Fastener for a photovoltaic module frame, and method for fastening the latter

Abstract

A fastener for fastening photovoltaic module frames (30) to a substructure (50) comprises a fastener body (100) and a locking element (200). The fastener body (100) comprises a first engagement portion (110) for engaging in the substructure (50) and at least one second engagement portion (120) for engaging in the photovoltaic module frame (30). The locking element (200) is designed to fix the fastener body (100) to the substructure (50) such that, with the fastening brought about in this way, the photovoltaic module frame (30) is retained on the substructure (50) only via the fastener body (100).

Description

[0001] Fastening for a photovoltaic module frame and method for its fastening

[0002] The present invention relates to a fastening of a photovoltaic module frame to a substructure and to a method for fastening a photovoltaic module frame.

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] Photovoltaic modules are mounted on a substructure via a photovoltaic module frame. This mounting must be able to withstand strong mechanical stresses, such as those caused by strong winds.

[0005] With conventional fastenings, for example, holding elements are screwed onto the substructure into which the photovoltaic module frame is hooked, so that in the case of an angled installation (on a roof, for example), the frame is only held in place by the higher section of the frame. Other conventional fastenings use a force-lock connection, in which the photovoltaic module frame is screwed or pressed onto the substructure, for example via a clamp. One advantage of these fastenings is that there is no need for openings or holes in the frame, thus increasing long-term stability. Holes, openings, or slits in the frame are otherwise a common cause of cracks or similar damage, which can permanently jeopardize secure hold in windy conditions. A disadvantage, however, is that force-lock connections can become loose over time.

[0006] There are also conventional mounts that do not rely solely on force to secure the photovoltaic module frame. For example, hook-shaped elements can be used that grip the photovoltaic module frame from above to hold the frame. However, these mounts have the disadvantage that gripping the frame creates a protrusion, which is a potential source of dirt and moisture accumulation. It is important to keep the photovoltaic modules as free from these as possible, as this impairs their efficiency.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for alternative fastening options that, on the one hand, firmly connect the photovoltaic module frame to the substructure without damaging the frame through openings and, at the same time, do not create any protruding sections where dirt can accumulate.

[0008] Brief description of the invention

[0009] At least some of the above-mentioned problems are solved by a fastening or mounting for a photovoltaic module frame according to claim 1 and a method for fastening a photovoltaic module frame according to claim 11g 1e. The dependent claims define further advantageous embodiments of the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0010] The present invention relates to a fastening device for a photovoltaic module frame on a substructure. The fastening device comprises a fastening body and a locking element. The fastening body comprises a first engagement portion for engaging the substructure and at least one second engagement portion for engaging the photovoltaic module frame. The locking element is designed to fix the fastening body to the substructure, so that, with the fastening effected in this way, the photovoltaic module frame is held to the substructure only via the fastening body.

[0011] In particular, the locking element does not engage with the photovoltaic module frame or hold it directly. Rather, it is attached indirectly via the fastening body that holds the photovoltaic module frame. Although the locking element can abut horizontally against the photovoltaic module frame (as a spacer), it should not extend vertically (opposite the direction of light incidence) beyond the photovoltaic module frame or overlap the photovoltaic module frame. The term "engagement" should generally be understood as a positive connection (e.g., hooking). The engaging sections can, for example, be designed as tabs with slots for receiving a section of the frame. The direction of light incidence is the direction from or in which the light should fall onto the photovoltaic modules after installation. It is generally directed opposite to the substructure.

[0012] The photovoltaic module frame can have a protruding portion that extends parallel to a light incidence surface of an installed photovoltaic module. Optionally, the at least one second engagement portion then comprises a first portion with a first slot and a second portion with a second slot, which are bent from a planar portion of the fastening body. The first slot and the second slot can be formed at different levels with respect to the planar portion in order to receive the protruding portion of the photovoltaic module frame and to clamp it during fixing by the locking element. Through the engagement and clamping, this fixing results in a force-locking and form-locking connection.It is advantageous if the engagement in the substructure allows a predetermined play or clearance so that the fastening body can tilt due to the different levels before being fixed by the locking element.

[0013] Optionally, the at least one second fastening section comprises four sections, each with a slot, which are formed as monolithic parts in corner regions of the fastening body. Two of these slots can be designed to grip a first photovoltaic module frame, and two further slots can be designed to grip a second photovoltaic module frame. The locking element can be designed to form a spacer between the first photovoltaic module frame and the second photovoltaic module frame. Since slipping out of the slots is thereby prevented, detachment of the photovoltaic module frame from the substructure after fastening can be reliably prevented.

