DE102010022845A1 - Edge protection element for protecting edge of frameless photovoltaic module during assembling of module on support rail on e.g. diagonal roof, has integrated joint for arranging upper portion at lateral portion in pivotably movable manner - Google Patents

Abstract

The element has a lower portion (7), a lateral portion (8) and an upper portion (9) for protecting a lower side (4), a front side (5) and a top side (6) of an edge (2) of a photovoltaic module (1), respectively. An integrated joint (10) arranges the upper portion at the lateral portion in a pivotably movable manner. The upper portion is pre-positioned in an open position, where the upper portion is further opened with respect to positioning of the upper portion parallel to the lower portion, where the element is flexibly designed. An independent claim is also included for a method for operating an upper portion of an edge protection element.

Description

The invention relates to an edge protection element, as provided for protecting an edge of an unframed PV module in its arrangement on a support structure.

PV modules are usually mounted on support structures by means of clamping bodies. Such clamp bodies are braced against the support structure and grasp the PV modules on opposite edges. Usually four clamping bodies per PV module are provided, wherein adjacent PV modules can be fastened together by means of so-called middle clamps.

As a rule, PV modules have a glass pane at least on their upper side. This is unprotected at the edges of unframed PV modules, unlike framed PV modules. To attach unframed PV modules therefore elastic edge protection elements are expedient, which are each arranged between the PV module and the aforementioned clamping bodies and / or the support structure. Such clamp body and edge protection elements are among others US 2003/0070368 A1 known.

The assembly of unframed PV modules with the known edge protection elements is time-consuming, especially for large photovoltaic systems. In addition, the thousandfold accurate insertion of PV modules in prefixed clamp body or in the edge protection elements arranged therein can be very tedious in the long term. The same applies if such edge protection elements are aufzustecken in advance on the edges, and then the PV module is to be accurately introduced together with these in the clamp body.

The object of the invention is to develop an edge protection element with which the arrangement of unframed PV modules on a support structure is simplified.

The object is achieved with the edge protection element according to claim 1. Accordingly, this is elastic and provided to protect an edge of an unframed PV module when placed on a support structure. In the following, a border is understood to mean a three-sided, that is to say a lower, a front and an upper side, comprising a straight section of a flat plate-like object, which may also be referred to as an edge in the general sense. A rectangular PV module accordingly has exactly four such edges or edges. As is typical for the arrangement of PV modules, the support structure may be designed in particular as a mounting rail.

The edge protector includes a lower portion for protecting the underside of the rim, a side portion for protecting the end of the rim, and an upper portion for protecting the top of the rim. Here, the lower portion act as a protective pad between the edge and the support structure. The upper portion can act accordingly as a protective pad between the edge and a fastening means, in particular a rigid clamping body as provided for holding down the upper portion against the edge. In order to save space, the lower and upper portions are preferably made flat in the manner of a covering. To improve the retention properties and to more easily compensate for tolerances, nubs or ribs or other shapes may also be provided on the lower and / or upper portion. The lateral portion of the edge protection element can act as a lateral border for the edge. Here, the edge may rest with its front side on the side portion. However, it may also be expedient if a gap is provided between the end face and the lateral section, in particular to compensate assembly tolerances and / or to leave room for thermal expansion and / or to facilitate the insertion of the edge into the edge protection element. The lateral portion may be made flat as well as the lower and upper portions.

Particularly characteristic of the edge protection element according to the invention is that it contains an integrated joint, by means of which the upper portion is pivotally mounted on the lateral portion. The joint is therefore an integral part of the edge protection element and allows a defined pivotal movement of the upper portion relative to the lateral portion can be carried out with preferably only a small amount of force.

In addition, it is essential that the upper portion is pre-positioned in an open position, which is further opened with respect to a position of the upper portion parallel to the lower portion. The parallel to the lower portion imaginary parallel position, the upper section usually takes in the final assembly state, if the bottom and top of the edge are parallel to each other. The relative to this parallel position further upwardly open position of the upper portion facilitates during assembly substantially the insertion of the edge in the edge protection element. Therefore, unlike the prior art, accurate insertion or insertion is not required when the PV module is inserted into the edge protection element. Another advantage is that the upper portion is pre-positioned in its open position, in particular by suitable shaping in the Production of the edge protection element. For this purpose, the joint is preferably designed in such a way that it prevents a gravity-induced movement of the upper region.

For further assembly, the upper portion of its initial further open position with little effort, for example, with a fingertip, with a tool or with a known from the prior art rigid clamping body can be actuated. In this case, the upper portion is pivoted down in a less open position in the direction of the lower portion or with an inserted edge in the direction of the upper side of the edge. Thus, the edge protection element according to the invention allows a very ergonomic method of assembly.

