DE102009018362B4 - Fastening device for fastening one or two preferably plate-shaped components, in particular solar cell modules, as well as nut for such a fastening device - Google Patents

Abstract

Fastening device for fastening one or two components to a profile rail having an undercut groove on both sides, comprising a nut to be received in the groove, a holding element having an opening, engaging the component or components and a screw penetrating the opening and cooperating with the nut, characterized that the nut (2) has a spring element (23, 24) on each of the two opposite sides, via which the nut (2) is supported directly or indirectly on the one hand in the groove (8) and on the other hand on the holding element (3), wherein the two spring elements (23, 24) are provided on a common holding part (22) which is fixed to the nut (2).

Description

The invention relates to a fastening device for fastening one or two preferably plate-shaped components, in particular solar cell modules, on a both sides undercut groove having profile rail comprising a nut to be included in the nut, a perforation exhibiting, acting on the component or components holding element and the opening penetrating, interacting with the nut screw.

Profile rails having a longitudinally running T-shaped groove on at least one side, ie a groove undercut on both sides, are used to construct a wide variety of constructions, for example frame structures or the like. It is often necessary to attach other components, such as plate-shaped components or the like to them. As such components, for example, solar cell modules are to name, in which case by means of the rails, a corresponding support frame is constructed, on which the solar cell modules are mounted. To fix these solar cell modules they must be supported at the edge, after the occupied with the solar cell surface can not be penetrated by the fasteners.

One of the attachment of solar cell modules serving fastening device is for example off DE 20 2005 001 469 U1 known. This device comprises a nut to be arranged in the undercut groove, a cross-sectionally either L- or U-shaped retaining element, which engages over the respective adjacent solar cell module with its upper, angled end portion or the two end portions edge, and a screw, the corresponding opening in passes through the holding element and engages in the located in the profile rail groove nut. On the mother, which is elongated there and has an upper-side profiling, which prevents rotation when tightening, a pocket is provided on the underside, in which a spring element is inserted, which feathers a protruding on the mother's bottom ball, the mother via this spring-mounted Ball nutgrundseitig supported and pressed against the groove flanks. This prevents the nut from moving longitudinally in the groove.

Although it can be achieved with this fastening device a good attachment of the solar cell modules, the disadvantage here, however, that z. B. when using such a U-shaped profiled support member assembly of another, also from this holding element to be held module is difficult. Because after setting the first solar cell module and arrangement of the fastening device, which can not be tightened after the second parallel solar cell module is to be positioned, the retaining element is due to gravity with its lateral, the module frame edge cross section inevitably on the already set solar cell module. If the second solar cell module is now to be positioned and pushed laterally, then the holding elements of the commonly used two fastening devices, which are required for fixing a solar cell module, are in the way. This means that the fitter first has to lift both holding elements slightly in order to be able to push the second solar cell module under the lateral holding section of the two holding elements. This is very cumbersome and can usually not be accomplished by only one fitter. However, these problems are not only given when two adjacent components are to be fastened, but also when, for example, a fastening device with an L-shaped retaining element enabling only fixing of a solar cell module is used, and the solar cell module after setting the fastening device without tightening it , removed again and repositioned. Here, too, it may happen that the solar cell module has to be pulled away from the fastening devices and subsequently pushed back again.

Out DE 20 2005 001 469 U1 a device for attaching solar modules on a roof surface is known, wherein profiled rails are provided with a groove, as well as a perforation exhibiting a holding element. In the groove, a sliding block is used, wherein a screw passes through a hole of the holding part and is screwed into the sliding block, which has a corresponding internal thread. On the underside of the sliding block a ball is provided, which is spring-mounted against a coil spring, about which the sliding block is pressed continuously against the groove flanks.

Out DE 296 21 873 U1 a mounting system for the attachment of a component to a C-shaped support rail is known. The fastening unit described therein has a threaded bolt with a polygonal head and a counterpart located at the lower end. The counterpart is firmly connected to the shank of the threaded bolt. Also provided is a plate-shaped element which is tensioned by a spring from the counterpart.

The invention is therefore based on the problem to provide a fastening device which allows the attachment of one or two preferably plate-shaped components in a simple manner.

