EP2545590A2

EP2545590A2 - Connecting block, frames and assembly for fastening photovoltaic modules or collector modules and method for fastening frames

Info

Publication number: EP2545590A2
Application number: EP11708826A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Sandy Schnitzer; Manuel Dhom
Original assignee: Mounting Systems GmbH
Current assignee: Mounting Systems GmbH
Priority date: 2010-03-12
Filing date: 2011-03-14
Publication date: 2013-01-16
Also published as: US20130032200A1; WO2011110693A2; DE102010002834A1; WO2011110693A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a connecting block for fastening two neighboring frames of photovoltaic modules or collector modules to a DIN mounting rail, wherein the connecting block comprises a main body and two pins which project from two surfaces of the main body pointing in opposite directions. Each pin can be inserted in one of the neighboring frames. The connecting block further comprises a transverse piece projecting from the main body, said piece having a counter-profile that is adapted to the profile of the DIN mounting rail in order to establish a positive connection with the DIN mounting rail.

Description

Connection block, frame and assembly for fixing photovoltaic modules or collector modules and method for fixing frames

The invention relates to a connection block for fixing two frames of photovoltaic modules or collector modules on a rail, a frame for receiving one or more photovoltaic modules or collector modules, an arrangement for receiving photovoltaic modules or collector modules, a Modular field with photovoltaic modules or collector modules, the use of connecting stones for fixing frames and a method for attaching frames.

Photovoltaic modules or collector modules are usually grouped into module fields and mounted in roof or outdoor mounting on parallel rails arranged.

A known arrangement for mounting photovoltaic modules is shown in Figure 1. The arrangement includes a ramming post 1, which serves to anchor the arrangement in a ground, two profile rails 2, 3, which are connected by a fastening arrangement 4 with the ramming post 1 such that they are arranged parallel to each other and spaced, four module holder 5, which serve for the lateral attachment of a photovoltaic module 6, a slide-off 7, which prevents the photovoltaic module from slipping out of its position, and an electrical connection 8, which serves for the derivation of the electrical power generated by the photovoltaic module.

With the arrangement shown, module fields with a plurality of juxtaposed photovoltaic modules 6 can be built up on the (correspondingly longer) profile rails 2, 3. For this purpose, the module holder 5 are to be designed such that they can hold two adjacent modules simultaneously. Along the profile rails, rows of photovoltaic modules can be formed in this way. In addition, a plurality of rows of photovoltaic modules, each with their own pile posts are arranged one behind the other. It would be desirable to be able to fasten photovoltaic modules or collector modules more easily.

According to a first aspect of the invention, this is achieved by a method comprising the following steps:

Inserting a first connecting block into a longitudinal groove of a first profiled rail;

Producing a positive connection of the first connecting block with the first profiled rail

Sliding the first connecting block along the longitudinal groove of the first profiled rail in the direction of a first frame for inserting a first arbor of the first connecting block into a recess of the first frame for establishing a positive connection between the first frame and the first connecting block;

Inserting a second connecting block into a longitudinal groove of a second profiled rail; - Establishing a positive connection of the second connecting block with the second rail; Displacing the second connecting block along the longitudinal groove of the second profiled rail in the direction of the first frame for inserting a first mandrel of the second connecting block into a recess of the first frame for establishing a positive connection between the first frame and the second connecting brick;

Arranging a second frame on the rails in such a manner adjacent to the first frame, that in the adjacently arranged frame opposite two recesses at approximately the same height;

Moving the second frame for insertion of a respective second mandrel of the connecting blocks in the corresponding recess of the second frame.

Useful connection blocks are described in the second aspect of the invention. Likewise, meaningful frameworks are described in the third aspect of the invention.

The method according to the first aspect of the invention allows easy mounting of frames that accommodate photovoltaic modules or collector modules. However, the applicability of the method is not limited to the scope of such modules.

The two connecting blocks are inserted through the longitudinal grooves of the two rails and provide, in a preferred embodiment, for example, after a rotation of 90 °, a positive connection with the respective rails ago. An unintentional removal of the connecting block from the rail is thus prevented. In the mentioned embodiment, a removal requires a new rotation by 90 °.

