Arrangement for connecting together construction profiles and substructure for a solar installation

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement (8) for connecting together construction profiles (2, 3) of a substructure (1) for a solar installation, comprising at least one clamping device (9), with which a profile section of a construction profile (2, 3) can be clamped against a profile section of a further construction profile (2, 3). To reduce the effort involved in the assembly, maintenance and disassembly of a solar installation, the clamping device (9) has at least one clamping element (10) with a C-shaped clamping section (11) which can be arranged on the two construction profiles (2, 3) in such a way that a part of a profile section of one construction profile (2, 3) and a part of a profile section of the further construction profile (2, 3) can be clamped between free end sections of the clamping section (11).

Description

[0001] Title of the invention

[0002] Arrangement for connecting construction profiles and substructure for a solar system

[0003] Technical area

[0004] The invention relates to an arrangement for interconnecting structural profiles of a substructure for a solar energy system, comprising at least one clamping device with which a profile section of one structural profile can be clamped against a profile section of another structural profile. Furthermore, the invention relates to a substructure for a solar energy system, comprising at least two interconnectable structural profiles.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] When constructing a substructure or subframe for a solar energy system, such as a photovoltaic system, a large number of screw connections are typically used. This results in costly installation, operation, maintenance, and dismantling of such a system.

[0007] In addition, special tools are required for the assembly of screw connections, some of which are electrically operated, whereby torques must be observed and the time required for the screwing operations to be carried out increases with the number of screw connections present.

[0008] During the use of a substructure, screw connections must be checked at regular intervals and tightened if necessary.

[0009] Such screw connections are often difficult to access, especially in flat substructures on roofs or above water surfaces, for example because they are covered by solar modules and lateral access is impossible due to spatial limitations. This creates the risk of neglecting maintenance.

[0010] At the end of a substructure's life cycle, aging processes in or on the screw connections can lead to significant time-consuming disassembly of the substructure. If the screw connections can no longer be separated, this may lead to the destruction of substructure components. Components that could otherwise be reused are at risk of becoming scrap.

[0011] In substructures from MEISER Solar GmbH, a truss is connected to mounting rails using screws and counter plates.

[0012] In substructures from SL Rack GmbH, trusses and mounting rails are connected using screw clamps. These screw clamps can clamp one side of the mounting profile, requiring only one screw connection. However, it is also possible to clamp the mounting profile to be secured from both sides. In both cases, relatively complex preformed parts are cut to length and provided with at least one hole for the screw connection. The material, processing, and application of these components all add up to high costs.

[0013] In substructures from Schietter Solar GmbH, the screw clamp is replaced by a plate cut from sheet metal, which is attached to the truss with two screws. In addition, the inserted mounting profile is clamped with a so-called clamping shoe. This solution requires at least two screws plus a nut, a sheet metal plate, and a complex stamped and bent part to fulfill the same purpose as the previously mentioned solution with a screw and counter plate.

[0014] The current state of the art still requires a high level of material and labor input. Processing, assembly, and disassembly are time-consuming. During the assembly process, numerous errors can arise that are difficult to detect and correct.

[0015] Disclosure of the invention

[0016] One object of the invention is to reduce the effort required for assembly, maintenance and disassembly of a solar system.

[0017] This object is achieved by claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are set out in the dependent claims, the following description and the figures, wherein these embodiments, each taken individually or in various combinations of at least two of these embodiments with one another, can represent an advantageous and / or further developing aspect of the invention.

[0018] An arrangement according to the invention for connecting construction profiles of a substructure for a solar energy system to one another has at least one clamping device with which a profile section of one construction profile can be clamped against a profile section of another construction profile, wherein the clamping device has at least one clamping element with a C-shaped clamping section which can be arranged on the two construction profiles in such a way that part of the profile section of one construction profile and part of the profile section of the other construction profile can be clamped between free end sections of the clamping section. The invention proposes an arrangement for connecting construction profiles of a substructure for a solar energy system to one another, with which two construction profiles can be clamped by means of the at least one clamping device orat least one tensioning element can be clamped against each other without the need for an additional screw connection. This clamping of the two structural profiles against each other allows the structural profiles to be securely connected. According to the invention, the two structural profiles are thus connected via a screw-free connection, so that the structural profiles can be connected reliably and durably without the need for screwing tools. Furthermore, screw-free and non-destructive disassembly and reassembly of the substructure can be ensured, even after many years of use.

