ES1171884U - Self-supporting structure of support for panelessolars. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Self supporting support structure for solar panels comprising, at least one module (1) constituted by thermoplastic tubes (2) assembled by connecting links (3), also thermoplastic, in which the ends of the tubes press fit, and on which a solar panel (4) is incorporated, is characterized by the fact that said module (1) is of wedge-shaped configuration contemplating an upper face (1a) that is inclined, the panel being placed on it (4) solar, a rear face (1b) opposite to the upper face (1a), with an inclination or totally vertical, a lower face (1c), acting as a base on which the module (1) rests, and two identical side faces (1d) of triangular configuration; and in that said module or modules (1) are fixed to the roof by ballasting means (9), consisting of concrete blocks (91) or a tarpaulin (92) that is covered with gravel, with which it supports stresses on it., to leeward, sufficient to withstand extremely harsh climatic phenomena. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

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DESCRIPTION

SELF-SUPPORT SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR SOLAR PANELS

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is a self-supporting support structure for solar panels that is distinguished by being configured from tubes that are assembled, by means of union ties in which they snap together at their ends, constituting modular elements in the form of a cradle. on whose upper face the solar panels are incorporated, constituting a self-supporting system especially indicated for inverted roofs where the perforation of the roof is not allowed, providing advantages both in the fixation, so that ballast is used by concrete blocks or with gravel, as in the reduction of costs for the suppression of civil works and ease of assembly.

In addition, the self-supporting structure has, optionally, with means that, once installed, allow to move the joints and vary the inclination of the upper face to optimize the solar collection according to the season of the year, deflection means to deflect the incidence of wind in the back of the modules and avoid wind loads from the bottom of the panels, as well as versatile means to fix the panels to the tubes when serving for different panel thicknesses.

The present invention is therefore framed in the field of manufacturing modular support structures to incorporate solar panels.

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The support structures for solar panels of the type concerned here are known, that is to say, constituted from modules formed by tubes of plastic material that are coupled together by their ends by incorporating parts, also of plastic material, that make up union ties where the tubes are inserted under pressure.

The advantage of these structures is that they are easy to assemble, since they do not require tools for the formation of the modules that serve as the basis for incorporating the panels on them.

However, these structures, once installed, are fixed, and since the variation of the solar position in the different seasons of the year implies an important variation of the incidence of the rays, a mobile structure that allows, once installed, would be desirable. to be able to vary the inclination of the panels to adjust their position according to said seasonal variation, taking advantage of the fact that the connection links have different possible positions of assembly of the tubes.

On the other hand, the lightness of the structure combined with the cradle configuration where the wind loads exerted by the lower part of the panels is important, implies the need to incorporate very resistant anchors to the building or incorporate counterweights to counteract these loads, which is not always possible due to the fragility of the ceilings and in any case increases the cost of the material and installation, and even then, in case of strong weather, there is a risk of breakage of the structure in the connection links of the pipes, since they involve weak points because they only join pressure. Therefore, it would be desirable to minimize the incidence of such loads, as well as improve the resistance of the

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structure by itself.

The objective of the present invention is, therefore, the development of a new structure for supporting solar panels configured from pipes assembled under pressure by means of union links constituting modular elements in the form of a cradle on whose upper face solar panels are incorporated, presenting technical and structural characteristics that represent a novelty compared to what is already known.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

The self-supporting support structure for solar panels that the invention proposes is thus configured as a novelty within its field of application, since, according to its implementation, the objectives previously indicated as suitable are satisfactorily achieved, with the characterizing details that make it possible and conveniently distinguishable in the final claims that accompany this description.

Specifically, what the invention proposes, is a structure for support of solar panels configured from thermoplastic material pipes assembled under pressure by means of union links, also consisting of pieces of thermoplastic material, constituting modular elements in the form of a cradle on whose face upper, which has variable inclinations, the solar panels attached by pressure clamps are incorporated, which is configured as a self-supporting assembly especially indicated for inverted roofs where the perforation of the roof is not allowed, providing advantages in both the fixing and the cost reduction.

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Specifically, for the fixation of the structure to the roof, the use of ballast by concrete blocks and its subsequent fixation to each of the bonding links that remain in the lower base of the modular elements or, the ballast with gravel that is mainly used when gravel (inverted cover) is available on the deck to be able to use ballast.

