DE102021124030A1 - Assemblable frame for a photovoltaic module and a method for its manufacture - Google Patents

Abstract

An assembleable frame for a laminate (50) of a photovoltaic module is disclosed. The frame comprises a plurality of frame sections (110, 120,...) which when assembled form the frame and which have: a first frame section (110) with a first receiving area (115) for the laminate (50) and a protruding connection element (210); and a second frame portion (120) having a second receiving area (125) for said laminate (50) and an opening area (220) for receiving said male connector (210) to form a corner (310) of said frame when assembled. The protruding connecting element (210) has a stop (215) in order to form a gap (150) between the first receiving area (115) and the second receiving area (125), which gap (150) provides water drainage when the laminate (50) is inserted.

Description

The present invention relates to an assemblable frame for a laminate of a photovoltaic module and a method of manufacturing the same, and more particularly to a photovoltaic (PV) module frame with a water drain.

BACKGROUND

Photovoltaic modules are generally set up at an angle, which means that liquid collects in a lower area when it rains.

7A shows an example of a cross section through a conventional frame 20, which holds a laminate 50 (with the solar cells) in a U-shaped receiving area 70 by means of an adhesive bond 60. The liquid 90 leads to the accumulation of dirt, dust, moss, etc. in the area of waterlogging. This contamination in turn leads to a shadowing effect and thus to a reduction in the performance of the photovoltaic module cells. Shading effects mean that fewer free charge carriers are generated in the cells below, which means that the cells have a higher resistance and higher voltage drops as a result. This leads to increasing degradation and thus to a reduction in efficiency.

Conventional solutions to this problem include forming openings in the frame that provide drainage for the water. However, openings through the photovoltaic module frame have the disadvantageous effect that they also impair the stability of the entire frame. Another conventional solution is to form additional clips on the frame through which the water or liquid can drain. Also disclosed are gullies in the corners of the frame that provide drainage for the liquid.

7B shows an example of a top view of a conventional PV frame 20 with such a channel 25 in the corner area. However, the channel 25 results in the frame sections not lying directly or only partially against one another in the corner area. As a result, the frame becomes potentially unstable, since little material is formed there for fastening the photovoltaic module. The mechanical stress on the frame can be considerable, particularly when it is windy, and a thinned area in the form of a channel 25 can endanger the laminate 50 .

In other conventional solutions, a groove is formed in a corner connector that connects two sides of the frame to allow water to drain. But this also jeopardizes the stability of the frame.

Therefore, there is a need for frames for photovoltaic module laminates that provide reliable drainage for water without compromising the stability of the frame.

Brief description of the invention

At least a part of the above problems are solved by a composite frame according to claim 1 and a method of manufacturing the same according to claim 8.

• - einen ersten Rahmenabschnitt mit einem ersten Aufnahmebereich für das Laminat und einem vorstehendem Verbindungselement; und
• - einen zweiten Rahmenabschnitt mit einem zweiten Aufnahmebereich für das Laminat und einem Öffnungsbereich zur Aufnahme des hervorstehenden Verbindungselements, um zusammengesetzt eine Ecke des Rahmens zu bilden.

The present invention relates to an assemblable frame for a laminate of a photovoltaic module. The frame includes a plurality of frame sections which, when assembled, form the frame and include:

• - a first frame section with a first receiving area for the laminate and a protruding connection element; and
• - a second frame section having a second receiving area for the laminate and an opening area for receiving the protruding connecting element to form a corner of the frame when assembled.

The protruding connecting element includes a stop to form a gap between the first receiving area and the second receiving area so that water drainage is provided via the gap when the laminate is inserted.