In a preferred embodiment, the edge protection element has an integrated transmission means for pivoting down the upper region, this transmission means being designed for actuation by means of the edge. Such a transfer means may transfer the movement of the edge in a downward rotation of the upper portion about a pivot axis of the joint at an insertion of the edge in the edge protection element. If necessary, this positive pivotal movement can already end before the upper section rests on the upper side of the edge, in particular if a gap is provided between the front side of the edge and the lateral section. It is essential that the transfer means by means of the edge to be protected when inserting in the corner region between the lower and lateral section is actuated. As a result, the actuation of the transmission means and as a result of the downward pivoting of the upper region already takes place merely by inserting the edge into the edge protection element. This simplifies and speeds up the assembly of the edge protection element. In addition, the edge after insertion into the edge protection element is already protected on three sides, so that subsequent assembly steps with less care and thus can be performed faster. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the transmission means is alternatively or optionally designed for an actuation by means of a clamping body.

As a transfer means, a thin flap may be provided, which is stretched transversely between the lower and the upper portion and is folded when inserting the edge, while the upper section pulls down pivots. However, it is particularly preferred if the transmission means is at least one lever element, which is arranged at an angle to the upper portion. It is expedient if the at least one lever element is arranged at an angle at the upper portion in or near a pivot axis of the joint. Thus, the movement of the edge during insertion can be advantageously transferred into a rotational movement of the upper portion.

The open position of the upper portion preferably allows free insertion of the edge to the lateral and lower portions from laterally oblique and / or from above. In order to ensure unimpeded access to the corner region formed from the lateral and lower sections, the upper section is preferably set at least 10 ° to 90 ° relative to the parallel position upwards and accordingly opened further. In this way, the edge can be inserted laterally obliquely, for example at an angle of 30 ° relative to the lower portion in the edge protection element without hindrance. When inserted from above vertically, an opening angle of about 90 ° or more is particularly useful.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment it is provided that the integrated joint is a flexible strip. Such joints are also known by the term film hinge and accordingly have a linear joint shape. The flexible strip may consist of a much less rigid material as the lateral and upper section. Preferably, however, the flexible strip is made of a comparable or the same material but is made significantly thinner than the lateral and upper portions.

It is particularly advantageous if the flexible strip is dimensioned such that the distance between the lower portion and the upper portion is variable with respect to its position parallel to the lower portion. For this purpose, the flexible strip is preferably made wider or higher than is absolutely necessary for the mere pivoting movement. Depending on where the flexible strip is then kinked, it is thus possible to achieve different parallel distances between the upper and lower sections, in particular in a range between 5 and 8 mm. In this way, the edge protection element can accommodate unframed PV modules with the most common heights.

In a specific embodiment, it is conceivable that the flexible strip is not rectilinear, but is curved lengthwise, in particular circular arc. Such a curvature causes the upper portion to move down automatically upon actuation beyond a certain position, as in principle DE 297 19 637 U1 is known for lids of standing folders. Characteristic of such a curved strip is that the lateral and / or upper section urge, upon actuation of the upper region, to buckle.

Preferably, the edge protection element has at least one integrated holding means, with which the edge protection element can be fixed to a support structure. Such a holding means may be in a very simple case an inner corner, which cooperates with an outer corner of the support structure, so that the edge protection element is fixed at least in one direction against the support structure. Preferably, the edge protection element on the support structure by means of the holding means in opposite directions can be fixed, in particular in and against the Hangabtriebsrichtung an oblique arrangement. The holding means can also be elastic as part of the edge protection element.

The at least one integrated holding means is preferably adapted to engage with the support structure. For this purpose, the holding means may be designed as engagement means, in particular in the manner of a pin or a web which can be pressed or inserted into an opening in the support structure. It may be particularly advantageous if the holding means can cooperate for engagement with an existing in the support structure already undercut groove. To intervene, it may be expedient if the holding means provided with joining collars and / or self-locking in the manner of a snap hook executed. It is also preferred if the edge protection element is held secure by means of the holding means on the support structure. In this way, the edge protection element can still be fixed to the floor on a mounting rail, which is then finally mounted on a roof or a Aufständerung.

In a particularly practical double-sided embodiment of the edge protection element, a first edge protection area is provided, to which the lower section, the lateral section, the upper section and the transmission means are assigned, wherein the edge protection element for protecting a further edge of a second PV module has a second such edge protection zone contains. It is also essential that the first and the second edge protection area are arranged opposite to each other. With such an edge protection element, the opposing edges of two adjacent PV modules can be encompassed or protected. The two edge protection areas are aligned mirror-inverted and otherwise preferably identical. Such an edge protection element is particularly suitable for so-called middle clamps.