[0019] The installation of solar modules, for example photovoltaic modules, on one of the structural profiles connected to one another according to the invention advantageously leads to additional bracing of this structural profile in the clamping element. This ensures that this connection is non-slip and stable and maintenance-free over the service life of the subframe. In particular, with an upper structural profile that has a C-shaped cross-section, for example, it can happen that the upper structural profile is not completely flat or parallel to the lower structural profile after the three components (lower structural profile, upper structural profile, solar module) have been joined together because it is pulled by the clamping element in the direction of the clamping element. In this case, a lower leg of the upper structural profile is not exactly perpendicular to the lower structural profile.If a solar module is now placed on the upper structural profile and connected to it with a force-lock, e.g., by screwing or with a screwed or screwless module clamp, it presses the upper structural profile against the lower structural profile. This forces the lower leg of the upper structural profile more firmly into the clamping element, and the lower leg of the upper structural profile is pressed onto the lower structural profile. Shifting or lateral displacement of the upper structural profile is now virtually impossible due to the significantly increased tension and increased frictional forces.

[0020] The clamping device according to the invention does not have any components that can be mechanically adjusted relative to one another via an adjustment means. Instead, the clamping element is provided, which is preferably formed as a single piece or monolithic. When the clamping element is arranged on the structural profiles to be clamped against one another, the C-shaped clamping section of the clamping element is arranged on sections or parts of the two structural profiles in such a way that these sections or parts abut one another and are clamped against one another under elastic deformation of the clamping section. In this case, these sections or parts of the structural profiles are clamped between free end sections of the clamping section.

[0021] The clamping element can be made partially or entirely of a metallic material. The clamping element can either consist exclusively of the clamping section or have at least one additional functional section.

[0022] The arrangement according to the invention for connecting structural profiles of a substructure for a solar energy system can be used, for example, to manufacture a solar thermal system or a photovoltaic system. Furthermore, the arrangement according to the invention can be used to manufacture a land-based or floating solar energy system.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment, the clamping element has at least one rectilinear base section and a J-shaped hook section which projects laterally from the base section and is arranged in a plane with the base section, wherein the hook section is connected off-center to the base section in such a way that a connecting region between the hook section and the base section is arranged closer to an end of the base section which is formed by a first longitudinal section of the base section which, together with the hook section, forms the clamping section.This clamping element can, for example, be arranged on one of the two structural profiles in such a way that a second longitudinal section of the base section, which is not part of the clamping section, can be inserted into a window opening formed as an elongated hole and running in the longitudinal direction of this structural profile, preferably formed as a hollow profile, U-profile, or L-profile, on a side of the structural profile facing another structural profile, for example until the hook section abuts an axial end of the window opening. Since the axial length of the window opening is smaller than a length of the base section of the clamping element, the remaining part, in particular the first longitudinal section, of the base section can then also be guided through the window opening.The clamping element can then be displaced axially relative to the structural profile, specifically in the direction in which the first longitudinal section points. In the correspondingly displaced relative position, the clamping element is then captively connected to the structural profile or hooked to the structural profile. During or after this displacement of the clamping element, the hook section, in particular its hook bend, can be forced over a section or part of the further structural profile and thereby elastically deformed in order to clamp the structural profiles against one another. The first longitudinal section of the base section can be shorter than the second longitudinal section of the base section.

[0024] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the first longitudinal section has a contact surface arranged facing a hook curve of the hook section and sloping at least partially toward the end of the first longitudinal section. This ensures that the contact pressure generated by the clamping device between the sections or parts of the structural profiles inserted into the clamping section of the clamping element and abutting against one another increases the further the clamping section is pressed onto the sections or parts of the structural profiles. In practice, this effect can be maximized by striking the hook section with a rubber hammer.