[0014] Optionally, the fastening body comprises a through-opening and the locking element comprises a bolt and a holding element. The bolt can be guided through the through-opening and the holding element, and the holding element, together with the bolt, can have a T-shape in order to hold the fastening body over the through-opening. The holding element itself can be designed as a U-profile and, when tightened, can be moved towards the fastening body by the bolt (e.g. a screw) and clamped to the fastening body. The holding element can have a smaller extension along a light incidence direction than the photovoltaic module frame. This prevents any overhang or projection where water or dirt could otherwise collect.

[0015] Optionally, the retaining element includes a locking mechanism designed to lock into the through-hole or into the substructure, thus preventing the photovoltaic module frame from sliding out of the second engagement section. Since the retaining element acts as a spacer, the photovoltaic modules can be held in place without the bolt being screwed in. They can no longer slide out of the slots. Optionally, the locking mechanism is a separate component from the retaining element and is simply locked into the groove of the substructure. The locking mechanism is guided through the through-hole (e.g., with little or no play).

[0016] Optionally, the substructure comprises a recess, in particular a through-opening or a longitudinal groove. The first engagement portion and / or the recess can be configured to provide a positive connection between the substructure and the first engagement portion (e.g., by snapping, hooking, twisting, locking, or interlocking).

[0017] Optionally, the fastening body comprises a further first engagement section, wherein the first engagement section and the further first engagement section are designed as T-shaped projections on opposite ends of the fastening body in order to both be able to hook into the recess. Optionally, the fastening body comprises at least one reinforcing section which extends from the fastening body in the same direction as the first engagement section. The reinforcing section(s) can be designed as reinforcing tabs and are intended to prevent bending. In addition, this better holds the fastening body on the substructure so that, although displacement along the substructure is possible, displacement of the fastening body perpendicular to a longitudinal extent of the substructure is not possible.

[0018] Optionally, the fastening body comprises a planar section from which the first engagement section(s) and the at least one second engagement section each extend as a projection in opposite directions. After fastening, the planar section forms a spacer between the photovoltaic module frame and the substructure. The photovoltaic module frame is therefore not in direct contact with the substructure.

[0019] Further embodiments relate to an (installed) photovoltaic module with a photovoltaic module frame, a substructure and a fastening as described above, which connects the photovoltaic module frame to the substructure in a form-fitting and force-fitting manner.

[0020] Further embodiments relate to a method for fastening a photovoltaic module frame to a substructure. The method comprises

[0021] Steps:

[0022] - engaging with a first engaging section into the substructure;

[0023] - engaging with at least one second engagement section in the photovoltaic module frame; and

[0024] - Fixing the fastening body to the substructure with a locking element so that the photovoltaic module frame is only held on the substructure via the fastening body.

[0025] The at least one second engagement section may again comprise four sections, each with a slot, formed as a monolithic part in corner regions of the fastening body. The step of engaging with the at least one second engagement section may then comprise the following:

[0026] - Engaging with two slots in a first photovoltaic module frame and with two further slots in a second photovoltaic module frame.

[0027] The step of fixing the fastening body may then include:

[0028] - Inserting the locking element between the first photovoltaic module frame and the second photovoltaic module frame,

[0029] - Forming a screw connection so that no component of the fastening protrudes beyond the first and / or second photovoltaic module frame.

[0030] Advantageously, the locking element is arranged strictly between the frames of the adjacent photovoltaic module frames and does not protrude beyond them.

[0031] Embodiments solve at least some of the above-mentioned problems by using a fastening body that engages, on the one hand, in the photovoltaic module frame and, on the other hand, in the substructure. The engagement can, in particular, comprise hooking a projection of the photovoltaic module frame, so that through openings, holes, or slots can be dispensed with. Advantageously, the engagement is designed such that, when the fastening body is fixed, the photovoltaic module frame is clamped, which leads to the frame being firmly connected to the substructure due to a frictional connection. As a result, a reliable mounting of the photovoltaic module frame on the substructure is achieved without projections being created on the photovoltaic module.In addition, the photovoltaic module frame can be fixed in various places so that the photovoltaic module frame is firmly held even in strong winds.

[0032] Further advantages of the exemplary embodiments include the fact that no pressure is exerted on the frame from above, which increases the seal at the edges of the photovoltaic modules. Furthermore, the appearance is improved because there are no protruding elements.

[0033] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS

[0034] The embodiments of the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, which, however, should not be construed as limiting the disclosure to the specific embodiments, but are for explanation and understanding only.

