Fastening device

Abstract

The invention relates to a fastening device (10) for fastening at least one frame (38), preferably a module frame of a solar or photovoltaic module, to a framework (36), preferably a mounting rail, having a holding body (12) with a frame placement region (14) and a framework placement region (16), a fastening body (20) with a fastening portion (22) extending underneath the frame placement region (14) and / or the framework placement region (16), and a fixing element (30), preferably a screw, which is arranged in or on the fastening portion (22) of the fastening body (20).

Description

[0001] Fastening device

[0002] The invention relates to a fastening device for fastening at least one frame, preferably a module frame of a solar or photovoltaic module, to a frame, preferably a mounting rail.

[0003] Corresponding fastening devices are generally known and are used, for example, in open-air solar systems.

[0004] The disadvantage is that they are currently screwed in from above. This requires the installer to climb onto the modules or lean on them, which can cause damage to the modules. There's also a certain risk of falling for the installer.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a fastening device for fastening a frame, a system with a fastening device and a frame and a method for fastening a frame, in which the risk of damage and / or injuries is reduced.

[0006] This problem is solved by the subject matter and the method of the independent claims.

[0007] The fastening device according to the invention is designed and / or can be used to fasten at least one or exactly one frame to a rack. For example, two, three, or more frames can also be fastened with the fastening device.

[0008] The frame is preferably a module frame for a solar or photovoltaic module, for example, an open-air system. It is attached, for example, to an inside and / or outside of the frame.

[0009] The frame, e.g. a support, can preferably have or consist of at least one mounting rail, e.g. for the frame.

[0010] For example, the frame and / or the fastening device can comprise or consist of a plastic and / or a metal material, preferably a steel material, e.g. chromium-nickel steel, a stainless steel material and / or an aluminum material.

[0011] The fastening device has a holding body with a frame support area and a rack support area.

[0012] The frame support area can rest on the frame in the assembled state, preferably directly, while the rack support area can rest on the rack in the assembled state, preferably directly.

[0013] Preferably, the frame support area and / or the rack support area are flat, planar, and / or plate-shaped. This allows for a good grip on the frame or rack.

[0014] The frame support area and / or the rack support area can, for example, be identical in design and / or symmetrical to each other. Orientation is irrelevant in this case.

[0015] Preferably, the frame support area and the rack support area are spaced apart from each other.

[0016] For example, a connecting area can be provided between the frame support area and the rack support area. Preferably, the frame support area and the rack support area, and optionally the connecting area, are formed as a single piece.

[0017] The fastening device has a fastening body with a fastening section extending below the frame support area and / or the rack support area.

[0018] The fastening body is arranged at least partially or completely below an extension plane of the frame support area and / or the rack support area, i.e. a plane in which the frame support area and / or the rack support area extends.

[0019] The fastening device can be attached to the frame, preferably from below, via the fastening section.

[0020] Preferably, the holding body and the fastening body cross each other.

[0021] The fastening device comprises a fixing element arranged in or on the fastening section of the fastening body. For example, the fastening body may have a fixing recess, preferably with a thread, e.g., an internal thread, for the fixing element.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, the fixing element can also be attached to a support profile.

[0023] The fixing element preferably has an external thread.

[0024] The fixing element can be, for example, a galvanized screw.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, the fixing element can have or consist of a clamping and / or click device. This fastening device allows the frame to be attached to the frame from below.

[0026] This allows the installer to stand on the ground during installation, for example, without having to climb onto the modules. This reduces the risk of damage and / or injury.

[0027] The mounting device can significantly simplify the technical acceptance of the system, for example. Because the technician doesn't have to climb onto the module table for testing, which has previously been difficult and / or dangerous, resources can be saved and / or sources of error can be avoided or eliminated.

[0028] Installation is also easier and faster overall, which can save costs.

[0029] The fastening device can preferably be used at the clamping points of the module manufacturers.

[0030] Last but not least, the mounting device is more space-saving than conventional module clamps. This allows for smaller gaps between adjacent frames or modules, allowing more frames or modules to be mounted per area.

[0031] Further developments of the invention can also be found in the dependent claims, the description and the accompanying drawings.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the holding body and the fastening body are designed as separate components. This allows for a certain amount of play during assembly, especially since the holding body and the fastening body can be aligned relative to each other.

[0033] Preferably, the holding body and the fastening body are connected to each other, e.g., detachably. This facilitates assembly, since the fastening device can be mounted as a single unit.

[0034] Alternatively, the holding body and the fastening body can be formed in one piece.

[0035] According to a further embodiment, the fastening body is clamp-shaped and / or U-shaped.

[0036] Preferably, the fastening body can encompass at least part of the holding body, e.g., the connecting area. This enables a secure hold.

