Solar installation and support element therefor

Abstract

The invention relates to a solar installation (1) and a support element (4) therefor made of metal for at least one solar element (2, 3), in particular a solar module and / or solar collector. In order to permit high stability with structural simplicity on the support element (4), the invention proposes that the support element (4) consists of a sheet-metal profile, in particular a steel sheet profile, the profile base of which forms the foot (5) and the profile member of which forms the web (7, 8), which web (7, 8) has, on its free end (9) opposite the foot (5), at least one holder (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) through a recess introduced into the sheet metal, wherein said holder (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) is shaped to receive a frame member (12a, 12b) of the solar element (2, 3).

Description

[0001] Solar system and support element for this

[0002] Technical area

[0003] The invention relates to a support element made of metal for at least one solar element, in particular a solar module and / or solar collector, with a base forming a contact surface for the support element, with at least one web projecting from the base at the height of the support element for supporting the solar element loaded on the support element.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] To protect solar elements from sagging, metal support elements are known, which, for example, can be arranged in the center of the solar element to support its frame. For example, US 2018 / 0026576 A1 discloses an extruded aluminum support element that has a base forming a contact surface for the support element and a web projecting from the base at the height of the support element, on which the solar element rests. A clamping part of the support element holds the solar element down on the web. The support element is therefore comparatively complex in design and consequently costly to manufacture. Furthermore, due to its multi-part design, it also requires comparatively high assembly effort.

[0006] Description of the invention

[0007] The invention therefore has the object of modifying the design of a support element of the type described at the outset in such a way that it is easy to handle and yet can be manufactured cost-effectively - and without having to reckon with reduced stability when supporting the solar element resting on it.

[0008] The invention solves the problem by the features of claim 1.

[0009] If the support element consists of a sheet metal profile whose profile base forms the base and whose profile leg forms the web, the design of the support element can be considerably simplified compared to an extruded profile. This is all the more so if the web forms at least one receptacle at its free end opposite the base through a recess made in the sheet metal, whereby this receptacle is shaped to receive a frame leg of the first solar element. In contrast to the prior art, no additional parts are required on the support element when attaching the solar element - which considerably simplifies installation of the solar element, for example on a roof. In addition, the receptacle for the solar element can be introduced into the sheet metal of the web in a comparatively reproducible manner.For example, it is possible to cut, for example, punch, this recess into the sheet metal before the sheet metal is formed into the sheet metal profile, which results in a stable and comparatively inexpensive to produce support element.

[0010] The support element according to the invention is therefore not only comparatively easy to handle, but can also be characterized by cost-effective production and stability. This is the case, for example, if the sheet metal profile is made of sheet steel.

[0011] The design of the support element can be further simplified if a sheet metal section of the web protrudes from a sheet metal edge at the free end of the web and, together with this sheet metal edge, forms the receptacle. Furthermore, the sheet metal section's protruding design facilitates the placement of the support element in the recess. This makes the installation of the solar element particularly easy to handle. To further simplify the design of the support element, the sheet metal section can be designed in an L-shape, for example.

[0012] The solar element can be secured in the holder against removal, for example, by the sheet metal edge forming at least a first projecting prong within the holder.

[0013] For example, if two first prongs have different prong heights, solar elements of various sizes can be secured in the mount. Depending on the thickness of the solar element's frame leg, either both prongs or at least one of these prongs engage the frame leg, thus securing the solar element to the support element. It is conceivable that at least one prong presses into the frame leg.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally, the first prong closest to a receiving opening of the support can be smaller in prong height than the first prong following it. This allows this additional first prong to grip the frame leg firmly in the support, independent of the wall thickness. The stability of the support element can thus be further increased.

[0015] Preferably, the projecting sheet metal section forms a second prong at its head end in order to be able to secure the frame leg more securely in the holder on both opposite flat sides by claws.

[0016] If, for example, the first and second prongs are designed to clamp the frame leg of the solar element held by the holder, the frame leg can be held more securely in the holder.

[0017] For example, the sheet metal edge, which runs essentially transversely to the longitudinal direction of the web, runs at an angle of inclination in and / or into the mount. This can, among other things, ensure correct alignment of the mounted solar element, which can further facilitate installation of the solar element. In this regard, an angle of inclination in the range of 5 to 15 degrees can be characteristic. The angle of inclination is preferably 10 degrees.

