Fastening system for fastening photovoltaic modules, and method for fastening photovoltaic modules using the fastening system

Abstract

The fastening system according to the invention for fastening photovoltaic modules comprises a profiled rail (1) which serves as a support for a first photovoltaic module (60) and a second photovoltaic module (61). The fastening system additionally comprises a clamping element (2), which has a first hold-down device (2.1) for holding the second photovoltaic module (61) and a second hold-down device (2.2) for holding the first photovoltaic module (60), wherein the distance (H1) between the profiled rail (1) and the first hold-down device (2.1) is greater than the distance (H2) between the profiled rail (1) and the second hold-down device (2.2).

Description

[0001] Description Fastening system for fastening photovoltaic modules and method for fastening photovoltaic modules with the fastening system Technical field The invention relates to a fastening system for fastening photovoltaic modules and a method for fastening photovoltaic modules with the fastening system. The fastening system is suitable, for example, for mounting photovoltaic modules on a roof. The roof can be a sheet metal roof, for example. The sheet metal roof is preferably corrugated, with the corrugations often being trapezoidal. In the following, the term sheet metal roof refers to a roof covering - with or without a slope - made of metal, such as steel, copper, aluminum or zinc. A sheet metal roof can have one or more flat metal parts that form the roof covering.State of the art From the document DE 202015 102 941 U1, a device for fastening photovoltaic modules to a trapezoidal sheet metal roof is known. The fastening device comprises a lower part with a fastening plate that is screwed to one of the two sloping sides of a trapezoidal sheet metal. The fastening device also comprises an upper part, wherein the upper part and the lower part each have a C-shaped section, and wherein the two sections interlock such that the upper part can be rotated relative to the lower part. To prevent the upper part from slipping relative to the lower part, the upper and lower parts are screwed together in the area of ​​the C-shaped section using a screw. The upper part is rail-shaped at the top. A clamping mechanism is slidably held therein.The clamping mechanism comprises a component that can be moved within the rail, a clamping plate, and a screw with which the photovoltaic module can be clamped between the clamping plate and the rail. The mounting device consists of a relatively large number of individual parts. This makes logistics complex and can lead to errors during installation. Because the upper part can be rotated relative to the lower part and the clamping mechanism can slip, the installer on the roof must not only hold the screws and tools with which the mounting device is to be attached to the metal roof, but also correctly position the movable mounting device. This requires manual dexterity and makes installation on the roof complex and time-consuming. Furthermore, the installation is not without its risks. The installer must bend far over the PV module to secure it, which can cause them to lose their balance.In addition, this solution is material-intensive. Description of the invention One object of the invention is to provide a fastening system for fastening photovoltaic modules with which photovoltaic modules can be fastened in a simple manner. A further object of the invention is to provide a method for fastening photovoltaic modules with the fastening system that is particularly easy to install and safe for the installer. Advantageously, the installer does not have to bend over the module when installing the PV modules. This is particularly advantageous for large PV modules. Because the installer does not have to bend over the module, they can maintain a secure footing during installation. This is also less strenuous for the installer. The object is achieved by a fastening system for fastening photovoltaic modules with the features specified in patent claim 1.The fastening system according to the invention for fastening photovoltaic modules comprises a profile rail that serves as a support for a first photovoltaic module and a second photovoltaic module. The fastening system also comprises a clamping element that has a first hold-down device for holding the second photovoltaic module and a second hold-down device for holding the first photovoltaic module, wherein the distance between the profile rail and the first hold-down device is greater than the distance between the profile rail and the second hold-down device. The clamping element further comprises a web. The fastening system also comprises a base, wherein the base is connected to the profile rail and serves as a stop for the web of the clamping element. Finally, a screw is provided to connect the clamping element to the base and to clamp at least one of the two photovoltaic modules between the clamping element and the profile rail.Advantageous developments of the invention emerge from the features specified in the dependent patent claims. In one embodiment of the fastening system according to the invention, the profile rail has a slot that extends over the entire length of the profile rail. The base can be moved