To solve this problem is provided according to the invention in a fastening device of the type mentioned that on the mother on both opposite sides each have a spring element over which the nut is directly or indirectly supported on the one hand in the groove and on the other hand, wherein the two spring elements are provided on a common holding part, which is fixed to the nut.

In the fastening device according to the invention consisting of retaining element, screw and nut, the mother is provided with particular advantage on both opposite sides with spring elements. These are based on the one hand in the groove, so on the groove bottom. This ensures that the nut is always spring-loaded against the two shoulders that undercut the profiled rail groove, and thus is pressed against it, thereby preventing the inserted nut from changing its longitudinal position. About the provided on the opposite side spring element, the mother is supported on the holding element. This now leads with particular advantage to the fact that - after the screw is indeed screwed into the nut, but not yet tightened - the holding element is pressed over this spring element always up against the screw head, and therefore is raised in the direction of the screw longitudinal axis and therefore not rests on the component (s). This means that there is always a sufficient distance or a sufficient lifting height, which makes it possible to push a solar cell module readily under a retaining element, regardless of whether this is now U-shaped or L-shaped in cross-section. The mother has with special advantage thus a double function. On the one hand, this allows a spring element to fix the nut in the profile groove, on the other hand, the second spring element ensures that the holding element is always slightly raised when not tightened screw and therefore can not rest on a component. The assembly is therefore very easy, after the components can be easily positioned without a holding element or its holding section would be in the way. For fixing, only the screw is screwed into the nut, whereby the second, acting on the holding element spring element is compressed. When screwing the mother, which is preferably designed as an elongated nut or as an elongated nut, in the groove, so that they can not rotate.

The two spring elements are preferably designed as helical springs, which are positioned in extension of the thread breakage of the nut, so they are penetrated with particular advantage of the screw. This results in a quasi symmetrical structure.

Basically, there is the possibility to include the two spring elements in corresponding recesses on the mother, for example, to hold it by clamping. It is also conceivable to fix the spring elements on the nut also captive by appropriate mechanical processing. However, the invention provides that the spring elements are provided on a common holding part, which is fixed to the nut. D. h., That the spring elements are not directly supported on the mother, but are attached to a common holding part, which in turn is arranged on the mother.

The holding part may be used according to a first alternative of the invention in the mother, wherein the screw is preferably screwed into the holding part. The holding part is thus inserted directly into the opening of the nut. The screw is then preferably screwed directly into the holding part, wherein the screw cuts the thread itself. Ultimately, this is a self-locking screw-nut connection realized. This also ensures that the mother from an insertion position, so if it is inserted into the profile rail groove, automatically screwed when screwing the screw and taken in clamping engagement with the groove sides, since the screw inevitably entrains the mother when cutting into the holding part. Particularly preferred is the execution of the holding part made of plastic and the direct injection of the holding part in the nut itself as part of a plastic injection molding process. This allows in a simple way the introduction of the holding part in the mother, including the mother is placed in a corresponding injection mold and the holding part forming plastic compound is injected into the mother-side opening.

A second alternative embodiment provides that the holding part is inserted in a holding receptacle of the nut and is arranged in each case with a portion adjacent to the threaded aperture of the nut, wherein the screw is optionally screwed into the holding part. Here is the mother or the mother body with a z. B. laterally open holding receptacle z. B. provided in the form of a recess in which a portion of the holding part received, preferably directly injected. The holding part continues with two sections which are located on the two opposite sides of the nut surrounding the threaded hole. At this z. B. annular sections close to the two spring elements. The inner diameter of these two sections or at least one section is preferably dimensioned so that it is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the threaded bore, so that a screw to be screwed must cut its thread in the plastic section itself and when screwing to a automatic entrainment of the mother comes into the clamping position between the groove edges. Here again, the plastic holding part together with spring elements is preferably molded directly onto the nut or the nut body. Alternatively to the arrangement of the holding part in the nut or the nut opening itself or the holding receptacle, one embodiment of the invention provides for providing the holding part with a receptacle which the mother is preferably inserted from the side. The holding part thus has z. As a quasi C-shaped cross-sectional shape, so it is open on one side, so that the mother can be inserted. The nut itself has in this case a threaded hole into which the screw, which preferably passes through the spring element located on the holding part in the form of coil springs, can be screwed. The holding part is expediently received by clamping on the nut, ie, that the C-shape is to be dimensioned accordingly, so that there is a clamping fixation. Also, a closed, quasi ring or tubular and open only at both ends forms in which the mother or the nut body is to be inserted into the annular or tubular holding part of the front side, is conceivable. Here, the mother is virtually surrounded on all sides by the holding part. Again, the screw can be screwed directly into the holding part, so that it comes to take along the mother and for automatically guiding the same in the clamping position in the groove.

