NL2021380B1 - Clamp cover and assembly for electrical bonding of solar panel frames - Google Patents
Clamp cover and assembly for electrical bonding of solar panel frames Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NL2021380B1 NL2021380B1 NL2021380A NL2021380A NL2021380B1 NL 2021380 B1 NL2021380 B1 NL 2021380B1 NL 2021380 A NL2021380 A NL 2021380A NL 2021380 A NL2021380 A NL 2021380A NL 2021380 B1 NL2021380 B1 NL 2021380B1
- Authority
- NL
- Netherlands
- Prior art keywords
- clamp
- cover
- solar panels
- solar panel
- clip
- Prior art date
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- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 102
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 19
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 6
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 229910000639 Spring steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000004080 punching Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 claims 3
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 abstract description 14
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 14
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 6
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000002344 surface layer Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000007257 malfunction Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011247 coating layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007547 defect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006735 deficit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001066 destructive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002708 enhancing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003562 lightweight material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003973 paint Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002265 prevention Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011282 treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- 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
- H02S40/00—Components or accessories in combination with PV modules, not provided for in groups H02S10/00 - H02S30/00
- H02S40/30—Electrical components
-
- 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
- Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy
Landscapes
- Roof Covering Using Slabs Or Stiff Sheets (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to a clamp cover and an assembly configured for electrical bonding a clamp for separation and fixation of two adjacent solar panels with the solar panel frames of said adjacent solar panels. The clamp cover thereby comprises a cover body and two flanges, each flange comprising upwardly and downwardly protruding cutting elements. The clamp cover is made of a first conductive material to provide the electrical bonding.
Description
Θ 2021380 ©B1 OCTROOI (2?) Aanvraagnummer: 2021380 (51) Int. Cl.:
H02S 40/30 (2018.01) (22) Aanvraag ingediend: 23 juli 2018 (30) Voorrang:
(T/) Aanvraag ingeschreven:
januari 2020 (43) Aanvraag gepubliceerd:
47) Octrooi verleend:
januari 2020 (73) Octrooihouder(s):
ESDEC B.V. te Deventer (72) Uitvinder(s):
Frank van Regteren te Deventer (74) Gemachtigde:
ir. H.Th. van den Heuvel c.s. te 's-Hertogenbosch (45) Octrooischrift uitgegeven:
januari 2020
54) Clamp cover and assembly for electrical bonding of solar panel frames
57) The invention relates to a clamp cover and an assembly configured for electrical bonding a clamp for separation and fixation of two adjacent solar panels with the solar panel frames of said adjacent solar panels. The clamp cover thereby comprises a cover body and two flanges, each flange comprising upwardly and downwardly protruding cutting elements. The clamp cover is made of a first conductive material to provide the electrical bonding.
B1 2021380
Dit octrooi is verleend ongeacht het bijgevoegde resultaat van het onderzoek naar de stand van de techniek en schriftelijke opinie. Het octrooischrift komt overeen met de oorspronkelijk ingediende stukken.
Clamp cover and assembly for electrical bonding of solar panel frames
The invention relates to a clamp cover configured for electrical bonding a clamp for separation and fixation of two adjacent solar panels with the solar panel frames of said adjacent solar panels. The invention also relates to an assembly for separation, fixation and electrical bonding of adjacent solar panels, comprising such clamp cover and a clamp.
Clamps for separation and fixation of adjacent solar panels are known and often used in solar panel mounting systems. The clamps must be of a certain rigidity in order to provide sufficient fixation for the solar panels. Several embodiments of such clamps are possible, however the clamps are often substantially T-shaped and are provided with an aperture for receiving at least part of a fastening element for fixing the clamp and therewith the solar panels to support structure of the solar panel mounting system. Besides this mechanical bonding also electrical bonding of adjacent solar panel frames is required in order to prevent build-up of static charge over the solar panels, protection for lightning strikes and/or for shock prevention in some specific system configurations. A difficulty may arise during electrically bonding of adjacent solar panel frames when the solar panel frames, which are often made of aluminium or steel, are anodized, oxidized, painted and/or (powder) coated. These treatments may cause an insulating surface layer wherefore electrical bonding of the frames is impeded. A known solution to this problem is to use separate grounding lugs and/or cables on each solar panel and to interconnect these lugs and/or cables. However, this is a time-consuming and labour-intensive process which is also vulnerable to damage.
