EP4673693A1 - Device for attaching a solar panel to a support rail and arrangement comprising a support rail and such a device - Google Patents

Device for attaching a solar panel to a support rail and arrangement comprising a support rail and such a device

Info

Publication number
EP4673693A1
EP4673693A1 EP24764272.1A EP24764272A EP4673693A1 EP 4673693 A1 EP4673693 A1 EP 4673693A1 EP 24764272 A EP24764272 A EP 24764272A EP 4673693 A1 EP4673693 A1 EP 4673693A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
coupling element
clamping
support rail
substantially parallel
parallel walls
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP24764272.1A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Viktor Larsson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Nordmount AB
Original Assignee
Nordmount AB
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nordmount AB filed Critical Nordmount AB
Publication of EP4673693A1 publication Critical patent/EP4673693A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
    • F24S25/30—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules using elongate rigid mounting elements extending substantially along the supporting surface, e.g. for covering buildings with solar heat collectors
    • F24S25/33—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules using elongate rigid mounting elements extending substantially along the supporting surface, e.g. for covering buildings with solar heat collectors forming substantially planar assemblies, e.g. of coplanar or stacked profiles
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
    • F24S25/60—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
    • F24S25/61—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for fixing to the ground or to building structures
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
    • F24S25/60—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
    • F24S25/63—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for fixing modules or their peripheral frames to supporting elements
    • F24S25/634—Clamps; Clips
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
    • F24S25/60—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
    • F24S25/63—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for fixing modules or their peripheral frames to supporting elements
    • F24S25/634—Clamps; Clips
    • F24S25/636—Clamps; Clips clamping by screw-threaded elements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
    • H02S20/20—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object
    • H02S20/22—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings
    • H02S20/23—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
    • F24S25/60—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
    • F24S2025/6002—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules by using hooks
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
    • F24S25/60—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
    • F24S2025/6003—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules by clamping
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
    • F24S2025/80—Special profiles
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
    • F24S2025/80—Special profiles
    • F24S2025/807—Special profiles having undercut grooves
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
    • Y02E10/47—Mountings or tracking