A particularly advantageous embodiment provides to form the spring elements in one piece with the holding part, which is particularly possible in a simple manner when the spring elements and the holding part are made of plastic. Because this one-piece component consisting of holding part and the two laterally projecting spring elements, preferably in the form of coil springs can be readily prepared in a plastic injection molding process. This applies regardless of whether the holding part is now taken directly in the nut aperture itself and the screw is screwed into the holding part, or whether the holding part is inserted into the nut-side holding receptacle, or if the holding part has a side open insertion receptacle for the mother.

However, such a nut, as it is part of the fastening device according to the invention, is not only advantageous as part of such a fastening device, but also as a separate component for optionally other applications. As a result, the invention further relates to a nut, which is particularly suitable for a fastening device of the type described, but not exclusively for this, this mother being characterized in that on both opposite sides in each case a spring element is provided. These spring elements are preferably helical springs, which in the case of assembly are penetrated by a retaining screw or the like, since they are positioned in extension of the nut-side opening.

The two spring elements are preferably provided on a common holding part which is fixed to the nut, wherein either the holding part is inserted into the nut or the mother opening. In this embodiment, a co-operating with the nut screw is screwed into the holding part, wherein the nut cuts itself the thread. A second alternative embodiment provides that the holding part is inserted in a holding receptacle of the nut and is arranged in each case with a portion adjacent to the threaded aperture of the nut, wherein the screw is optionally screwed into the holding part. Here is the mother or the mother body with a z. B. laterally open holding receptacle z. B. provided in the form of a recess in which a portion of the holding part received, preferably directly injected. The holding part continues with two sections which are located on the two opposite sides of the nut surrounding the threaded hole. At this z. B. annular sections close to the two spring elements. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the holding part has a corresponding receptacle into which the nut is preferably inserted from the side, d. h., That the holding part is therefore designed C-shaped or rectangular hollow cross-section and has the corresponding insertion opening.

The spring elements are preferably formed integrally with the holding part. Especially simple is the one-piece design, when the spring elements and the holding part are made of plastic, since the production in a spray process is readily possible.

Further advantages and details of the invention will become apparent from the embodiment described below and with reference to the drawings. Showing:

1 an illustration of the fastening device according to the invention with the nut according to the invention together with rail in an exploded view,

2 an enlarged perspective view of the mother according to the invention,

3 a view of the fastening device according to the invention during assembly, wherein the fastening device is not yet screwed,

4 the representation according to 3 with bolted fastening device and

5 another embodiment of a nut.

1 shows a fastening device according to the invention 1 comprising a mother 2 , a here in cross-section substantially U-shaped retaining element 3 which is used for clamping for fastening the components, as well as a screw 4 that has an opening 5 in the holding element 3 interspersed with her screw head 6 on the counter bearing surface 7 of the retaining element and stored in a threaded aperture of the nut 2 is screwed in. The mother 2 itself is in the mounting position in a mutually undercut groove 8th a profile rail 9 at which the one or both components to be fastened, for example solar cell modules, are to be fixed. The groove 8th is over two lateral shoulders 10 undercut on both sides, against these two shoulders 10 becomes the mother 2 clamped in the mounting position, the screw 4 is over her screw head 6 on the counter bearing surface 7 of the holding element 3 counter-mounted, so that the components to be fixed, not shown here in detail between the laterally projecting holding portions 11 of the holding element 3 and the counter bearing surfaces 12 on the two shoulders of the rail 9 can be tightened. This is explained in more detail below.

2 shows a detailed view of the nut according to the invention 2 , This consists of the actual mother body 13 which is elongated and shaped like a nut. The two front sides 14 are in the lateral areas 15 slightly curved or bevelled, with these areas 15 The nut is screwed against the inner surfaces 16 the two lateral groove legs 17 pressed, about which the mother 2 in the groove 8th is strained.

