Lamella of a shading device, shading device, and method for attaching a photovoltaic module to a base body of a lamella

Abstract

The invention relates to a slat (1) of a shading device, comprising at least a base body (3) on at least one longitudinal edge of which a retaining leg (4) pointing towards a top surface of the base body (3) is formed, and at least one photovoltaic module (2) for power generation is arranged on the top surface of the base body (3). The invention further relates to a shading device, in particular a Venetian blind or a roller blind, with a plurality of slats (1). Finally, the invention also relates to a method for attaching a photovoltaic module (2) to a base body (3) of a slat (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a lamella of a shading device, at least comprising a base body, on at least one longitudinal edge of which a retaining leg pointing towards a top of the base body is formed at least partially, and at least one photovoltaic module arranged on the top of the base body for generating electricity, wherein the at least one photovoltaic module is clamped under the at least one retaining leg of the base body, and the at least one photovoltaic module lies flat on the top of the base body.

[0002] The invention further relates to a shading device and a method for attaching a photovoltaic module to a base body of a lamella.

[0003] Various methods for attaching photovoltaic modules to the slats of a shading device are known in the prior art. For example, the photovoltaic modules can be clamped in place using various separate fasteners that are attached to the longitudinal edges of the base body or perpendicular to its longitudinal direction. It is optionally possible to glue the photovoltaic modules to the base body or to additionally attach the fasteners to the slat using adhesive.

[0004] Depending on the design of the conventional fasteners, either the fasteners are slid onto the lamella with the photovoltaic modules in a longitudinal or transverse direction, or the photovoltaic modules are slid longitudinally under the fasteners already attached to the lamellae. This sliding of the components is complex and can lead to kinking and material damage, for example, to the photovoltaic modules.

[0005] The longitudinal edges of the base body can also be crimped in conventional photovoltaic lamellae, with the crimp pointing towards the underside of the lamella.

[0006] Alternatively, it is known from publication EP 3938612 B1 to clamp the photovoltaic modules under the crimped longitudinal edges of the lamella, whereby the lamella is curved downwards and the crimp faces upwards. The lamellae are C-shaped with curved edges. The photovoltaic module is stretched flat over the concave downward-curving lamella. Consequently, the lamella and the photovoltaic module do not touch each other, but are spaced apart, together forming a kind of crescent shape. Therefore, it is necessary to stiffen and stabilize the photovoltaic modules with additional layers to compensate for the lack of support or contact with the lamella base.

[0007] The publication DE 10 2008 014 561 A1 describes a generic lamella of a shading device with a base body having retaining legs on both longitudinal sides, under which a photovoltaic module is clamped. However, the retaining legs have pointed contact elements that are pressed against the photovoltaic element to make contact, resulting in a high risk of damage.

[0008] Reference is also made to the publication FR 2 680 424 A1 as a further example of the state of the art.

[0009] The object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved and simplified fastening of photovoltaic modules to the slats of a shading device, as well as a shading device and a method for fastening photovoltaic modules to a slat.

[0010] This problem is solved by the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of dependent claims.

[0011] The inventors recognized that the mounting method described in patent EP 3938612 B1 could be improved by having the photovoltaic modules rest on the lamella base, thus stabilizing them. The crimped edges of the longitudinal sides also point upwards, towards the top of the base. The edges of the photovoltaic modules can be clamped under the crimped longitudinal sides of the base. This is possible with both flat and curved lamella bases. No additional fasteners or means for stiffening and stabilizing the photovoltaic modules are necessary.

[0012] In addition, the inventors realized that it is possible to design the base of a lamella in such a way that it can be folded open lengthwise at one or more points, allowing the photovoltaic modules to be easily inserted laterally under the longitudinal edges for mounting. The base can then be folded closed again. This eliminates the need to slide the photovoltaic modules lengthwise over the base and under the longitudinal edges. Consequently, the risk of damaging the photovoltaic modules during mounting is significantly reduced.