[0025] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the end of the first longitudinal section is at least partially rounded. This ensures that the first longitudinal section can be reliably guided under the other axial end of the window opening during the above-described displacement of the clamping element relative to the structural profile comprising the window opening, particularly if the clamping of the structural profiles already begins during this displacement.

[0026] A substructure for a solar system according to the invention comprises at least two interconnectable structural profiles and at least one arrangement according to one of the above-mentioned embodiments or a combination of at least two of these embodiments. A structural profile has, on a side facing another structural profile, at least one window opening configured as an elongated hole and extending in the longitudinal direction of the structural profile, the axial length of which window opening is less than the length of the base section of the clamping element. The structural profile is preferably configured as an at least partially circumferentially closed hollow profile, U-profile, or L-profile, but can also be a flat sheet with an incorporated window opening.

[0027] The substructure offers the advantages mentioned above with regard to its arrangement. Less heavily loaded structural components of the substructure can be connected to each other using bolts with locking pins to further reduce the number of screw connections. The hollow profile can, for example, have a rectangular cross-sectional area.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment, the axial length of the window opening is half the length of the base section of the tensioning element. This creates a relatively large contact area between the base section and the structural profile containing the window opening in a tensioned state in which the structural profiles are clamped against each other by means of the tensioning element, making the connection between the structural profiles very secure and durable.

[0029] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the structural component on which the window opening is formed is designed as an inclined truss profile. Trusses are known in particular as vertical, large-area, load-bearing, and stiffening components of roof structures and typically comprise several connected truss profiles. In order to be able to arrange a solar module at an incline, the truss profile on which the solar module is mounted can itself be arranged at an incline.

[0030] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the further structural profile forms a residual side wall section facing the structural profile and extending over part of a length of the further structural profile, said residual side wall section having a free end which is provided for engagement with the hook bend of the hook section. The hook section must be high enough to be able to encompass the residual side wall section of the further structural profile. A maximum distance between the base section and the hook bend can, for example, correspond to a width of the residual side wall section and the wall thickness of the truss profile. In particular, the further structural profile is designed as a hollow profile that is open on one side, wherein the residual side wall section is then arranged on an edge of a side on which the further structural profile is open.The further construction profile can, for example, be designed as a C-profile or also as a U-profile or L-profile, whereby in the latter two a window opening can be introduced to form the remaining side wall section.

[0031] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the additional structural profile is designed as a mounting profile to which at least one solar module of the solar system can be mounted. Thus, a corresponding mounting profile can be connected to a truss profile described above via the clamping element.

[0032] Preferably, the structural profiles are aligned perpendicular to each other. This allows a structural surface to be formed on which several solar modules can be mounted side by side.

[0033] In the following, the invention is explained by way of example with reference to the attached figures using a preferred embodiment, wherein the features explained below can represent an advantageous and / or further developing aspect of the invention both individually and in different combinations with one another.

[0034] Short description of the characters

[0035] It shows:

[0036] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a substructure according to the invention in an initial connection state;

[0037] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of the substructure shown in Fig. 1 in a further connection state;

[0038] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of the substructure shown in Fig. 1 in a further connection state;

[0039] Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of the substructure shown in Fig. 1 in a further connection state;

[0040] Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of the substructure shown in Fig. 1 in a further connection state; and

[0041] Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of the substructure shown in Fig. 1 in a functional state. Detailed description of the figures

[0042] In the figures, identical components are always provided with the same reference symbols, which is why these components are usually only described once.

[0043] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a substructure 1 according to the invention for a solar system (not shown) in an initial connection state. The substructure 1 comprises two interconnectable structural profiles 2 and 3, which are aligned perpendicular to each other.

[0044] The structural profile 2 is shown in longitudinal section and is designed as an inclined truss profile. The structural profile 2 is designed as an at least partially circumferentially closed hollow profile and has, on a side 4 facing the further structural profile 3, a window opening 5 designed as an elongated hole and extending in the longitudinal direction of the structural profile 2.