Subsequently, the connecting blocks are moved along the longitudinal groove of the respective rail to push the pins of the connecting blocks in the space provided for recesses of the frame. After these simple steps, which can be carried out without special effort and without technical aids, the frame is already positively connected to the connecting blocks, which in turn are positively connected to the rails. Thus, the frame is held on the rails. For the subsequent assembly of the second frame to be initially arranged on the two rails such that its recesses lie approximately at the same height to the recesses of the first frame and thus also to the spines of the two connecting blocks. Subsequently, a simple displacement of the second frame on the profile rails in the direction of the first frame, wherein the pins of the connecting blocks, which are not stuck in the respective recesses of the first frame, are inserted into corresponding recesses of the second frame. As a result, the second frame is also held on the rails as the first frame. If the second frame is pushed so far in the direction of the first frame, that the frame and the intermediate connecting blocks directly adjacent to each other, ie that a further displacement is no longer possible, the connecting blocks are thus secured against slipping in the direction of the longitudinal groove. This is done without the connecting blocks needing to be bolted or otherwise laboriously connected to the rail. It suffices a fitting described below at the end of a series of frames.

The method has in addition to the particular simplicity described the advantage that it can be carried out in preferred embodiments with a plurality of frames in succession, that each two adjacent frames are spaced by two intermediate connecting blocks and thus that each frame by four mandrels, each to a owned by the four adjacent connecting stones. After mounting an arbitrarily high number of frames with the associated connecting blocks suitably trained end holder can be mounted such that on the frame a force along the profile rails is exercised. Thus, both the frame and the connecting blocks located between the frames are held in position along the longitudinal grooves. For this purpose, the end holders are preferably screwed to the profiled rails, so that they are prevented from slipping along the profiled rails by adhesion.

Apart from the frames, only the connection stones are needed for mounting frame rows, whereby the amount of required assembly material is very small. In addition, the operations described with the connecting blocks are carried out quickly, without tools and without significant effort. It should be noted that it is possible to deviate from the above-mentioned order of the method. For example, the second frame can be arranged on the profile rails before the connecting blocks are inserted into the longitudinal grooves of the profile rails. Alternatively, only one connecting block can be inserted into a longitudinal groove before the second frame is placed on top. Likewise, it is possible to first insert one or both connecting blocks in the longitudinal grooves and then to arrange the second frame, then insert the first pins of the connecting blocks in the recesses of the first frame and then to move the second frame such that the second pins of the connecting blocks in the recesses of the second frame are introduced.

Preferably, the method according to the first aspect of the invention is repeated in a corresponding manner until a desired plurality of frames are mounted side by side. Typically, seven to fifteen, more preferably eleven, juxtaposed frames are mounted. Thereafter, at least one end holder and an expansion joint are mounted. While the end holder is designed to secure the modules, as described above, against slipping in the direction of the rails, the expansion shock compensates for changes in length, which occur due to temperature fluctuations. The end holder can be fastened, for example, in a conventional manner by screwing to the profile rails. It has been found that due to the thermal expansion properties of aluminum when using this material, the arrangement of an expansion shock after seven to fifteen and especially eleven modules is particularly advantageous. Aluminum is advantageous because of its ease of processing, its low weight and its corrosion resistance. In a particularly preferred embodiment, horizontal, ie parallel to the mounting surface mounted rails used on which the frames are mounted adjacent to each other. Alternatively, however, the two rails can be arranged at an arbitrary angle to the ground, for example, the rails can be arranged inclined at an acute angle to the horizontal. The method according to the first aspect of the invention can be applied independently of the position of the rails, it is only crucial that they are parallel.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method, after assembly of a total of eighteen to twenty-six, particularly preferably twenty-two, men made according to the method, an electrical interconnection of photovoltaic modules accommodated in the frame. The interconnection of this number of photovoltaic modules is advantageous due to the electrical properties of the photovoltaic modules and the inverters. A second aspect of the invention relates to a connector block for mounting two adjacent frames of photovoltaic modules or collector modules on a mounting rail, the connector block comprising: a main body, two mandrels protruding from two oppositely facing surfaces of the main body; each one in one of the adjacent frame is inserted, and a projecting from the main body crosspiece with an adapted to a profile of the rail counter profile for producing a space-locking connection with the rail. Frames which can be fixed with the connection block according to the second aspect of the invention are described in the third aspect of the invention.