[0013] Accordingly, the inventors propose to improve a slat of a shading device, in particular a Venetian blind or a roller blind, comprising at least a base body, on at least one longitudinal edge of which a retaining leg pointing towards a top of the base body is formed at least partially, and at least one photovoltaic module for generating electricity arranged on the top of the base body, wherein the at least one photovoltaic module is clamped under the at least one retaining leg of the base body, and the at least one photovoltaic module rests flat on the top of the base body, in such a way that the base body has at least one hinge-like element, so that the base body can be opened along a longitudinal axis to enable simplified insertion and fastening of the at least one photovoltaic module under the at least one retaining leg.wherein the at least one hinge-like element is formed in the area of ​​at least one retaining leg, the at least one retaining leg is formed at least partially as an elastic area, and the at least one hinge-like element is formed as a material thinning or material weakening.

[0014] According to the invention, at least one retaining leg is formed on one or both longitudinal edges of the base body. Preferably, retaining legs are formed on both longitudinal edges. The retaining legs can either be continuous, meaning that one retaining leg extends over almost the entire length of the base body, or the retaining legs can extend only over partial areas of a longitudinal edge, or a retaining leg may have interruptions.

[0015] Unlike the mounting method described in publication EP 3938612 B1, the base body and the photovoltaic modules lie flush against each other. The photovoltaic modules are supported and stabilized solely by the base body. For mounting, the edges of the photovoltaic modules are clamped under the retaining arms along their longitudinal edges.

[0016] The shading device and the louvers are, incidentally, conventionally known designs.

[0017] The lamellae have an elongated base body with two opposing longitudinal edges and two guide pins at the short ends of the base body, which are arranged in lateral guide rails and can be moved up and down. The base body can be flat or curved, with different radii possible. The curvature always points upwards; that is, in the case of a curved lamella, the upper surface of the base body is convexly curved upwards.

[0018] Advantageously, at least one retaining leg is designed as a formed longitudinal edge of the base body. This forming can be achieved, for example, by flanging, bending, folding, edging, rolling, or similar processes.

[0019] Furthermore, it is advantageous, especially compared to previously known methods of attaching photovoltaic modules, that no additional fastening devices are required to secure the at least one photovoltaic module to the base. It is neither necessary to glue the photovoltaic module to the base nor to attach any clamping devices to the base or to the photovoltaic modules, nor are any other separate clamping devices required for securing the photovoltaic modules.

[0020] In addition, the inventors propose to improve the lamella of a shading device by having the base body have at least one hinge-like element, so that the base body can be opened longitudinally to allow for simplified insertion and fastening of the at least one photovoltaic module under the at least one retaining leg.

[0021] According to the invention, the base body has at least one hinge-like element. Advantageously, only one hinge-like element is provided, which is also sufficient for simple mounting of the photovoltaic modules to the base body. Alternatively, however, embodiments with more than one hinge-like element are also feasible.

[0022] By means of the hinge-like element, referred to simply as the hinge, the base body can be unfolded along a longitudinal axis or at least parallel to the longitudinal axis. The unfolding preferably occurs in the direction of the underside. In the context of this invention, the hinge represents a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base body with reduced stability of the base body, essentially a predetermined bending point. The base body can be unfolded longitudinally along this line to attach the photovoltaic modules.

[0023] Advantageously, by unfolding the base body, it is not necessary to insert the photovoltaic modules lengthwise under the retaining leg(s) as in the prior art, but the photovoltaic modules are simply inserted laterally into the unfolded base body at least on one longitudinal edge and then the base body can be folded closed again.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment with only one hinge, when the base body is unfolded, the photovoltaic module is first inserted under a retaining leg on a longitudinal edge transverse to the longitudinal axis of the base body, then the base body is folded closed again, with the other retaining leg sliding over the photovoltaic module on the other longitudinal edge and thus securing it.

[0025] According to the invention, at least one hinge-like element is formed in the area of ​​at least one retaining leg. Preferably, only one hinge is formed on a longitudinal edge, since otherwise this would adversely affect the stability of the base body, and one hinge is sufficient for simple fastening. In this embodiment, a retaining leg preferably folds outwards by means of the hinge, so that the photovoltaic module can be inserted.