[0045] The additional structural profile 3 is shown in cross-section and is designed as a mounting profile on which at least one solar module (not shown) of the solar system can be mounted. The additional structural profile 3 is designed as a hollow profile open on one side, in particular as a C-profile. On a side 6 of the additional structural profile 3, on which the additional structural profile 3 is open, a residual side wall section 7 extending at least over part of a length of the additional structural profile 3 is arranged on an edge of this side 6 facing the structural profile 2.

[0046] The substructure 1 also has an arrangement 8 for connecting the construction profiles 2 and 3. The arrangement 8 has a clamping device 9 with which a profile section of the construction profile 2 can be clamped against a profile section of the further construction profile 3.

[0047] The clamping device 9 has a clamping element 10 with a C-shaped clamping section 11. The clamping section 11 can be arranged on the two structural profiles 2 and 3 in such a way that a part of the profile section of one structural profile 2 and a part of the profile section of the other structural profile 3 can be clamped between free end sections of the clamping section 11, as shown in Fig. 5.

[0048] The clamping element 10 has a rectilinear base section 12 and a J-shaped hook section 13 that projects laterally from the base section 12 and is arranged in a plane with the base section 12. The hook section 13 is connected eccentrically to the base section 12 such that a connecting region between the hook section 13 and the base section 12 is arranged closer to an end 14 of the base section 12, which is formed by a first longitudinal section 12a of the base section 12, which together with the hook section 13 forms the clamping section 11.

[0049] The first longitudinal section 12a of the base section 12 has a contact surface 15 arranged facing a hook bend 13a of the hook section 13, which can slope at least partially toward the end 14 of the first longitudinal section 12a. The end 14 of the first longitudinal section 12a is rounded. The hook bend 13a can engage a free end of the remaining side wall section 7, as shown in Figs. 2 to 5.

[0050] The axial length of the window opening 5 is smaller than the length of the base section 12 of the clamping element 10. The axial length of the window opening 5 is approximately half the length of the base section 12 of the clamping element 10.

[0051] Fig. 1 shows an initial connection state in which the tensioning element 10 is hooked or suspended via its hook section 13 on the further construction profile 3 or its remaining side wall section 7.

[0052] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of the substructure 1 shown in Fig. 1 in a further connection state. This connection state is derived from the connection state shown in Fig. 1 in that the tensioning element 10 has been completely suspended from the further construction profile 3 and is displaced together with the further construction profile 3 according to arrow 16 in the direction of the window opening 5.

[0053] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of the substructure 1 shown in Fig. 1 in a further connection state. This connection state is derived from the connection state shown in Fig. 2 in that the base section 12 of the tensioning element 10 has been partially passed through the window opening 5 or moved into the construction profile 2.

[0054] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of the substructure 1 shown in Fig. 1 in a further connection state. This connection state is derived from the connection state shown in Fig. 3 in that the base section 12 of the tensioning element 10 has been passed completely through the window opening 5 and thereby inserted into the structural profile 2, with the structural profiles 2 and 3 abutting one another. For this purpose, the tensioning element 10, together with the further structural profile 3, has been rotated clockwise around an axis perpendicular to the plane of the drawing in Fig. 4.

[0055] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of the substructure 1 shown in Fig. 1 in a further connection state. This connection state emerges from the connection state shown in Fig. 4 in that the tensioning element 10 has been displaced relative to the construction profile 2 according to arrow 17, together with the further construction profile 3. This can be achieved, for example, by striking the hook section 13 with a rubber hammer (not shown). In Fig. 5, the tensioning element 10 is in its tensioned position, in which the tensioning element 10 clamps the two construction profiles 2 and 3 against each other.