Optionally, the first frame section includes an L-shaped projection (parallel to the laminate) opposite the first receiving area, wherein a cut-out section is formed in the L-shaped projection such that the second frame section is as flush as possible with at least a part of the section when assembled. However, this is not mandatory, there could also be a gap. The flush assembly of the sections offers the advantage that a stop is thereby formed, so that the stability is increased, for example by preventing twisting of the two frame sections. In particular, if this stop is present at all four corner areas, the entire frame cannot twist and is very stable (since the sections meet at at least one corner). Another advantage is that the / the L-shaped sections can have different widths on the frame sections and still the frame sections sta bil can be joined together. A stable rectangular frame can be formed in this way.

The cut-out section includes an edge, which can optionally be formed in such a way that the second frame section abuts the edge on two sides to form a stop in two different directions, or abuts an edge on only one side to form a bottom opening in the Leave the frame free as a (further) water drain.

Optionally, the protruding connecting element comprises retaining elements and/or an angled end portion (e.g. a tip) to facilitate insertion into the opening area and to block withdrawal after insertion. The holding elements can be designed, for example, as snap-in elements or hooks (or barbs) or as pressure elements, so that the connecting element can only be inserted under the action of a force in the opening area and when it is pulled out, a holding force acts that offers resistance in order to allow the connection to be easily released suppress. It is also possible for the fixing to be achieved by gluing the second frame section to the connecting element.

Optionally, the first frame section includes a recess with fixation elements, the fixation elements holding the protruding connection element in the recess (e.g. at a right angle). The invention should not be limited to specific fixation elements. For example, the fixing elements can have a groove in the recess, into which the protruding connecting element is pushed laterally, so that the (positive) engagement/locking in the groove prevents loosening. It is also possible for the connecting element to snap into place via a clip or snap-in connection and is thereby firmly connected to the first frame section.

Optionally, the frame further comprises a cap, which is designed to be placed and fixed on an exposed end face of the connecting element after the first frame section and the second frame section have been assembled. For example, the cap can snap onto the connector or one of the frame sections. The cap can thus prevent the connecting element from slipping out of the first frame section. This further increases the stability of the entire frame. In addition, the cap offers protection against water, which runs down the laminate and should not run into the frame underneath the laminate.

• - eine Durchgangsöffnung zum Durchführen von elektrischer Leitungen oder als seitlichen Wasserabfluss (z.B. im unteren Bereich);
• - eine Schnittstelle für eine seitliche elektrische oder eine mechanische Verbindung (z.B. einen elektrischen Stecker, einen Hacken oder ein Rastelement zur mechanischen Halterung, Öffnung für eine Schraubenverbindung);
• - eine Übergreifstruktur im oberen oder unteren Bereich, um beim Stapeln einen darüber oder darunter liegenden Rahmen seitlich zu greifen und so eine Stapelhilfe bereitzustellen (z.B. ein stufenförmiger Vorsprung, der ein seitliches Verschieben der gestapelten Module verhindert).

Optionally, the cap includes at least one of the following features:

• - a passage opening for the passage of electrical cables or as a lateral water drain (eg in the lower area);
• - An interface for a lateral electrical or mechanical connection (eg an electrical plug, a hook or a latching element for mechanical support, opening for a screw connection);
• - an overlapping structure in the upper or lower area in order to grip the side of a frame lying above or below during stacking and thus provide a stacking aid (e.g. a stepped projection that prevents the stacked modules from shifting sideways).

If, for example, no cap is formed, the frame can optionally have a through-opening between the first frame section and the second frame section for passing through electrical lines or as a further water drain for an area below the laminate.

The lateral passage opening can be particularly advantageous when no bottom opening is formed. In addition, adjacent modules can be connected to one another very easily through the lateral passage opening, without the electrical lines having to be routed downwards out of the module.

The frame may have a rectangular shape with two short sides and two long sides, with the first frame portion forming one of the long (or short) sides, or both long (or short) sides each forming a first frame portion. The second frame section can accordingly form one or both short (or long) sides. In particular, it is possible for the frame to have the same design at all corners, so that a first frame section and a second frame section are connected to one another at all corners, as described.