[0037] According to a further embodiment, the fastening section has a first clamp section and a second clamp section.

[0038] For example, the first bracket portion and / or the second bracket portion may be rounded and / or have a semicircular cross-section.

[0039] Preferably, the fixing element is attached to an area where the clamp section is not oriented perpendicular and / or not parallel to the plane of extension.

[0040] The fixing element can, for example, extend at an angle, preferably between 40° and 50°, e.g. 45°, to the plane of extension.

[0041] The first clamp section and the second clamp section are preferably spaced apart from each other. The first clamp section and the second clamp section are preferably arranged on opposite sides of the holding body. The frame can thus be clamped on both sides.

[0042] For example, the first clamp section and the second clamp section can be identical in design. In this case, the orientation during assembly is irrelevant.

[0043] Alternatively, the first clamp section and the second clamp section can also be designed differently. For example, the first clamp section can extend further downward than the second clamp section, and vice versa.

[0044] According to a further embodiment, the fastening body has an intermediate section extending between the first clamp section and the second clamp section.

[0045] Preferably, the first clamp section and the second clamp section and optionally the intermediate section are formed in one piece.

[0046] For example, the fixing element can be arranged in the first clamp section. Alternatively or additionally, the fixing element can be arranged in the second clamp section.

[0047] The first clamp section and / or the second clamp section engages the frame.

[0048] When the fixing element is tightened, the frame is clamped between the frame support area and the frame. At the same time, the first clamping section and / or the second clamping section clamp to the frame. According to a further embodiment, the intermediate section extends at least partially or completely above an extension plane of the frame support area and / or the frame support area.

[0049] For example, the intermediate section rests on the connecting area of ​​the holding body.

[0050] The holding body, e.g., the connecting area, can have a preferably groove-shaped and / or central recess for the intermediate section. The intermediate section can be accommodated in this recess. This enables, for example, precise positioning.

[0051] According to a further embodiment, the frame support area and / or the rack support area has a grounding device.

[0052] For example, the grounding device may comprise a pin. The pin may be pressed into the holding body, e.g., the frame support area and / or the rack support area.

[0053] For example, the pin may comprise or consist of a steel material, e.g. chrome-nickel steel.

[0054] Preferably, the pin can have a point. This point can push through an anodized layer of the frame when the fixing element is tightened, thus enabling potential equalization between the frame and the chassis.

[0055] According to a further embodiment, the fastening device, e.g., the holding body, can have at least one ribbing. The ribbing serves, for example, to achieve a better hold.

[0056] This is also possible, for example, if the component is not made of aluminum, in which case the pin can preferably be omitted. The invention relates to a system comprising at least one fastening device according to the invention and a frame, preferably a module frame of a solar or photovoltaic module.

[0057] Preferably, at least two fastening devices are provided. The frame can be attached on both sides in this way, ensuring a secure hold.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the system comprises a frame with at least one mounting rail.

[0059] In principle, any number of mounting rails can be provided as required.

[0060] The frame may also have at least one post for the mounting rail.

[0061] Finally, the invention relates to a method for fastening a frame, preferably a module frame of a solar or photovoltaic module, to a frame, preferably a mounting rail, with a fastening device according to the invention and / or with a system according to the invention.

[0062] The fixing element is fixed, preferably screwed, in the fastening section in such a way that the frame is clamped between the frame support area and the frame.

[0063] Preferably, the fixing element fixes the fastening device to the frame.

[0064] All embodiments and components of the devices described here are preferably designed to be assembled according to the method described here. Furthermore, all embodiments of the devices described here, as well as all embodiments of the method described here, can be combined with one another, preferably independently of the specific configuration in which they are mentioned.

[0065] The invention is described below by way of example with reference to the drawings.

[0066] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a fastening device according to the invention,

[0067] Fig. 2 a partially transparent side view of the

[0068] Fastening device according to Fig. 1 ,

[0069] Fig. 3 is a plan view of the fastening device according to Fig. 1,

[0070] Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the fastening device according to Fig. 1,

[0071] Fig. 5 is a side view of an embodiment of a system according to the invention,

[0072] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the system according to Fig. 5,

[0073] Fig. 7 is a partially transparent perspective view of an embodiment of a system according to the invention, and

[0074] Fig. 8 is a sectional view of the system according to Fig. 7.

[0075] First, it should be noted that the illustrated embodiments are purely exemplary in nature. Individual features can be implemented not only in the combination shown, but also individually or in other technically feasible combinations. For example, the features of one embodiment can be combined arbitrarily with features of another embodiment. Preferably, instead of a single fastening device, a fastening device can also be provided on each of two opposite sides of the frame. Furthermore, the illustrated grounding device is purely optional.