as desired in the slot. In another embodiment of the fastening system according to the invention, the base is positively connected to the profile rail. In a further embodiment of the fastening system according to the invention, the base has two lugs. The lugs are arranged in the slot of the profile rail and form a positive connection with the profile rail. In an additional embodiment of the fastening system according to the invention, the base is arranged below the clamping element.In a further development of the fastening system according to the invention, the base has an additional horizontal stop for one of the photovoltaic modules. In another further development of the fastening system according to the invention, the web serves as an additional stop for one of the photovoltaic modules. The mounting method for fastening photovoltaic modules using the fastening system described above comprises the following steps. The base is pushed into the profile rail. One of the PV modules is pushed between the profile rail and the second hold-down device of the clamping element, and the screw is tightened. A further development of the mounting method comprises the following step: Another of the PV modules is pushed between the profile rail and the first hold-down device of the clamping element. A further development of the mounting method comprises the following steps.Another base is pushed into another profile rail using another clamping element and another screw. The other PV module is arranged between the other profile rail and the first hold-down device of the other clamping element, and the other screw is tightened. Brief description of the drawings The invention is explained in more detail below with several exemplary embodiments using 22 figures. Figure 1 shows a first possible embodiment of the fastening system according to the invention in a three-dimensional view. Figure 2 shows the first embodiment of the fastening system according to the invention in a side view. Figure 3 shows the first embodiment of the fastening system according to the invention in a plan view. Figure 4 shows the first embodiment of the fastening system according to the invention in a front view. Figure 5 shows a first embodiment of the clamping element in a view from below.Figure 6 shows the first embodiment of the clamping element in a three-dimensional view obliquely from above. Figure 7 shows the clamping element in a first side view. Figure 8 shows the clamping element in a further side view. Figure 9 shows the clamping element in an additional side view. Figure 10 shows the clamping element in a view from above. Figure 11 shows the clamping element in a three-dimensional view obliquely from below. Figure 12 shows, in a first assembly phase, how several PV modules can be fastened to a roof using the fastening system according to the invention. Figure 13 shows, in a second assembly phase, several PV modules that have been fastened to the roof using the fastening system in a side view. Figure 14 shows, in a detailed view, how two PV modules are fastened to the roof using the fastening system according to the invention.Figure 15 shows a second possible embodiment of the fastening system according to the invention in a three-dimensional view. Figure 16 shows the second embodiment of the fastening system according to the invention in a front view. Figure 17 shows the second embodiment of the fastening system according to the invention in a side view. Figure 18 shows the second embodiment of the fastening system according to the invention in a top view. Figure 19 shows a third possible embodiment of the fastening system according to the invention in a three-dimensional view. Figure 20 shows the third embodiment of the fastening system according to the invention in a front view. Figure 21 shows the third embodiment of the fastening system according to the invention in a side view. Figure 22 shows the third embodiment of the fastening system according to the invention in a top view.Ways of carrying out the invention Figures 1 to 4 show various views of a first possible embodiment of the fastening system according to the invention for fastening photovoltaic modules. A possible use of the fastening system or of several such (identical) fastening systems is shown in Figures 12 to 14. The fastening system comprises a profile rail 1, which serves as a support for a first photovoltaic module 60 and a second photovoltaic module 61 (see Figure 14). The fastening system also comprises a clamping element 2. The clamping element 2, in turn, has a first hold-down device 2.1, which serves to hold the second photovoltaic module 61. The clamping element 2 also has a second hold-down device 2.2, which is provided to hold the first photovoltaic module 60. The clamping element 2 is preferably formed in one piece. It can, for example, be made from an extruded profile.The clamping element 2 is designed in such a way, or the first hold-down device 2.1 and the second hold-down device 2.2 are arranged on the clamping element 2 in such a way that the distance H1 between the profile rail 1 and the first hold-down device 2.1 is greater than the distance H2 between the profile rail 1 and the second hold-down device 2.2. The clamping element 2 also has a web 2.3. In the embodiment according to Figures 1 to 11, the web 2.3 is