[0035] Fig. 1 shows a fastening of a photovoltaic module frame on a substructure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Fig. 2 shows further details of the fastening body used in the fastening according to embodiments.

[0037] Figs. 3A, 3B show a side view and a cross-sectional view through the fastening body.

[0038] Figs. 4A, 4ß show further details of a force-locking connection which is formed according to embodiments between the fastening body and the photovoltaic module frame.

[0039] Fig. 5 shows a schematic flow diagram for attaching a photovoltaic module frame to a substructure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figs. 6A-6B illustrate the procedure for attaching the photovoltaic module to the substructure.

[0041] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Fig. 1 shows a fastening of a photovoltaic module frame 30 to a substructure 50, wherein the photovoltaic module frame 30a holds a photovoltaic module 70a. The fastening comprises a fastening body 100 and a locking element 200. The fastening body 100 comprises one or more first engagement sections 110 and second engagement sections 120 (or at least one second engagement section). The first engagement sections 110 engage in the substructure 50 in a longitudinally formed recess 52. The second engagement sections 120 engage in a projection 32a of the photovoltaic module frame 30a. The projection 32a extends parallel to a light incidence surface of the photovoltaic module 70 (opposite the substructure 50). The locking element 200 comprises a holding element 220 and a bolt 210 (with an optional locking mechanism 222, e.g.with a click profile) and, after attachment, is located between two adjacent photovoltaic modules 70. The locking element 200 fixes the fastening body 100 to the substructure 50 by means of the bolt 210, which can, for example, engage in a thread or a nut. Fig. 1 also shows an adjacent photovoltaic module 70b, which can be attached to the substructure 50 with the same fastening body 100 (again via a projection 32b in the frame 30b).

[0043] Fig. 2 shows further details of the fastening body 100. The fastening body 100 comprises a plate-shaped planar section 105, from which the first engagement sections 110 and second engagement sections 120 extend as projections in opposite directions. The first engagement sections 110 extend from the planar section 105 in a vertically downward direction (i.e., toward the substructure 50, see Fig. 1), while the second engagement sections 120 point vertically upward (i.e., away from the substructure 50) and are formed as bent sections at corner regions of the planar section 105.

[0044] In the embodiment shown, the second engagement sections 120 comprise four projections that extend vertically upward at the corner regions of the planar section 105 and each have a notch 121, 122, ..., i.e., a first notch 121 at a first corner, a second notch 122 at a second corner, a third notch 123 at a third corner, and a fourth notch 124 at a fourth corner. The notches 121, ... point along the longitudinal extent of the planar section 105 and are configured relative to one another to receive the projection 32 of the photovoltaic module frame 30 (see Fig. 1). In addition, the planar section 105 comprises a through-opening 130 configured to receive the locking element 200.

[0045] Fig. 3A shows a side view and Fig. 3B shows a cross-sectional view through the fastening body 100. From the side view it can be seen that the cuts 121, ... define a first level Li and a second level L2 with respect to the planar section 105, ie the cuts at the first / second level Li, L2 are located at different heights above the planar section 105.

[0046] Furthermore, the side view of Fig. 3A shows that a further first engagement section 112 is formed, which can also engage with the substructure 50. Furthermore, the fastening body 100 also includes protruding reinforcement sections 140 that extend in the same direction as the first engagement sections 110, 112. The reinforcement sections 140 provide better support on the substructure 50 and serve to increase the stability of the fastening, as they prevent the fastening body 100 from bending. Thus, the fastening can withstand even high loads (such as during storms).

[0047] With the fastening body 100 shown, two photovoltaic module frames 30a, 30b can be fixed, each with two notches (see Fig. 1). The first notch 121 and the second notch 122 fix the first photovoltaic module frame 30a, and the third notch 123 and the fourth notch 124 fix the second photovoltaic module frame 30b, with the first and fourth notches 121, 124 being located at the first level L1 and the second and third notches 122, 123 being located at the second level L2.

[0048] Fig. 3B shows a cross-sectional view through the fastening body 100. The cross-sectional view extends perpendicular to the orientation of the substructure 50, which in Fig. 3B runs perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. It is directly evident from the cross-sectional view that the first level Li (for the first and fourth slots 121, 124) is higher than the second level L2 on the right side (i.e., for the second and third slots 122, 123). This has the technical effect that an inserted photovoltaic module frame 30 is tilted against the projection 32 and then clamped when the locking element 200 is fastened.