It is a goal of the invention to provide an improved solution for separation, fixation and/or electrical bonding of adjacent solar panels.
The invention thereto provides the clamp cover configured for electrical bonding a conductive clamp for separation and fixation of two adjacent solar panels with conductive solar panel frames of said adjacent solar panels, the clamp cover comprising a cover body, comprising at least one bottom wall, and at least two opposing side walls connected to opposed edges of said at least one bottom wall, wherein the at least one bottom wall and the side walls enclose an accommodating space for accommodating at least part of the conductive clamp, and wherein the at least one bottom wall and the side walls are configured to be positioned in between adjacent conductive solar panel frames, and wherein each side wall is connected, at an upper edge facing away from the bottom wall, to at least one laterally protruding flange, each flange comprising at least one upwardly protruding cutting element for cutting into an outer surface of the clamp, at least one downwardly protruding cutting element for cutting into an outer surface a solar panel frame, wherein the clamp cover is made of a first conductive material such that the protruding cutting elements cause to electrically bond the clamp with adjacent solar panels frames.
The use of a clamp cover according to the invention has several benefits. Due to the clamp cover being made of a first conductive material and the flanges of the clamp cover comprising at least one, preferably upwardly protruding, cutting element and at least one, preferably downwardly protruding, cutting element can the clamp cover provide electrical bonding between two adjacent solar panel frames via the clamp which separates and fixates said solar panel frames. With separation is meant, positioning (aligning) of the solar panels at a (small) distance from each other. Each flange is herewith in a mounted condition positioned in between part of a solar panel frame and part of the clamp. The downwardly protruding cutting element is configured for cutting into an outer surface a solar panel frame, thereby protruding the anodized, oxidized and/or (powder) coated outer surface layer of the conductive, metal containing solar panel frame. When the cutting element cuts or pierces through the substantially insulating outer surface of the solar panel frame contact can be made with the conductive core of the solar panel frame. This also applies to the upwardly protruding cutting element which is configured for cutting into an outer surface of the clamp. The conductive, metal containing clamp may have an anodized, oxidized and/or (powder) coated outer surface layer, which has a negative influence on the conducting properties of the clamp. The coating layer can also be a paint layer. As the upwardly protruding cutting element cuts or pierces through the outer surface of the clamp contact can be made with the conductive core of the metal containing clamp. Since both flanges of the clamp cover provide bonding between a solar panel frame and the clamp, and integral and/or mutual electrical bonding between the adjacent solar panel frames is obtained. Herewith the desired electrical bonding between adjacent solar panel frames can be achieved in a relatively simple but accurate way. The clamp cover basically can add further functionality to the clamp. When using a clamp cover according to the invention, the use of separate lugs, wires and/or cables can be omitted which is beneficial as these are likely to malfunction over time due to for example environmental influences. Besides that the clamp cover provides a more sustainable solution which is less sensitive to malfunction than this known solution, is installing of the clamp cover significantly easier. Due to the clamp cover comprising a cover body defining an accommodating space for accommodating at least part of the clamp a convenient co-action between the clamp cover and the clamp can be achieved. The accommodating space thereby triggers the user to connect the clamp cover with the clamp to be used as it is clear from the clamp cover as such how it should be utilized due to its smart configuration. The clamp cover can basically cover at least part of the clamp thereby substantially forming a jacket which partially encloses the clamp. In particular is one side, in particular the bottom side, of the clamp shielded by the clamp cover. The clamp cover is thereby configured to engage at least part of the clamp. The co-action between the clamp cover and the clamp is beneficial in order to ensure a sufficient electrical bonding between the solar panel frames and the clamp without compromising on the mechanical bonding between the solar panel frames and the clamp.