arranged on the side of the first hold-down device 2.1. The web 2.3 extends downwards and preferably far enough downwards that the base 3 can serve as a horizontal stop 3.1 for the web 2.3. The fastening system further comprises a base 3. The base 3 can be positively connected to the profile rail 1, as shown, for example, in Figure 4. The positive locking can be achieved by two lugs 3.5, which are provided at the bottom of the base 3, engaging in the profile rail 1.Advantageously, the base 3 is designed such that it serves as a horizontal stop 3.1 for the web 2.3 of the clamping element 2. The fastening system also comprises a screw 4 to connect the clamping element 2 to the base 3. In addition, the screw 4 serves to clamp one of the two photovoltaic modules 60 or 61 or both photovoltaic modules 60 and 61 between the clamping element 2 and the profile rail 1. As shown, for example, in Figure 14, the first hold-down device 2.1 prevents the PV module 61 from moving upwards, and the second hold-down device 2.2 presses the PV module 60 onto the profile rail 1 when the screw 4 is tightened. Figure 14 shows that the second hold-down device 2.2 rests against the top of the PV module 60 and presses it onto the profile rail 1. Since the first hold-down device 2.1 is slightly further away from the profile rail 1 than the second hold-down device 2.2, the hold-down device 2 presses.1 does not rest directly on the PV module 61, even when fully assembled. Instead, a small distance (gap) remains between the underside of the hold-down device 2.1 and the top side of the PV module 61. This is particularly advantageous during installation. Installation To install PV modules on a base area, such as a roof 5 (see Figures 12 - 14), you can proceed as follows. The order of the installation steps is only an example and therefore not mandatory. In a first step, a sufficient number of profile rails 1 are fastened to the roof 5 where the PV modules are to be arranged later. The profile rails 1 can be glued, screwed, or riveted to the base area or roof 5, for example. The base 3 is then pushed onto the profile rail 1 and, together with the clamping element 2, brought into approximately the correct position.In a further step, for example, the PV module 60 can now be pushed between the profile rail 1 and the hold-down device 2.2 and aligned. Then, the base 3 with the clamping element 2 is pushed as far as it will go against the PV module 60. The PV module 60 can now be clamped in place using the screw 4. Another PV module 61 can now be pushed onto the profile rail 1 under the hold-down device 2.1. The PV module 61 is thus already fixed in place so that it can no longer fold upwards. Since the distance H2 is smaller than the distance H1, a small distance (gap) remains between the underside of the hold-down device 2.1 and the top of the PV module 61. The distances H1 and H2 (and thus the gap) are selected so that the installer can easily slide the PV module 61 under the hold-down device 2.1 and up to the stop formed by the web 2.3.Once the PV module 61 is secured to the upper profile rail 1, as indicated in Figure 12, it is placed on the lower profile rail 1. The base 3 and the clamping element 2 are then pushed from below until they stop against the PV module 61. The screw 4 can then be tightened. This causes the hold-down device 2.2 to press onto the frame of the PV module 61, securing it against slipping. In this way, any number of PV modules can be positioned and secured. If no PV module has yet been attached to the roof, the first PV module 63 or the PV modules of the first PV module row can be secured on both sides with a hold-down device 2.2 each. For this purpose, the clamping element 2 can be rotated 180° around the vertical axis relative to the base 3. In this way, it is possible to clamp one and the same PV module with two hold-down clamps 2.2.For aesthetic reasons, specially designed clamping elements can also be used on the outer edges of the PV module array. Such a specially designed clamping element has only one hold-down clamp, not two (not shown in the figures). With this specially designed hold-down clamp, only one PV module can be clamped. On a roof or a sloping surface, the installation or fastening of the PV modules can begin at the top or bottom. The fastening system according to the invention has the further advantage that, in a PV module array constructed with it, any PV module can be removed by simply loosening the screw 4 with which the PV module to be removed is clamped by the hold-down clamp 2.2.If, for example, the PV module 62 in the row of PV modules shown in Figure 13 is to be removed, only screw 4 of the (lower) fastening system that secures the PV module 62 at the bottom is loosened. Because the PV module 62 is simply inserted into the upper fastening system at the top (hold-down device 2.1), it only needs to be pulled out. The screw 4 on the upper fastening system does not need to be loosened. The method for fastening photovoltaic modules using the fastening system described here is particularly easy to install. In addition, the installer can fix the individual PV modules from a safe position. The installer can, for example, start by installing the topmost row of PV modules on the roof 5. If the clamping elements 2 are aligned as shown in Figure 14, they only need to