corresponds to the screw, so that the free end of the screw (58) can be screwed towards the base plate (24) and is braced against it, with the result that the springs (46) are clamped in the receiving grooves (32) in the vertical direction.

2. Solar module fastening system (20) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the receiving grooves (32) and / or the springs (46) are designed and arranged such that with the springs (46) in the inserted state in the receiving grooves (32), the fastening foot (38) is held in the bracket support receptacle (34) at an angle a between 91° and 98°, preferably 92° and 94°, inclined relative to the underside (25) of the base plate (24) facing the substrate (42).

3. Solar module fastening system (20) according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterized in that the holding arm (50) of the bracket support (36) extends laterally away from the fastening foot (38) and has a horizontal section (60) which, in a first orientation of the fastening foot (38) in the bracket support receptacle (34), encloses an angle of 2° to 8°, preferably 4° to 6°, and in a second orientation pivoted by 180° with respect to the first orientation, encloses an angle of 8° to 15°, preferably 10° to 12° with the underside (25) of the base plate (24).

4. Solar module fastening system (20) according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the receiving grooves (32) and the corresponding springs (46) are designed with a right-angled cross section.

5. Solar module fastening system (20) according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the fastening foot (38) can be inserted in the receiving grooves (32) of the bracket support receptacle (34) from both opposite sides.

6. Solar module fastening system (20) according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the base support retaining walls (28) have a plurality of parallel receiving grooves which are at different distances from the plane of the base plate (24).

7. Solar module fastening system (20) according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the springs (46) are arranged on the end of the fastening foot (38) that is facing the base plate (24) in the fastened state of the bracket support (36).

8. Installation method for arranging a bracket support (36) in a base support (22) of a solar module fastening system (20) according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized by the method steps of: - prior orientation of the base support (22) before installation thereof, - installing the base support (22) on the base (42), - selecting an orientation of the bracket support (36) in respect of a different inclination of the fastening foot (38) in a first orientation, in a second orientation pivoted through 180° relative to the first orientation, - inserting the fastening foot (38) of the bracket support (36) in the selected orientation between the base support retaining walls (28) by pushing the springs (46) into the receiving grooves (32), - fastening the bracket support (36) to the base support (22) via a screw (58).