The connecting block according to the second aspect of the invention is an easily manufactured component. It allows the attachment of two adjacent frames of photovoltaic modules on a rail in a simple manner, without the need technical aids or extra effort would be required. Preferably, the bonding stone according to the second aspect of the invention is used in the method according to the first aspect of the invention.

The main body of the connecting block is preferably designed cuboid. This allows two-dimensional contact with the two adjacent frames. Alternatively, the main body can also be cylindrical or in another form, which allows the attachment of both the two mandrels as well as the crosspiece.

The mandrels are designed so that they can be inserted into the recesses of frames. The insertion can be realized in different ways. On the one hand, the mandrel can be moved to a stationary frame. Alternatively, of course, the frame can be moved towards the quiescent thorn. Finally, both the mandrel and the frame can be moved towards each other. Of course, in the present application, if it is said that the mandrel is moved, this movement can of course also be realized by a corresponding movement of the frame or a movement of both the frame and the mandrel.

If a mandrel is to be introduced into an insignificantly larger recess, then it is obvious that this is best achieved when the mandrel is aligned parallel to its direction of movement. In practice, however, both when introducing thorns into a recess, tilting of the mandrel relative to its ideal direction can occur. The pins of the connecting block are therefore preferably designed to be tapered near the end projecting from the main body. Thus, the tolerance range is increased in relation to a tilting of the mandrel from its ideal position, since the tapered end still hits the recess in such a case. Nevertheless, as the thickness of the mandrel increases in the direction from its protruding end toward the main body, a positive connection between the connecting block and the body containing the recess can be produced.

The two spikes project from two faces of the main body facing in opposite directions, the spikes preferably both lying along a common straight line. This straight line is furthermore preferably perpendicular to an axis of symmetry of the main body. In this embodiment, both pins of a connecting block can be inserted along exactly opposite directions into respective recesses of the adjacent frames. This allows a particularly simple assembly, since only shifts along a straight line are necessary.

Alternatively, however, the mandrels may also point in directions that are not on a straight line, which, for example, can produce an additional jamming holding effect after the mandrels have been inserted into recesses of adjacent frames. The protruding from the main body crosspiece is used to make a positive connection with the rail. For this purpose, it has a counter profile, which is adapted to the profile of the rail. The crosspiece is preferred by the thorns spacedly attached to the main body so that the main body with the part to which the mandrels are attached can protrude out of the rail while being within the rail with the part to which the cross-piece is attached. A longitudinal direction of the main body is in an embodiment transverse to a longitudinal direction of the mandrels.

The crosspiece may protrude in this embodiment or independently in two opposite directions from the main body, which are transverse to the longitudinal direction of the main body. According to an embodiment, the main body and the cross-piece together when considered in a T-shape. The crossbar of the T is the crosspiece which contains the counter profile. The T-shape allows a positive connection with the rail to be made on two sides of the main body. As a result, a better, in particular better against blurring stiffened connection between the connecting block and the rail is possible.

In a further preferred embodiment, the crosspiece has two free legs, each wedge-shaped and attached to opposite-facing surfaces of the main body. The wedge tapers, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the main body, with increasing distance from the longitudinal end of the main body. The wedge shape has the advantage that it forms a simple and universally fitting counter-profile. In addition, due to the wider portions of the wedges, which are located at the protruding from the main body ends, a good fit to suitably trained interiors of rails allows.

According to a preferred embodiment, the crosspiece of the connecting stone is designed such that it can be inserted into an opening of the profile of the rail and produces by subsequent rotation by about 90 ° with the profile of the rail a positive connection. This allows a particularly simple attachment of the connecting block to the rail. The insertion of the connecting blocks is possible at any point of the rail, ie it is not necessary to introduce the connecting blocks at the ends of the rail. For insertion while the crosspiece is aligned so that it fits with its largest extent through the mentioned opening of the profile. After the crosspiece has been inserted through the opening, it can be engaged with the rail by a mere 90 ° turn. However, a displacement of the connecting block along the rail is still possible because the rail has a constant cross-section in this direction. Likewise, a connection stone, which already has a mandrel in a frame, can be moved away from the frame to release the frame. This may be necessary, for example, if the frame needs to be replaced with its photovoltaic modules or collector modules or if they need to be serviced.

If the connecting block in the state of the positive connection with the rail again rotated by 90 °, the connection stone can also be removed again from the rail, without having to be pushed to the end of the rail. Individual connection blocks can thus also be removed or replaced without having to disassemble a plurality of adjacent frames and associated fasteners.