insert the individual PV modules into the first hold-down device 2.1.The installer can do this from a safe position and without having to bend over the PV module. After placing and positioning the PV module, they can slide the second hold-down device 2.2 over the lower edge of the PV module and clamp the PV module in place with screw 4. The installer can also do this from a safe position and without having to bend over the PV module. In the coordinate system shown in the figures, the y-axis runs parallel to the longitudinal axis LA of the profile rail 1. The horizontal plane is spanned by the x-axis and the y-axis. The vertical extends parallel to the z-axis. A stop, referred to here as a horizontal stop, acts in the horizontal direction, i.e. in the horizontal plane. The same applies mutatis mutandis to the other embodiments of the fastening system shown in the other figures. The base 3 can be designed so that the lugs 3.5 of the base is pushed outwards when the screw 4 is screwed in, i.e. in the direction of the profile rail 1. This allows the base 3 to be connected to the profile rail 1 not only in a form-fitting manner, but also in a friction-fitting manner. Figures 5 to 11 show various views of the clamping element 2. The clamping element 2 has a hole 2.5 through which the screw 4 can be inserted. The first hold-down device 2.1 can have a vertical surface 2.4, which can serve as a horizontal stop for a PV module. The same applies analogously to the second hold-down device 2.2. The second hold-down device 2.2 can also have a vertical surface 2.8, which can serve as a horizontal stop for a PV module. In principle, the surfaces 2.4 and 2.8 do not have to be vertical in order to serve as a horizontal stop. The clamping element 2 can have a rib 2.7 on its upper side. The rib 2.7 can serve as a visual identifier and show the installer on which side the web 2.3 is located. In addition, a groove 2.6 can be provided on the top side of the clamping element 2. The groove 2.6 can also serve as a visual orientation aid for the installer. Figures 15 to 18 show various views of a second possible embodiment of the fastening system according to the invention. In the first and second embodiments, the clamping element 2 has the same structure. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment with regard to the profile rail and the base. In the second embodiment, the profile rail 10 is similar to the profile rail 1 but not the same. The same applies to the base 103. Like the base 3, the base 103 can also be designed so that the lugs 103.5 of the base 103 are pressed outwards, i.e. in the direction of the profile rail 10, when the screw 4 is screwed in.This allows the base 103 to be connected to the profile rail 10 not only with a positive fit, but also with a friction fit. The profile rail 10 has a slot 10.1 along its entire length, in which the base can be pushed back and forth. A nut 104 can be inserted into the base 103 (see Figure 16). The nut 104 serves to receive the screw 4. This design has the advantage that the base 103 can be made of a relatively soft material, such as aluminum. The nut, however, can be made of steel so that it can absorb the forces generated by the screw 4 without damage. Figures 19 to 22 show various views of a third possible embodiment of the fastening system according to the invention. The third embodiment of the fastening system differs from the first embodiment with regard to the clamping element 20, the profile rail 100, and the base 203.In the third embodiment, the profile rail 100 is similar to the profile rail 1 but not the same. The same applies to the clamping element 20. In the third embodiment of the fastening system, the base 203 has a nose 203.5 on the left and right, which engages in the profile of the profile rail 100 (see Figure 20). In addition, a plate 210 is provided below the base 203. The profile rail 100 has a slot 100.1 over its entire length, in which the base 203 and the plate 210 can be pushed back and forth. When the screw 4 is screwed into the base 203, it presses on the plate 210. This causes the plate 210 and the base 203 to be pushed apart and thus clamped in the profile rail 100. This allows the base 203 to be connected to the profile rail 100 not only in a form-fitting manner, but also in a friction-fitting manner. The clamping element 20 can have a rib 20.7 on its upper side.The rib 20.7 can serve as a visual indicator and show the installer on which side the web 20.3 is located. Like the clamping element 2, the clamping element 20 also has a first hold-down device 20.1 and a second hold-down device 20.2. The first hold-down device 20.1 has the same function as the first hold-down device 20.1, and the second hold-down device 20.2 has the same function as the second hold-down device 20.2. The same applies to the distance H1 for the first hold-down device 20.1 and the distance H2 for the second hold-down device 20.2. Here, too, the first distance H1 is greater than the second distance H2. The preceding description of the exemplary embodiments according to the present invention serves only for illustrative purposes. Various changes and modifications are of course possible.For example, the various components shown in Figures 1 to 22 can also be combined with one another in a manner other than that shown in the figures.