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to a device for attaching a solar panel to a support rail.
  • the present invention also relates to an arrangement comprising the above-mentioned device and a support rail for solar panels, wherein when the device and support rail are mounted together, the device and support rail are arranged for clamping a solar panel in between them.
  • a mounting device can comprise one roofmounting part arranged to be mounted to the roof, a support rail arranged on an upper end of the roof-mounting part and a clamping device arranged for clamping one end of a solar panel between the support rail and the clamping device.
  • the roof-mounting part can be arranged as a roof hook having one end to be coupled to the roof and one free end onto which the support rail is to be connected.
  • One such roof hook is shown in EP1856323.
  • roof-mounting devices are secured to the roof onto which the solar panels are to be arranged, the roof-mounting devices being distributed over the surface area of the roof.
  • Support rails are then secured to the upper, free end of the roof-mounting devices, e.g., by screwing the support rails to the roof-mounting devices.
  • the solar panels are then arranged on the support rails and fixed to the support rails by clamping devices.
  • Known such clamping devices have drawbacks.
  • One such drawback is that for arranging solar panels on roofs, two different types of clamping devices are needed, one intermediate clamping device to be positioned between two solar panels for clamping mutually facing ends of two adjacent solar panels, and one end clamping device for clamping a single solar panel at an end of the solar panel arrangement. Needing two different types of clamping devices makes the arrangement more complicated to install and more expensive than only having one type of clamping device. Consequently, there is a need for a universal clamping device that can be used both as intermediate clamping device and as end clamping device.
  • One example of a clamping device for fixing a solar panel to a support rail is shown in EP3364124.
  • This clamping device can be used both as an intermediate clamping device and as an end clamping device.
  • the clamping device of EP3364124 comprises many parts and is rather complicated to install. For example, a separate shielding element is provided that is to be used only for certain occasions, such as when the clamping device is to be used as an end clamping device. Consequently, there is a need for a clamping device that can be used both as intermediate clamping device and as an end clamping device, which clamping device should provide a secure fastening of solar panels as well as an easy installing.
  • a device for attaching a solar panel to a support rail.
  • the device comprises a coupling element having a first part for connection to a support rail and a second part firmly attached to the first part.
  • the device further comprises a clamping element having a first part for connection with the coupling element and a second part for clamping a solar panel between the clamping element and a support rail.
  • the second part of the coupling element comprises two substantially parallel walls extending away from the first part of the coupling element and towards the second part of the clamping element.
  • the two substantially parallel walls form in between them a space for receiving the first part of the clamping element.
  • the clamping element is arranged to the coupling element such that the first part of the clamping element fits within the space formed between the two substantially parallel walls of the coupling element.
  • the second part of the clamping element has an extension perpendicular to the two substantially parallel walls of the coupling element that extends across the space formed between the two substantially parallel walls of the coupling element and away from the space formed between the two substantially parallel walls of the coupling element on opposite sides of each of the two substantially parallel walls of the coupling element.
  • the device further comprising a fastening element, and the coupling element is connected to the clamping element via the fastening element.
  • the arrangement of the first part of the clamping element fitting between the two substantially parallel walls of the coupling element provides a secure support for the clamping element so that the device can be used both as an end clamping device and an intermediate clamping device without needing any additional adjustment or adaptions to the device.
  • the walls of the coupling element takes up any strain experienced on the clamping element when the device is used as an end clamping device.
  • those walls of the coupling element supporting the clamping element makes it possible to only have a first part of the coupling element for connection to a support rail at one side of the device (see further e.g., fig.
  • the second part of the clamping element has an extension perpendicular to the two walls of the coupling element that extends on both sides of the two walls make it possible for the device to clamp solar panels on its opposite sides, i.e. , so that the device can be used as an intermediate clamping device.
  • the first part of the clamping element comprises two substantially parallel walls that extend substantially perpendicular to the two substantially parallel walls of the coupling element. Further, the two substantially parallel walls of the clamping element fit within the space formed between the two substantially parallel walls of the coupling element.
  • short sides of the two substantially parallel walls of the clamping element faces the two substantially parallel walls of the coupling element.
  • the fastening element is a screw.
  • the second part of the clamping element has a hole and the coupling element has a threaded hole.
  • the screw extends through the hole of the second part of the clamping element and is threadedly connected with the threaded hole of the coupling element.
  • the coupling element comprises a seat extending substantially perpendicular to the two substantially parallel walls of the coupling element and substantially parallel to the extension of the second part of the clamping element, the seat having the threaded hole.
  • the device further comprises a spring surrounding a part of the fastening element and extending between the second part of the clamping element and the coupling element. By such a spring, the second part of the clamping element is pushed towards a first end of the fastening element Hereby the device is easier to handle when mounting a solar panel to a support rail than without such a spring.
  • the first part of the coupling element comprises at least one hook-shaped part for connection to the support rail.
  • a secure attachment of the coupling element to a support rail is achieved.
  • the at least one hook-shaped part are two parallel and spaced-apart hook-shaped parts. That the hook-shaped part is formed as two parallel and spaced-apart hook-shaped parts results in larger stability than using only one hook-shaped part, especially in the direction perpendicular to the extension of the hook-shaped parts.
  • a longitudinal axis is defined through the fastening element, the longitudinal axis extending along a direction along which the clamping element is movable in relation to the coupling element. Further, the first part of the coupling element extends away from the second part of the coupling element in an angle a in relation to the longitudinal axis. In other words, the first part of the coupling element extends away from the fastening element and also from the rest of the device, whereby it is easy to install to a support rail.
  • the first part of the coupling element extends away from the second part of the coupling element on only one side of the longitudinal axis.
  • the device is easier to install than clamping devices having coupling elements extending on opposite sides of the device to cooperate with two opposite edges of a support rail, whereby a twisting movement is needed for mounting such clamping devices to a solar panel. Having to perform such positioning and twisting could be a bit cumbersome especially when it is cold outside so that an installer would need gloves.
  • the first part of the coupling element has a first subpart extending away from the second part of the clamping element and away from the second part of the coupling element.
  • the first part of the coupling element also has a second subpart extending away from the first subpart but towards the second part of the clamping element, the second subpart forming a hook for connection to the support rail.
  • an arrangement comprising the device according to any of the above embodiments and a support rail for solar panels.
  • the support rail comprises a base part for connection to a roof-mounting device and an upper part for connection to the first part of the coupling element of the device.
  • the upper part of the support rail has a sub-part extending in a substantially opposite direction of the at least one hookshaped part of the first part of the coupling element of the device, when the device is arranged to the support rail.
  • the at least one hook-shaped part co-operates with the subpart of the upper part of the support rail, i.e. the hookshaped part hooks into the support rail.
  • the support rail has a J-shaped crosssection. Further, at least a sub-part of the upper part of the support rail extends towards the base part.
  • a J-shaped profile of the support rail it is easy to install the clamping device to the support rail.
  • a clamping device where the first part of the coupling element extends away from the second part of the coupling element on only one side of the longitudinal axis is especially suited to cooperate with such a support rail.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of solar panels mounted to a roof tile via a mounting arrangement according to an embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a close-up view of a part of fig. 1 .