In a preferred embodiment, the edge protection element may comprise a rear portion on the back of the side portion. The back section can be made similarly flat as the section below. If the edge protection element has a first and a second edge protection area as described above, the edge protection element may comprise a middle section instead of the rear section between the first and the second edge protection area. In both cases, it is particularly preferred if the rear or central portion for the determination of the edge protection element is provided on a support structure and / or cooperates with a clamping device for holding down the upper portion. In particular, an opening for passing through fastening means may be contained in the rear or middle section. In addition, it is particularly preferred if the rear or the middle section has the at least one integrated holding means. This may preferably be arranged on the underside of the rear or middle section.

The invention also relates to a method for actuating the upper portion of the edge protection element. If the edge protection element comprises a transmission means for actuating the upper section as described above, the operation is preferably carried out by actuating the transmission means by means of the edge and inserting the upper section downwards during insertion of the edge of an unframed PV module into the edge protection element.

A fitter can insert the PV module or its edge into the edge protection element in various ways: In a first variant, the edge is inserted essentially by a downward movement of the PV module perpendicular to the lower section. In a second and preferred variant, the insertion of the edge is characterized essentially by an oblique lateral movement of the PV module and a simultaneous or subsequent downward pivoting of the PV module. In the latter case, it is advantageous if the downward pivoting takes place about a second edge of the same PV module that is opposite the edge to be inserted. In both variants, a first edge protection element can be actuated particularly advantageously by means of the edge, and a second edge protection element can be actuated by means of a second edge of the same PV module opposite the edge.

Another aspect of the invention relates to an arrangement with an edge protection element according to the invention and / or an arrangement which has been obtained according to a method mentioned above, wherein the edge protection element is fixed on a support structure. If the support structure is a support rail with a groove, the edge protection element can be fixed in particular transversely to the latter and be longitudinally displaceable. Preferably, the edge protection agent and the support structure by means of the integrated holding means engaged with each other. The edge protection element can at the same time be held secure on the support structure, so that it is easily possible to pre-assemble at least one, but preferably a plurality of edge protection elements on the support structure and then to arrange these common with the support structure fixed on a roof or an uprising.

In addition, it can be provided that the upper portion is pivoted downwards and is arranged in the edge protection element, the edge of an unframed PV module between the lower and the upper portion. In a further preferred embodiment of the arrangement, the support structure is arranged obliquely, wherein the PV module is secured by means of the lateral portion against downgrade. As a result, a PV module can be pre-positioned in a simple manner on the oblique support structure.

The lateral portion of the edge protection element is preferably designed so dimensionally stable that it can withstand the slope force of such a PV module even at an inclination of more than 30 °. For this purpose, it is possible to connect the lower and upper sections comparatively rigidly with one another, in particular by providing a corresponding material thickness in the connection area. In this way, a stable corner region can be formed from the lower and lateral section, which avoids a buckling of the lateral area when loaded by the end face of the edge.

In addition, the assembly in a further assembly step may comprise a rigid clamping body which is clamped by means of clamping means against the support structure and thereby holds down the upper portion of the edge protection member against the top of the edge. In this case, the rigid clamping body can rest on the edge protection element and / or its distance from the support structure can be fixedly determined by means of a rigid spacer means. In this way, the clamping body can press the upper portion against the top of the edge with a defined clamping force.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to several embodiments. Show it:

1 to 3 three side views of an arrangement in different positions and with a double-sided edge protection element in half section

4 to 8th five views of the edge protection element according to 1 to 3

9 and 10 two side views of the arrangement according to 3 additionally with fasteners in different positions

11 and 12 two side views of the edge protection element according to 1 to 3 with PV modules of different heights

13 a side view of an arrangement like 3 additionally with a shim

14 an overview perspective with arrangement according to 1

15 and 16 two side views of an arrangement like 9 and 10 with one-sided edge protection element

17 to 19 three side views of an oblique arrangement with edge protection elements according to 1 and 15 and PV modules in different positions

1 to 3 show side views of an arrangement with an edge protection element according to the invention for unframed PV modules. The edge protection element to be recognized in half section is elastic and protects the edge 2 an unframed PV module 1 when placed on a support structure 3 intended. The unframed PV module 1 can be seen on the right in the drawing and only partially shown. It is, as usual, of flat rectangular shape and, not further apparent, has a total of four straight edges, which may also be referred to as edges in the general sense.

The edge protection element is made of a weather-resistant rubber material, in particular of an ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM) or comparable material. EPDM has proven to be particularly suitable for outdoor applications because of its UV resistance. Suitable manufacturing methods are compression methods with integrated vulcanization and, in particular, thermal injection methods or injection molding methods.