According to further embodiments, it is also possible that only two corner sections are formed with the first and second frame sections that can be assembled. The remaining two corners can be formed in a conventional manner. After installation, for example, this can be the two upper corner areas of the PV frame. However, the bottom two corner areas include the gap in order to provide reliable drainage for moisture that forms. This exemplary embodiment also has the advantage that the stability can be further improved by the upper corner areas.

• - Bereitstellen eines ersten Rahmenabschnittes mit einem ersten Aufnahmebereich für das Laminat und einem vorstehendem Verbindungselement; und
• - Bereitstellen eines zweiten Rahmenabschnittes mit einem zweiten Aufnahmebereich für das Laminat und einem Öffnungsbereich zur Aufnahme des hervorstehenden Verbindungselements; und
• - Zusammensetzen des ersten Rahmenabschnittes und des zweiten Rahmenabschnittes, um eine Ecke des Rahmens zu bilden, wobei unter Nutzung eines Anschlages des hervorstehenden Verbindungselementes ein Spalt zwischen dem ersten Aufnahmebereich und dem zweiten Aufnahmebereich gebildet wird, der beim Einsetzen des Laminat ein Wasserabfluss bereitstellt.

Embodiments also relate to a method for producing a frame for a laminate of a photovoltaic module. The procedure includes:

• - providing a first frame section with a first receiving area for the laminate and a protruding connection element; and
• - providing a second frame portion having a second receiving area for said laminate and an opening area for receiving said protruding fastener; and
• - assembling the first frame section and the second frame section to form a corner of the frame, using a stop of the protruding connecting element, a gap is formed between the first receiving area and the second receiving area, which gap provides water drainage when the laminate is inserted.

• - Einsetzen des vorstehenden Verbindungselementes in eine Vertiefung des ersten Rahmenabschnittes;
• - Aufsetzen einer Kappe auf eine freiliegende Stirnseite des Verbindungselementes;
• - Bereitstellen zumindest eines weiteren ersten Rahmenabschnittes und/oder zumindest eines weiteren zweiten Rahmenabschnittes, die in gleicher Weise gebildet sind wie der erste Rahmenabschnittes und/oder der zweite Rahmenabschnitt, und Wiederholen des Zusammensetzens der Rahmenabschnitte, um weitere Ecken des Rahmen zu bilden.

Optionally, the method further includes at least one of the following steps:

• - inserting the protruding connecting element into a recess of the first frame section;
• - Placing a cap on an exposed end face of the connecting element;
• - providing at least one further first frame section and/or at least one further second frame section formed in the same way as the first frame section and/or the second frame section, and repeating the assembly of the frame sections to form further corners of the frame.

Embodiments thus solve at least part of the problems mentioned at the outset by creating a special connection of frame sections that are butt-joined together, using a cutout (cutout) in one of the frame sections to provide drainage openings at the corners.

An advantage of exemplary embodiments is that different frame profiles with different widths can be connected to one another, since the milling can be adjusted according to the module widths and no (normally 45°) angles have to be formed at the corner areas of the module frames. In addition, this saves at least part of the waste that occurs with the 45° cuts. In addition, embodiments offer the advantage that a drain is formed both on top of the laminate (on the light incidence side) and on the bottom of the L-shaped projections, so that a reliable drain is provided at all points where the liquid can collect . The potentially induced degradation of the photovoltaic modules by the standing water and the associated dirt entry is thus reliably overcome.

character list

• 1A, 1B zeigen einen Eckbereich eines zusammensetzbaren Photovoltaikmodulrahmen gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung.
• 2A, 2B zeigen weitere Details der Ausgestaltung des ersten Rahmenabschnittes gemäß Ausführungsbeispielen.
• 3 zeigt einen fertiggestellten Rahmen in einem Eckbereich.
• 4A, 4B zeigen eine Raumansicht und eine Draufsicht auf den Eckbereich mit einer Abdeckkappe.
• 5 zeigt das gemäß Ausführungsbeispielen fertiggestellte Photovoltaikmodul mit dem Laminat.
• 6 zeigt ein schematisches Flussdiagramm für ein Herstellungsverfahren gemäß Ausführungsbeispielen.
• 7A, 7B zeigen einen konventionellen Rahmen von Photovoltaikmodulen.