  • Fig.3 is an exploded side view of a clamping device according to an embodiment.
  • Fig. 4 is an exploded front view of the clamping device.
  • Fig. 5 is a side view of a clamping device according to an embodiment.
  • Fig. 6 is a front view of the clamping device.
  • Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a clamping device according to an embodiment.
  • Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a clamping device mounted to a support rail, according to an embodiment.
  • Fig. 9 is a side view of the clamping device mounted to the support rail in fig. 8.
  • Fig. 10 is a perspective view of two solar panels mounted to a support rail by a clamping device according to an embodiment, wherein the clamping device functions as an intermediate clamping device.
  • Fig. 11 is a close-up view of section A in fig 10.
  • Fig. 12 is a perspective view of one solar panel mounted to a support rail by a clamping device according to an embodiment, wherein the clamping device functions as an end clamping device.
  • Fig. 13 is a close-up view of section B in fig. 13.
  • Fig. 1 shows two solar panels 40a, 40b, mounted to a roof, here only illustrated by one roofing tile 1 .
  • Fig. 1 further shows a mounting arrangement 2 including a support rail 30, for mounting solar panels to a roof.
  • Fig. 2 shows a close-up of section D in fig. 1 .
  • the mounting arrangement 2 comprises a roof-mounting device 4 mounted with its lower part 4a to the roofing tile 1 , a support rail 30 arranged on an upper part 4b of the roof-mounting device 4 and a clamping device 5 that is arranged to the support rail 30.
  • the clamping device 5 is clamping the solar panel 40a to the support rail 30.
  • the support rail 30 can have a rather long extension so that many solar panels 40a, 40b are arranged along one support rail, one after the other, as for the two solar panels 40a, 40b of fig. 1. In such a case there are more than one pair of roof-mounting device 4 and clamping device 5 per support rail 30.
  • roofmounting device 4 and clamping device 5 shown in fig. 1 , there would be one such pair in between the two solar panels 40a, 40b, along the support rail 30, and one such pair at the opposite end of the second solar panel 40b, along the support rail 30.
  • the lower part 4a of the roof-mounting device 4 is arranged so that it clamps to the roofing tile 1 with its upper side 4aa and to a roof boarding (not shown) with its lower side (not shown).
  • Figures 3-7 show different views of a device 5, in the following called clamping device, for attaching a solar panel to a support rail, according to an embodiment.
  • Figures 8-9 show the clamping device 5 attached, or hooked to, a support rail 30.
  • Figures 10-11 show a clamping device 5 attached to a support rail 30 and clamping two solar panels 40a, 40b between the clamping device 5 and the support rail 30. In other words, in figs 10-11 the clamping device 5 is used as an intermediate clamping device.
  • Figures 12-13 show a clamping device 5 attached to a support rail 30 and clamping one solar panel 40c between the clamping device 5 and the support rail 30. In other words, in figures 12-13 the clamping device 5 is used as an end clamping device.
  • the clamping device 5 comprises a coupling element 10 for connection to a support rail, a clamping element 20 for clamping a solar panel between the clamping element 20 and a support rail, and a fastening element 28 for connecting, or securing, the clamping element 20 with the coupling element 10.
  • the fastening element 28 may have a longitudinal extension from its first end 28a to its second end 28b.
  • the fastening element 28 is a screw.
  • the first end 28a of the fastening element 28 may be formed as a head having a larger diameter than the rest of the fastening element 28.
  • the clamping element 20 has a first part 21 for connection with the coupling element 10 and a second part 22 for clamping a solar panel between the clamping element 20 and a support rail.
  • the coupling element 10 has a first part 11 for connection to a support rail and a second part 12 firmly attached to the first part 11 .
  • the coupling element 10 may be manufactured in one piece.
  • the second part 12 of the coupling element 10 comprises two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b extending away from the first part 11 of the coupling element 10 and towards the second part 22 of the clamping element 20.
  • the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b form in between them a space 14.
  • This space 14 is arranged for receiving the first part 21 of the clamping element 20. In fig. 4, the space 14 can be seen when the first part 21 of the clamping element 20 is not inserted in the space 14. In for example fig.
  • the first part 21 of the clamping element 20 is positioned in the space 14, so the space 14 is here hidden behind one wall of the first part 21 of the clamping element 20.
  • the clamping element 20 is arranged to the coupling element 10 such that the first part 21 of the clamping element 20 fits within the space 14 formed between the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10. That the first part 21 of the clamping element 20 fits within this space 14 signifies that the first part 21 of the clamping element 20 has an extension in a direction perpendicular to the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10 that is adapted to the distance between the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10.
  • the extension of the first part 21 of the clamping element 20 in the direction perpendicular to the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10 is the same as or just a little bit shorter than the distance between the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10.
  • the coupling element 10 comprises a seat 16 extending substantially perpendicular to the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10 and substantially parallel to the extension of the second part 22 of the clamping element 20.
  • the seat 16 may have a threaded hole 15 (see fig. 7) for threadedly receiving the second end 28b of the threaded screw 28 and hereby securing the clamping element 20 to the coupling element 10.
  • the first part 11 of the coupling element 10 has a first subpart 11’ extending away from the second part 22 of the clamping element 20 and away from the second part 12 of the coupling element 10.
  • the first part 11 of the coupling element 10 further has a second subpart 11 " extending away from the first subpart 11 ' but towards the second part 22 of the clamping element 20.
  • the second subpart 11 " hereby forms a hook for connection to a support rail.
  • the first part 11 of the coupling element 10 is made up from two substantially parallel walls 11a, 11 b, which are parallel with the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the second part 12. More specifically, each of the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the second part 12 of the coupling element 10 extends into a respective one of the two parallel walls 11a, 11 b of the first part 11 so that they are experienced as only one wall, 11a, 13a and 11 b, 13b, respectively, on each side of the coupling element 10. In other words, the two parallel walls 11a, 11 b of the first part 11 are spaced apart with the same distance as the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the second part 12 of the coupling element 10. For this embodiment, and when the second subpart 11 " is formed as a hook, the second subpart 11 " will have two parallel and spaced-apart hook-shaped parts 11 b" (see fig. 7, the second hookshaped part being concealed).
  • the second part 12 of the coupling element 10 further comprises a third wall 13c, which connects the first wall 13a with the second wall 13b.
  • the third wall 13c is perpendicular to the first and second wall 13a, 13b and also parallel to the first and second wall 13a, 13b.
  • the second part 22 of the clamping element 20 has an extension perpendicular to the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10 that extends across the space 14 formed between the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10 and away from the space 14 formed between the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10 on opposite sides of each of the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10.
  • the clamping element 20 can clamp a solar panel on each side of the clamping device 5.
  • the extension of the second part 22 of the clamping element 20 outside the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10 is clearly shown in fig. 6, for example.
  • the second part 22 of the coupling element 20 has a second extension perpendicular to the extension, which second extension may be larger than an extension of the first part 21 of the clamping element 20. This is shown for example in fig. 5.
  • first part 21 of the clamping element 20 is firmly attached to the second part 22 of the clamping element 20.
  • the clamping element 20 may be manufactured in one piece.
  • the first part 21 of the clamping element 20 comprises two substantially parallel walls 23a, 23b that extend substantially perpendicular to the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10. Further, the two substantially parallel walls 23a, 23b of the clamping element 20 are arranged so that they fit within the space 14 formed between the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10. In other words, the two substantially parallel walls 23a, 23b of the clamping element 20 fit between the two substantially parallel walls of the coupling element 10, but they extend perpendicular to the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10.
  • the walls 23a, 23b of the clamping element 20 should be a little shorter than a distance between the walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10.