[0026] An alternative, non-inventive embodiment provides that the at least one hinge-like element is formed in a central region of the base body. When opened, the sides of the base body are folded downwards along the hinge. This creates sufficient space on the top of the base body to insert the photovoltaic modules.

[0027] According to the invention, the at least one hinge-like element is designed as an elastic section. The elastic section advantageously extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base body, preferably in the area of ​​at least one retaining leg. Advantageously, the at least one retaining leg is at least partially designed as an elastic section. A type of rubber with a certain restoring force is preferably used as the elastic material. Accordingly, force is required to open and also to hold the elastic hinge closed. Closing advantageously occurs without further force due to the restoring / spring force of the material.

[0028] Either the entire retaining leg can be made of an elastic material, or only partially, for example, only along a longitudinal line. Furthermore, the base of the lamella is advantageously made of a stable plastic.

[0029] Furthermore, according to the invention, the at least one hinge-like element is designed as a material thinning or weakening. A thinned or weakened material also provides a line with reduced stability in the base body, so that it can be opened more easily.

[0030] An alternative embodiment, not in accordance with the invention, provides that the at least one hinge-like element is designed as a fitting-like, rotatable hinge, or fitting for short. While this is a more complex embodiment, it is nevertheless possible. The fitting can be designed as either a split or a non-split fitting. In a split fitting design, the base body can be divided into two longitudinal halves.

[0031] For easy attachment of the photovoltaic modules using a divisible fitting, the base body can be opened and divided, then the longitudinal halves can be slid laterally over the photovoltaic modules so that their edge areas sit under the retaining legs, and then the longitudinal halves of the base body can be joined together again on the fitting.

[0032] For example, it is possible to design at least one hinge-like element as a rebate, joint, groove and / or chamfer.

[0033] The invention further relates to a shading device, in particular a Venetian blind or a roller blind, with a plurality of slats, wherein the slats are designed as described above. The remaining parts and components of the shading device correspond to known Venetian blinds or roller blinds.

[0034] Finally, the invention also relates to a method for attaching a photovoltaic module to a base body of a lamella according to the invention, described above, comprising at least the following steps: Unfolding the base body, inserting the photovoltaic module laterally into one retaining leg, placing the photovoltaic module on the base body, and closing the base body while inserting the photovoltaic module into the other retaining leg.

[0035] According to the invention, the base body is first opened at one or two points. Advantageously, it is sufficient if the base body is opened at only one point, for example, at only one support leg or at only one longitudinal edge. The photovoltaic module can then simply be inserted under one support leg and at least partially placed on the base body. The lateral insertion of the photovoltaic modules is advantageously carried out transversely to the longitudinal axis of the base body. This reduces the risk of damage to the photovoltaic modules. Subsequently, the base body is closed again and the photovoltaic module is inserted into the other support leg.

[0036] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the preferred embodiments and the figures, whereby only the features necessary for understanding the invention are shown.

[0037] They show in detail: FIG 1: A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a lamella with a photovoltaic module and an enlarged detail A, FIG 2: A cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a lamella with a photovoltaic module and an enlarged detail B, FIG 3: A cross-sectional view of a further alternative embodiment of a lamella with a photovoltaic module and an enlarged detail C, FIG 4: A perspective view of the lamella according to the Figure 2 , FIG 5: a first process step for attaching the photovoltaic module to the lamella according to Figure 4 FIG 6: a second process step for attaching the photovoltaic module to the lamella according to Figure 4 , and FIG 7: a further process step for attaching the photovoltaic module to the lamella according to Figure 4 .