The edge protection element is in 4 to 8th additionally shown separately in different views. There it can be seen that the edge protection element represents exactly one object, so it is made in one piece. It is also made homogeneous in terms of its elastic material. But it is also possible to firmly integrate in the edge protection element further elements made of a different material, in particular metal elements for stiffening. It is also conceivable to provide such elements as a fixed part of the edge protection element outside.

As in particular in 1 can be seen, the edge protection element has a lower portion 7 to protect the bottom 4 of the edge 2 , a side section 8th to protect the front side 5 of the edge 2 as well as an upper section 9 to protect the top 6 of the edge 2 on. Here, the lower section 7 as a protective pad between the edge 2 and the support structure 3 Act. The upper section 9 can suitably as a protective pad between the edge 2 and a clamping body act as in 9 can be seen and will be described below. To save space, the bottom section 7 and upper section 9 flat. So points the lower section 7 a material thickness of about 4 mm and the upper section 9 a material thickness of about 3 mm. The side section 8th Can be used as a side edging for the edge 2 act and thus an escape of a fully inserted PV module 1 perpendicular to the front side 5 To block. The side section 8th is the same as the top section 9 with a material thickness of about 3 mm comparatively narrow.

For the sake of clarification, it should also be noted that the margin 2 not in its full length through the sections 7 . 8th . 9 is protected, but only a portion of the edge. So can the side length of the edge 2 For example, be 80 cm, whereas the edge protection element preferably has only a length between 6 and 15 cm. Usually, therefore, two to three edge protectors are used for a straight edge of the PV module. 14 illustrates the circumstances.

Particularly characteristic of the edge protection element is that it is an integrated joint 10 contains, by means of which the upper section 9 at the side section 8th is arranged pivotably. This pivoting movement of the upper section 9 is based on the different mounting conditions in the 1 to 3 clearly visible.

The integrated joint 10 is designed as a flexible strip. This connects the upper section 9 with the side section 8th and is many times thinner than the top and side sections 9 and 8th executed, for example by a factor of 10. The low material thickness of the joint 10 or the flexible strip allows a defined pivoting movement of the upper section 9 relative to the lateral section 8th can be performed with relatively little effort. It is essential that the edge protection element is made of the elastic material homogeneous. Accordingly, the flexible strip, due to its thin material thickness alone, has a flexural rigidity that is many times lower than the lateral and upper sections 8th and 9 , Due to this greatly varying deformability becomes the desired pivoting movement of the upper section 9 opposite the lateral section 8th achieved. The material thickness of the joint 10 or the flexible strip is preferably only a few tenths of a millimeter.

The edge protection member also includes integrated transfer means for pivoting down the upper portion 9 , wherein the transfer means advantageously for actuation by means of the edge 2 is executed. As 1 to 8th show, the transmission means in this embodiment by means of two lever elements 11a and 11b formed at the top section 9 are arranged at an angle. These lever elements 11a and 11b are on the two narrow sides of the upper section 9 provided and stand from this approximately at right angles. It can also be seen that the lever elements 11a and 11b There in the area of the pivot axis of the joint 10 are provided. In this way, a predominantly translatory movement of the edge 2 when inserted into the edge protection elements expedient in downward rotational movement of the upper section 9 be transferred or converted. Because of the upper section 9 on its narrow sides over the lateral and the lower section 8th . 7 protrudes, are the lever elements 11a . 11b around the pivot axis of the joint 10 freely swiveling downwards, without the lateral section 8th and / or lower section 7 to be hampered. Is the upper section 9 in one to the lower section 7 Having reached parallel position, the lever elements are aligned 11a and 11b with the side section 8th like this in 3 can be seen.

Characteristic of the edge protection element is further that the upper portion 9 is prepositioned in an open position with respect to a lower portion 7 parallel position of the upper section 9 is further open to the top. in the out 1 apparent open position of the upper section 9 is this opposite his 3 and to the lower section 7 parallel position approximately squared employed. The upper section 9 and the side section 8th form here as in 1 as in 4 to 8th visible about one level.

The pre-positioning of the upper section 9 in the open position is in the manufacture by suitable shaping of the joint 10 achieved. The edge protection element is preferably in accordance with 4 to 8th produced form produced. It is essential that the open position of the upper section 9 a free insertion of the edge 2 to the side and bottom section 7 and 8th allowed from the side diagonally and / or from above. For safe temporary retention of the open position, the top and side portions 9 and 8th on the back of the joint 10 not more clearly associated with thin lobules, which in the downwards pouring of the upper section 9 be stretched and tear if necessary. This temporary maintenance of the open position is particularly for packaging as well as when setting the edge protection element on the support structure 3 helpful.

As in the assembly sequence 1 to 3 The PV module is easy to recognize 1 with the edge 2 initially inserted from the side obliquely at an angle of about 30 ° in the edge protection element. As the edge is inserted progressively 2 in the edge protection element are the lever elements 11a and 11b from the edge 2 actuated. The lever elements 11a and 11b act as a transfer agent on the upper section 9 , causing the upper section 9 when inserting the edge 2 is pivoted downwards.