[0049] Figs. 4A, 4B show further details of this force-locking connection by clamping. Fig. 4A first shows that, due to the different levels Li and L2, the projection 32 of the photovoltaic module frame is tilted relative to the fastening body 100 or the fastening body 100 is tilted relative to the substructure 50. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the recess 52 is formed as a cave-shaped extension in the substructure 50, into which the first engagement section 110 is inserted. The first engagement section 110 has a clearance relative to the recess 52 (ie, is somewhat smaller) in order to enable the tilting of the fastening body 100.

[0050] The fixation by means of the locking elements 200 presses the fastening body 100 onto the substructure 50. The force F exerted in this process (see Fig. 4B) leads to the clamping of the projection 32 in the slots 121, ..., 124 of the fastening body 100 (not visible in Fig. 5B). As a result, the photovoltaic module frame can no longer be displaced relative to the fastening body 100.

[0051] Fig. 5 shows a schematic flow diagram for a method for attaching a photovoltaic module frame 30 to a substructure 50. The method comprises the steps:

[0052] - engagement S110 with a first engagement section 110 in the substructure 50;

[0053] - engagement S120 with at least one second engagement section 120 in the photovoltaic module frame 30; and

[0054] - Fixing S130 of the fastening body 100 to the substructure 50 with a locking element 200, so that the photovoltaic module frame 30 is held on the substructure 50 only via the fastening body 100.

[0055] Figs. 6A-6B illustrate further optional process steps in attaching the photovoltaic module 70 by fixing the photovoltaic module frame 30 to the substructure 50.

[0056] In a first step (see Fig. 6A), the fastening body 100 can be placed on the substructure 50 or inserted into the recess 52 (e.g., from one side) with the first engagement section(s) 110. Furthermore, the first photovoltaic module 70a is inserted with its frame 30a between the second engagement sections 120. The fastening body 100 is roughly positioned on the substructure 50.

[0057] In the next step (see Fig. 6B), the photovoltaic module 70 can be moved with the frame 30 to the left until the projection 32 engages and is held in the first slot 121 and the second slot 122. Depending on the circumstances, the fastening body 100 can also be moved to the right accordingly, with the second engagement sections 120 gripping the projection 32.

[0058] In the next step (see Fig. 6C), the second, adjacent photovoltaic module 70b with the frame 30b can be inserted in a similar manner. Here, too, the second photovoltaic module 70b can be moved until the projection 32b of the second photovoltaic module frame 30b engages the third slot 123 and the fourth slot 124.

[0059] In the final step shown (see Fig. 6D), the photovoltaic module frames 30a, 30b can be fixed to the substructure 50 by the locking element 200. For this purpose, the locking element 200 is inserted between the adjacent photovoltaic module frames 30a, 30b. The locking element 200 can engage in the through-opening 130 (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) via the exemplary latching mechanism 222 of the holding element 220 and be fixed there. Subsequently, the bolt 210 can be inserted into the opening and fastened in the substructure 50 with a nut or other thread.

[0060] As a result, the photovoltaic module frames 30a, 30b of two adjacent photovoltaic modules 70a, 70b are fastened to the substructure 50 via only one fastening body 100 using the locking element 200.

[0061] An advantage of embodiments is that the fastening provides a positive connection together with a non-positive connection, wherein the positive connection is effected by the first and second engagement sections 110, 120 and the non-positive connection is effected by the clamping of the projections 32a, 32b in the photovoltaic module frames 30a, 30b in slots 121, 122. For this purpose, the slots 121...124 are formed at different levels or heights Li, L2 (see Fig. 4).

[0062] This offers the further advantage that reliable fastening with only one fastening body 100 is possible for adjacent photovoltaic module frames 30a, 30b, without having to form openings, holes, or incisions in the photovoltaic module frames 30, as would be necessary, for example, for conventional screw connections on the substructure 50. The openings, holes, or incisions would have the disadvantage of being a potential source of damage (e.g., due to cracks, corrosion, or the like). Embodiments avoid this.

[0063] It is understood that all of the functions described above can be implemented as optional method steps. Furthermore, it is understood that the order in which they are listed does not necessarily imply a specific order in which the method steps are executed. The steps can also be performed in a different order.

[0064] The features of the invention disclosed in the description, the claims, and the figures may be essential for the realization of the invention, both individually and in any combination. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0065] 30 photovoltaic module frames

[0066] 32 protruding section (projection)

[0067] 50 Substructure

[0068] 52 Recess (groove, depression, slot)

[0069] 70 photovoltaic modules

[0070] 100 fastening bodies

[0071] 105 planar section

[0072] 110,112 first intervention section(s)

[0073] 120 at least a second engagement section

[0074] 121, 122,... slots

[0075] 130 passage opening

[0076] 140 reinforcement section

[0077] 200 locking element

[0078] 210 Bolt or screw element

[0079] 220 stopping section

[0080] 222 locking mechanism

[0081] Li, L2 different levels

Claims

REQUIREMENTS 1. Fastening for photovoltaic module frames (30) on a substructure (50), wherein the fastening comprises: a fastening body (100) with a first engagement section (110) for engaging the substructure (50) and at least a second engagement section (120) for engaging the photovoltaic module frame (30); and a locking element (200) for fixing the fastening body (100) to the substructure (50), such that with the fastening effected in this way the photovoltaic module frame (30) is held on the substructure (50) only by means of the fastening body (100).