[0018] Preferably, the sheet metal section has a first partial section running in the longitudinal direction of the web in question and an adjoining second partial section which has a course inclined towards the sheet metal edge.

[0019] The construction of the support element in the area of ​​the receptacle can be further simplified if the first and / or second section is essentially straight.

[0020] For example, if the receptacle expands at least partially, particularly continuously, from its receiving opening to its receiving stop, this can further facilitate the provision of the frame leg in the receptacle. If, for example, the support element has more than one receptacle, the receptacles each expand at least partially, particularly continuously, from their receiving opening to their receiving stop.

[0021] The production of the support element is further simplified if the support element is made of a U-shaped sheet metal profile. Furthermore, this profile shape can further improve the attachment of the solar element to the support element if the two profile legs form the first web with the first receptacle and the second web with a second receptacle, both of which are aligned in the same direction to accommodate the frame leg of the first solar element. This allows, among other things, the mechanical load in supporting the solar element to be distributed across two receptacles – which can further increase the stability of the support element.

[0022] In addition, a support element can also be designed, for example, to support two solar elements. For example, the first web forms a third receptacle and the second web forms a fourth receptacle, which are aligned in the opposite direction to the other receptacle arranged on the respective web and are designed to accommodate the frame leg of a different, second solar element. This creates a versatile support element.

[0023] By arranging the mounts at the same height as viewed from the base, it is possible, for example, to further improve handling when inserting the frame leg into the respective mounts. The support element can thus facilitate the installation of the solar element.

[0024] By providing a recess with an inverted T-shaped cross-section in the middle of the free ends of the two webs to accommodate the respective web, the manufacture of the support element can be made particularly easy, for example - which also leads to a comparatively cost-effective and robust support element.

[0025] The support element according to the invention can be particularly suitable for an arrangement with at least one solar element, in particular a solar module and / or solar collector, which has a frame with a frame leg. For this purpose, the frame leg protrudes into at least one receptacle of the support element. For example, the support element can be arranged in the center of the frame in order to act as a central support, for example, to securely support heavy snow loads on the solar element. A solar module can be, for example, a PV module.

[0026] The support element according to the invention or the arrangement with the support element can be particularly suitable for a solar system.

[0027] Short description of the drawings

[0028] The figures illustrate the subject matter of the invention in more detail using an embodiment variant. Fig. 1 shows a side view of a solar system with two solar elements resting on a support element,

[0029] Fig. 2 is a reduced view of the support element shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a front view of the support element shown in Fig. 2,

[0030] Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of a photograph of the support element shown in Fig. 2,

[0031] Fig. 4a is an enlarged view of the teeth of the receptacle according to Fig. 4 and

[0032] Fig. 5 is a perspective, partially cut-away, schematic view of the solar system according to Fig. 1.

[0033] Way to implement the invention

[0034] Figures 1 and 5 show a solar system 1 with at least two first and second solar elements 2, 3, each designed as a solar module, namely a PV module, and with a support element 4. The solar elements 2, 3 have a frame and are often also referred to as framed solar elements 2, 3. These, and particularly framed solar modules, have in common that a frame leg 12a freely projects from the frame 12 on the underside of the solar element 2, 3, directed laterally inward. This allows the solar element 2 to be mounted concealed. Aluminum profile frames are usually used as the frame 12 for solar elements 2, 3.

[0035] The metal support element 4 has a base 5 that forms a contact surface for the support element 4 on a substrate 6. Furthermore, the support element 4 has a first web 7 that projects from the base 5 at a height H of the support element 4 and supports the first and second solar elements 2 and 3.

[0036] According to the invention, the support element 4 consists of a sheet metal profile, namely a steel sheet profile, which makes it comparatively robust and thus stable against all loads such as wind loads, snow loads, environmental influences, etc. Advantageously, its profile base forms the base 5, and its profile leg forms the first web 7. The first web 7 has a first receptacle 10a on its free end 9, which is opposite the base 5. This first receptacle 10a is formed by a recess made in the sheet metal. For example, this first receptacle 10a is cut into the sheet metal of the sheet metal profile, e.g., punched, laser-cut, etc.

[0037] As can also be seen in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4, the first receptacle 10a is shaped such that it can accommodate the frame leg 12a of the frame 12 of the solar element 2, which frame encloses the solar cells 13. Due to the design of the support element 4 as a sheet metal profile, this first receptacle 10a is comparatively robust against deformation and can thus stably support the accommodated solar element 2 even under high loads.

