DE202011001761U1 - clamping device - Google Patents

Abstract

Clamping device (100) for clamping and fixing a plate-shaped element, in particular a solar module (201, 202) on a support (300), wherein an opening (O) between the support (300) and at least one fastening element (111, 112) is provided characterized in that the clamping device (100) comprises a grounding element (130) which, in the mounted state of the plate-shaped element, forms a direct and direct electrically conductive connection between the plate-shaped element, in particular its frame, and the carrier (300).

Description

The present invention relates to a clamping device for clamping and fixing a plate-shaped element, in particular a solar module on a support, wherein an opening between the support and at least one fastening element is provided.

Such a clamping device is for example from the DE 20 2009 003 667 U1 known. It serves to be able to fix solar modules, for example, on a roof. In such solar modules are usually sensitive and in particular very pressure sensitive components whose assembly is not without problems. The known from the prior art clamping device allows a very simple and feasible for the fitter with a few simple steps assembly even in difficult working positions. By the clamping device held in open position, the clamping device need not be kept in an open position during the assembly work, while the solar module is inserted into the opening and then clamped and fixed. Rather, first the clamping device can be attached to the carrier and then the solar modules can be inserted and positioned with both hands in the clamping device or clamping devices, without a hand would be necessary to keep the clamping device open. Subsequently, the actual clamping and fixing of the solar module can take place in the clamping devices. Since only a few steps are required and in particular the solar modules can be handled with two hands, the assembly can also be done by a single person.

The carriers consist in almost all cases of metal, for example stainless steel or aluminum. The plate-shaped elements, in particular the solar modules, have a layer structure which is enclosed by a frame, which consists for example of an alloy or of aluminum. A problem of the assembly is the grounding of the plate-shaped elements. At the time of the DE 20 2009 003 667 U1 resulting clamping device is for example the plate-shaped element and its frame on the top of the carrier, so for example a rail, and is pressed in the attached state to this. As a result, in many cases, only a poor electrical connection between the support and the frame of the solar module is produced, in particular if the frame of the solar module due to oxidation has an insulating layer or it is not or only very poorly to a contact formation due to the different materials of the frame and support comes.

To improve the contact training looks from the DE 20 2005 001 469 U1 resulting solar module clamping device having an upper support portion for engaging the module frame, which clamps the module frame during mounting of the clamping device, on the inside of the support portion, which comes into clamping contact with the module frame, an electrically conductive mandrel which forms an anodized layer of the Module frame penetrates and forms an electrically conductive connection between the module frame and the carrier. Such thorn solutions go also from the DE 20 2005 009 883 U1 , of the DE 20 2005 009 884 U1 and the DE 20 2005 003 224 U1 out. The problem with these solutions is that insufficient clamping pressure during assembly of the solar modules, the mandrel penetrates the anodized insufficient and that in this case the electrical connection of the frame to the clamping device and thus to the support frame is not ensured. This can lead to serious safety defects, since the contact safety of the solar module is not guaranteed.

In order to achieve an optimal electrical connection of a coated with an insulating protective layer solar module frame to the support structure is in the from the DE 20 2010 010 597 U1 resulting clamping device for mounting framed solar modules on a support having at least one upper abutment portion for engaging the module frame and at least one lateral abutment portion for laterally guiding the outer edge of the module frame, at least one electrically conductive mandrel for electrical connection of the module frame to the clamping device. This mandrel scratches the lateral edge of the anodizing module frame during clamping of the solar module.

In all the above solutions, the electrical connection between the module frame and the support frame, which is formed for example of profile rails, made via the clamping device. For this purpose, the clamping device has in each case at least one mandrel, which scores the module frame or penetrates into the module frame. This creates an electrically conductive contact between the module frame and clamping device. The clamping device is then fastened itself to, for example, a rail. The contact between the clamping device and rail by attaching the clamping device on the rail. Now, however, the case may arise that the clamping device consists for example of aluminum and the surfaces - for example due to oxidation - is coated with a non-conductive layer. Similarly, in principle, the profile rail made of aluminum and also have a non-conductive surface. In addition, for example, the rail may be made of steel and the clamping device made of aluminum or vice versa, or both devices may be made of steel. This results in different contact conditions, some of which are again unsatisfactory. For example, in the case of a profile frame made of aluminum and a clamping device made of aluminum, both of which have an insulating protective layer, there is only poor or no contact between the clamping device and the mounting rail, ie the support structure.

The invention is therefore the object of developing a clamping device of the type described above to the effect that in the assembled state of the plate-shaped element on the support with simple installation an optimal electrical connection between the plate-shaped element, such as the frame of a solar module, and the carrier, for example a rail, is taught, the installation should be as simple as possible.