In a possible embodiment of the clamp cover is the first conductive material steel, in particular spring steel, more in particular spring tempered stainless steel. Steel, and in particular spring steel, and more in particular spring tempered stainless steel has several beneficial material properties for this purpose. Besides having an adequate conductivity, steel benefits from a high strength and hardness and being sufficiently machinable. Clamp covers according to the invention made of any type of abovementioned steel can be relatively easy and inexpensively produced, even on large scale. Due to the beneficial material properties of steel is it possible that the clamp cover can have a relatively small thickness. Due to the rigidity of the clamp cover made of abovementioned steel is the clamp cover relatively insensitive for damage and/or failure therefore providing a durable solution.
In a further possible embodiment is the clamp cover made of one piece. It can also be said that the clamp cover is made of a single piece. This may further enhance the durability of the clamp cover. Omitting the use of separate components may improve the solidity of the device wherefore the clamp cover is not likely to form a bottle neck in the entire solar panel system. Furthermore fabrication of such one piece device is relatively easy and often possible for reasonable to low prices.
The clamp cover according to the invention can for example be made of a sheet having a thickness between 0.2 and 0.8 mm, in particular between 0.3 and 0.6 mm. This relatively thin thickness may positively contribute in the ease of use of the clamp cover. A relatively thin thickness is also beneficial for the machinability of the material. The ideal thickness which is to be used depends in particular on the material whereof the clamp cover is made, where it is important that the desired strength and/or hardness of the material can be achieved.
It is possible that the clamp cover is made from a folded piano - also referred to as sheet - and wherein at least one upwardly protruding cutting element and/or at least one downwardly protruding cutting element are manufactured via punching of the piano. This is beneficial as herewith the clamp cover can be relatively easily adapted to the clamp cover to be used. The piano can be folded such that the dimension of the a cover body are of the desired proportions.
An embodiment of the clamp cover is possible wherein each flange of the clamp cover comprises multiple downwardly protruding cutting elements. Each flange for example comprises a series of downwardly protruding protrusions. The presence of multiple downwardly protruding cutting elements may further improve the electrical contact to be made with the solar panel frames. It is for example possible that each flange comprises multiple downwardly protruding cutting elements divided of the length of the flange. Therewith a distribution of cutting elements over the flange is obtained, which may lead to an improved electrical contact between the clamp cover and one of the adjacent solar panel frame. The multiple downwardly protruding cutting elements are possibly positioned in a centre area of the flange. Herewith the strength of the flange is not or only minimally affected by the presence of the cutting elements. The use of multiple downwardly protruding cutting element may also reduce the chance of defects and/or impairment of the clamp cover. When for example one of the cutting elements fails to cut into the outer surface of the solar panel frame, due to for example local deformation of the solar panel frame, the further downwardly protruding cutting elements can ensure the desired electrical connection can be established. It is beneficial if at least one and preferably each downwardly protruding cutting element comprises a substantially conically shaped structure having a cutting end portion, wherein the substantially conically shaped structure preferably comprises a circumferential cutting edge which is configured to cut into in outer surface of a solar panel frame. The presence of the cutting end portion may further improve the cutting characteristics of the cutting elements. Herewith can be further ensured that the cutting element can cut into or through the outer surface of the solar panel frame. Such cutting end portion is preferably present at an outer end of the cutting element where the cutting end portion will be the first part of the clamp cover to contact the solar panel frame. A further benefit of the substantially conically shaped structure is that a relatively large contact surface between the clamp cover and the solar panel frame can be obtained.
In a possible embodiment of the clamp cover extends at least one downwardly protruding cutting element between 0.5 and 1.5 mm, and in particular between 0.75 and 1 mm, from a plane defined by the body of the flange. It is experimentally determined that a cutting element having this technical feature can cut or embed sufficiently through the outer surface of the solar panel frame to reach the more conductive core of the solar panel frame. This relatively small extension of the cutting element is furthermore material efficient. Another benefit of this relatively small projection of the cutting element is that the cutting element can be substantially wholly embedded in the solar panel frame. The further part of the flange may thereby engage the solar panel frame resulting in a solid engagement whereby formation of undesired (air) gaps can be prevented and the mechanically bonding between components is not negatively influenced.