[0038] As can be seen enlarged in Fig. 4, an L-shaped sheet metal section 14 of the first web 7 protrudes from a sheet metal edge 7a at the free end 9 of the web 7. The L-shaped sheet metal section 14 and the sheet metal edge 7a together form the receptacle 10a between each other.

[0039] In addition, the sheet metal edge 7a has two first protruding prongs 15a, 15b within the receptacle 10a. These first prongs 15a, 15b have different prong heights ha, hb, with the first prong 15a closest to the receptacle opening 16 having a smaller prong height ha than the second prong 15b.

[0040] In addition, the first prong 15a is inclined with its prong head towards the receiving opening 16, as can be seen in Fig. 4a from the uneven distribution.

[0041] In addition, the projecting sheet metal section 14 forms a second prong 17 at its head end 14c. This allows the frame leg 12a to be clamped between the first and second prongs 15a and / or 15b and 17, which holds it firmly in the receptacle 10a. This can be seen, for example, in Fig. 4a. The second prong 15b presses into the frame leg 12a and engages via the resulting recess 19 in the frame leg 12a. However, it is also conceivable that, alternatively or additionally, the first prong 15a also presses into the frame leg 12a and engages via the resulting recess in the frame leg 12a, which is not shown.

[0042] Due to the different first and second prongs 15a, 15b, frame legs 12a of different thicknesses can also be gripped by the holder.

[0043] The prongs 15a, 15b are - as shown - not aligned parallel, but inclined to each other - which increases the versatility of the support element 4 for receiving a wide variety of solar elements 2, 3.

[0044] Clamping in the receptacles 10a to 10d can be made easier during assembly of solar elements 2, 3 because the sheet metal edge 7a, which runs essentially transversely to the web 7, runs in the receptacle 10a with an angle of inclination a in the range of 5 to 15 degrees, namely 10 degrees.

[0045] The first assembly step can be seen in Fig. 1 on the solar element 3, shown in dashed lines. The solar element 3 is inserted essentially horizontally into the receptacle and then clamped into the receptacles 10c, 10d of the support element 4 by lowering the opposite end to an inclination angle of 10 degrees, as already seen on the solar element 2.

[0046] In addition, the sheet metal section 14 has a first section 14a extending in the longitudinal direction L of the respective web 7 and an adjoining second section 14b. The second section 14b is inclined toward the sheet metal edge 7a, which advantageously supports clamping with the second prong 17. All sections, apart from their connecting curves, are essentially straight. This results in the receptacle 10a continuously widening in its receiving width from its receiving opening 16 to its receiving stop 18.

[0047] As can be seen in Figures 2 and 3, the support element 4 consists of an I-shaped sheet metal profile. Of the two profile legs, one forms the first web 7 and the other the second web 8. The profile base of the U-shaped profile forms the base 5. The two webs 7, 8 project from the base 5 at a height H of the support element 4.

[0048] The first and second webs 7, 8 with the sheet edges 7a, 8a are of identical design. Thus, the second web 8 also forms a second receptacle 10b, which is identical to the first receptacle 10a. The first and second receptacles 10a, 10b on the first and second webs 7, 8 are aligned in the same direction and both accommodate the frame leg 12a of the first solar element 2. This distributes the load between two webs 7 and 8, making the support element 4 particularly stable.

[0049] In addition, the first web 7 forms a third receptacle 10c, and the second web 8 forms a fourth receptacle 10d. This third receptacle 10c is arranged with the first receptacle 10a on the first web 7 and is oriented in the opposite direction to the first web 7. The fourth receptacle 10d is arranged with the second receptacle 10b on the second web 8 and is oriented in the opposite direction to the second web 8. The third and fourth receptacles 10c, 10d are mirror-symmetrical to the first receptacle 10a. Thus, these third and fourth receptacles 10c, 10d are designed to accommodate the frame leg 12b of another second solar element 3.

[0050] Furthermore, all mounts 10a to 10d are arranged at the same height from the base 5 - which facilitates the installation of solar elements 2, 3.

[0051] By providing a recess with an inverted T-shaped cross-section centrally provided at the free ends 7a, 8a of the two webs 7, 8, which are opposite the foot 5, forming the receptacles 10a to 10d of the respective web 7, 8, the manufacture of the support element 4 can be particularly simplified.