The lever elements 11a and 11b In doing so, they start from a starting position parallel to the lower section 1 in a vertical end position according to 3 in which this next to the side section 7 are positioned and aligned with this. In the parallel or fully closed position of the upper section 9 according to 3 is the edge 2 then protected on three sides. Here is the parallel distance between the lower section 7 and the top section 9 the height of the edge 2 ,

Further show 1 to 8th in that the edge protection element protects another edge 2 ' a second unframed PV module 1' is designed double-sided. The second and left in the drawing to be recognized PV module 1' is like the first PV module 1 executed and adjacent to this. The edge protection element therefore contains on the right side a first edge protection area, which is the lower section 7 , the side section 8th , the upper section 9 as well as the two lever elements 11a and 11b are assigned, and it contains on the left side a second edge protection area, which is similar to the first edge protection area. The second edge protection area therefore includes a lower section like the first edge protection area 7 ' , a side section 8th' , an upper section 9 ' as well as two lever elements 11a ' and 11b ' , wherein the lever elements 11a ' and 11b ' are also provided as a means of transmission. The only significant difference between the first and second edge protection area is that they are arranged opposite or mirror-symmetrical. The associated symmetry axis is in 1 to 3 to recognize by dash-dotted lines.

The unframed PV module 1' on the left side is in all three mounting states according to 1 to 3 already inserted in the second edge protection area. In contrast to the first edge protection area, where the front side 5 of the edge 2 at the side section 8th is directly adjacent, is between the front side of the edge 2 ' and the side section 9 ' provided a gap. This gap can compensate for mounting tolerances and thermally induced expansions of the PV module 1' be provided and the insertion of the edge 2 also easier. Nevertheless, the front of the edge 2 ' by means of the lateral section 9 ' already protected. Another difference is in the position of the upper sections 9 and 9 ' and the lever elements 11a /Federation 11a ' / b 'to recognize. Thus, the inevitable pivotal movement by means of the lever elements 11a ' / b 'already before a parallel resting of the upper section 9 ' on the top 6 ' of the edge 2 ' ends, leaving the top section 9 ' opposite top 6 ' still angled flat is employed.

The edge protection element according to 1 to 8th also includes two elastic retaining means 14 with which it can be fixed to a support structure. The holding means 14 are designed in the manner of pins and therefore suitable to engage with a support structure. So is in the arrangement according to 1 to 3 to recognize how the edge protection element on the support rail designed as a support structure 3 by means of the holding means 14 is fixed. In this case, the edge protection element lies with the undersides of the lower sections 9 and 9 ' on the flat top of the support structure 3 on. In addition, stand the support structure 3 and the edge protection element by means of the holding means 14 engaged with each other in such a way that the edge protection element transversely to the support structure 3 is attached, along the support structure 3 however, is still displaceable. This is in the support structure 3 a groove 15 is provided, in which the edge protection element by means of its retaining means 14 plugged in and fixed. The groove 15 is also undercut and at the same time provided for the attachment of other components, in particular for the fasteners according to 9 and 10 , It can also be seen that the retaining means 14 the groove 15 slightly behind for a secure hold.

Finally, the edge protection element according to 1 to 8th between the first and second edge protection area a middle section 16 on, for the determination of the edge protection element on the support structure 3 is provided. So are at this middle section 16 on the underside of the above-described holding means 14 arranged. In addition, the middle section works 16 as a support for a clamping body described below. As in particular in 8th can be seen contains the middle section 16 also an opening 17 which is provided for passing a screw or other fastening means.

9 and 10 show the arrangement according to 3 with other fasteners. These include a rigid clamp body 20 , a screw 21 and a mother 22 , In the final assembled state according to 10 leads the screw 21 through an opening in the clamp body 20 and protrudes into the undercut groove 15 the carrying structure designed as a support rail 3 and is there with the mother 22 engaged. The mother 22 is in the groove 15 taken against rotation and set up at the opening edges. It is essential that the clamping body 20 in the tensioned state according to 10 the two upper sections 9 and 9 ' the edge protection element holds down so that the edges 2 and 2 ' between the clamp body 20 and the mounting rail 3 or between the upper sections 9 and 9 ' and the lower sections 7 and 7 ' held with low clamping force. The clamp body 20 comes here with the middle section 16 of the edge protection element to the plant. In order to achieve an always defined clamping force, it may be advantageous between the clamping body 20 and the support structure 3 to provide an unspecified spacer element, such as a sleeve. It is also envisaged that the clamping body 20 with his two supporting cheeks 23 the lateral sections 8th and 8th' blocked against deformation inwards. Otherwise, such deformation could occur with a heavy load on the PV modules, especially in the case of large snow and / or wind loads.