An embodiment of the clamp cover is also possible wherein each flange of the clamp cover comprises multiple upwardly protruding cutting elements. Each flange can for example comprise a series of upwardly protruding protrusions. The upwardly protruding cutting elements are for example positioned at distance from the downwardly protruding cutting elements. The upwardly protruding cutting elements can for example be present at the peripheral edges of the flange. This is beneficial as herewith also the mechanical bonding between the clamp cover and the clamp may be enhanced. It is furthermore beneficial if at least one and preferably each upwardly protruding cutting element comprises at least one blade portion which is configured to cut into an outer surface of the clamp. The presence of such blade portion may further improve the cutting characteristics of the cutting elements. The blade portion are preferably present at an outer end of the cutting element. At least one upwardly protruding cutting element extends generally between 0.5 and 1.5 mm, in particular between 0.75 and 1 mm, from a plane defined by the body of the flange. It is experimentally determined that a cutting element having this technical feature can cut or embed sufficiently through the outer surface of the clamp to reach the more conductive core thereof.
It is beneficial if the cover body, in particular the bottom wall of the cover body comprises at least one first aperture for receiving at least part of a fastening element, in particular a fastening screw. This will further improve the ease of use of the cover body. The fastening element, in particular the fastening screw, can herewith (indirect) fasten the clamp cover to the support structure for solar panels. The first aperture is preferably configured to be in line with a second aperture of the clamp for receiving at least part of a fastening element, in particular a fastening screw, during co-action between the clamp cover and the clamp.
In a possible embodiment of the clamp cover are the side walls of the cover body configured to clampingly connect to at least part of the clamp. A clamping connecting between the clamp cover and the clamp can herewith be achieved in a relatively simple manner. An assembly of a clamp and a clamp cover can be obtained without having to use separate fixing means. It can also be said that the clamp cover clips onto the clamp. Due to the clamping connection is it for example possible to assemble the clamp cover and the clamp before use in the mounting system. This may improve the ease of use and prevents unnecessary actions to be performed during installation of the solar panel system, which is usually on a roof. It is herewith possible that the cover body is tapered towards the upper edges of the side walls to clampingly engage onto at least part of the clamp. This configuration will result in the cover body having a smaller width near the flanges than near the bottom wall. The cover body will have a substantially narrowed neck portion. The tapered configuration of the cover body enables the clamp cover to be clampingly connected to the clamp. It is also possible that each side wall of the cover body of the clamp cover comprises at least one retaining member for engaging at least part of the clamp. Herewith an improved connection between the clamp cover and the clamp can be made. Such retaining member can for example be an inwardly protruding retaining member. Examples thereof are showed in the figures. It is however also possible that the clamp cover comprises both a narrowed neck portion as well as at least one retaining member.
The invention also relates to an assembly according to claim 16. The assembly according to the invention evidently benefits the advantages as mentioned above for the clamp cover according to the invention and the use thereof. The assembly can be pre-assembled, wherein the clamp cover is - typically releasably connected, preferably clamped, onto the clamp, which may facilitate installation of the assembly. However, the assembly can also constitute a kit of (loose) parts to be assembled, preferably manually, during use or prior to use.
It is conceivable that the first conductive material has a different material than the second conductive material. It is for example possible that the clamp is manufactured of a conductive material which has desired mechanical properties, however lacking machinability required for the manufacturing of the downwardly cutting elements which are required to obtain an electrical contact with the solar panel frame. With this embodiment of the assembly according to the invention is it possible to combine material properties and features of different conductive materials into a functional device having all desired properties. It is for example possible that the clamp is relatively rigid and/or massive, where the clamp cover is relatively thin and machinable. The clamp cover thereby enables that electrical bonding can be performed without affecting the mechanical bonding including the separation of the solar panel frames. It is for example possible that the second conductive material is aluminium. Aluminium is a relatively lightweight material, which is beneficial for the application of use on a roof. Aluminium is however strong enough to provide the desired separation and fixation of the solar panel frames in the solar panel system. Examples of the first conductive material for the clamp cover are mentioned above.
It is beneficial if the smallest width of cover body is smaller than the width of the distance element of the clamp such that the cover body can clampingly connect to the distance element. Herewith a non-destructive but secure connection between the clamp cover and the clamp can be obtained. It is also possible to pre-assemble the assembly before use.