Preferably, the crosspiece projects in two opposite directions from the main body, which are transverse to a longitudinal direction of the mandrels. If the crosspiece is inserted into the opening of the rail, the mandrels are initially transverse to the rail and are therefore not yet suitable to be inserted in recesses of adjacent frame, which rest on the rail. As already explained, however, the connection block can be rotated by 90 ° so that the crosspiece produces a positive connection with the profile rail. Since the mandrels are also rotated by 90 °, they are after the rotation substantially parallel to the rail. Thus, they are then also suitably aligned to be inserted into corresponding recesses of resting on the rail adjacent frame. This design thus ensures that, after a simple 90 ° turn, both the cross piece and the two pins are aligned in the respective directions in which they are also required for fastening the frames to the profile rail. Preferably, the connecting block is integrally formed, which allows a simple production, for example by injection molding, as well as a high strength of the connecting block.

Alternatively, however, the connection block may also be formed in several pieces, e.g. the main body, the mandrels and the crosspiece are each made individually and are connected by screwing, welding, gluing or other connection techniques with the connection stone.

In a preferred embodiment of the connecting block, the two pins in their longitudinal section near the main body each have an electrically conductive contact area. The contact area is suitable for producing an electrically conductive contact between the connection block and a frame into which the connection block can be inserted. Such a contact region is preferably an electrically conductive piece of the mandrel whose diameter is chosen to fit the recess in the frame, so that it can come into contact with an inner surface of the recess when inserted into the recess. Of course, if the recess has the shape of a slot, the exact fitting of the mandrels across the longitudinal direction of the oblong hole is sufficient. In this way, with the help of the connecting block, an electrically conductive contact of the frame with the mounting rail can be made for grounding purposes. The contact region may have a rough outer surface, such as a corrugation. This allows the rail to connect to the frame electrically reliable. This is particularly advantageous if the frame is coated on its outer surfaces with non-conductive material and thus no electrical contact between the frame and the rail is formed by the resting of the frame on the rail alone. The length of the mandrels is in various embodiments 1 to 5 cm, preferably 2 to 4 cm and more preferably 2.5 to 3.5 cm. The diameter of the mandrels is for example 6 to 10 mm, preferably 7 to 9 mm and particularly preferably 8 mm.

A third aspect relates to a frame for accommodating one or more photovoltaic modules or collector modules with two frame elements on opposite-pointing outer sides of the frame, which each have at least two outlets. Have receptacles for receiving each of a mandrel of a connecting block according to the second aspect of the invention. If it is a rectangular frame, the two frame elements are located on two opposite sides of the rectangle. The frame allows a particularly simple mounting of photovoltaic modules or collector modules on two parallel rails arranged using connecting blocks according to the second aspect of the invention. The advantages already described in connection with the connection block apply in particular when frames according to the third aspect of the invention are used together with connection blocks according to the second aspect of the invention for mounting photovoltaic modules or collector modules. With regard to the advantages, reference is therefore made to the above statements.

Preferably, the recesses of the frame are formed as slots. On the one hand, this facilitates assembly, as there is greater freedom when inserting the pins of the connecting blocks. On the other hand, the oblong holes ensure a tolerance to heat-related expansion. Since the oblong holes allow a certain play of the mandrels, a thermal expansion of the frame does not lead to tension with the connection blocks or with the profile rails on which the frames rest. Preferably, the slots have a length of at least 1, 5 cm, more preferably at least 2 cm. Thus, the assembly is facilitated and achieved sufficient tolerance to thermal expansion.

It should be noted that the frame is considered here as independent of the photovoltaic modules or collector modules component that can be traded without built-in modules. It is understood, however, that the frame can already be traded in conjunction with the photovoltaic modules or collector modules. Such an embodiment is also included in the invention.

According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to an arrangement with at least two profile rails arranged parallel to one another, at least two adjacent arranged frame according to the third aspect of the invention, which rest on the rails, wherein the frames are arranged on the rails such that at the height of the rails each two of the recesses in the frame members facing each other, wherein between the opposite Recesses each a connecting block according to the second aspect of the invention is arranged, the mandrels are inserted into the recesses, and wherein the crosspieces of the connecting block with the respective rail in positive connection, and wherein a longitudinal direction of the spikes parallel to a longitudinal direction

Profile rails is.