  • the difference between the distance between the walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10 and the length of the walls 23a, 23b of the clamping element 20 should be small enough so that the walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10 function as supports for the walls 23a, 23b of the clamping element 20 to hold the second part of the clamping element 20 in position when clamping solar panels, especially when the clamping device 5 is used as an end clamping device.
  • one wall 23a of the two substantially parallel walls 23a, 23b of the clamping element 20 is longer than the other wall 23b.
  • This embodiment is to cooperate with an embodiment also shown in fig. 3, where the seat 16 of the coupling element 10 continues along the first part 11 , with an extension part 16a that extends away from the second part of the clamping element 22.
  • the clamping device 5 when the clamping device 5 is in its most compact form, i.e., when the other wall 23b of the walls 23a, 23b of the clamping element 20, which is the wall that is closest to the third wall 13c of the coupling element 10, contacts the seat 16, the wall 23a will contact, or at least be very close to, the extension part 16a of the seat 16. As a result, the space 14 will be almost closed and the risk of dirt entering the space 14 is lowered, when the clamping device 5 is in its most compact form.
  • the second part 22 of the clamping element 20 has a hole 24 for receiving the fastening element 28.
  • the first end 28a of the fastening element 28 may be formed as a head having a larger diameter than the rest of the fastening element 28. The head will then also have a diameter larger than a diameter of the hole 24 so that the head will bear against an upper surface of the second part 22 of the clamping element 20 when the clamping device 5 clamps a solar panel.
  • a longitudinal axis X-X is defined through the clamping device 5.
  • the longitudinal axis X-X extends along the fastening element 28.
  • the longitudinal axis X-X also extends in a direction along which the clamping element 20 is movable in relation to the coupling element 10, for example when using the fastening element 28 to fasten the clamping device 5 to a solar panel, i.e. to decrease a distance a between the clamping element 20 and the support rail 30 (see e.g. fig. 9) so as to tighten the clamping device 5 to the solar panel.
  • the first part 11 of the coupling element 10 extends away from the second part 12 of the coupling element 10 in an angle a in relation to the longitudinal axis X-X, the angle a being larger than zero.
  • the angle a may be between 10 and 50 degrees, more preferably between 20 and 40 degrees, most preferably between 25 and 35 degrees.
  • the angle a is preferably adapted to an angle of the roof compared to ground level on which the house stands, i.e., the angle a is the same as or similar to the angle of the roof, in order to achieve best possible stability.
  • the first part 11 of the coupling element 10 is displaced in relation to the longitudinal axis X-X and thereby in relation to the second part 12 of the coupling element 10 as well as in relation to the clamping element 20.
  • the displacement is in a direction parallel to the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10.
  • the first part 11 of the coupling element 10 extends away from the second part 12 of the coupling element 10 on only one side of the longitudinal axis X-X.
  • the one side is from the longitudinal axis X-X towards a first 23a of the two substantially parallel walls 23a, 23b of the clamping element 23.
  • the first part 11 of the coupling element 10 is only on one side of the clamping device 5, not on two opposite sides as in for example EP3364124.
  • the clamping device 5 further comprises a spring 29 surrounding a part of the fastening element 28.
  • the spring 29 extends between the second part 22 of the clamping element 20 and the coupling element 10.
  • the spring 29 extends between the second part 22 of the clamping element 20 and the seat 16 of the coupling element 10 in which the threaded hole 15 is present.
  • the longitudinal axis X-X defines a direction in which the clamping element 20 is movable in relation to the coupling element 10.
  • the fastening element 28 holds the clamping device 5 together, i.e. , the fastening element 28 keeps the coupling element 10 secured to the clamping element 20.
  • the clamping device 5 functions as follows: When rotating the screw 28 in one direction, the screw 28 moves downwards via the connection between the screw threading and the threading of the threaded hole 15. A distance b between the second part 22 of the clamping element 20, when the clamping element 20 is pressed towards the screw head, and the first part 11 of the coupling element 10 then gradually decreases.
  • the spring 29 is arranged to press the clamping element 20 towards the screw head 28a, i.e., it helps the clamping element 20 to be in position pressed towards the screw head 28a.
  • the screw moves upwards and the distance b between the second part 22 of the clamping element 20 and the first part 11 of the coupling element 10 gradually increases.
  • the screw is rotated in either direction, it means that the coupling element 10 moves in relation to the clamping element 20.
  • the first part 21 of the clamping element 20 which is arranged within the space 14 formed by the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10, moves up and down along the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10.
  • the two substantially parallel walls 23a, 23b of the clamping element 20 moves within the space 14 formed by the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10.
  • Figs. 8 and 9 show an arrangement for clamping of solar panels.
  • the arrangement comprises the clamping device 5 as shown in any of the embodiments above and a support rail 30 adapted to cooperate with the clamping device 5.
  • the support rail 30 has a longitudinal extension and substantially the same cross-sectional profile along its length.
  • the support rail 30 comprises a base part 31 for connection to a roof-mounting device 4, an intermediate part 32 extending substantially perpendicular to the base part 31 and an upper part 33, 34 for connection to the first part 11 of the coupling element 10 of the clamping device 5.
  • the upper part 33, 34 has a first subpart 33 that extends substantially perpendicular to the intermediate part 32, in other words substantially parallel to the base part 31.
  • the upper part 33, 34 further has a second sub-part 34 that extends substantially perpendicular to the first sub-part 33 and substantially parallel to the intermediate part 32.
  • the cross-section profile of the support rail 30 starts from a first end 30a, at one end of the base part 31 .
  • the profile then extends along the base part 30a and turns approximately 90 degrees into the intermediate part 32.
  • the profile then extends along the intermediate part 32, then turns approximately 90 degrees again, back towards the first end 30a and into the first sub-part 33 of the upper part.
  • the profile then extends along the first sub-part 33 and turns approximately 90 degrees again, towards the first end 30a and into the second subpart 34 of the upper part whereafter the profile ends in a second end 30b.
  • the support rail 30 further presents holes arranged in the base part 31 .
  • the holes in the base part 31 are for receiving fastening elements such as screws for attaching the base part 31 to a roof mounting device 4.
  • the support rail 30 may further present holes arranged in the first sub-part 33.
  • the holes in the first sub-part 33 are for receiving another support rail 30, in case such an arrangement is used, which arrangement is called cross montage.
  • the second sub-part 34 is arranged for connection with the first part 11 of the coupling element 10 of the coupling device 5.
  • the first part 11 of the coupling element 10 and especially the hook-shaped part 11 ", hooks into the upper part of the 33, 34 of the support rail 30, when the clamping device 5 is positioned in the support rail 30.
  • the first part 11 of the clamping device 10 is supported by the intermediate part 32 and the upper part 33, 34 of the support rail 30.
  • the distance a is also shown, which is the distance between the second part 22 of the clamping element 20 and the first subpart of the upper part 33 of the support rail, between which a solar panel is to be clamped.
  • the distance a decreases, and so a solar panel can be clamped between the second part 22 of the clamping element 20 and the first sub-part of the upper part 33 of the support rail 30.
  • one or more clamping devices 5 are arranged to and positioned on a support rail 30 as in figs. 8 and 9. Thereafter, or before the one or more clamping devices 5 are arranged to the support rail, a solar panel 40, for example solar panel 40a of figs. 10 and 11 , or solar panel 40c of figs. 12 and 13, is positioned on the support rail. Then, the clamping device 5 is tightened by the fastening element 28 so that the solar panel 40a; 40c is clamped between the second part 22 of the clamping element 20 and the first subpart 33 of the upper part of the support rail 30.
  • a solar panel 40 for example solar panel 40a of figs. 10 and 11 , or solar panel 40c of figs. 12 and 13
  • the clamping device 5 is tightened by the fastening element 28 so that the solar panel 40a; 40c is clamped between the second part 22 of the clamping element 20 and the first subpart 33 of the upper part of the support rail 30.
  • the clamping device 5 is preferably arranged to the support rail 30 before the second solar panel 40b is positioned on the support rail.
  • two support rails 30 are needed for fixing one solar panel or one row of solar panels to a roof.
  • two clamping devices 5 is preferably used per solar panel and per support rail, making it in total 4 clamping devices per solar panel.
  • the clamping device 5 will be used for two neighboring solar panels (fig. 11 ).