In a variant, not shown, it is possible the mother 22 according to 9 and 10 not in the undercut groove 15 but to be arranged outside the groove by means of an anchor element. Such an anchor element holds the nut outside the groove against rotation and secured axially secured against train and further leads into the groove and engages behind the opening edges of the inside. Such an anchor element preferably has two opposing resilient snap hooks, which can be introduced by means of compression in the groove. The insertion can be facilitated by joining bevels on the outer sides of the snap hooks. In an advantageous variant, such an anchor element can also fulfill the prescribed function of a spacer element by the anchor member not only engages behind the opening edges of the mounting channel from the inside, but also supported from the outside against it, so that the anchor element is set after insertion up and down ,

11 and 12 illustrate that the flexible strips 10 . 10 ' of the edge protection element according to 1 are dimensioned so wide that the distances 13 between the lower sections 7 . 7 ' and the upper sections 9 . 9 ' in their to the lower sections 7 . 7 parallel positions are variable. Thus, in the same edge protection element once according to 11 two unframed PV modules 26 . 26 ' with a height of about 6 mm or according to 12 two unframed PV module 27 . 27 ' be inserted with a height of about 8 mm. Depending on the height of the PV modules or the edges, the flexible strips 10 . 10 ' thereby kinking in another place. The width or height of the flexible strip expediently corresponds at least to the height difference to be covered. A height difference of about 3 mm is particularly preferred, since the heights of the currently most common unframed PV modules are between 5 mm and 8 mm. It is also easy to see that the lateral sections 8th . 8th' are unchanged, and whose height suitably corresponds approximately to the minimum height of 5 mm. Fasteners like those in 9 and 10 can be seen, if necessary to adapt to different module heights. It is also possible that only the spacer element described above is adapted, in particular in combination with an anchor element, whereby the clamping body 20 is universally usable and may no longer be on the middle section 16 stands up and his distance to the support structure 3 is predetermined by the spacer element.

13 shows that between the edge protection element and a support structure 29 a shim 28 can be provided. Such a shim 28 can be used in particular to widen the support surface, if the support structure 29 as here too narrow for the edge protection element and the inserted edges. In addition, such a shim 28 cooperate in an advantageous manner with the above-described spacer, so that the number of spacers to be kept can be reduced. So it is possible that a spacer sits directly on a shim of the appropriate height. It is also conceivable to stack such Unterlegplatten to achieve a desired distance height.

14 shows to the overview the opposite the longitudinal edges 2 and 2 ' the neighboring PV modules 1 and 1' , The detail D1 corresponds approximately to the arrangement according to 1 ,

15 and 16 show an arrangement with a one-sided edge protection element. In contrast to the edge protection element according to 1 to. 8th only exactly one edge protection area is provided. The left-side second edge protection area is missing. The edge protection element is otherwise identical to the edge protection element according to 1 to 8th , thus has exactly one lower section 7 , a side section 8th and an upper section 9 on. Back of the side section 7 is a back section 33 provided the middle section 16 according to 1 like. The clamp body 35 is designed on one side and is in the final assembly state with one of its outer support cheek 34 ' on the mounting rail 3 and with his inner support cheek 34 on the back section 33 on. The clamp body 35 is by means of a screw 32 and a mother 31 with the supporting structure 3 braced.

17 to 19 illustrate various methods for arranging unframed PV modules by means of the aforementioned edge protection elements and various methods for actuating these edge protection elements. These are three side views of an oblique arrangement with four mounting rails 3a to 3d displayed. It can be seen further that on the mounting rails 3a to 3d three unframed PV modules 1a . 1b and 1c are arranged or are being arranged straight.

The four mounting rails 3a to 3d are spaced parallel to each other and not shown stationary mounted, in particular on a pitched roof or an oblique elevation on a terrain. Accordingly, the four mounting rails 3a to 3d a common inclined plane typical of photovoltaic installations.

On the mounting rails 3a to 3d each edge protection elements are provided, wherein at the bottom and the top mounting rail 3a and 3d one-sided edge protection elements according to 15 and at the intermediate mounting rails 3b and 3c Double-sided edge protection elements according to 1 are arranged. Alternatively, the mounting rails 3a and 3d also as outer and the mounting rails 3b and 3c be referred to as the inner of such an oblique arrangement.

The edge protection elements are like out 1 respectively 15 can be seen, by means of their holding means transverse to the respective support rail 3a . 3b . 3c . 3d established. In the longitudinal direction of the mounting rails 3a . 3b . 3c . 3d are the edge protection elements according to the nominal position and the dimensions of the PV modules 1a . 1b and 1c positioned appropriately.