The clamp cover and the clamp are generally substantially T-shaped. With a Tshaped configuration is it possible to facilitate both the separation and fixation in an simple but effective manner. Furthermore, such T-shape will provide a relatively rigid embodiment, which is beneficial for the sustainability of the clamp and/or the clamp cover.
It is furthermore possible that the assembly comprises at least one fastening element, preferably a fastening screw, for fastening both the clamp and the clamp cover onto a support structure supporting the solar panels.
The invention will be further elucidated herein below on the basis of the nonlimitative exemplary embodiments shown in the following figures. Herein shows; figure 1a a clamp for use in an assembly according to the invention, figure 1b a possible embodiment of a clamp cover according to the invention, figure 2 a side view of an assembly according to the invention, figures 3a-3d possible embodiments of upwardly protruding cutting elements, figure 4a-4c possible embodiments of downwardly protruding cutting elements, figures 5a-5c possible embodiments of assemblies according to the invention, and figure 6 show the use of a clamp, and in particular an assembly according to the invention.
Similar reference in these figures correspond to similar or equivalent features and/or elements.
Figure 1a shows a perspective view of a possible embodiment of a clamp 1 for use in an assembly for separation, fixation and electrical bonding of adjacent solar panels according to the invention. The clamp 1 comprises a distance element 2 for separating the two adjacent solar panels (not shown), a retaining element 3 for retaining the adjacent solar panels and a second aperture 4 for receiving at least part of a fastening element (not shown) for fastening of the clamp 1 and therewith the aforementioned solar panels to the support structure. The clamp 1 is configured for co-action with the clamp cover 5 shown in figure 1b. The clamp 1 is made of a second conductive material, in particular aluminium.
Figure 1 b shows a perspective view of a possible embodiment of a clamp cover 5 according to the invention, which is configured for co-action with the clamp 1 as shown in figure 1a. The clamp cover 5 comprises a cover body 6 configured to clampingly connected to the distance element 2 of the clamp 1. The cover body 6 comprises a bottom wall 6c, and at least two opposing side walls 6a, 6b connected to opposed edges of said at least one bottom wall 6c. The bottom wall 6c and the side walls 6a, 6b enclose an accommodating space 13 for accommodating at least part of the conductive clamp 1. The clamp cover 5 furthermore comprises two opposing flanges 7a, 7b extending from the cover body 6, wherein an upper side T of each flange 7a, 7b is configured to engage at least part of the retaining element 3 of the ciamp 1 and wherein a lower side B of each flange 7a, 7b is configured to engage at least part of a solar panel. In fact is each side wall 6a, 6b connected at an upper edge facing away from the bottom wall 6c to a laterally protruding flange 7a, 7b. The clamp cover 5 furthermore comprises a first aperture 8 which is configured to be in line with the second aperture 4 of the clamp 1 in an assembled position such that at least part of the fastening element can be received in the second aperture 8. The clamp cover 5 is made of a first conductive material, in particular spring tempered stainless steel. Each flange 7a, 7b of the clamp cover 5 comprises multiple upwardly protruding cutting elements 9 for cutting into an outer surface of the clamp 1, in particular of the retaining element 3 of the clamp 1. Each upwardly projection cutting element 9 has a relatively sharp blade 11 or cut surface 11 configured to cut or pierce into aforementioned outer surface. Furthermore, each flange 7a, 7b of the clamp cover 5 comprises multiple downwardly protruding cutting elements 10 which are configured to cut into at least part of an outer surface of a solar panel frame. Each downwardly protruding cutting element 10 has a relatively sharp blade 12 or cutting end portion 12 configured to cut into the solar panel frame. The cutting elements 10 have a substantially conically shaped structure having a cutting end portion 12, wherein the substantially conically shaped structure comprises a circumferential cutting edge 12 which is configured to cut into in outer surface of the solar panel frame. The smallest width Ws of cover body 6 is smaller than the width Wd of the distance element 2 of the clamp 1 such that the cover body 6 can clampingly connect to the distance element 2. The width Ws of the cover body 6 is in the shown embodiment the smallest near the flanges 7a, 7b. The flanges 7a, 7b furthermore comprise a protruding engagement members 17 for further enhancing the connection between the clamp cover 5 and the clamp 1. In the shown embodiment is the clamp cover 5 substantially symmetric, it is however also possible that the clamp cover 5 is asymmetrical.