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Abstract

Disclosed is a clamping device for attaching a solar panel to a support rail. The clamping device comprises a coupling element (10) having a first part (11) for connection to a support rail and a second part (12) firmly attached to the first part (11), and a clamping element (20) having a first part (21) for connection with the coupling element (10) and a second part (22) for clamping a solar panel between the clamping element (20) and a support rail. The second part (12) of the coupling element (10) comprises two substantially parallel walls (13a, 13b) extending away from the first part (11) of the coupling element (10) and towards the second part (22) of the clamping element (20), the two substantially parallel walls (13a, 13b) forming in between them a space for receiving the first part (21) of the clamping element (20). The clamping device further comprises a fastening element (28) that connects the coupling element (10) to the clamping element (20).

Description

DEVICE FOR ATTACHING A SOLAR PANEL TO A SUPPORT RAIL AND ARRANGEMENT COMPRISING A SUPPORT RAIL AND SUCH A DEVICE
Technical field
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a device for attaching a solar panel to a support rail. The present invention also relates to an arrangement comprising the above-mentioned device and a support rail for solar panels, wherein when the device and support rail are mounted together, the device and support rail are arranged for clamping a solar panel in between them.
Background art
[0002] There is an increasing need for electricity in society today. Especially, in order to get a sustainable world, there is a need for electricity produced from clean and renewable energy resources. Solar panels comprising solar cells is one such way of producing electricity from renewable energy sources, in this case energy originating from the sun beams. Also, electricity produced from solar cells is a way for companies and individuals to produce their own electricity, thereby lowering costs for buying electricity from an external supplier. Thus, more and more solar panels are arranged on roofs of buildings.
[0003] The arrangement of solar panels on roofs can be simplified by using purpose-built mounting devices. Such a mounting device can comprise one roofmounting part arranged to be mounted to the roof, a support rail arranged on an upper end of the roof-mounting part and a clamping device arranged for clamping one end of a solar panel between the support rail and the clamping device. The roof-mounting part can be arranged as a roof hook having one end to be coupled to the roof and one free end onto which the support rail is to be connected. One such roof hook is shown in EP1856323.
[0004] When installing solar panels, many roof-mounting devices are secured to the roof onto which the solar panels are to be arranged, the roof-mounting devices being distributed over the surface area of the roof. Support rails are then secured to the upper, free end of the roof-mounting devices, e.g., by screwing the support rails to the roof-mounting devices. The solar panels are then arranged on the support rails and fixed to the support rails by clamping devices.
[0005] Known such clamping devices have drawbacks. One such drawback is that for arranging solar panels on roofs, two different types of clamping devices are needed, one intermediate clamping device to be positioned between two solar panels for clamping mutually facing ends of two adjacent solar panels, and one end clamping device for clamping a single solar panel at an end of the solar panel arrangement. Needing two different types of clamping devices makes the arrangement more complicated to install and more expensive than only having one type of clamping device. Consequently, there is a need for a universal clamping device that can be used both as intermediate clamping device and as end clamping device. One example of a clamping device for fixing a solar panel to a support rail is shown in EP3364124. This clamping device can be used both as an intermediate clamping device and as an end clamping device. However, the clamping device of EP3364124 comprises many parts and is rather complicated to install. For example, a separate shielding element is provided that is to be used only for certain occasions, such as when the clamping device is to be used as an end clamping device. Consequently, there is a need for a clamping device that can be used both as intermediate clamping device and as an end clamping device, which clamping device should provide a secure fastening of solar panels as well as an easy installing.
Summary of invention
[0006] It is an object of the invention to address at least some of the problems and issues outlined above. It is an object of embodiments of the invention to provide a quick and secure installment of solar panels to buildings and especially to roofs. It is another object to provide clamping devices and arrangements comprising clamping devices and support rails for mounting solar panels that are easy to handle for an installer and that at the same time provide a secure installation when mounting solar panels. It is possible to achieve these objects and possibly others by using a device and an arrangement as defined in the attached independent claims. [0007] According to one aspect, a device is provided for attaching a solar panel to a support rail. The device comprises a coupling element having a first part for connection to a support rail and a second part firmly attached to the first part. The device further comprises a clamping element having a first part for connection with the coupling element and a second part for clamping a solar panel between the clamping element and a support rail. The second part of the coupling element comprises two substantially parallel walls extending away from the first part of the coupling element and towards the second part of the clamping element. The two substantially parallel walls form in between them a space for receiving the first part of the clamping element. The clamping element is arranged to the coupling element such that the first part of the clamping element fits within the space formed between the two substantially parallel walls of the coupling element. The second part of the clamping element has an extension perpendicular to the two substantially parallel walls of the coupling element that extends across the space formed between the two substantially parallel walls of the coupling element and away from the space formed between the two substantially parallel walls of the coupling element on opposite sides of each of the two substantially parallel walls of the coupling element. The device further comprising a fastening element, and the coupling element is connected to the clamping element via the fastening element.
[0008] By such a device a secure and easy-to-handle installment of solar panels to support rails is achieved. Especially, the arrangement of the first part of the clamping element fitting between the two substantially parallel walls of the coupling element provides a secure support for the clamping element so that the device can be used both as an end clamping device and an intermediate clamping device without needing any additional adjustment or adaptions to the device. In other words, the walls of the coupling element takes up any strain experienced on the clamping element when the device is used as an end clamping device. Also, those walls of the coupling element supporting the clamping element makes it possible to only have a first part of the coupling element for connection to a support rail at one side of the device (see further e.g., fig. 5 and the Detailed description). Further, that the second part of the clamping element has an extension perpendicular to the two walls of the coupling element that extends on both sides of the two walls make it possible for the device to clamp solar panels on its opposite sides, i.e. , so that the device can be used as an intermediate clamping device.
[0009] According to an embodiment, the first part of the clamping element comprises two substantially parallel walls that extend substantially perpendicular to the two substantially parallel walls of the coupling element. Further, the two substantially parallel walls of the clamping element fit within the space formed between the two substantially parallel walls of the coupling element. By arranging the first part of the clamping element with two such parallel walls fitting between the walls of the coupling element provides the steady and secure support for the clamping element so that it be used as both end clamping device and intermediate clamping device in a smooth manner.
[0010] According to another embodiment, short sides of the two substantially parallel walls of the clamping element faces the two substantially parallel walls of the coupling element.
[0011 ] According to another embodiment, the fastening element is a screw. Further, the second part of the clamping element has a hole and the coupling element has a threaded hole. Further, the screw extends through the hole of the second part of the clamping element and is threadedly connected with the threaded hole of the coupling element. Thereby, a secure fastening of the clamping element to the coupling element is achieved. Further, a distance between the second part of the clamping element and the first part of the coupling element can be easily adaptable, whereby a secure clamping of a solar panel can be achieved by rotating the screw.
[0012] According to a variant of the above embodiment, the coupling element comprises a seat extending substantially perpendicular to the two substantially parallel walls of the coupling element and substantially parallel to the extension of the second part of the clamping element, the seat having the threaded hole. [0013] According to yet another embodiment, the device further comprises a spring surrounding a part of the fastening element and extending between the second part of the clamping element and the coupling element. By such a spring, the second part of the clamping element is pushed towards a first end of the fastening element Hereby the device is easier to handle when mounting a solar panel to a support rail than without such a spring.
[0014] According to still another embodiment, the first part of the coupling element comprises at least one hook-shaped part for connection to the support rail. Hereby, a secure attachment of the coupling element to a support rail is achieved.
[0015] According to a variant of this embodiment, the at least one hook-shaped part are two parallel and spaced-apart hook-shaped parts. That the hook-shaped part is formed as two parallel and spaced-apart hook-shaped parts results in larger stability than using only one hook-shaped part, especially in the direction perpendicular to the extension of the hook-shaped parts.
[0016] According to yet another embodiment, a longitudinal axis is defined through the fastening element, the longitudinal axis extending along a direction along which the clamping element is movable in relation to the coupling element. Further, the first part of the coupling element extends away from the second part of the coupling element in an angle a in relation to the longitudinal axis. In other words, the first part of the coupling element extends away from the fastening element and also from the rest of the device, whereby it is easy to install to a support rail.
[0017] According to a variant of this embodiment, the first part of the coupling element extends away from the second part of the coupling element on only one side of the longitudinal axis. Hereby, the device is easier to install than clamping devices having coupling elements extending on opposite sides of the device to cooperate with two opposite edges of a support rail, whereby a twisting movement is needed for mounting such clamping devices to a solar panel. Having to perform such positioning and twisting could be a bit cumbersome especially when it is cold outside so that an installer would need gloves.
[0018] According to yet another embodiment, the first part of the coupling element has a first subpart extending away from the second part of the clamping element and away from the second part of the coupling element. The first part of the coupling element also has a second subpart extending away from the first subpart but towards the second part of the clamping element, the second subpart forming a hook for connection to the support rail. Hereby a secure and easy to install connection of the device to the support rail is achieved.