In the case of grapping with gravel, the first operation is the removal of the gravel from the roof, in the area that the modular elements must occupy, to facilitate the assembly work of the structure. The second operation is the placement of a canvas placed covering the tubes that form the lower base of said modular elements to then reload the gravel on said canvas, whereby the modular elements of the structure are attached. The amount of gravel has to be calculated to reach the necessary Kg for ballast.

In any case, the reduction of costs is advantageously achieved, which is generated, mainly, by the suppression of civil works (fundamentals, drivers, ...) and by the ease of assembly of the structure that significantly reduces the times mounting

In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the self-supporting structure is mobile, for which it has means to move the position of the tubes in the connection links and vary the inclination of the upper face, once the structure with the panels is installed incorporated thereon, as well as deflection means to deflect the incidence of wind at the back of the modules and minimize wind loads, and multipurpose means for fixing panels of different thicknesses to the tubes.

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More specifically, the means of variation of the inclination are determined by the incorporation of, at least, a ratchet mechanism that, actuated either manually or by electric motor, increases or decreases, by the rear face of the cradle shape it presents the modular structure, the distance between the lower and upper face, whereby the inclination of the upper face varies.

With this, the advantage of being able to optimize the solar collection is achieved according to the season of the year, since, without having to disassemble the panels or the structure, the inclination of them can be modified with respect to the plane in which the structure is simply installed by activating the ratchet mechanism.

On the other hand, the means of deflection that the structure incorporates to reduce wind loads are determined by the incorporation of a plurality of deflector sheets that practically occupy the entire rear face of the cradle shape presented by the structure modules , which have a specially designed grooved configuration to determine a screen that deflects the incident wind avoiding its penetration under the panels.

These sheets, in addition, are made up of telescopically extensible segments, so that, by modifying the inclination of the upper face with the ratchet mechanism, they are extended or collected adapting to the variation in height caused by the operation of said mechanism.

Finally, the polyvalent means for fixing panels of different thicknesses to the tubes of the structure are constituted by

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staples formed by a base that can be fixed to the tube and an interchangeable piece that attaches to the base and holds the edge of the panel, presenting different thicknesses, so that with the same fixing base a fastening piece or another can be placed according to the thickness of the panels to be placed.

It should be mentioned that the structure comprises one or more modules in the form of a cradle with the means described, preferably contemplating, when it has more than one module, the union of the same with each other to make them solidary and increase their resistance to wind loads by Additional tubes for which the lower faces of the adjacent modules are joined by tubes additionally added for this purpose.

Likewise, when the structure is incorporated in irregular surfaces, the incorporation of lower adjustment means is provided by threading in the connection links of the tubes of the lower face of the cradle module.

Therefore, we can conclude that the structure of the invention is a self-supporting structure that withstands stresses on the leeward side, sufficient for extremely hard weather phenomena.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the features of the invention, a set of drawings with illustrative examples is included in the description in which:

Figure 1.- It is a schematic representation of a view in

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frontal perspective of a cradle module as a basic example of the self-supporting support structure for solar panels object of the invention, its general configuration being appreciated, without the solar panel on its upper face;

Figure number 2.- It is a perspective view of one of the connecting links that join the tubes together to form the modules of the self-supporting structure;

Figure number 3.- It is a perspective view of an example of the clip that incorporates the structure, according to the invention, to fasten the panels to the upper face of each module;

Figure number 4.- It is a perspective view, partially sectioned, showing the arrangement of the clips in the structure for fixing the panel;

Figure number 5.- It is a perspective view of a portion of the structure, in an example thereof with adjacent panels;

Figure number 6.- It is a perspective view of an example of a module weighted by concrete blocks;

Figure number 7.- It is an enlarged view of the fixing of one of the connecting links to one of the concrete blocks, as shown in Figure 6;

Figure number 8.- It is a perspective view of another example of a module of the structure, according to the invention in the phase of being weighed by gravel, showing the arrangement of the canvas on the tubes of its

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lower base;

Figure number 9.- It is an enlarged view of a portion of the structure shown in Figure 8, where the attachment of the canvas to the tubes of the lower base is appreciated;

Figure 10.- It is a schematic representation of a front perspective view of another example of a cradle module of the support structure for solar panels object of the invention, in this case in an option of the same mobile, appreciating its general configuration , having been represented with the solar panel removed, without incorporating on its upper face;