This object is achieved by a clamping device of the type described above in that the clamping device has a grounding element, which forms a direct and immediate electrically conductive connection between the plate-shaped element, in particular its frame, and the carrier in the mounted state of the plate-shaped element.

The basic idea of the invention is to provide a grounding element which simultaneously produces both a contact with the plate-shaped element and in particular its frame as well as with the carrier and which is easy to handle. According to the invention, this grounding element is arranged so that it is arranged in the assembled state between the plate-shaped element, in particular between the frame of the plate-shaped element and the carrier and in the mounted state forms a conductive connection between the frame of the plate-shaped element and the carrier. This earthing element is handled together with the clamping device and mounted on the carrier. So there are no additional assembly steps required, but the clamping device can be mounted by the installer in a simple manner.

An advantageous embodiment of the clamping device provides that the at least one fastening element is biased relative to the carrier in an open position against a spring force. This allows easy handling of the clamping device, because it does not have to be brought by the fitter first in an open position.

A preferred embodiment provides that the at least one fastening element and the grounding element against the spring force are arranged displaceable relative to each other. This design enables a particularly simple mounting of the grounding element on the carrier, wherein at the same time it is ensured that the at least one fastening element is biased relative to the carrier in an open position against the spring force. The clamping device is arranged as it were in this open position on the carrier, wherein the attachment of the grounding element due to the spring bias on the carrier is particularly easy.

A particularly preferred embodiment provides that the grounding element is a toothed plate, which is arranged in the assembled state of the plate-shaped element between the plate-shaped member and the carrier and whose teeth are so entangled that they both in the plate-shaped element or its frame and engage in the carrier and in particular on the plate-shaped element or its frame and / or possibly on the support existing protective layers penetrate. Because of these entangled teeth of the toothed plate, the electrical contact is directly and directly produced between the plate-shaped element, for example the frame of the solar module, and the carrier, for example the profile rail, during the fixation of the plate-shaped element on the carrier. This is done simultaneously to fix the plate-shaped element by means of the clamping device.

The entanglement of the teeth in the two directions can be designed purely in principle in a variety of ways. An embodiment provides that the teeth of the toothed plate are so entangled that alternately entangled in the direction of the plate-shaped element tooth follows a entangled in the direction of the support tooth. This alternating entanglement allows a variety of electrical contacts to be made over a wider range.

The toothed plate itself can have a purely arbitrary shape in principle. A particularly advantageous embodiment provides that the toothed plate has a substantially quadrangular shape, in particular a rectangular or square shape, and that this toothed plate in the mounted state of the plate-shaped element in a arranged in the carrier, the plate-shaped element facing longitudinal groove comes to rest. In this case, advantageously corresponds to the thickness of the toothed plate substantially the depth of the longitudinal groove. This design allows a compact design, because in this case only protrude entangled teeth beyond the groove, which is desired, because this is mediated during the pressing of the plate-shaped element, the production of the electrical contact.

For fastening the clamping device according to the invention to a support, for example a support frame made of profile rails, a threaded plate is preferably provided, which is aligned in a conventional manner within a rail and provides a bore for screwing a threaded bolt. As a support, for example, a known per se C-rail can be used for this purpose.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the clamping device according to the invention, the threaded plate on the side facing the clamping device, recesses, which serve to fix the threaded plate to the carrier. In particular, groove-like recesses in the form of grooves are provided approximately parallel to the narrow sides, which are provided for engagement of corresponding, inwardly directed bends of the rail, so that the threaded plate is anchored against rotation and positive locking in the rail. This facilitates in particular the attachment of the clamping device to the support and the assembly of the solar modules when clamping and fixing the modules in the clamping device according to the invention, since rotation of the threaded plate after engagement of the recesses of the threaded plate is prevented in corresponding bends of the rail, especially if a threaded bolt or a screw to close the clamping device is screwed. With such a screw or such a threaded bolt, the plate-shaped elements, in particular the solar modules, are fixed and fixed in the opening between the grounding element in the form of the toothed plate or the carrier and the at least one fastening element. This screw or this threaded bolt is screwed against the spring force in a thread of the threaded plate.

By screwing in the threaded bolt or the screw, the fastening element is displaced in the direction of the carrier, so that the opening is reduced and the plate-shaped element can be clamped. In this case, the screw head preferably carries the fastening element so that the clamping device is closed by a simple screwing in of the screw. In the screw head, for example, a conventional hexagon socket can be provided, in which a corresponding key can engage.