17 shows a mounting sequence in which worked from bottom to top, so first the lowest PV module 1a , then the PV module 1b and finally the PV module 1c is arranged. It can also be seen that the lowest PV module 1a in the edge protection elements on the mounting rails 3a and 3b already inserted. The PV module is the same 1a with the bottoms of its upper and lower edges on the lower portions of these edge protectors. In addition, the upper portion of the edge protection element on the mounting rail 3a already completely closed or to recognize in a parallel position to the lower portion, since the end face of this edge is applied directly to the lateral portion of this edge protection element. The upper section of the edge protection element on the mounting rail 3b is barely recognizable still employed slightly upwards, because there is provided between the front side of this edge and the lateral portion of this edge protection element, a small gap. Such a gap may be useful to compensate for assembly tolerances and / or to allow thermal elongation and / or to facilitate the insertion process.

The lower PV module 1a according to 17 is in the edge protection elements on the mounting rails 3a and 3b not only inserted, but also pre-fixed. That means the PV module 1a without further fasteners as per 9 and 15 only by means of the edge protection elements on the mounting rails 3a and 3b provisionally determined. It is essential that the lower of the two edge protection elements of the slope force of the PV module 1a counteracts. For this purpose, the lateral portion of the lower edge protection element is designed dimensionally stable and also dimensionally stable connected to the lower portion. This is the PV module 1a blocked by the side section against slipping down obliquely down or secured against downgrade.

The upper PV module 1c according to 10 is used with its upper and lower edges to the edge protection elements on the mounting rails 3c and 3d just approached. It is essential that the insertion of these edges essentially by a down to the lower portions of these edge protection elements downward movement of the PV module 1c he follows. Continuing this downward movement will result in a situation similar to that of the middle PV module 1b can be seen. So that's the mean PV module 1b shown in a state of advanced insertion, in which its upper and lower edge in the edge protection elements on the mounting rails 3b and 3c are inserted so far that the lever elements of both edge protection elements are being operated by means of the edges straight. Continuing this downward movement, the situation eventually follows as in the case of the lower PV module 1a can be seen.

18 shows an alternative assembly sequence in which worked from top to bottom, so first the top PV module 1c , then the middle PV module 1b and finally the bottom PV module 1a is arranged. The upper module 1c is like the module 1a according to 10 in the edge protection elements on the mounting rails 3c and 3d already inserted and also prefixed, so that it against slipping in Direction of its downgrade force is provisionally secured.

As with the lower PV module 1a according to 11 can be seen, the insertion can also be essentially by an oblique sideways movement 37 and a simultaneous or subsequent downward panning 38 of the PV module 1a respectively. Similar to in 2 the PV module is displayed 1a with its lower edge first at first obliquely into the edge protection element on the mounting rails 3a inserted. In addition, the downward swing takes place 38 more conveniently equal to the lower edge of the PV module opposite the upper edge 1a , Continuing this downward sweep will result in a situation similar to that of the middle PV module 1b can be seen. So that's the mean PV module 1b according to 11 is shown in a state of advanced insertion, in which the lower edge in the edge protection element on the mounting rail 3a almost completely inserted and the actuation process is almost complete and in which the upper edge just the transfer means of the edge protection element on the support rails 3c actuated.

The sequence of the arrangement of the PV modules 1a . 1b and 1c and the method for actuating the edge protection elements according to 17 and 18 can of course be chosen differently by a mechanic, in particular also vice versa and / or mixed. For example, the PV module 1a according to 18 also first with its upper edge in the edge protection element of the mounting rail 3b laterally inserted obliquely and then with the lower edge to the edge protection element on the mounting rail 3a be swung down. However, it is characteristic of the proposed method that a first edge protection element is actuated by means of the one edge and a second edge protection element is actuated by means of the other opposite edge of the same PV module.

19 finally shows a final assembly state, as he according to the situations 17 and 18 follows. Here are all three PV modules 1a . 1b and 1c finally inserted in the respective edge protection elements. It can also be seen that the edge protection elements and thus also the PV modules 1a . 1b and 1c as in 10 respectively. 16 represented by clamping bodies and fasteners are finally attached.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 2003/0070368 A1 [0003]
• DE 29719637 U1 [0016]

Claims (26)