2. Fastening according to claim 1, wherein the fastening body (100) has a planar section (105) and the photovoltaic module frame (30) has a protruding section (32) extending parallel to a light-incident surface of an installed photovoltaic module (70), and wherein the at least one second engagement section (120) comprises a first section with a first slot (121) and a second section with a second slot (122) which are bent from the planar section (105) of the fastening body (100) and the first slot (121) and the second slot (122) are formed at different levels (Li, L2) with respect to the planar section (105) in order to receive the protruding section (32) of the photovoltaic module frame (30) and clamp it when fixed by the locking element (200).

3. Fastening according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one second fastening section (120) comprises four sections, each with a slot (121, ... , 124), which are formed as a monolithic part in corner regions of the fastening body (100), two of which have slots (121, 122) formed. are designed to grip a first photovoltaic module frame (30a), and two further slots (123, 124) are designed to grip a second photovoltaic module frame (30b), and wherein the locking element (200) is designed to form a spacer between the first photovoltaic module frame (30a) and the second photovoltaic module frame (30b).

4. Fastening according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening body (100) has a through-opening (130) and the locking element (200) has a bolt (210) and a retaining element (220), wherein the bolt (210) can be guided through the through-opening (130) and the retaining element (220) and the retaining element (220) together with the bolt (210) has a T-shape to hold the fastening body (100) by locking the through-opening (130), and wherein the retaining element (220) has a smaller extent along a direction of incidence of light than the photovoltaic module frame (30).

5. Fastening according to claim 4, wherein the retaining element (220) has a snap-in mechanism (222) which is designed to snap into the through-opening (130) or into the substructure (50) and thus block the photovoltaic module frame (30) from sliding out of the second engagement section (120).

6. Fastening according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the substructure (50) has a recess (52), in particular a through-opening or a longitudinal groove, and the first engagement section (110) and / or the recess (52) is / are designed to provide a positive locking connection between the substructure (50) and the first engagement section (110).

7. Fastening according to claim 6, wherein the fastening body (100) has a wei- the first engagement section (112) has a further engagement section (110) wherein the first engagement section (110) and the further first engagement section (112) are designed as T-shaped projections at opposite ends of the fastening body (100) in order to be able to hook both into the recess (52).

8. Fastening according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening body (100) has at least one reinforcing section (140) extending from the fastening body (100) in the same direction as the first engagement section (110).

9. Fastening according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening body (100) has a planar section (105) from which the first engagement section (110) and the at least one second engagement section (120) each extend as projections in opposite directions, wherein after fastening the planar section (105) forms a spacer between the photovoltaic module frame (30) and the substructure (50).

10. Photovoltaic module (70) with a photovoltaic module frame (30), a substructure (50) and a fastening according to one of the preceding claims, which connects the photovoltaic module frame (30) to the substructure (50) in a form-fitting and force-fitting manner.

11. Method for attaching a photovoltaic module frame (30) to a substructure (50), comprising the following steps: Intervention (S110) with a first intervention section (110) in the substructure (50); Intervention (S120) with at least one second intervention section (120) in the photovoltaic module frame (30); and Fixing (S130) the fastening body (100) to the substructure (50) with a locking element (200), so that the photovoltaic module frame (30) can only be attached via the fastening body (100) is held on the substructure (50).

12. Method according to claim 11 wherein the at least one second engagement section (120) comprises four sections, each with a slot (121, ... , 124), which are formed as a monolithic part in corner regions of the fastening body (100) and the engagement step (S120) with the at least one second engagement section (120) comprises the following: Interlocking with two slots (121, 122) into a first photovoltaic module frame (30a) and with two further slots (123, 124) into a second photovoltaic module frame (30b), and the step of fixing (S130) the fastening body (100) comprises the following: Inserting the locking element (200) between the first photovoltaic module frame (30a) and the second photovoltaic module frame (30b) and forming a screw connection so that no part of the fastening protrudes beyond the first and second photovoltaic module frames (30a, 30b).

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