[0019] According to another aspect, an arrangement is provided comprising the device according to any of the above embodiments and a support rail for solar panels.
[0020] According to an embodiment, the support rail comprises a base part for connection to a roof-mounting device and an upper part for connection to the first part of the coupling element of the device. Hereby, an easy and efficient mounting of solar panels to roofs is achieved.
[0021 ] According to another embodiment, the upper part of the support rail has a sub-part extending in a substantially opposite direction of the at least one hookshaped part of the first part of the coupling element of the device, when the device is arranged to the support rail. In other words, the at least one hook-shaped part co-operates with the subpart of the upper part of the support rail, i.e. the hookshaped part hooks into the support rail.
[0022] According to another embodiment, the support rail has a J-shaped crosssection. Further, at least a sub-part of the upper part of the support rail extends towards the base part. By such a J-shaped profile of the support rail, it is easy to install the clamping device to the support rail. Especially, a clamping device where the first part of the coupling element extends away from the second part of the coupling element on only one side of the longitudinal axis is especially suited to cooperate with such a support rail. [0023] Further possible features and benefits of this solution will become apparent from the detailed description below.
Brief description of drawings
[0024] The invention is now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0025] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of solar panels mounted to a roof tile via a mounting arrangement according to an embodiment.
[0026] Fig. 2 is a close-up view of a part of fig. 1 .
[0027] Fig.3 is an exploded side view of a clamping device according to an embodiment.
[0028] Fig. 4 is an exploded front view of the clamping device.
[0029] Fig. 5 is a side view of a clamping device according to an embodiment.
[0030] Fig. 6 is a front view of the clamping device.
[0031] Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a clamping device according to an embodiment.
[0032] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a clamping device mounted to a support rail, according to an embodiment.
[0033] Fig. 9 is a side view of the clamping device mounted to the support rail in fig. 8.
[0034] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of two solar panels mounted to a support rail by a clamping device according to an embodiment, wherein the clamping device functions as an intermediate clamping device.
[0035] Fig. 11 is a close-up view of section A in fig 10. [0036] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of one solar panel mounted to a support rail by a clamping device according to an embodiment, wherein the clamping device functions as an end clamping device.
[0037] Fig. 13 is a close-up view of section B in fig. 13.
Description of embodiments
[0038] Fig. 1 shows two solar panels 40a, 40b, mounted to a roof, here only illustrated by one roofing tile 1 . Fig. 1 further shows a mounting arrangement 2 including a support rail 30, for mounting solar panels to a roof.
[0039] Fig. 2 shows a close-up of section D in fig. 1 . The mounting arrangement 2 comprises a roof-mounting device 4 mounted with its lower part 4a to the roofing tile 1 , a support rail 30 arranged on an upper part 4b of the roof-mounting device 4 and a clamping device 5 that is arranged to the support rail 30. The clamping device 5 is clamping the solar panel 40a to the support rail 30. The support rail 30 can have a rather long extension so that many solar panels 40a, 40b are arranged along one support rail, one after the other, as for the two solar panels 40a, 40b of fig. 1. In such a case there are more than one pair of roof-mounting device 4 and clamping device 5 per support rail 30. Even if there is only one pair of roofmounting device 4 and clamping device 5 shown in fig. 1 , there would be one such pair in between the two solar panels 40a, 40b, along the support rail 30, and one such pair at the opposite end of the second solar panel 40b, along the support rail 30. The lower part 4a of the roof-mounting device 4 is arranged so that it clamps to the roofing tile 1 with its upper side 4aa and to a roof boarding (not shown) with its lower side (not shown).
[0040] Figures 3-7 show different views of a device 5, in the following called clamping device, for attaching a solar panel to a support rail, according to an embodiment. Figures 8-9 show the clamping device 5 attached, or hooked to, a support rail 30. Figures 10-11 show a clamping device 5 attached to a support rail 30 and clamping two solar panels 40a, 40b between the clamping device 5 and the support rail 30. In other words, in figs 10-11 the clamping device 5 is used as an intermediate clamping device. Figures 12-13 show a clamping device 5 attached to a support rail 30 and clamping one solar panel 40c between the clamping device 5 and the support rail 30. In other words, in figures 12-13 the clamping device 5 is used as an end clamping device.
[0041] Going back to figures 3-7, the clamping device 5 comprises a coupling element 10 for connection to a support rail, a clamping element 20 for clamping a solar panel between the clamping element 20 and a support rail, and a fastening element 28 for connecting, or securing, the clamping element 20 with the coupling element 10. The fastening element 28 may have a longitudinal extension from its first end 28a to its second end 28b. According to an embodiment, the fastening element 28 is a screw. The first end 28a of the fastening element 28 may be formed as a head having a larger diameter than the rest of the fastening element 28.
[0042] The clamping element 20 has a first part 21 for connection with the coupling element 10 and a second part 22 for clamping a solar panel between the clamping element 20 and a support rail.
[0043] The coupling element 10 has a first part 11 for connection to a support rail and a second part 12 firmly attached to the first part 11 . The coupling element 10 may be manufactured in one piece. The second part 12 of the coupling element 10 comprises two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b extending away from the first part 11 of the coupling element 10 and towards the second part 22 of the clamping element 20. The two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b form in between them a space 14. This space 14 is arranged for receiving the first part 21 of the clamping element 20. In fig. 4, the space 14 can be seen when the first part 21 of the clamping element 20 is not inserted in the space 14. In for example fig. 6, the first part 21 of the clamping element 20 is positioned in the space 14, so the space 14 is here hidden behind one wall of the first part 21 of the clamping element 20. The clamping element 20 is arranged to the coupling element 10 such that the first part 21 of the clamping element 20 fits within the space 14 formed between the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10. That the first part 21 of the clamping element 20 fits within this space 14 signifies that the first part 21 of the clamping element 20 has an extension in a direction perpendicular to the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10 that is adapted to the distance between the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10. In other words, the extension of the first part 21 of the clamping element 20 in the direction perpendicular to the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10 is the same as or just a little bit shorter than the distance between the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10.
[0044] According to an embodiment, the coupling element 10 comprises a seat 16 extending substantially perpendicular to the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10 and substantially parallel to the extension of the second part 22 of the clamping element 20. According to an embodiment when the fastening element 28 is a threaded screw, the seat 16 may have a threaded hole 15 (see fig. 7) for threadedly receiving the second end 28b of the threaded screw 28 and hereby securing the clamping element 20 to the coupling element 10.
[0045] According to another embodiment, see e.g., fig 5, the first part 11 of the coupling element 10 has a first subpart 11’ extending away from the second part 22 of the clamping element 20 and away from the second part 12 of the coupling element 10. The first part 11 of the coupling element 10 further has a second subpart 11 " extending away from the first subpart 11 ' but towards the second part 22 of the clamping element 20. The second subpart 11 " hereby forms a hook for connection to a support rail.
[0046] According to an embodiment, the first part 11 of the coupling element 10 is made up from two substantially parallel walls 11a, 11 b, which are parallel with the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the second part 12. More specifically, each of the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the second part 12 of the coupling element 10 extends into a respective one of the two parallel walls 11a, 11 b of the first part 11 so that they are experienced as only one wall, 11a, 13a and 11 b, 13b, respectively, on each side of the coupling element 10. In other words, the two parallel walls 11a, 11 b of the first part 11 are spaced apart with the same distance as the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the second part 12 of the coupling element 10. For this embodiment, and when the second subpart 11 " is formed as a hook, the second subpart 11 " will have two parallel and spaced-apart hook-shaped parts 11 b" (see fig. 7, the second hookshaped part being concealed).
[0047] The second part 12 of the coupling element 10 further comprises a third wall 13c, which connects the first wall 13a with the second wall 13b. The third wall 13c is perpendicular to the first and second wall 13a, 13b and also parallel to the first and second wall 13a, 13b.
[0048] Going back to the clamping element 20, the second part 22 of the clamping element 20 has an extension perpendicular to the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10 that extends across the space 14 formed between the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10 and away from the space 14 formed between the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10 on opposite sides of each of the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10. As the second part 22 of the clamping element 20 extends outside of the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10, the clamping element 20 can clamp a solar panel on each side of the clamping device 5. The extension of the second part 22 of the clamping element 20 outside the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10 is clearly shown in fig. 6, for example. In addition to that, and according to an embodiment, the second part 22 of the coupling element 20 has a second extension perpendicular to the extension, which second extension may be larger than an extension of the first part 21 of the clamping element 20. This is shown for example in fig. 5.
[0049] Further, the first part 21 of the clamping element 20 is firmly attached to the second part 22 of the clamping element 20. The clamping element 20 may be manufactured in one piece.
[0050] According to an embodiment, the first part 21 of the clamping element 20 comprises two substantially parallel walls 23a, 23b that extend substantially perpendicular to the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10. Further, the two substantially parallel walls 23a, 23b of the clamping element 20 are arranged so that they fit within the space 14 formed between the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10. In other words, the two substantially parallel walls 23a, 23b of the clamping element 20 fit between the two substantially parallel walls of the coupling element 10, but they extend perpendicular to the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10.