Figure 11.- It is a view similar to that shown in the preceding figure, of the same example of a module of the structure of the invention, but in a perspective of the rear part;

Figure 12.- It is a perspective view of the ratchet mechanism that incorporates the module of the structure of the invention as a means to vary the inclination of its upper face;

Figure 13.- It is a perspective view of one of the baffle plates incorporating the structure module, according to the invention, as a means of deflection against wind loads;

Figure 14.- It is a perspective view of a clip with two types of fastening piece for panels of different thicknesses, attachable to the same base;

Figure 15.- It is a schematic perspective view of an example of

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structure with several modules joined together;

Figure 16.- It is a perspective view of the lower insert incorporating the structure to level it on irregular surfaces; Y

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In the figures the following numbering has been used to designate each of the parts and elements that comprise the structure object of the invention:

1. module, 1st. upper face, 1b. back face, 1c. lower face, 1d. side faces,

2. tubes,

3. union link, 31 locking point,

4. solar panel,

5. lifting and lowering means, 50. ratchet mechanism, 51. housing, 52. housing, 53. synchronization shaft,

6. flexion means, 60. baffle plates, 61. C extensions, 62. segments, 63. locking means,

7. fastening means (of the panels), 70. staples, 71. fixed part, 72. hole, 73. interchangeable part, 74. lateral thickening, 75. complementary hollow, 76. lower skirt, 77. lateral housing,

8. Threading means by threading, 80. Thread, 81. Hand tightening head,

9. ballasting means, 91 concrete blocks, 92 canvas, 93 clamp.

Attending, then, to these figures and the numbering adopted in them, it can be seen as the self-supporting structure of the invention

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It comprises, at least, a module (1) of configuration in the form of a cradle, which, as shown in Figures 1 and 10, is constituted from a series of tubes (2) of thermoplastic material that are assembled together by the ends, by means of union links (3), also made of thermoplastic material, in which they fit by snap fit and fixed to them through the insertion of a locking tip (31), as shown in Figure 2, and on whose upper face (1a) of said cradle-shaped module, which has variable inclinations, a solar panel (4) attached to the tubes (2) with fastening means (7) is incorporated.

Said fastening means (7), in a basic embodiment option, such as that shown in Figure 3 and 4, consist of staples (70) with a hole (72) suitable for insertion of the tube (2) through it. and an upper overhang that determines lateral housing (77) where the edge of the panel (4) fits tightly when pressing on said overhang, as can be seen in figure 4. In this figure it can be seen how, to fix the staple position (70) in the tube (2), a locking tip (31) is also inserted.

As can be seen in figures 1 and 10, the cradle shape presented by said module (1), contemplates an upper face (1a) that is the one that is inclined by placing the solar panel (4) on it, a rear face (1b) ) that is in a position opposite to the upper face (1 a), being able to present an inclination or be completely vertical, a lower face (1c), which acts as a base on which the module (1) rests, and two lateral faces (1d) identical triangular configuration, and that can also be inclined or vertical.

In any case, the modules (1), being made of thermoplastic material, are fixed to the roof by means of ballasting means (9) that avoid drilling it,

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but they allow it to withstand stresses on it, leeward, enough to resist extremely hard weather phenomena, which consist either of a series of concrete blocks (91) or a tarp (92) that is covered with gravel

Specifically, in the option of ballasted by concrete blocks (91), each module (1) is fixed by screwing the lower connection links (3), that is, those that constitute the vertices of the base or lower face ( 1c), to several blocks, preferably, incorporating a concrete block (91) fixed under each of said lower connecting links (3), as seen in Figures 6 and 7.

And in the option of ballast by means of canvas (92) and gravel, as shown in figures 8 and 9, said canvas is incorporated on the lower tubes (2) of each module (1), that is, what the edges of the lower face (1c) of the module, fixed to them by means of clamps (93) and subsequently covered with gravel, usually the gravel itself that covers the cover.

Attending to figures 10 to 16, the self-supporting structure, in an alternative option, is mobile, presenting lifting and lowering means (5) that move the rear side of said upper face (1a) to vary the inclination thereof, and also has flexion means (6) on the rear face (1b) of the cradle shape, which deflect the incidence of the wind and with some fastening means (7) of the panels (4) that are versatile for fixing panels (4) of different thicknesses to the side tubes (2) of the upper face (1a).