The arrangement according to the fourth aspect of the invention advantageously serves to hold photovoltaic modules or collector modules, which are accommodated in the frame. It is assembled using connection blocks according to the second aspect of the invention and frames according to the third aspect of the invention and therefore offers all the advantages already mentioned there. In particular, the assembly is possible with only a small amount of mounting material, without tools and without special effort when attaching and inserting the connecting blocks. In addition, individual frames with their photovoltaic modules or collector modules or individual connecting blocks can be easily replaced or removed, without the need for loosening a variety of glands or the removal of other components would be necessary.

The profile rails of the arrangement according to the fourth aspect of the invention are preferably arranged at different heights above a substrate. This allows an inclination of the frames and thus also of the photovoltaic modules or collector modules accommodated therein, which corresponds to a conventional installation of photovoltaic modules or collector modules. The degree of skew is determined by the difference in height of the two rails and typically adapted to the latitude of the installation. Preferably, in the arrangement according to the fourth aspect of the invention, between seven and fifteen, more preferably eleven frames are arranged side by side, wherein each two adjacent frames are spaced apart only by the connecting blocks, and wherein at least one end of a row thus formed, an end holder and a stretch of expansion are arranged. As already mentioned in the description of the method according to the first aspect of the invention, such an embodiment offers an advantageous resistance to thermally induced changes in length when using the preferred material aluminum. The screwed end holder provides protection against slipping of frame and connecting blocks and is preferably provided with an anti-theft device. If frames or connecting blocks are to be removed or exchanged, it is sufficient to release the end holder and to move the frames in order to expose the element to be removed.

If frames are used for the arrangement according to the fourth aspect of the invention, which have slots, thereby a tolerance to thermal expansion is achieved transversely to the rails, as already explained above. In this case, the pins of the connecting blocks and the elongated holes of the frames are preferably designed such that they form a precisely fitting connection in the direction transverse to the frame surface.

According to a fifth aspect, the invention relates to a module array with photovoltaic modules or collector modules, which are mounted by at least one arrangement according to the fourth aspect of the invention. The advantages of such a module field arise directly from the advantages of the arrangement according to the fourth aspect of the invention. Accordingly, reference is made to the statements there.

Preferably, in a module array with photovoltaic modules according to the fifth aspect of the invention, in each case the photovoltaic modules of eighteen to twenty-six frames, more preferably of twenty-two frames, are electrically interconnected, which enables a particularly good adaptation of the power values of photovoltaic modules to inverters.

In addition, more preferably, some of the frames are mounted by at least one arrangement according to the fourth aspect of the invention such that in each case seven to fifteen frames are arranged next to one another and this by screwed Endhai- be held together. Adjacent to such a row can, as also already described above, advantageously be provided in each case an expansion shock.

According to a sixth aspect, the invention relates to the use of connection components according to the second aspect of the invention for fastening at least two frames according to the third aspect of the invention to at least two profile rails arranged parallel to one another.

The advantages of the combined use of these components have already been explained in detail in their description.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the detailed descriptions of the embodiments, reference being made to the following figures:

Figure 1 shows an apparatus for mounting photovoltaic modules according to the prior art.

FIG. 2a shows a connection block according to the second aspect of the invention.

FIG. 2b shows a modified connection block according to the second aspect of the invention, in which in each case a corrugated region is formed on the spikes.

Figure 3 shows a frame for receiving photovoltaic modules or

Collector modules according to the third aspect of the invention.

Figures 4a to 4h show a method for mounting frames according to the first

Aspect of the invention.

Figure 5 shows an arrangement of two frames according to the fourth aspect of the invention.

Figure 6 shows a module array with photovoltaic modules according to the fifth

Aspect of the invention. FIG. 2a shows a connection block 100 according to the second aspect of the invention. The bonding block 100 includes an elongate cuboid main body 120. Near a first longitudinal end 130 of the main body are two mandrels 140, 160 which protrude from oppositely facing surfaces 122 and 124 of the main body 120. In the present case, the two mandrels are arranged along a straight line.

At a first longitudinal end 130 opposite longitudinal end 135 of the main body 120, a crosspiece 180 is arranged. The crosspiece 180 includes two wedge-shaped legs 190, 195 which are mounted on opposite-facing surfaces 126 and 128 of the main body 120. Thus, the cross piece 180 forms a counter profile, with which a positive connection with the profile of a rail (not shown) can be produced.