The embodiments of the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, which, however, should not be taken to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments, but are for explanation and understanding only.

• 1A , 1B 12 show a corner area of a photovoltaic module frame that can be assembled according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
• 2A , 2 B show further details of the configuration of the first frame section according to exemplary embodiments.
• 3 shows a completed frame in a corner area.
• 4A , 4B show a spatial view and a top view of the corner area with a cover cap.
• 5 shows the photovoltaic module with the laminate finished according to exemplary embodiments.
• 6 shows a schematic flowchart for a manufacturing method according to embodiments.
• 7A , 7B show a conventional framework of photovoltaic modules.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

1A shows a section of an assembled frame for a photovoltaic module or for a laminate (not shown), the section representing a corner region 310 of the frame. The frame includes a plurality of frame sections (not all shown) which when assembled form the frame. The frame sections include a first frame section 110 having a first receiving area 115 (e.g., a U-shaped area) for the laminate and a protruding connector element 210. The frame sections also include a second frame section 120 having a second receiving area 125 (e.g., a U-shaped area) for the laminate and an opening portion 220 for receiving the male connector 210 to form a corner 310 of the frame when assembled. The protruding connecting element 210 includes a stop 215 to ensure a gap 150 between the first receiving area 115 and the second receiving area 125 (or to define a predetermined gap width) so that water drainage is provided when the laminate is inserted.

1B shows the same corner area 310 from FIG 1A , wherein the second frame portion 120 is shown transparent here, so that the inserted projecting connecting element 210 is visible. Advantageously, the connecting element 210 wedges in the opening area 220 in order to provide a secure hold.

According to exemplary embodiments, the first frame section 110 has an L-shaped projection 116 opposite (e.g. along the light incidence direction) from the first receiving area 115 . In addition, the second frame section 120 can also have an L-shaped projection 126 opposite its second receiving area 125 . In the corner area 310, a cut-out section 117 can be formed in the L-shaped projection 116 of the first frame section 110 in such a way that the second frame section 120 is as flush as possible when it is assembled against at least part of the section 117 or forms a stop. If the cut-out section 117 is chosen deep enough, an optional bottom opening 117a is formed, which can also serve as a drain.

This stop prevents the two frame sections 110 120 from being rotated relative to one another. For example, an angle of < 90° cannot form. Since this stop can be formed on all corner areas of the frame, a high degree of stability of the entire frame is achieved.

2A , 2 B show further details of the configuration of the first frame section 110 without connecting element 210 (see 2A ) and with an attached connector 210 (see 2 B , left in room view and right in top view). To attach the connecting element 210, the first frame section 110 comprises a recess 114 in which the protruding connecting element 210 can be inserted. The protruding connecting element 210 can be fixed to the first frame section 110 in various ways. For example, a clip connection or a snap-in connection can be provided. Likewise, the connecting element 210 can have a projection which is pushed into a groove of the first frame section 110 . In any case, after the protruding connecting element 210 has been attached to the first frame section 110, it should not be possible to detach the connecting element 210 easily or it should only be possible by sliding it out along the longitudinal extent of the first frame section 110 (to the left in the 2 ). However, this would be reliably prevented by gluing the laminate in the receiving areas 115, 125.

In order to improve the fixing of the connecting element 210 in the opening area 220 of the second frame section 120, holding elements 212 can be formed on the connecting element 210 (see FIG 2 B ). The retaining element 212 can be formed, for example, as barbs or other thickenings that bend when the connecting element 210 is pushed into the opening area 220 of the second frame section 120 in order to hold the protruding connecting element 210 firmly in the opening area 220 . Likewise, the protruding connecting element 210 can have a beveled tip 214 as an end region, which facilitates insertion of the connecting element 210 into the opening region 220 .