In figures 10 and 11, and more specifically in figure 12, it can be seen as the means of raising and lowering (5) of the upper face (1a)

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to vary their inclination, they are preferably determined by at least one ratchet mechanism (50) whose gears, housed in a housing (51) that conceals and protects them, link two pipe segments together so that their drive brings them closer together. or moves away from each other, and whose distal ends are fixed, respectively, to the rear sides of the upper face (1a) and the lower face (1c), preferably at the junction links themselves (3), so that the drive of the mechanism elevates the upper face (1a) of the cradle that forms the module (1) by its rear part, varying its inclination with respect to the lower face (1c).

For actuation of the ratchet mechanism (50), when this is manual, the housing (51) has a housing (52) for inserting a crank, although, optionally, the incorporation of a small double-direction electric motor is provided. rotation that procures automatic actuation by means of a two-position push-button, ascent and descent

Optionally, more than one ratchet mechanism (50) is incorporated in the same module (1), especially depending on its size, for example one at each end of the rear face (1b), in which case they are linked by a rod ( 53) which synchronizes its movement.

Also in accordance with Figures 10 and 11, as well as Figure 13, it can be seen that, in the preferred embodiment, the deflection means (6) have the incorporation of a plurality of deflector sheets (60) that practically occupy the totality of the rear face (1b) of the cradle form of the module, which are fixed under pressure in the tubes (2) that constitute the rear sides of the upper face (1a) and the lower face (1c), and which at same time form the lower and upper sides of

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the rear face (1b), and have a ribbed configuration that, once arranged in parallel occupying said rear face (1b) form a screen that deflects the incident wind

For said pressure fixing, these baffle plates (60) have extensions (61) at their respective C-configuration ends, suitable for fitting into said tubes.

In addition, the baffle plates (60) are extensible, in order to vary their length by modifying the inclination of the upper face (1a) with the ratchet mechanism (50), preferably formed by two telescopically extendable segments (62), of such so that, by modifying the separation between the upper face (1a) and the lower one (1c) with said mechanism, they are extended or collected adapting to each height. Between both segments (62) locking means (63), for example one and a succession of grooves in which it fits, allow each desired position to be fixed.

In figure 14 it can be seen that the multi-purpose fastening means (7) for fixing panels of different thicknesses to the tubes (2) of the upper face (1a) of the module (1) the clips (70) that constitute them are formed by two pieces attachable with each other. A fixed part (71) that constitutes a base that can be fixed to the tube (2) by means of the hole (72) in which said tube is inserted, and an interchangeable part (73) in which the edge of the panel (4) is coupled into the lateral housing (77), which, as seen in said figure 5, can have different heights, depending on the type of panel to be placed.

To do this, the coupling between the fixed part (71) and the interchangeable part (73), has a lateral thickening (74) that fits into a hole

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complementary (75) of the fixed part (71), having provided a lower skirt (76) to said thickening that allows to leverage for its extraction.

And for fixing the panel (4), the interchangeable part (73) has the cantilever cap which, once fixed to the fixed part (71) or base, creates the lateral housing (77) of adequate height to receive the lateral edge of said panel (4). Optionally, under the overhang that determines said housing (77) a rubber piece or the like is incorporated to avoid chafing on the plate.

In the aforementioned figure 5, two examples of the interchangeable piece (73) of different height for two panel thicknesses, one conventional and the other glazed, which are usually more fixed, have been shown.

Continuing with the characteristics of the structure, it should be noted that, optionally, when it comprises more than one module (1), they are joined together by additional tubes (2) added between adjacent modules with connection links on the lower faces (1c) thereof, as seen in Figure 15, so that a solidarity assembly is formed that increases its resistance to wind loads.

Also optionally, when the surface on which the modules (1) of the structure proposed by the invention are incorporated is irregular, under the connecting links (3) that join the tubes (2) of the lower face (1c), Threaded adjustment means (8) are provided, as shown in Figure 16, in a thread (80) with hand-tightening head (81) that is inserted into a threaded lower hole provided for this purpose in the connection links (3 ), allowing its elevation or descent to adapt it to the unevenness of the surface.