[0056] The additional structural profile 3 is removed from the structural profile 2 by reversing the assembly steps described above. Both assembly and disassembly can be repeated as often as desired without causing damage to the substructure 1. Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of the substructure shown in Fig. 1 in a functional state. This functional state is evident from the connection state shown in Fig. 5, in that a solar module 18 has been mounted on the additional structural component 3. Mounting the solar module 18 on the additional structural profile 3 increases the clamping tension. If the solar module 18 is placed on the additional structural profile 3 and connected to it in a force-fitting manner, e.g., by screwing or with a screwed or screwless module clamp, it presses the additional structural profile 3 against the lower structural profile 2.As a result, the remaining side wall section 7 of the additional structural profile 3 is pressed more firmly into the hook section 13 of the clamping element 10, and the leg of the additional structural profile 3 lying parallel to side 4 of the structural profile 2 is pressed onto side 4 of the structural profile 2. This is illustrated in Fig. 6 by the downward-pointing arrow 19. Shifting or lateral displacement of the upper additional structural profile 3 is now virtually impossible due to the significantly increased tension and increased frictional forces.

[0057] List of reference symbols

[0058] 1 substructure

[0059] 2 structural component

[0060] 3 additional structural components

[0061] 4 Page of 2

[0062] 5 window opening at 2

[0063] 6 Page of 3

[0064] 7 Remaining side wall section of 3

[0065] 8 Arrangement

[0066] 9 Clamping device

[0067] 10 clamping element

[0068] 11 clamping section of 10

[0069] 12 base section of 10

[0070] 12a first section of 12

[0071] 12b second section of 12

[0072] 13 hook section of 10

[0073] 13a Hook arch of 13

[0074] 14 End of 12a

[0075] 15 Contact surface at 12a

[0076] 16 Arrow

[0077] 17 Arrow

[0078] 18 solar modules

[0079] 19 Arrow

Claims

Patent claims 1 . Arrangement (8) for interconnecting construction profiles (2, 3) of a substructure (1) for a solar system, comprising at least one clamping device (9) with which a profile section of one construction profile (2, 3) can be clamped against a profile section of another construction profile (2, 3), characterized in that the clamping device (9) has at least one clamping element (10) with a C-shaped clamping section (11) which can be arranged on the two construction profiles (2, 3) in such a way that a part of the profile section of the one construction profile (2, 3) and a part of the profile section of the other construction profile (2, 3) can be clamped between free end sections of the clamping section (11).

2. Arrangement (8) according to claim 1, characterized in that the clamping element (10) has at least one rectilinear base section (12) and a J-shaped hook section (13) projecting laterally from the base section (12) and arranged in a plane with the base section (12), wherein the hook section (13) is connected eccentrically to the base section (12) in such a way that a connecting region between the hook section (13) and the base section (12) is arranged closer to an end (14) of the base section (12), which is formed by a first longitudinal section (12a) of the base section (12), which together with the hook section (13) forms the clamping section (11).

3. Arrangement (8) according to claim 2, characterized in that the first longitudinal section (12a) has a contact surface (15) arranged facing a hook bend (13a) of the hook section (13) and sloping at least partially in the direction of the end (14) of the first longitudinal section (12a).

4. Arrangement (8) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the end (14) of the first longitudinal section (12a) is at least partially rounded.

5. Substructure (1) for a solar system, comprising at least two interconnectable construction profiles (2, 3), characterized by at least one arrangement (8) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a construction profile (2) has, on a side (4) facing another construction profile (3), at least one window opening (5) designed as an elongated hole and running in the longitudinal direction of the construction profile (2), the axial length of which window opening is smaller than a length of the base section (12) of the tensioning element (10).

6. Substructure (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the axial length of the window opening (5) is half the length of the base section (12) of the tensioning element (10).

7. Substructure (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the structural component (2) on which the window opening (5) is formed is designed as an inclined truss profile.

8. Substructure (1) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the structural component (2) on which the window opening (5) is formed is designed as an at least partially continuously closed hollow profile or U-profile or L-profile.

9. Substructure (1) according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the further construction profile (3) forms a residual side wall section (7) facing the construction profile (2) and extending at least over part of a length of the further construction profile (3) with a free end which is provided for engagement of the hook bend (13a) of the hook section (13).

10. Substructure (1) according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the further construction profile (3) is designed as a mounting profile on which at least one solar module (18) of the solar system can be mounted.

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