[0051 ] Further, short sides of the two substantially parallel walls 23a, 23b of the clamping element 20 bears against or at least faces the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10. As there need to be some tolerance when manufacturing the clamping element 20 and the coupling element 10 and so that the clamping element 20 can move in and out of the coupling element 10, the walls 23a, 23b of the clamping element 20 should be a little shorter than a distance between the walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10. However, the difference between the distance between the walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10 and the length of the walls 23a, 23b of the clamping element 20 should be small enough so that the walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10 function as supports for the walls 23a, 23b of the clamping element 20 to hold the second part of the clamping element 20 in position when clamping solar panels, especially when the clamping device 5 is used as an end clamping device.
[0052] According to an embodiment, which is best seen in fig. 3, one wall 23a of the two substantially parallel walls 23a, 23b of the clamping element 20 is longer than the other wall 23b. This embodiment is to cooperate with an embodiment also shown in fig. 3, where the seat 16 of the coupling element 10 continues along the first part 11 , with an extension part 16a that extends away from the second part of the clamping element 22. By making the one wall 23a longer results in an even better lateral stability for the clamping element 20 in the coupling element 10 than when the one wall 23a has the same length as the other wall 24, as the other wall's extension is limited by the seat 16. Further, when the clamping device 5 is in its most compact form, i.e., when the other wall 23b of the walls 23a, 23b of the clamping element 20, which is the wall that is closest to the third wall 13c of the coupling element 10, contacts the seat 16, the wall 23a will contact, or at least be very close to, the extension part 16a of the seat 16. As a result, the space 14 will be almost closed and the risk of dirt entering the space 14 is lowered, when the clamping device 5 is in its most compact form.
[0053] Further, the second part 22 of the clamping element 20 has a hole 24 for receiving the fastening element 28. As mentioned, the first end 28a of the fastening element 28 may be formed as a head having a larger diameter than the rest of the fastening element 28. The head will then also have a diameter larger than a diameter of the hole 24 so that the head will bear against an upper surface of the second part 22 of the clamping element 20 when the clamping device 5 clamps a solar panel.
[0054] As can be seen in figs. 3-7, a longitudinal axis X-X is defined through the clamping device 5. The longitudinal axis X-X extends along the fastening element 28. The longitudinal axis X-X also extends in a direction along which the clamping element 20 is movable in relation to the coupling element 10, for example when using the fastening element 28 to fasten the clamping device 5 to a solar panel, i.e. to decrease a distance a between the clamping element 20 and the support rail 30 (see e.g. fig. 9) so as to tighten the clamping device 5 to the solar panel.
[0055] According to an embodiment, the first part 11 of the coupling element 10 extends away from the second part 12 of the coupling element 10 in an angle a in relation to the longitudinal axis X-X, the angle a being larger than zero. This is shown in fig. 5. The angle a may be between 10 and 50 degrees, more preferably between 20 and 40 degrees, most preferably between 25 and 35 degrees. Also, the angle a is preferably adapted to an angle of the roof compared to ground level on which the house stands, i.e., the angle a is the same as or similar to the angle of the roof, in order to achieve best possible stability. Thus, the first part 11 of the coupling element 10 is displaced in relation to the longitudinal axis X-X and thereby in relation to the second part 12 of the coupling element 10 as well as in relation to the clamping element 20. The displacement is in a direction parallel to the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10. According to an embodiment, the first part 11 of the coupling element 10 extends away from the second part 12 of the coupling element 10 on only one side of the longitudinal axis X-X. The one side is from the longitudinal axis X-X towards a first 23a of the two substantially parallel walls 23a, 23b of the clamping element 23. In other words, the first part 11 of the coupling element 10 is only on one side of the clamping device 5, not on two opposite sides as in for example EP3364124.
[0056] According to an embodiment, the clamping device 5 further comprises a spring 29 surrounding a part of the fastening element 28. The spring 29 extends between the second part 22 of the clamping element 20 and the coupling element 10. According to an advantageous embodiment, the spring 29 extends between the second part 22 of the clamping element 20 and the seat 16 of the coupling element 10 in which the threaded hole 15 is present.
[0057] As mentioned, the longitudinal axis X-X defines a direction in which the clamping element 20 is movable in relation to the coupling element 10. Further, the fastening element 28 holds the clamping device 5 together, i.e. , the fastening element 28 keeps the coupling element 10 secured to the clamping element 20. When the fastening element 28 is a screw, the clamping device 5 functions as follows: When rotating the screw 28 in one direction, the screw 28 moves downwards via the connection between the screw threading and the threading of the threaded hole 15. A distance b between the second part 22 of the clamping element 20, when the clamping element 20 is pressed towards the screw head, and the first part 11 of the coupling element 10 then gradually decreases. When the spring 29 is used, the spring 29 is arranged to press the clamping element 20 towards the screw head 28a, i.e., it helps the clamping element 20 to be in position pressed towards the screw head 28a. When rotating the screw in the opposite direction to the one direction, the screw moves upwards and the distance b between the second part 22 of the clamping element 20 and the first part 11 of the coupling element 10 gradually increases. When the screw is rotated in either direction, it means that the coupling element 10 moves in relation to the clamping element 20. Then the first part 21 of the clamping element 20, which is arranged within the space 14 formed by the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10, moves up and down along the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10. Especially, the two substantially parallel walls 23a, 23b of the clamping element 20 moves within the space 14 formed by the two substantially parallel walls 13a, 13b of the coupling element 10.
[0058] Figs. 8 and 9 show an arrangement for clamping of solar panels. The arrangement comprises the clamping device 5 as shown in any of the embodiments above and a support rail 30 adapted to cooperate with the clamping device 5. The support rail 30 has a longitudinal extension and substantially the same cross-sectional profile along its length. The support rail 30 comprises a base part 31 for connection to a roof-mounting device 4, an intermediate part 32 extending substantially perpendicular to the base part 31 and an upper part 33, 34 for connection to the first part 11 of the coupling element 10 of the clamping device 5. The upper part 33, 34 has a first subpart 33 that extends substantially perpendicular to the intermediate part 32, in other words substantially parallel to the base part 31. The upper part 33, 34 further has a second sub-part 34 that extends substantially perpendicular to the first sub-part 33 and substantially parallel to the intermediate part 32. The cross-section profile of the support rail 30 starts from a first end 30a, at one end of the base part 31 . The profile then extends along the base part 30a and turns approximately 90 degrees into the intermediate part 32. The profile then extends along the intermediate part 32, then turns approximately 90 degrees again, back towards the first end 30a and into the first sub-part 33 of the upper part. The profile then extends along the first sub-part 33 and turns approximately 90 degrees again, towards the first end 30a and into the second subpart 34 of the upper part whereafter the profile ends in a second end 30b. The cross-sectional profile could thereby be said to form a “J”. The support rail 30 further presents holes arranged in the base part 31 . The holes in the base part 31 are for receiving fastening elements such as screws for attaching the base part 31 to a roof mounting device 4. The support rail 30 may further present holes arranged in the first sub-part 33. The holes in the first sub-part 33 are for receiving another support rail 30, in case such an arrangement is used, which arrangement is called cross montage.
[0059] The second sub-part 34 is arranged for connection with the first part 11 of the coupling element 10 of the coupling device 5. As seen in fig. 9, the first part 11 of the coupling element 10, and especially the hook-shaped part 11 ", hooks into the upper part of the 33, 34 of the support rail 30, when the clamping device 5 is positioned in the support rail 30. When positioned there, the first part 11 of the clamping device 10 is supported by the intermediate part 32 and the upper part 33, 34 of the support rail 30. In figure 9, the distance a is also shown, which is the distance between the second part 22 of the clamping element 20 and the first subpart of the upper part 33 of the support rail, between which a solar panel is to be clamped. When rotating the screw 28 in the tightening direction, the distance a decreases, and so a solar panel can be clamped between the second part 22 of the clamping element 20 and the first sub-part of the upper part 33 of the support rail 30.
[0060] When mounting a solar panel to a support rail 30, as done in figures IQ- 13, one or more clamping devices 5 are arranged to and positioned on a support rail 30 as in figs. 8 and 9. Thereafter, or before the one or more clamping devices 5 are arranged to the support rail, a solar panel 40, for example solar panel 40a of figs. 10 and 11 , or solar panel 40c of figs. 12 and 13, is positioned on the support rail. Then, the clamping device 5 is tightened by the fastening element 28 so that the solar panel 40a; 40c is clamped between the second part 22 of the clamping element 20 and the first subpart 33 of the upper part of the support rail 30. In case one of the clamping devices 5 is to be used as an intermediate clamping device, that is, between two solar panels 40a, 40b as in figs. 10-11 , the clamping device 5 is preferably arranged to the support rail 30 before the second solar panel 40b is positioned on the support rail. For a standard arrangement of solar panels on roofs, two support rails 30 are needed for fixing one solar panel or one row of solar panels to a roof. In such a case, two clamping devices 5 is preferably used per solar panel and per support rail, making it in total 4 clamping devices per solar panel. However, when a clamping device 5 is used as an intermediate clamping device the clamping device 5 will be used for two neighboring solar panels (fig. 11 ).
[0061] Although the description above contains a plurality of specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the concept described herein but as merely providing illustrations of some exemplifying embodiments of the described concept. It will be appreciated that the scope of the presently described concept fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and that the scope of the presently described concept is accordingly not to be limited. Reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless explicitly so stated, but rather "one or more." All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the abovedescribed embodiments that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein and are intended to be encompassed hereby. Moreover, it is not necessary for a device or arrangement to address each and every problem sought to be solved by the presently described concept, for it to be encompassed hereby.