[0002] List of reference symbols 1 Profile rail 1.1 Slot 2 Clamping element 2.1 Hold-down device 2.2 Hold-down device 2.3 Web 2.4 Vertical surface / horizontal stop 2.5 Hole 2.6 Recess / groove 2.7 Rib 2.8 Horizontal stop 3 Base 3.1 Horizontal stop 3.4 Horizontal stop 3.5 Nose 4 Screw 5 Roof 10 Profile rail 10.1 Slot 20 Clamping element 20.1 Hold-down device 20.2 Hold-down device 20.3 Web 20.4 Horizontal stop 20.5 Rib 20.6 Recess / groove 40 Screw 60 PV module 61 PV module 62 PV module 63 PV module 100 Profile rail 100.1 Slot 103 Base 103.1 Horizontal stop 103.4 Horizontal stop 103.5 Nose 104 Nut 203 Base 203.1 Horizontal stop 203.4 Horizontal stop 203.5 Nose 210 Plate LA Longitudinal axis x x-axis y y-axis z z-axis

Claims

1. Fastening system for fastening photovoltaic modules, - with a profile rail (1) which serves as a support for a first photovoltaic module (60) and a second photovoltaic module (61), - with a clamping element (2), -- which has a first hold-down device (2.1) for holding the second photovoltaic module (61) and a second hold-down device (2.2) for holding the first photovoltaic module (60), wherein the distance (H1) between the profile rail (1) and the first hold-down device (2.1) is greater than the distance (H2) between the profile rail (1) and the second hold-down device (2.2), and -- which has a web (2.3), - with a base (3) which is connected to the profile rail (1) and serves as a horizontal stop (3.1) for the web (2.3), and - with a screw (4) to connect the clamping element (2) to the base (3) and to at least one of the two photovoltaic modules (60, 61) between the clamping element (2) and the profile rail (1).

2. Fastening system according to claim 1, - in which the profile rail (1) has a slot (1.1) extending over the entire length of the profile rail (1), and - in which the base (3) can be freely displaced in the slot (1.1).

3. Fastening system according to claim 1 or 2, in which the base (3) is positively connected to the profile rail (1).

4. Fastening system according to claim 2, wherein the base has two lugs (3.5) which are arranged in the slot (1.1) of the profile rail and form a positive connection with the profile rail (1).

5. Fastening system according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the base (3) is arranged below the clamping element (2).

6. Fastening system according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the base (3) has a further horizontal stop (3.4) for one of the photovoltaic modules (60, 61).

7. Fastening system according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the web (2.3) serves as a further stop (2.4) for one of the photovoltaic modules (60, 61).

8. Assembly method for fastening photovoltaic modules with a fastening system according to one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the following steps: - the base (2) is pushed into the profile rail (1), - one of the PV modules (60) is inserted between the profile rail (1) and the second hold-down device (2.2) of the clamping element (2), and - the screw (4) is tightened.

9. The mounting method according to claim 8, comprising the following step: another of the PV modules (61) is pushed between the profile rail (1) and the first hold-down device (2.1) of the clamping element (2).

10. Mounting method according to claim 9, comprising the following steps: - a further base (2) is pushed into a further profile rail (1) with a further clamping element (2) and a further screw (4), - the further PV module (61) is arranged between the further profile rail (1) and the second hold-down device (2.2) of the further clamping element (2), - the further screw (4) is tightened.

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