Claims (13)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 r e i v i n d i c a c i o n e s 1. - Self-supporting support structure for solar panels that, comprising at least one module (1) consisting of thermoplastic tubes (2) assembled by means of union links (3), also thermoplastic, in which the ends of the pressure fit together. tubes, and on which a solar panel (4) is incorporated, is orraoterized by the fact that said module (1) is of a crib-shaped configuration contemplating an upper face (1a) that is inclined by placing the panel on it ( 4) solar, a rear face (1b) in a position opposite to the upper face (1a), with inclination or fully vertical, a lower face (1 c), which acts as a base on which the module (1) rests, and two identical lateral faces (1d) of triangular configuration; and because said module or modules (1) are fixed to the roof by ballast means (9), consisting of concrete blocks (91) or a tarp (92) that is covered with gravel, with which it withstands stresses on it , on the leeward side, enough to resist extreme weather phenomena. 2. - Self-supporting support structure for solar panels, according to claim 1, or rooted because each module (1) is fixed by screwing the lower connection links (3) to several blocks, incorporating a fixed concrete block (91) under each of said lower union links (3). 3. - Self-supporting support structure for solar panels, according to claim 1, or araoterized because each module incorporates, on the lower tubes (2), a canvas (92) that is fixed to said lower tubes (2), by means of clamps (93) and which is subsequently covered with gravel. 5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 4. - Self-supporting support structure for solar panels, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, or uprooted because, in addition, it comprises lifting and lowering means (5) that move the rear side of said upper face (1a) to vary the inclination thereof, deflection means (6) on the rear face (1b) of the cradle shape, which deflects the incidence of wind and fastening means (7) that are versatile for fixing panels (4) of different thicknesses to the side tubes (2) of the upper face (1a). 5. - Self-supporting support structure for solar panels, according to claim 4, or araoterized because the lifting and lowering means (5) of the upper face (1a) of the module to vary its inclination comprise at least one ratchet mechanism (50) whose gears, housed in a housing (51), link together two pipe segments whose distal ends are fixed, respectively, to the rear sides of the upper face (1a) and the lower face (1c), such that the actuation of the mechanism elevates the rear side of the upper face (1a) by varying the inclination thereof with respect to the lower face (1c). 6. - Self-supporting support structure for solar panels, according to claim 5, or rooted in that the ratchet mechanism (50) has a housing (52) for inserting a hand-operated crank. 7. - Self-supporting support structure for solar panels, according to claims 5 and 6, or uprooted because the ratchet mechanism (50) incorporates an electric motor with a double direction of rotation that provides automatic operation by means of a two-position push-button, ascent and descent . 5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 8. - Self-supporting support structure for solar panels, according to claim 4, or araoterized because the deflection means (6) consist of the incorporation of a plurality of extendable baffle plates (60) that practically occupy the entire rear face (1b ) of the module, presenting a grooved configuration that, once arranged in parallel, occupies said rear face (1b), forming a screen that deflects the incident wind. 9. - Self-supporting support structure for solar panels, according to claim 8, araoterized because the baffle plates (60) have extensions (61) at their respective C-configuration ends, suitable for fitting into the tubes (2) for fixing . 10. - Self-supporting support structure for solar panels, according to claim 8 and 9, or uprooted because the baffle plates (60) are constituted by two segments (62) telescopically extendable, with locking means (63) to fix each position of the same. 11. - Self-supporting support structure for solar panels, according to claim 4, or powered by multi-purpose fastening means (7) for fixing panels (4) of different thicknesses to the tubes (2) of the upper face (1a) of the module (1) consist of staples (70) formed by two pieces that can be joined together, a fixed part (71) that constitutes a base that can be fixed to the tube by means of a hole (72) in which it is inserted, and an interchangeable part (73) in that the edge of the panel (4) is coupled, with different heights, depending on the type of panel to be placed. 12. Self-supporting support structure for solar panels, according to claim 11, or rooted because the interchangeable part (73) has a lateral thickening (74) that fits into a hole Complementary (75) of the fixed part (71) for its attachment to it, having provided a lower skirt (76) to said thickening that allows to leverage for its extraction. 5 13.- Self-supporting support structure for solar panels, according to any one of claims 1 to 112, or rooted in because, when it comprises more than one module (1), they are joined together by tubes (2) additional aggregates between contiguous modules with union links (3) on the lower faces (1c) thereof, so that a joint assembly is formed. 14. Self-supporting support structure for solar panels, according to any one of claims 1 to 113, or araoterized because under the connection links (3) that join the tubes (2) of the lower face (1c), means are provided. of regulation by means of threading (8) consisting of a thread (80) with a head (81) of manual tightening for its elevation or descent in order to adapt it to the unevenness of the surface.