The main body 120 and the crosspiece 180 taken together have approximately a T-shape. The crossbar of the T is the crosspiece 180. He is present at right angles to the straight line, which includes the two mandrels 140, 160.

The two mandrels 140, 160 are tapered towards their respective projecting from the main body ends. This facilitates the insertion of the mandrels 140, 160 into suitable recesses of frames which are to be fastened by means of the connecting block 100. However, the rejuvenation is not absolutely necessary for this. FIG. 2b shows a connection block 100 ', which differs from the connection block 100 in FIG. 2a only in that a corrugated contact region 145', 165 'is arranged adjacent to the main body 120' on its spines 140 ', 160'. The corrugated contact areas 145 ', 165' serve to establish an electrical connection between the connection brick 100 'and adjacent frames. With the corrugation, the contact pressure in the inserted position of the respective mandrel is selectively increased when the contact area is accurately manufactured with respect to an internal dimension of the mentioned recess of the frame. A typical existing oxide layer can be better broken, thereby improving the conductivity of the electrical contact between the frame and connecting block. The connecting block is preferably made entirely of electrically conductive material. With its cross piece, the connection stone also provides an inserted position Connection to the rail ago, so that the connection stone allows for grounding of the rail also a grounding of the frame without additional measures.

FIG. 3 shows a frame 200 according to the third aspect of the invention. The frame 200 is rectangular and composed of four frame members 220, 222, 224 and 240 form. On two facing in opposite directions outer sides 225 and 245 of the frame members 220 and 240 are each two recesses. Recesses 230 and 235 are formed on the frame element 220. Likewise, the frame member 240 has two recesses 250, 255. The recesses are designed to receive a respective pin of a connecting block according to the second aspect of the invention.

The recesses 230, 235, 250, 255 are formed here as identical slots.

This achieves easier assembly as well as a better tolerance to thermal changes in length.

The recesses 230, 235, 250, 255 have dimensions that allow each to receive a mandrel of a connecting block 100 of FIG. 2.

The frame 200 is shown in Fig. 3 for the sake of simplicity without photovoltaic module or collector modules. It can be provided with a photovoltaic module or a collector module. For this purpose, it is sufficient to use the photovoltaic module or collector module in the frame and fasten it properly.

After the description of the connecting block 100 and of the frame 200, a method for mounting two frames with the aid of the connecting block 100 on a profile rail 300 is explained below in FIGS. 4a to 4h. FIG. 4a shows the starting situation of the method. The profile rail 300 has a longitudinal groove 320 and an inner profile 340. The longitudinal groove 320 forms an opening in the profile rail 300, through which the connecting block 100 can be inserted. The 200 frame is located on the profile rail 300, of which in the present case only a portion of its first frame element 220 is shown for clarity of illustration. The illustrated portion of the first frame member 220 has the slot 235 already described in FIG. The connecting block 100 is not yet connected to the rail 300 in the process stage of Fig. 4a.

In the transition to the reproduced in Fig. 4b process stage of the connecting block 100 is inserted with its crosspiece 180 and a portion of its main body 120 in the longitudinal groove 320 of the rail 300. Subsequently, the connecting block 100 is rotated by about 90 °. An intermediate position with not yet fully rotated connection block 100 is shown in Figure 4c.

The state after the complete rotation of the connecting block 100 is shown in FIG. 4d. The two mandrels 140, 160 are now parallel to the longitudinal groove 320 of the profile rail 300. Subsequently, the connection block 100 is displaced along the longitudinal groove 320 of the profile rail 300 in the direction of the first frame element 220. An intermediate state during the introduction of this movement is shown in FIG. 4e. The mandrel 160 is only partially inserted into the slot 235 in this intermediate state.

After the introduction of the mandrel 160 until it stops the surface 122 on the frame element 220, the state shown in FIG. 4f is reached.

In the same procedure, a second connecting block 100 'is inserted into the oblong hole 235 of the frame element 220 on a second profiled rail 300' parallel to the first profiled rail. This is not shown in the context of the present description of the process control. Reference is made to the illustration of the arrangement in Fig. 5 below.