[0052] The support element 4 is arranged at the higher end of the solar elements 2, 3. At the lower end of the solar elements 2, 3, there is a support wedge 20 made of a sheet metal profile, for example, a steel profile, which is arranged centrally on the solar elements 2, 3 - as shown in Fig. 5 - and supports the solar elements 2, 3 there.

[0053] At the corners, the solar elements 2, 3 are supported and held by a holding element 21, as can be seen in Fig. 5. The holding element 21 can, for example, be designed according to EP3828479A1.

[0054] In general, it is noted that "in particular" can be translated into English as "more particularly." A feature preceded by "in particular" is to be considered an optional feature that can be omitted and thus does not constitute a limitation, for example, of the claims. The same applies to "vorzugsweise," translated into English as "preferably."

Claims

Patent claims: 1 . A metal support element for at least one solar element (2, 3), in particular a solar module and / or solar collector, with a base (5) forming a support surface for the support element, with at least one web (7, 8) projecting from the base (5) at the height (H) of the support element (4) for supporting the solar element (2, 3), characterized in that the support element (4) consists of a sheet metal profile, in particular a steel sheet profile, the profile base of which forms the base (5) and the profile leg of which forms the web (7, 8), which web (7, 8) has at its free end (9) opposite the base (5) at least one receptacle (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) through a recess made in the sheet metal, said receptacle (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) being designed to receive a frame leg (12a, 12b) of the solar element (2, 3) is formed.

2. Support element according to claim 1, characterized in that a, in particular L-shaped, sheet metal section (14) of the web (7, 8) projects from a sheet metal edge (7a, 8a) at the free end (9) of the web (7, 8) and together with this sheet metal edge (7a, 8a) forms the receptacle (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d).

3. Support element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sheet metal edge (7a, 8a) forms at least one first projecting prong (15a, 15b) within the receptacle (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d).

4. Support element according to claim 3, characterized in that two first prongs (15a, 15b) have different prong heights (ha, hb) from one another and / or that the first prong (15a) closest to a receiving opening (16) of the receptacle (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) is smaller in prong height (ha) than the first prong (15b) following it.

5. Support element according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the projecting sheet metal section (14) forms a second prong (17) at its head end (14c).

6. Support element according to claim 5, characterized in that the first and second prongs (15a, 15b, 17) are designed to clamp the frame leg (12a, 12b) of the solar element (2, 3) received by the receptacle (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d).

7. Support element according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the sheet metal edge (7a, 8a) running substantially transversely to the longitudinal direction (L) of the web (7, 8) runs in and / or into the receptacle (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) with an angle of inclination (a), in particular in the range of 5 to 15 degrees.

8. Support element according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the sheet metal section (14) has a first partial section (14a) running in the longitudinal direction (L) of the respective web (7, 8) and an adjoining second partial section (14b) which has a course inclined towards the sheet metal edge (7a, 8a).

9. Support element according to claim 8, characterized in that the first and / or second partial section (14a, 14b) extend substantially straight.

10. Support element according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the receptacle (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) widens from its receptacle opening (16) to its receptacle stop (18) in the receptacle width at least in sections, in particular continuously.

11. Support element according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the support element (4) consists of a U-shaped sheet metal profile, the two profile legs of which form the first web (7) with the first receptacle (10a) and the second web (8) with a second receptacle (10b), both of which are aligned in the same direction to receive the frame leg (12a, 12b) of the first solar element (2, 3).

12. Support element according to claim 11, characterized in that the first web (7) forms a third receptacle (10c) and the second web (8) forms a fourth receptacle (10d), which are aligned in the opposite direction to the other receptacle (10a, 10b) arranged on the respective web (7, 8) and are designed to receive the frame leg (12a, 12b) of a second solar element (2, 3).

13. Support element according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the receptacles (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) are arranged at the same height as viewed from the base (5).

14. Support element according to claim 11, 12 or 13, characterized in that a recess provided centrally at the free ends (9) of the two webs (7, 8) and having an inverted T-shaped cross section forms the receptacles (10a, 10b or 10c, 10d) of the respective web (7, 8).

15. Solar system (1) or arrangement, with at least one solar element (2, 3), in particular solar module and / or solar collector, which has a frame (12) with a frame leg (12a, 12b), and with a support element (4) according to one of claims 1 to 14, arranged in particular centrally of the frame (12), wherein the frame leg (12a, 12b) projects into at least one receptacle (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) of the support element (4).

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