The holding elements 212 offer the advantage that in the event of any twisting force acting on the corner of the frame, a leverage effect cannot result in the connecting element 210 being able to detach from the opening area 220 of the second frame section 120 .

The 2 B Figure 12 also shows stop 215 protruding far enough from connector 210 to form a stop (protruding further than opening area 220 is wide) upon insertion into second frame portion 120. FIG. This ensures that an opening remains free behind the stop 215 (part of the cut-out section 117). The opening that remains free can provide a drain for the lower frame area as a bottom opening 117a.

3 shows the corner area 310 of a finished frame, in which the connecting element 210 has been inserted into the second frame section 120, so that a firm connection is formed between the first frame section 110 and the second frame section 120. Sliding out is prevented by the holding elements 212 (see 2 B ) and twisting is prevented by the abutment of the projection 126 of the second frame section 120 with the L-shaped projection 116 of the first frame section 110 (see 1A ).

4A shows a three-dimensional view of an exemplary embodiment in which a cap 140 is placed on the connecting element 210 on the lateral end face of the first frame section 110 . The cap 140 can be used, for example, to prevent the connecting element 210 from sliding out (if it engages, for example, within a groove of the first frame section 110). But they also offer protection so that moisture cannot penetrate the interior of the frame. The cap 140 can be firmly connected to the first frame section 110 after it has been put on, for example by means of fixing means, such as a mechanical latching mechanism.

4B FIG. 12 shows a plan view of the completed corner area 310 of the frame of FIG 4A . In the embodiment shown, the cap 140 also includes a top portion 141 which provides a seal for the protruding connector 210 and thus enhance protection. From the top view of 4B It can also be seen that part of the cut out portion 117 is left clear by the stop 215 and the bottom opening 117a which can serve as a drain for the lower frame area. However, lines can also be routed out there. The size of the bottom opening 117a can be selected arbitrarily and can be adjusted by the depth of the cut-out portion 117. For example, it is possible that the edge 118 of the section 117 (see 2A ) is selected so that two sides of the L-shaped projection 126 of the second frame section 120 abut the edge 118. Thus, although the bottom opening 117a is closed. In return, the wider stroke improves the stability even further.

5 shows the finished photovoltaic module with the laminate 50, which was inserted into the frame with the frame sections 110, 120 and forms a gap 150 in the corner area 310 for water drainage. The attached cap 140 prevents the draining water from flowing back into the frame.

• - Bereitstellen S110 eines ersten Rahmenabschnittes 110 mit einem ersten Aufnahmebereich 115 für das Laminat 50 und einem vorstehendem Verbindungselement 210;
• - Bereitstellen S120 eines zweiten Rahmenabschnittes 120 mit einem zweiten Aufnahmebereich 125 für das Laminat 50 und einem Öffnungsbereich 220 zur Aufnahme des hervorstehenden Verbindungselements 210; und
• - Einsetzen S130 des Verbindungselementes 210 in den Öffnungsbereich 220 unter Nutzung eines Anschlages 215 des hervorstehende Verbindungselement 210, um einen Spalt 150 zwischen dem ersten Aufnahmebereich 115 und dem zweiten Aufnahmebereich 125 zu bilden, der beim Einsetzen des Laminat 50 ein Wasserabfluss bereitstellt.

6 FIG. 5 shows a schematic flow diagram for a method for producing a frame for a laminate 50 of a photovoltaic module. The procedure includes:

• - providing S110 a first frame section 110 with a first receiving area 115 for the laminate 50 and a protruding connecting element 210;
• - providing S120 a second frame section 120 with a second receiving area 125 for the laminate 50 and an opening area 220 for receiving the protruding connecting element 210; and
• - Insertion S130 of the connecting element 210 into the opening area 220 using a stop 215 of the protruding connecting element 210 to form a gap 150 between the first receiving area 115 and the second receiving area 125, which upon insertion of the laminate 50 provides water drainage.