Since, after insertion of the second connecting block 100 ', a positive connection between the connecting blocks 100 and the profile rail 300 as well as between the first frame element 220 and the connecting block 100 is produced. is set, the first frame 200 is secured in this stage of the process on the rail 300 against movements perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rail 300 - apart from the game, which afford the slots 230 and 235.

Subsequently, as shown in Figure 4g, a second frame 200 'placed on the rail 300. The second frame 200 'is similar to the first frame 200. Therefore, the same reference numerals will be used below for the same parts of the frame 200' as compared to the frame 200, but an apostrophe indicates their affiliation to the frame 200 '.

In FIG. 4g, again only a portion of a second frame element 240 'with a slot 255' is shown. The second frame 200 'is thereby placed on the rail 300 that its slot 255' is located approximately above the longitudinal groove 320 of the rail 300 and thus also approximately on an imaginary extension of the mandrel 140 of the connecting block 100.

Subsequently, the second frame 200 'is moved in the direction of the connecting block 100, so that the mandrel 140 is inserted into the slot 255'. The final state of this process step is shown in FIG. 4h, wherein the second frame element 240 'of the frame 200' is in surface contact with the surface 124 of the connection block 100 with its outside. Thus, the second frame 200 'with the help of the connecting block 100 is attached to the rail 300. The two frames hold the connecting block 100 by the appropriate height position of their slots on the frame at the same time in positive connection with the profile of the rail. In this way, a lateral displacement of the frame along the rail is difficult or - apart from deliberate force during assembly - prevented.

It should be mentioned that the described sequence of the procedure is not mandatory. The connecting blocks can for example also be inserted into the rail and inserted into the frame, if they are already on the rails. In this variant, the frames are then pushed together piece by piece, whenever a new pair of connection blocks has been inserted into the two profile rails. Of course, various other variants of the mounting sequence are possible, which selects the person skilled in the art according to the example of the above description for its respective mounting situation. The arrangement of the two frames 200 and 200 'thus produced on two profiled rails 300 and 300a is shown in FIG. As is common practice, the rails 300 and 300a are parallel to each other and to the ground (not shown), but at different distances from the ground. In respective longitudinal grooves 320a, 320b stuck two connecting blocks 100a, 100b, the pins each 140a, b and 160a, b stuck in corresponding recesses of the first frame 200a and the second frame 200b. Thus, the two frames 200a, 200b are held on the profile rails.

It can easily be seen that further frames can be mounted in both directions along the profile rails 300a and 300b by a corresponding repetition of the method illustrated in FIGS. 4a to 4h. For this no screwing is necessary.

Only at the end of a series of juxtaposed frames on two mutually parallel rails, a bolted end holder (not shown) and an expansion joint (both not shown) can be mounted. The screw connection thus serves as a safeguard against undesired lateral slippage when strong forces act (storm, etc.) and can also be provided with an anti-theft device. The expansion shock serves to compensate thermally induced changes in length.

If photovoltaic modules or collector modules are mounted on the profile rails in the frame before or after mounting, this results in a module field. An exemplary section of such a module field is shown in FIG. The module field 400 has two profiled rails 300a, 300b, on which frames 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 200e are mounted. In the frames 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 200e, photovoltaic modules 500a, 500b, 500c, 500d, 500e are mounted. Typical module fields not only consist of a juxtaposition of frames with respective photovoltaic modules or collector modules, but also of an arrangement of several pairs of profile rails with respective frames one behind the other. In principle, arbitrarily large areas can be used to generate electricity or to heat a fluid. In the module field of FIG. 6, in each case 22 modules are electrically interconnected in order to achieve a good adaptation of the performance of the solar modules to common inverters. However, depending on the specific performance of the photovoltaic modules and the inverters, a different number of interconnections may prove most suitable.

The module array 400 according to the fifth aspect of the invention not only offers the advantage of a particularly simple assembly with low material usage, but also allows easy replacement of the frame 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 200e or the connecting blocks lying between these frames. For this purpose, only an attached after a series of frame end holder (not shown), which is usually screwed, to be solved in order to move the frame and the associated connecting blocks of the series can. When the element to be removed is exposed, it can be easily removed and replaced. Then the frames are pushed together again. It is thus no longer necessary to solve a variety of glands for a necessary replacement of an element.