The screwing of the threaded bolt or the screw takes place to the point at which the plate-shaped element is securely and firmly clamped and fixed in the clamping device according to the invention. When this state is reached, the grounding of the plate-shaped element is ensured at the same time by the toothed plate, because it was formed on the toothed plate an electrically conductive connection between the plate-shaped member and the carrier. By screwing in the screw so not only the solar modules are fixed and fixed, it is also the clamping device on the support, so for example a rail, and at the same time it establishes the grounding contacts.

The clamping device according to the invention thus enables a clamping and fixing and simultaneous grounding, for example, plate-shaped solar modules of different dimensions or different thickness, d. H. with a thicker solar module, the threaded bolt is less screwed in than with a thinner solar module. The invention thus provides a variable clamping device, for example, as edge clamp or middle clamp for clamping, fixing and simultaneous grounding of solar modules ready, which is very easy to handle for the fitter, and the clamping and grounding of plate-shaped elements or solar modules of different thickness and different Type without adaptation allowed.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. The various features may be implemented individually or in combination with each other.

In the drawings show:

1 an isometric view of a clamping device according to the invention;

2 a side view of in 1 illustrated clamping device;

3 an end view of in 1 illustrated clamping device;

4 a top view of the in 1 illustrated clamping device according to the invention and

5 an isometric view of a solar module attached to a rail by means of a clamping device according to the invention.

One in the 1 to 4 shown and as a whole with reference numerals 100 designated clamping device consists of a substantially U-shaped profile element 110 , of which in each case at the end of the U-legs substantially at right angles webs 111 . 112 stand up, which Fixing elements for plate-shaped elements, in particular solar modules form. In the U-shaped connecting leg 115 of the U-shaped profile element 110 is about a central screw 155 for example, a hexagon socket 151 has arranged. This screw extends through a hole in a toothed plate 130 and engages in a thread in a threaded plate 140 one. Between the toothed plate 130 and the U-shaped profile element 110 is designed as a compression spring coil or coil spring 120 arranged. This causes the formation of a maximum opening O between the fasteners 111 . 112 and the toothed plate 130 , By screwing in the screw 155 is the opening cross section of the between the fasteners 111 . 112 and the toothed plate 130 trained opening O is reduced and, for example, a solar module on subsequently still in conjunction with 5 attached manner described.

5 represents the clamping device 100 when mounted on a rail 300 dar. The rail 300 has a substantially C-shaped configuration, each with inwardly bent legs 301 . 302 , In the assembled state of the clamping device 100 grip groove-shaped grooves 141 the threaded plate 140 in this bent down leg 301 . 302 the profile rail 100 in a known per se, so that a rotation of the threaded plate 140 during the attachment of the clamping device 100 on the profile rail 300 is avoided and thus the attachment is facilitated. After the fastening device 100 on the profile rail 300 attached in this way are solar modules, their frames 201 . 202 in 5 dash-dotted lines are shown inserted. In this case, the fitter does not have to keep the clamping device open, because this is caused by the compression spring 120 held in the open position. After the solar modules are positioned, the screw becomes 155 in the in the threaded plate 140 arranged internal thread screwed. This screwing takes place counter to the spring force of the compression spring 120 , Here are the two fasteners 111 . 112 as the opening O is reduced in the direction of the solar modules, and the solar modules, in particular also solar modules of different thickness, are fixed in this way. During this process, the ground contact with the help of the toothed plate is simultaneously 130 produced. The toothed plate 130 has this entangled teeth 131 . 132 on. The teeth are alternately entangled, ie, that in each case entangled in the direction of the solar module tooth 131 one in the direction of the rail 300 entangled tooth follows. By screwing in the screw 155 grab the sharp teeth 131 . 132 in each case an existing example of an alloy or aluminum frame of the solar modules 201 . 202 and at the same time in the existing example of stainless steel or aluminum rail 300 and break through in this way, for example, oxidation layers or layers of paint or the like, so that an electrically conductive connection between the solar module, namely its metallic frame, and the rail 300 produced and provided in this way the grounding contact. The production of the grounding contact is thus together with the attachment of the solar modules 201 . 202 on the profile rail 300 accomplished, so that no additional steps are required.

Since a solar module has a relatively large area, it must be equipped with a plurality of such clamping devices 100 be attached. Because each of these clamping devices 100 Such a grounding element in the form of the toothed plate 130 has, as a large-area contacting of the entire solar module is achieved over its entire surface.