Claims

1 . A device (5) for attaching a solar panel (40a; 40b) to a support rail (30), the device (5) comprising: a coupling element (10) having a first part (11 ) for connection to a support rail (30) and a second part (12) firmly attached to the first part (11 ), a clamping element (20) having a first part (21) for connection with the coupling element (10) and a second part (22) for clamping a solar panel (40) between the clamping element (20) and a support rail (30), wherein the second part (12) of the coupling element (10) comprises two substantially parallel walls (13a, 13b) extending away from the first part (11 ) of the coupling element (10) and towards the second part (22) of the clamping element (20), the two substantially parallel walls (13a, 13b) forming in between them a space (14) for receiving the first part (21 ) of the clamping element (20), wherein the clamping element (20) is arranged to the coupling element (10) such that the first part (21 ) of the clamping element (20) fits within the space (14) formed between the two substantially parallel walls (13a, 13b) of the coupling element (10), wherein the second part (22) of the clamping element (20) has an extension perpendicular to the two substantially parallel walls (13a, 13b) of the coupling element (10) that extends across the space (14) formed between the two substantially parallel walls (13a, 13b) of the coupling element (10) and away from the space (14) formed between the two substantially parallel walls (13a, 13b) of the coupling element (10) on opposite sides of each of the two substantially parallel walls (13a, 13b) of the coupling element (10), the device (5) further comprising a fastening element (28), wherein the coupling element (10) is connected to the clamping element (20) via the fastening element (28).
2. Device (5) according to claim 1 , wherein the first part (21 ) of the clamping element (20) comprises two substantially parallel walls (23a, 23b) that extend substantially perpendicular to the two substantially parallel walls (13a, 13b) of the coupling element (10), and wherein the two substantially parallel walls (23a, 23b) of the clamping element (20) fit within the space (14) formed between the two substantially parallel walls (13a, 13b) of the coupling element (10).
3. Device (5) according to claim 2, wherein short sides of the two substantially parallel walls (23a, 23b) of the clamping element (20) faces the two substantially parallel walls (13a, 13b) of the coupling element (10).
4. Device (5) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening element (28) is a screw, wherein the second part (22) of the clamping element (20) has a hole (24) and the coupling element (10) has a threaded hole (15), and wherein the screw extends through the hole (24) of the second part (22) of the clamping element (20) and is threadedly connected with the threaded hole (15) of the coupling element (10).
5. Device (5) according to claim 4 when dependent on claim 2 or 3, wherein the coupling element (10) comprises a seat (16) extending substantially perpendicular to the two substantially parallel walls (13a, 13b) of the coupling element (10) and substantially parallel to the extension of the second part (22) of the clamping element (20), the seat (16) having the threaded hole (15).
6. Device (5) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a spring (29) surrounding a part of the fastening element (28) and extending between the second part (22) of the clamping element (20) and the coupling element (10).
7. Device (5) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first part (11) of the coupling element (10) comprises at least one hook-shaped part (11 ") for connection to the support rail (30).
8. Device (5) according to claim 7, wherein the at least one hook-shaped part are two parallel and spaced-apart hook-shaped parts (11 b").
9. Device (5) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a longitudinal axis (X-X) is defined through the fastening element (28), the longitudinal axis (X-X) extending along a direction along which the clamping element (20) is movable in relation to the coupling element (10), and the first part
(11 ) of the coupling element (10) extends away from the second part (12) of the coupling element (10) in an angle (a) in relation to the longitudinal axis (X-X).
10. Device (5) according to claim 9, wherein the first part (11 ) of the coupling element (10) extends away from the second part (12) of the coupling element (10) on only one side of the longitudinal axis (X-X).
11 . Device (5) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first part (11 ) of the coupling element (10) has a first subpart (11 ’) extending away from the second part (22) of the clamping element (20) and away from the second part
(12) of the coupling element (10), and a second subpart (11") extending away from the first subpart (11 ') but towards the second part (22) of the clamping element (20), the second subpart (11 ") forming a hook for connection to the support rail (30).
12. An arrangement comprising the device (5) according to any of the preceding claims and a support rail (30) for solar panels.
13. Arrangement according to claim 12, wherein the support rail (30) comprises a base part (31 ) for connection to a roof-mounting device (4) and an upper part (33, 34) for connection to the first part (11 ) of the coupling element (10) of the device (5).
14. Arrangement according to claim 13, when dependent on claim 7 or 8, wherein the upper part (33, 34) of the support rail (30) has a sub-part (34) extending in a substantially opposite direction of the at least one hook-shaped part (11 11 b") of the first part (11 ) of the coupling element (10) of the device when the device (5) is arranged to the support rail (30).
15. Arrangement according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the support rail (30) has a J-shaped cross-section, wherein at least a sub-part of the upper part (33, 34) extends towards the base part (31 ).
EP24764272.1A 2023-02-27 2024-02-23 Device for attaching a solar panel to a support rail and arrangement comprising a support rail and such a device Pending EP4673693A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE2350217A SE546994C2 (en) 2023-02-27 2023-02-27 Device and arrangemet for attaching a solar panel to a support rail
PCT/SE2024/050177 WO2024181905A1 (en) 2023-02-27 2024-02-23 Device for attaching a solar panel to a support rail and arrangement comprising a support rail and such a device

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4673693A1 true EP4673693A1 (en) 2026-01-07

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EP24764272.1A Pending EP4673693A1 (en) 2023-02-27 2024-02-23 Device for attaching a solar panel to a support rail and arrangement comprising a support rail and such a device

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EP (1) EP4673693A1 (en)
SE (1) SE546994C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2024181905A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8413944B2 (en) * 2009-05-01 2013-04-09 Applied Energy Technologies Mounting systems for solar panels
DE102012009486A1 (en) * 2012-05-09 2013-11-14 K2 Systems Gmbh Solar module holders
FR3012586A1 (en) * 2013-10-25 2015-05-01 Exosun SYSTEM FOR MAINTAINING AT LEAST ONE SOLAR PANEL ON A SOLAR MODULE AND SOLAR MODULE COMPRISING IT
US9825581B2 (en) * 2013-11-14 2017-11-21 Ecolibrium Solar, Inc. Modular sloped roof solar mounting system
US9985575B2 (en) * 2014-04-07 2018-05-29 Rillito River Solar, Llc Height adjustment bracket for roof applications
DE102015117537B3 (en) * 2015-10-15 2016-12-29 Ibc Solar Ag Adapter for module terminals and clamping unit with an adapter and a module terminal
WO2017120335A1 (en) * 2016-01-06 2017-07-13 Hubbell Incorporated Clamps for frameless solar modules
US11848636B2 (en) * 2019-06-04 2023-12-19 Pegasus Solar, Inc. Skip rail system
US11336222B1 (en) * 2021-10-15 2022-05-17 David G. Garza Universal clamp assembly

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SE2350217A1 (en) 2024-08-28
SE546994C2 (en) 2025-03-25
WO2024181905A1 (en) 2024-09-06

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