Provided here is also a lateral recess 18 that penetrate into the threaded hole 19 can reach. In this lateral recess 18 and continuing on the top 20 and the bottom 21 of the mother body 13 there is a holding part 22 , on the upper side and underside each have a spring element 23 . 24 , here in the form of a respective helical spring, is arranged. The holding part 22 as well as the two spring elements 23 and 24 are made of plastic and one piece, so it is a common component. The production takes place in that the mother 2 or the mother body 13 placed in a plastic injection mold, after which the plastic compound containing the holding part 22 together with the spring elements 23 and 24 forms, is injected. D. h., This plastic component is injected directly onto or into the mother.

The holding part 22 has as described two in the thread breaker 19 located, these surrounding sections 25 on. These are designed by the diameter or its inner surface shape so that when screwing the screw 4 in the thread breaker 19 the screw 4 their thread even in these two plastic sections 25 cuts. This causes the mother 2 When screwing the screw is automatically taken something in the screw direction and thus inevitably with the areas 15 against the inner surfaces 16 the two groove legs 17 is moved. It comes to an automatic jamming when screwing the screw 4 , Also, the self-cutting of the thread in the plastic material of the sections leads 25 to the fact that it comes to a kind of self-assurance.

The function of the fastening device respectively the nut and the two spring elements 23 and 24 is from the 3 and 4 seen. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a mounting example. The profile rail 9 is assumed to be fixed to any substructure, such as corresponding transverse rails of a supporting structure, which is mounted on a house roof. In the example shown is on the storage area 12 the in 3 shown left shoulder 10 a first here only partially shown component 26 , For example, a solar cell module, hung up. The mother 2 is already in the groove 8th pushed, with the lower spring element 23 on the ground 27 the groove 8th supported. This causes the mother 2 respectively here the section 25 of the holding part 22 against the two shoulders 10 is pressed. This ensures that the mother 2 can not walk along the groove.

After positioning the mother 2 became the holding element 3 set and immediately after the screw 4 through the opening 5 of the holding element 3 stuck and in the mother 2 screwed in a little so that there is a loose fixation. Because it is not possible at this time, the fastening device 1 to screw, because another component 28 to be attached to the opposite side.

To the pushing and positioning of this second component 28 to allow without the retaining element 3 This must be raised awkward because it is in the way, the retaining element 3 over the second spring element 24 at the bottom of the retaining element 3 attacks, raised, what is possible after the screw 4 not yet tightened. D. h., That there is sufficient vertical play to the holding element 3 sufficiently high against the screw head 6 to press. As can be seen, a sufficient distance d is formed between the underside of a respective holding section 11 and the top of the respective component 26 respectively. 28 ,

The two spring elements 23 and 24 So here are two spacing or clamping functions. About the spring element 23 is the position fixation by pressing the nut 2 accomplished against the shoulders of the groove, while the second spring element 24 the holding element 3 pushes up and keeps at a distance.

Is now the second component 28 is also positioned, see 4 , the screw screwed in completely. Here, the holding element 3 with its holding sections 11 on the respective edges of the components 26 and 28 pressed so that these firmly against the counter bearing surfaces 12 be tense. The spring element 24 is compressed here. Will be the screw at a later date 4 released again, pushes the spring element 24 the holding element 3 automatically back up, so that the distance sets again.

5 shows a further embodiment of a nut according to the invention 2 , Again, there is a holding part 22 provided, on which the two spring elements 23 and 24 , Here coil springs are arranged in one piece, preferably this entire component is made of plastic. Here, however, is the holding part 22 designed as a substantially C-shaped element, which has a laterally open receptacle 31 has, in the from the side of the mother body 13 pushed. The size of the picture 31 is sized so that there is a slight jamming. Obviously, the holding part 22 on the two thighs 29 one opening each 30 on, the quasi-aligned with the thread breaker 19 the mother is, however, again slightly smaller in diameter, so that a screw to be screwed here also their thread in the plastic material of the holding part 22 and cuts it over to an automatic twisting and thus clamping of the nut to the surfaces 16 the groove 8th comes. It would also be conceivable, the holding part 22 close, so the plastic body in 5 also on the right to continue, so that there is an open insertion in the drawing plane for the mother body.