[0076] If a figure contains a reference symbol that is not explained in the immediately corresponding description, reference is made to the corresponding preceding or following explanations in the figure description. Thus, the same reference symbols are used for identical or comparable components in the figures and these are not explained again.

[0077] Fig. 1 shows a fastening device 10 with a holding body 12.

[0078] The holding body 12 has a frame support area 14, a rack support area 16 and a connecting area 18 which connects the frame support area 14 and the rack support area 16 to one another.

[0079] The frame support area 14 may optionally have a grounding device 17, e.g. a hole with a pin with a tip arranged therein.

[0080] Furthermore, the fastening device 10 has a fastening body 20 with a fastening section 22 extending below the frame support area 14 and the rack support area 16.

[0081] The fastening section 22 has a first clamp section 24 and a second clamp section 26. The first clamp section 24 and the second clamp section 26 are connected to one another via an intermediate section 28. The intermediate section 18 is preferably arranged at least in sections above an extension plane of the frame support area 14 and / or the rack support area 16, while the first clamp section 24 and the second clamp section 26 extend at least in sections below the extension plane.

[0082] The intermediate section 18 is received in a groove-shaped recess of the connecting region 18 of the holding body 12.

[0083] A fixing element 30 designed as a screw is arranged in the first clamp section 24.

[0084] As indicated in Fig. 2, the holding body 12 has a fixing recess 32 for the fixing element 30.

[0085] The first bracket section 24 extends further downward than the second bracket section 26.

[0086] The second clamp section 26 may, for example, have a hook 34 for hooking onto a frame.

[0087] Fig. 3 shows a plan view of the fastening device 10, while Fig. 4 shows a sectional view.

[0088] As can be seen in Fig. 5 to Fig. 8, the fastening device 10 can be fixed to a frame 36. In this case, an inner side of a frame 38 is clamped between the frame support area 14 and the frame 36.

[0089] In Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the rack 36 and the frame 38 are shown in dashed lines for better visibility of the fastening device 10, while in Fig. 7 the frame 38 or a module attached to it is drawn partially transparent to allow a view of the fastening device 10. Fig. 8 shows that a tip of a pin of the grounding device 17 can be pressed through an anodized layer of the frame 38 in order to thereby enable potential equalization between the frame 38 and the rack 36.

[0090] Because the fastening is carried out from below, the frame 38 can be assembled from the ground. This prevents any possible damage to the frame 38. There is also no risk of a technician falling during assembly.

[0091] List of reference symbols

[0092] 10 Fastening device

[0093] 12 holding bodies

[0094] 14 Frame placement area

[0095] 16 Rack support area

[0096] 17 Earthing device

[0097] 18 Connection area

[0098] 20 fastening bodies

[0099] 22 Fastening section

[0100] 24 first bracket section

[0101] 26 second bracket section

[0102] 28 Intermediate section

[0103] 30 Screw, fixing element

[0104] 32 Fixing recess

[0105] 34 hooks

[0106] 36 frame

[0107] 38 frames

Claims

Claims 1. Fastening device (10) for fastening at least one frame (38), preferably a module frame of a solar or photovoltaic module, to a rack (36), preferably a mounting rail, comprising a holding body (12) with a frame support area (14) and a rack support area (16), a fastening body (20) with a fastening section (22) extending below the frame support area (14) and / or the rack support area (16), and a fixing element (30), preferably a screw, which is arranged in or on the fastening section (22) of the fastening body (20).

2. Fastening device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the holding body (12) and the fastening body (20) are designed as separate components.

3. Fastening device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fastening body (20) is clamp-shaped and / or U-shaped.

4. Fastening device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening section (22) has a first clamp section (24) and a second clamp section (26).

5. Fastening device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the fastening body (20) has an intermediate section (28) extending between the first clamp section (24) and the second clamp section (26).

6. Fastening device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the intermediate section (28) extends at least partially above an extension plane of the frame support area (14) and / or the rack support area (16).

7. Fastening device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame support area (14) and / or the rack support area (16) has a grounding device (17).

8. System with at least one fastening device (10) according to one of the preceding claims and a frame (38), preferably a module frame of a solar or photovoltaic module.

9. System according to claim 8, characterized in that a frame (36) is provided which has at least one mounting rail.

10. Method for fastening a frame (38), preferably a module frame of a solar or photovoltaic module, to a frame (36), preferably a mounting rail, with a fastening device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7 and / or with a system according to one of claims 8 or 9, in which the fixing element (30) is fixed, preferably screwed, in the fastening section (22) in such a way that the frame (38) is clamped between the frame support area (14) and the frame (36).

Images