In addition, another first and second frame sections having the same structure as the first and second frame sections 110, 120 can be added to form 4-cornered frames. Before the last frame section is joined, the laminate 50 can be inserted into the frame and glued.

• In einem ersten Schritt kann in dem ersten Rahmenabschnitt 110 beispielsweise 90° Ausfräsung 117 vorgenommen werden, um den ausgeschnittenen Abschnitt 117 zu erzeugen. Im Vergleich zu konventionellen Rahmen reduziert sich hierdurch der Abfall. Ebenso kann in dem ersten Rahmenabschnitt 110 eine Vertiefung 114 zur Aufnahme des hervorstehenden Verbindungselementes 210 ausgebildet werden.

The manufacturing process can optionally include at least one of the following steps, which develop the above steps:

• In a first step, for example, a 90° cutout 117 can be made in the first frame section 110 in order to produce the cut-out section 117 . Compared to conventional frames, this reduces waste. A recess 114 for receiving the protruding connecting element 210 can also be formed in the first frame section 110 .

In a second step, the protruding connecting element 210 can be inserted into the depression 114 .

In a third step, the second frame section 120 can then be placed onto the protruding connecting element 210 until it hits the stop 215 . The optionally present holding elements 212 mean that once the second frame section 120 has been put on, it can hardly be removed from the protruding connecting element 120 or only with difficulty.

In a last step, the cap 140 is put on, which offers protection from both the lateral end face and from an upper area.

1. 1. Schritt: Fügen der zwei gegenüberliegenden Rahmenabschnitte ohne Verbindungselemente 210 mit dem Laminat 50.
2. 2. Schritt Fügen der zwei weiteren gegenüberliegende Rahmenabschnitte mit Verbindungselementen 210 mit dem Laminat 50. Beim Fügen erfolgt das Zusammensetzen der Rahmenecke.

The framing of the laminate 50 can optionally also be carried out in the following two steps:

1. 1st step: joining the two opposite frame sections without connecting elements 210 to the laminate 50.
2. 2nd step Joining the two other opposite frame sections with connectors lementen 210 with the laminate 50. When joining, the frame corner is assembled.

Whether the connecting element 210 is pressed in at the short or long frame section can be freely selected. In one embodiment, the connectors are preassembled into the short frame sections. When the connecting element 210 has been pressed into the first frame section 110, the first frame section 110 is joined to the laminate 50 in the second step. In the first step, the two second frame sections 120 are joined to the laminate 50 .

• - Eine variabel einstellbare Abflussöffnung (Spalt 150) wird bereitgestellt, um Staunässe in einem unteren Modulbereich zu verhindern.
• - Die Breite der Abflussöffnung (Breite des Spaltes 150) kann variable über das Anschlagelement 215 eingestellt werden.
• - Ebenso ist es möglich, dass die längere Modulrahmenseite unabhängig von der kürzeren Modulrahmenseite gewählt werden kann. Beispielsweise können die L-förmigen Abschnitte 116, 216 im unteren Bereich unterschiedlich breit ausgebildet sein. Eine unerwünschte Abschrägung (ungleich 45° Winkelausschneidungen; siehe 7B) ist nicht nötig.
• - Der Modulrahmen kann unter Nutzung der Kappen 140 miteinander verbunden werden.
• - Anstatt der Kappen 140 können Öffnungen oder Anschlüsse für elektrische Leitungen vorgesehen sein.
• - Die Kappen 104 können auch Stapelhilfen aufweisen, um ein sicheres Stapeln von mehreren Photovoltaikmodulen zu ermöglichen.

Embodiments of the present invention offer the following advantages in particular:

• - A variably adjustable drain opening (gap 150) is provided to prevent waterlogging in a lower module area.
• - The width of the drain opening (width of the gap 150) can be variably adjusted using the stop element 215.
• - It is also possible that the longer module frame side can be selected independently of the shorter module frame side. For example, the L-shaped sections 116, 216 can be of different widths in the lower area. An unwanted bevel (not equal to 45° angle cuts; see 7B ) is not necessary.
• - The module frame can be connected together using the caps 140.
• - Instead of the caps 140, openings or connections for electrical lines can be provided.
• - The caps 104 can also have stacking aids to enable a secure stacking of several photovoltaic modules.