Claims

claims

1. Connecting block for fixing two adjacent frames of photovoltaic modules or collector modules on a mounting rail, the connecting block comprising:

a main body,

two mandrels projecting from two oppositely facing surfaces of the main body, one of which is insertable into one of the adjacent frames, and

- A protruding from the main body crosspiece with an adapted to a profile of the rail counter profile for producing a positive connection with the rail.

2. Connecting block according to claim 1, wherein the crosspiece projects in two opposite directions from the main body, which point transverse to a longitudinal direction of the mandrels.

3. The bonding block according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein a longitudinal direction of the main body is transverse to a longitudinal direction of the mandrels.

4. A bonding block according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the crosspiece projects in two opposite directions from the main body, which are transverse to a longitudinal direction of the main body.

5. Connecting block according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the main body and the cross piece considered together have approximately a T-shape, wherein the crosspiece is a crossbar of the T.

6. Connecting block according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the crosspiece has two wedge-shaped free legs.

7. Connecting block according to claim 6, wherein the wedge-shaped legs taper in the longitudinal direction of the main body seen from the longitudinal end of the main body.

8. Connecting stone according to one of claims 1 to 7, which is made in one piece.

9. Connecting block according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the crosspiece is designed such that it can be inserted into an opening of the profile of the rail and produces by subsequent rotation by about 90 ° with the profile of the rail a positive connection.

10. Connecting block according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the thorns in their longitudinal section near the main body each having an electrically conductive contact area, the surface is corrugated.

1 1. Frame for holding one or more photovoltaic modules or collector modules, with

two frame members on facing in opposite directions outer sides of the frame, each having at least two recesses for receiving a respective mandrel of a connecting block according to claim 1.

12. Frame according to claim 1 1, wherein the recesses are formed as slots.

13. Arrangement with

- At least two mutually parallel rails, - at least two adjacently arranged frame according to one of claims 1 1 to 12, which rest on the rails, wherein

the frames are arranged on the profiled rails such that two of the recesses in the frame elements face each other at the level of the profiled rails, wherein between the mutually opposite recesses in each case a connecting block according to one of claims 1 to 10 is arranged, whose mandrels are inserted into the recesses, and wherein the crosspieces of the connecting block with the respective rail in positive connection, and wherein a longitudinal direction of the mandrels parallel to a longitudinal direction of the rails.

14. Arrangement according to claim 13, wherein the profile rails are arranged at different heights on a substrate.

15. Arrangement according to claim 13 or 14, wherein in a row between seven and fifteen frames are arranged side by side, wherein each two adjacent frame are spaced apart only by the connecting blocks, and arranged at least one end of the row, a bolted end holder and a stretch of expansion are.

16 module array with photovoltaic modules or collector modules, which are mounted by at least one arrangement according to one of claims 13 to 15.

17. Module array according to claim 16 with photovoltaic modules, wherein

- Each of the photovoltaic modules of eighteen to twenty-six frames are electrically connected together, of which - some of the frame are mounted by at least one arrangement according to claim 9.

18. Use of connecting stones according to one of claims 1 to 10 for fastening at least two frames according to one of claims 1 1 to 12 at least two mutually parallel rails.

19. Procedure with the steps

Inserting a first connecting block into a longitudinal groove of a first profiled rail; - Establishing a positive connection of the first connecting block with the first rail;

- moving the first connecting block along the longitudinal groove of the first profiled rail in the direction of a first frame for inserting a first mandrel of the first connecting block into a recess of the first frame for establishing a positive connection between the first frame and the first connecting block; Inserting a second connecting block into a longitudinal groove of a second profiled rail;

- Establishing a positive connection of the second connecting block with the second rail;

- moving the second connecting block along the longitudinal groove of the second profiled rail in the direction of the first frame for inserting a first mandrel of the second connecting block into a recess of the first frame for establishing a positive connection between the first frame and the second connecting block;

- Arranging a second frame on the rails in such a manner adjacent to the first frame, that in the adjacently arranged frame opposite two recesses at approximately the same height;

- Moving the second frame for insertion of a respective second mandrel of the connecting blocks in the corresponding recess of the second frame.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein a total of seven to fifteen adjacent frames are mounted, which are spaced apart only by the connecting blocks, and then an end holder, which is screwed, and a stretch joint are mounted in a corresponding manner.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein after assembly of a total of eighteen to twenty-six frames with an intermediate expansion an electric interconnection of photovoltaic modules accommodated in the frames is undertaken.