While the 1 - 3 a fastening device according to the invention with a substantially U-shaped holding part 3 show, which makes it possible, on both sides of it located components 26 and 28 to fix, it is of course also possible, a quasi-L-shaped in cross-section holding element 3 to use, in which the one shown in the figures vertical leg with the protruding therefrom holding portion 11 is not provided. This holding part 3 would allow the fixation of only one component. Such holding parts are needed for fixing the outer components of a larger component field. Although the problem of the subsequent pushing on of a neighboring, also to be fixed on the holding part second component does not exist here is the use of a nut according to the invention 2 in the context of such a fastening device 1 nevertheless appropriate. Because it can happen that the component assembly must be solved and, for example, a component 26 must be lifted. The possible lifting of the holding part 3 over the spring element 24 makes it possible to provide sufficient air, if necessary, without the entire screw must be solved to the component 26 exit. Can also be simplified thereby a possible repositioning or subsequent replacement after the fastening device is fixed in position by clamping on the spring element, but nevertheless sufficient air is available to the component 26 if necessary, reinsert.

Claims (15)

Fastening device for fastening one or two components to a two-sided undercut groove having profiled rail comprising a nut to be received in the nut, a perforation exhibiting, acting on the component or components holding element and an opening passing through, cooperating with the nut screw, characterized that the mother ( 2 ) on both opposite sides in each case a spring element ( 23 . 24 ) about which the mother ( 2 ) on the one hand in the groove ( 8th ) and on the other hand on the holding element ( 3 ) is supported directly or indirectly, wherein the two spring elements ( 23 . 24 ) at a common holding part ( 22 ), the mother ( 2 ) is fixed, are provided. Fastening device according to claim 1, characterized in that the two spring elements ( 23 . 24 ) Are coil springs. Fastening device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the holding part ( 22 ) in the mother ( 2 ) is inserted, wherein the screw ( 4 ) preferably in the holding part ( 22 ) is screwed. Fastening device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the holding part ( 22 ) in a holding receptacle ( 18 ) mother ( 2 ) is inserted and each with a section ( 25 ) adjacent to the threaded aperture ( 19 ) mother ( 2 ) is arranged, wherein the screw ( 4 ) preferably in the holding part ( 22 ) is screwed. Fastening device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the holding part ( 22 ) a recording ( 28 ) into which the mother ( 2 ) is pushed in, with the screw ( 4 ) is preferably screwed into the holding part. Fastening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring elements ( 23 . 24 ) in one piece with the holding part ( 22 ) are. Fastening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring elements ( 23 . 24 ) and optionally the holding part ( 22 ) are made of plastic. Fastening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the screw screwed into the holding part ( 4 ) when screwing the nut ( 2 ) in a clamping position in the groove and results in a self-locking screw-nut connection. Nut for a fastening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on both opposite sides in each case a spring element ( 23 . 24 ) is provided, wherein the two spring elements ( 23 . 24 ) at a common holding part ( 22 ), the mother ( 2 ) is fixed, are provided. Nut according to claim 9, characterized in that the two spring elements ( 23 . 24 ) Are coil springs. Nut according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the holding part ( 22 ) in the mother ( 2 ), one with the nut ( 2 ) co-operating screw ( 4 ) preferably in the holding part ( 22 ) is screwed. Nut according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the holding part ( 22 ) in a holding receptacle ( 18 ) mother ( 2 ) is inserted and each with a section ( 25 ) adjacent to the threaded aperture ( 19 ) mother ( 2 ), one into the nut ( 2 ) screw to be screwed in ( 4 ) preferably in the holding part ( 22 ) is screwed. Nut according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the holding part ( 22 ) a recording ( 18 ) into which the mother ( 2 ), one into the nut ( 2 ) screw to be screwed in ( 4 ) is preferably screwed into the holding part. Nut according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the spring elements ( 23 . 24 ) in one piece with the holding part ( 22 ) are. Nut according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that the spring elements ( 23 . 24 ) and optionally the holding part ( 22 ) are made of plastic.

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