The features of the invention disclosed in the description, the claims and the figures can be essential for the implementation of the invention both individually and in any combination.

Reference List

20

conventional PV frame

25

channel in the corner area

50

Laminate/photovoltaic panel

60

Bonding/sealing

70

U-shaped receiving area for laminate

90

Waterlogging (e.g. collecting rainwater)

110, 120

frame sections

114

deepening

115

first recording area

116, 126

L-shaped protrusions

117

cut out/removed section

117a

bottom opening

118

edge of the cut section

125

second receiving area for the photovoltaic module

140

cap

141

upper cap area

150

gap (drain)

160

fixation element(s)

210

protruding connector

212

holding elements

214

pointed end section

215

attack

220

opening area

310

corner area of the frame

Claims (9)

An assembleable frame for a laminate (50) of a photovoltaic module, the frame having a plurality of frame sections (110, 120,...) which when assembled form the frame and which comprise: a first frame section (110) having a first receiving area (115) for the laminate (50) and a protruding connection element (210); and a second frame section (120) having a second receiving area (125) for the laminate (50) and an opening area (220) for receiving the protruding connecting element (210) to form a corner (310) of the frame when assembled, the protruding connecting element (210) having a stop (215) to form a gap (150) between the first receiving area (115) and the second receiving area (125) which provides water drainage upon insertion of the laminate (50). The frame after claim 1 , wherein the first frame portion (110) opposite from the first receiving area (115) has an L-shaped projection (116), wherein a cut-out section (117) is formed in the L-shaped projection (116) in such a way that the second frame section (120) when assembled is as flush as possible on at least one Part of section (117) adjacent. The frame after claim 2 , wherein the cut-out portion (117) has an edge (118) and is formed such that the second frame portion (120) abuts the edge (118) on two sides to form a stop in two different directions, or with only on one side to the rim (118) to leave a bottom opening (117a) in the frame for water drainage. The frame of any preceding claim, wherein the male connector (210) includes retaining members (212) and an angled end portion (214) to facilitate insertion into the opening area (220) and to block withdrawal after insertion. The frame of any preceding claim, wherein the first frame portion (110) includes a recess (114) with locating members (160), and the locating members retain the male connector (210) in the recess (114). The frame of any preceding claim, further comprising a cap (140), the cap (140) being configured to snap onto an exposed face of the connector (110) and the second frame portion (120) upon assembly of the first frame portion (110) and 210) to be fixed. The frame after claim 6 , wherein the cap (140) has at least one of the following features: a through-opening for the passage of electrical lines or as a lateral water drain; an interface for a lateral electrical or a mechanical connection; an overlapping structure in the upper or lower area in order to laterally grip an overlying or underlying frame when stacking, in order to provide a stacking aid. A method for producing a frame for a laminate (50) of a photovoltaic module, with the following steps: providing (S110) a first frame section (110) with a first receiving area (115) for the laminate (50) and a protruding connecting element (210); and providing (S120) a second frame section (120) having a second receiving area (125) for the laminate (50) and an opening area (220) for receiving the protruding connecting element (210); and Assembling (S130) the first frame section (110) and the second frame section (110) to form a corner (310) of the frame, using a stop (215) of the protruding connecting element (210) to create a gap (150) between the first receiving area (115) and the second receiving area (125) which provides water drainage upon insertion of the laminate (50). The procedure after claim 8 The further comprising at least one of the following steps: inserting the male connector (120) into a recess (114) of the first frame portion (110); placing a cap (140) on an exposed face of the connector (210); providing at least one further first frame section and/or at least one further second frame section formed in the same way as the first frame section and/or the second frame section and repeating the assembly of the frame sections to form further corners of the frame.

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