[0038] In the Figures 1 to 3The figures show cross-sectional views of alternative embodiments of a lamella 1 with a photovoltaic module 2 and, in each case, an enlarged detail A, B, or C. The photovoltaic module 2 rests flat on the base body 3 and is supported and stabilized by it. According to the invention, the photovoltaic module 2 is clamped under the longitudinal edges of the base body 3. The embodiments shown differ in the shape of the base body 3 and in the type of formed longitudinal edges. In none of the embodiments shown are separate, additional fastening means necessary to fix the photovoltaic modules 2 to the lamella 1.

[0039] The Figure 1Figure 1 shows a lamella 1 with a flat base body 3 without curvature. The longitudinal edges are bent or folded to form similarly flat retaining legs 4 and lie flat on the top surface of the base body 3 on the edge regions of the photovoltaic module 2, see also enlarged detail A.

[0040] The Figure 2 Figure 1 shows a lamella 1 with a curved base body 3, the curvature facing upwards. In other words, the top surface of the base body 3 is convexly curved. The longitudinal edges are bent or folded to form nearly flat retaining legs 4 and rest on the curved top surface of the base body 3 against the edge regions of the photovoltaic module 2, see also enlarged detail B.

[0041] The Figure 3Figure 1 also shows a lamella 1 with a convexly curved base body 3. The longitudinal edges are flanged towards the top, forming curved or rolled retaining legs 4. The retaining legs 4 rest in places on the edge regions of the photovoltaic module 2 and clamp it securely; see also enlarged detail C.

[0042] In the Figure 4 This is another perspective view of lamella 1 according to the one in the Figure 2 The embodiment shown is illustrated. The retaining legs 4 are continuous along both longitudinal edges and project beyond the edge regions of the photovoltaic module 2, clamping it in place.

[0043] To ensure simplified and secure mounting of the photovoltaic module 2 onto the lamella 2, the base body 3 has a hinge-like element. According to the exemplary embodiment shown here, the hinge-like element is designed as an elastic section 5, which extends along the entire length of a retaining leg 4. The elastic section 5 consists of a rubber-like, elastic material within the base body 3, which is otherwise made of a relatively rigid and torsionally stiff plastic. The elastic section 5 allows the base body 3 to be opened, or the retaining leg 4 to be folded upwards and outwards, see [reference]. Figure 5 . Folding / unfolding can be done manually, for example. A means for folding / unfolding and holding the folded retaining arm 4 is not shown for clarity.

[0044] Once the retaining leg 4 is unfolded, the photovoltaic module 2 can first be inserted laterally into the other, unfolded retaining leg 4, see Figure 6 .

[0045] The unfolded retaining arm 4 can then be released or folded closed. This occurs without force due to the spring or restoring force of the elastic material. When folded closed, the retaining arm 4 slides over the photovoltaic module 2. The photovoltaic module 2 is then clamped and fixed at its edges under the opposing retaining arms 4.

[0046] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by the preferred embodiment, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the invention. In particular, the invention is not limited to the specified combinations of features, but other combinations and partial combinations of the disclosed features that are obviously feasible to a person skilled in the art can also be formed. Thus, embodiments that are not explicitly shown or explained in the figures, but which can be derived and generated by separate combinations of features from the explained embodiments, are also to be considered as encompassed and disclosed by the invention. Likewise, it is also within the scope of the invention to effect a mechanical reversal of the functions of the individual mechanical elements of the invention.