As already described above, holds the compression spring 120 the toothed plate 130 at maximum distance to the fasteners 111 . 112 , As a result, a maximum opening O for the solar modules 201 . 202 provided. At the same time is by this bias by means of the compression spring 120 a slight mounting of the toothed plate 130 in one in the profile element 300 provided and the solar modules 201 . 202 facing groove 310 allows. The toothed plate 130 has for this purpose preferably a rectangular or square shape, wherein one side of this quadrilateral to the width of the groove 310 equivalent. The thickness of the dental arch 130 essentially corresponds to the depth of the groove 310 so that the toothed plate 130 in the assembled state, namely, when the entangled teeth 131 . 132 each within the scope of the solar modules 201 . 202 or in the rail 300 intervene, essentially not on the solar modules 201 . 202 facing the end face of the rail protrudes and so far a compact structure is made possible, in which the solar modules 201 . 202 on the profile rail 300 rest. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to a square toothed plate, purely in principle, round or oval toothed plates or toothed plates with a polygonal shape or the like could be provided. The in the rail 300 arranged groove 310 attached to the shape of the dental arch 130 is advantageously adapted, allows in connection with the compression spring 120 which the toothed plate 130 from the fasteners 111 . 112 "Pushes away" an easily manageable attachment of the toothed plate 130 in the groove 310 , The toothed plate 130 namely mediated because of his entangled teeth 131 . 132 first a position fixation. Then the U-shaped profile 110 which the fasteners 111 . 112 carries, along with the threaded plate 140 turned 90 ° until the groove-like recesses 141 the threaded plate 140 in the projections 301 . 302 engage the rail. Then the solar modules 201 . 202 in the maximum openings of the clamping device 100 introduced and positioned there. Now the screw is screwed in 155 by means of a key, which in the hexagon socket 151 of the screw head 150 intervenes. On the one hand, the solar modules become one 201 . 202 fixed, on the other hand, at the same time the grounding by engagement of the entangled teeth 131 . 132 into the solar modules 201 . 202 , in particular in their metallic frames and in the profile rail 300 accomplished. The advantage of the clamping device is not only the simple installation of the solar modules 201 . 202 but in particular also their grounding, wherein the grounding advantageously on each clamping device 100 is provided.

Above was a clamping device 100 described by way of example with two fasteners. It is understood that a clamping device with only one fastener, so to speak a "edge-clamping device" may be provided, which operates in the same manner as described above.

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

• DE 202009003667 U1 [0002, 0003]
• DE 202005001469 U1 [0004]
• DE 202005009883 U1 [0004]
• DE 202005009884 U1 [0004]
• DE 202005003224 U1 [0004]
• DE 202010010597 U1 [0005]

Claims (11)

Clamping device ( 100 ) for clamping and fixing a plate-shaped element, in particular a solar module ( 201 . 202 ), on a support ( 300 ), wherein an opening (O) between the carrier ( 300 ) and at least one fastening element ( 111 . 112 ), characterized in that the clamping device ( 100 ) a grounding element ( 130 ), which in the mounted state of the plate-shaped element a direct and direct electrically conductive connection between the plate-shaped element, in particular its frame, and the carrier ( 300 ) trains. Clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one fastening element ( 111 . 112 ) relative to the carrier ( 300 ) is biased in an open position against a spring force. Clamping device according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least one fastening element ( 111 . 112 ) and the grounding element ( 130 ) are arranged displaceably against each other against the spring force. Clamping device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grounding element a toothed plate ( 130 ) is in the assembled state of the plate-shaped element between the plate-shaped element and in particular its frame and the carrier ( 300 ) and its teeth ( 131 . 132 ) are so entangled that they both in the plate-shaped element, in particular its frame, as well as in the carrier ( 300 ) intervene. Clamping device according to claim 4, characterized in that the teeth of the toothed plate ( 130 ) are so entangled that in each case alternately entangled in the direction of the plate-shaped element tooth ( 131 ) on one in the direction of the carrier ( 300 ) entangled tooth ( 132 ) follows. Clamping device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the toothed plate ( 130 ) has a substantially quadrangular, in particular a rectangular or square, shape, and in the mounted state of the plate-shaped element in a in the carrier ( 300 ), the plate-shaped element facing longitudinal groove ( 310 ) comes to rest. Clamping device according to claim 6, characterized in that the thickness of the toothed plate ( 130 ) substantially the depth of the longitudinal groove ( 310 ) corresponds. Clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that the clamping device by means of a threaded plate ( 140 ) on the carrier, in particular on a profiled rail ( 300 ), is attachable. Clamping device according to claim 8, characterized in that the threaded plate ( 140 ) Recesses, in particular groove-like recesses ( 141 ), for fixing to the carrier, in particular within the profile rail ( 300 ), having. Clamping device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the spring force applying means a coil spring ( 120 ), in particular a compression spring, is. Clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that a fastening element or two opposite fastening elements ( 111 . 112 ) are provided.

Images