Edge protection element for unframed PV modules, elastic and designed to protect an edge ( 2 ) of an unframed PV module ( 1 ) when arranged on a support structure ( 3 ), with a lower section ( 7 ) to protect the underside ( 4 ) of the edge ( 2 ), with a lateral section ( 8th ) for protecting the front side ( 5 ) of the edge ( 2 ), and with an upper section ( 9 ) to protect the top ( 6 ) of the edge ( 2 ), characterized in that the edge protection element is an integrated joint ( 10 ), by means of which the upper section ( 9 ) on the lateral section ( 8th ) is pivotally mounted, wherein the upper portion ( 9 ) is prepositioned in an open position, which relative to the lower section ( 7 ) parallel position of the upper section ( 9 ) is still open. Edge protection element according to claim 1, characterized in that the edge protection element comprises an integrated transmission means ( 11a . 11b ) for pivoting down the upper section ( 9 ), the transmission means ( 11a . 11b ) for actuation by means of the edge ( 2 ) and / or is designed for actuation by means of a clamping body. Edge protection element according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the transmission means ( 11a . 11b ) at least one lever element ( 11a . 11b ), the upper section ( 9 ) is arranged at an angle. Edge protection element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the open position of the upper section ( 9 ) a free insertion of the edge ( 2 ) to the lateral and lower sections ( 7 . 8th ) from the side obliquely and / or from above. Edge protection element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the integrated joint ( 10 ) is a flexible strip. Edge protection element according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the flexible strip is dimensioned such that the distance ( 13 ) between the lower section ( 7 ) and the upper section ( 9 ) with regard to its to the lower section ( 9 ) parallel position is variable. Edge protection element according to claim 5, characterized in that the flexible strip is curved lengthwise. Edge protection element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the edge protection element has an integrated retaining means ( 14 ), with which the edge protection element on a support structure ( 3 ) is determinable. Edge protection element according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the integrated retaining means ( 14 ) is suitable, with the support structure ( 3 ) engage. Edge protection element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the edge protection element on the back side of the lateral portion ( 8th ) a back section ( 16 ). Edge protection element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first edge protection area is provided, to which the lower section ( 7 ), the lateral section ( 8th ), the upper section ( 9 ) and the transmission means ( 11a . 11b ) and the edge protection element to protect another edge ( 2 ' ) of a second PV module ( 1' ) a second such edge protection area ( 7 ' . 8th' . 9 ' . 11a ' . 11b ' ), and the first and second edge protections are oppositely arranged. Edge protection element according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the edge protection element between the first and second edge protection region has a central portion ( 33 ). Edge protection element according to claim 10 or 12, characterized in that in the rear section ( 16 ) or in the middle section ( 33 ) an opening ( 17 ) for performing fastening means ( 20 ) is included. Edge protection element according to claim 8 and any one of claims 10, 12 or 13, characterized in that on the rear-side section ( 16 ) or the middle section ( 33 ) the integrated holding means ( 14 ) is provided. Edge protection element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lateral section ( 7 ) is designed so dimensionally stable that he the downgrade force of an unframed PV module ( 1a ) can withstand a slope of at least 30 °. Method for actuating the upper section of an edge protection element according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 15, characterized in that during the insertion of the edge ( 2 ) of an unframed PV module ( 1 ) in the edge protection element the transmission means ( 11a . 11b ) by means of the edge ( 2 ) and thereby the upper section ( 9 ) is pivoted downwards. A method according to claim 16, characterized in that the insertion of the edge ( 2 ) essentially through one to the lower section ( 6 ) vertical downward movement of the PV module ( 1c ) he follows. A method according to claim 16, characterized in that the insertion of the edge ( 2 ) essentially by an oblique sideways movement ( 37 ) of the PV module ( 1a ) and a simultaneous or subsequent downward pivoting ( 38 ) of the PV module ( 1a ) he follows. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the downward pivoting about a the edge ( 2 ) opposite second edge of the PV module ( 1a ) he follows. Method according to one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that by means of the edge ( 2 ) a first edge protection element and by means of the edge ( 2 ) opposite second edge of the PV module ( 1 ) a second edge protection element is actuated. Arrangement with an edge protection element according to one of claims 1 to 15 and / or obtained by a method according to any one of claims 16 to 20, characterized in that the edge protection element on a support structure ( 3 ). Arrangement according to the preceding claim and claim 8, characterized in that the edge protection element and the support structure ( 3 ) by means of the holding means ( 14 ) are engaged with each other. Arrangement according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that the upper section ( 9 ) is pivoted downwards and in the edge protection element between the lower and the upper section ( 7 . 9 ) an edge ( 2 ) of an unframed PV module ( 1 ) is arranged. Arrangement according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the support structure ( 3a . 3b ) and the PV module ( 1a ) are arranged obliquely and the PV module ( 1a ) by means of the lateral section ( 7 ) is secured against downgrade. Arrangement according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a rigid clamping body ( 20 ) is provided, which by means of clamping means ( 21 . 22 ) against the supporting structure ( 3 ) and the upper section ( 9 ) against the top ( 6 ) of the edge ( 2 ) presses. Arrangement according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the rigid clamping body ( 20 ) rests on the edge protection element and / or its distance from the support structure ( 3 ) is fixed by means of a rigid spacer.

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