[0047] Particularly advantageous variations of embodiments of the invention described above are described below: I. A slat (1) of a shading device, in particular a Venetian blind or a roller blind, comprising at least: i. a base body (3) on at least one longitudinal edge of which a retaining leg (4) pointing towards a top surface of the base body (3) is formed at least partially, and ii. at least one photovoltaic module (2) arranged on the top surface of the base body (3) for generating electricity, wherein iii. the at least one photovoltaic module (2) is clamped under the at least one retaining leg (4) of the base body (3), and iv. the at least one photovoltaic module (2) rests flat on the top surface of the base body (3). II. A slat (1) according to the preceding embodiment I, characterized in that the at least one retaining leg (4) is formed as a formed longitudinal edge of the base body (3). III.A lamella (1) according to one of the preceding embodiments I to II, characterized in that the longitudinal edge is formed by flanging, bending, folding, creasing, edging, rolling, or the like. IV. A lamella (1) according to one of the preceding embodiments I to III, characterized in that the base body (3) has at least one hinge-like element such that the base body (3) can be opened longitudinally to facilitate the insertion and fastening of the at least one photovoltaic module (2) under the at least one retaining leg (4). V. A lamella (1) according to the preceding embodiment IV, characterized in that the at least one hinge-like element is formed in the area of ​​at least one retaining leg (4). VI.A lamella (1) according to one of the preceding embodiments IV to V, characterized in that the at least one hinge-like element is formed in a central region of the base body (3). VII. A lamella (1) according to one of the preceding embodiments IV to XI, characterized in that the at least one hinge-like element is formed as an elastic region (5). VIII. A lamella (1) according to the preceding embodiment VII, characterized in that the at least one retaining leg (4) is formed at least partially as an elastic region (5). IX. A lamella (1) according to one of the preceding embodiments IV to VIII, characterized in that the at least one hinge-like element is formed as a material thinning or weakening. X.Slat (1) according to one of the preceding embodiments IV to IX, characterized in that the at least one hinge-like element is designed as a fitting-like, rotatable joint. XI. Slat (1) according to one of the preceding embodiments IV to X, characterized in that the at least one hinge-like element is designed as a rebate, joint, groove and / or chamfer. XII. Shading device, in particular a Venetian blind or a roller blind, with a plurality of slats (1), characterized in that the slats (1) are designed according to one of the preceding embodiments I to XI. XIII.Method for attaching a photovoltaic module (2) to a base body (3) of a lamella (1) according to one of the preceding embodiments IV to IX, comprising at least the following steps: unfolding the base body (3), laterally inserting the photovoltaic module (2) into one retaining leg (4), placing the photovoltaic module (2) onto the base body (3), and closing the base body (3) and thereby inserting the photovoltaic module (2) into the other retaining leg (4). Reference symbol list

[0048] 1. Lamella 2. Photovoltaic module 3. Base body 4. Mounting leg 5. Elastic area A, B, CDetail

Claims

1. A slat (1) of a shading device, in particular a venetian blind or a Venetian blind, comprising at least: 1.

1. a base body (3) on at least one longitudinal edge of which a retaining leg (4) pointing towards a top surface of the base body (3) is formed at least partially, and 1.

2. at least one photovoltaic module (2) arranged on the top surface of the base body (3) for generating electricity, wherein 1.

3. the at least one photovoltaic module (2) is clamped under the at least one retaining leg (4) of the base body (3), and 1.

4. the at least one photovoltaic module (2) rests flat on the top surface of the base body (3), characterized by the fact that1.

5. the base body (3) has at least one hinge-like element, such that the base body (3) can be opened along a longitudinal axis to allow simplified insertion and fastening of the at least one photovoltaic module (2) under the at least one retaining leg (4), wherein 1.

6. the at least one hinge-like element is formed in the area of ​​at least one retaining leg (4), 1.

7. the at least one retaining leg (4) is formed at least partially as an elastic area (5), and 1.

8. the at least one hinge-like element is formed as a material thinning or material weakening.

2. Lamella (1) according to the preceding claim 1, characterized by the fact that the at least one retaining leg (4) is formed as a transformed longitudinal edge of the base body (3).

3. Lamella (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 2, characterized by the fact thatthe longitudinal edge is reshaped by means of flanging, bending, folding, creasing, edging, rolling or the like.

4. Shading device, in particular a Venetian blind or a roller blind, with a plurality of slats (1), characterized by the fact that the lamellae (1) are formed according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 3.

5. Method for attaching a photovoltaic module (2) to a base body (3) of a lamella (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, comprising at least the following steps: unfolding the base body (3), inserting the photovoltaic module (2) laterally into a retaining leg (4), placing the photovoltaic module (2) onto the base body (3), and closing the base body (3) and thereby inserting the photovoltaic module (2) into the other retaining leg (4).

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