Figure 2 shows a side view of an assembly 14 according to the invention. The figure shows the co-action of a clamp 1 as shown in figure 1 a and a clamp cover 5 according to the invention as shown in figure 1 b. The clamp 1 provides separation of the adjacent solar panels 15a, 15b and fastening of the solar panels 15a, 15b to a support structure (not shown) by means of a fastening element 19, in particular a fastening screw 16. The distance element 2 of the clamp 1 is accommodated in the accommodating space 13 of the clamp cover 5. The bottom wall 6c and the side walls 6a, 6b are positioned in between the adjacent solar panels 15a, 15b, in particular in between the adjacent solar panel frames 16a, 16b. It can be seen that the clamp cover 5 connects with the clamp 1. The upwardly protruding cutting elements 9 thereby are embedded in the outer surface of the clamp 1. The downwardly protruding cutting elements 10 are embedded in the outer surface of the solar panel frames 16a, 16b. Due to the upwardly protruding cutting elements 9 and the downwardly protruding cutting elements 10 being embedded in respectively the clamp 1 and the solar panel frames 16a, 16b a is an electrical bonding formed between the clamp 1 and the solar panels frames 16a, 16b. Despite the figure not being on scale, the figure shows that the thickness of the clamp cover 5 is relatively thin compared to the substantially massive clamp 1.
Figures 3a-3b show examples of possible embodiments of upwardly protruding cutting elements 9a-9d according to the invention. Figure 3a shows a substantially circular shaped cutting element 9a having a circular cutting surface. Figure 3b shows a substantially square cutting element 9b. The cutting element 9b has multiple blade portions 11 configured for cutting into the outer surface of a solar panel frame. The embodiment shown in in figure 3c shows a cutting element 9c having a triangle shaped blade portion present at an outer end of the flange 7. In the embodiment of the clamp cover 5 shown in figure 3d the cutting elements 9d protrude inwardly towards each other. Despite the cutting element 9d not literally protruding upwardly, it can be referred to as upwardly protruding cutting element 9d. The cutting element 9d is configured for cutting into an outer surface of the clamp (not shown). A further effect of this embodiment of the cutting element 9d is that the cutting element 9d may be configured to provide an improved clamping connection between the clamp cover 5 and a clamp.
Figures 4a-4c show examples of possible embodiment of downwardly protruding cutting elements 10a-10c according to the invention. The downwardly protruding cutting elements 10a-10c are substantially equivalent to the upwardly protruding cutting elements 9a-9c as shown in figures 3a-3c.
Figures 5a-5c show the co-action between the cover body 6 of the clamp cover 5a5c and the clamp 1 in an assembly 14a-14c according to the invention. The figures show a cross section. Figure 5a shows a co-action between the clamp cover 5a and the clamp 1 wherein the clamp cover 5a is clampingly connected to the clamp
1. The protruding engagement members 17 provide an inwardly directed force towards the clamp 1. The protruding engagement members 17 of the clamp cover 5a equal the protruding engagement members17 as shown in figure 1b. Figure 5b shows an embodiment of the assembly 14b wherein the clamp cover 5b comprises multiple retaining members 18 for engaging the clamp 1. Herewith an improved connection between the clamp cover 5b and the clamp 1 can be made. The retaining members 18 are projecting inwardly towards the distance element 2 of the clamp 1. Figure 5c shows a further embodiment of the assembly 14c according to the invention wherein the smallest width of cover body 6 of the clamp cover 5c is smaller than the width of the distance element 2 of the clamp 1. The cover body 6 therefore clampingly connects to the clamp 1, in particular to the distance element 2 of the ciamp 1.
Figure 6 shows schematically how a clamp cover 5 and clamp 1, in particular an assembly 14 according to the invention can be installed in order to provide separation, fixation and electrical bonding of adjacent solar panels 15. The figure shows a method where the clamp cover 5 is positioned in between the solar panels 15 first, thereafter the clamp 1 is positioned thereupon and the assembly is fastened by means of a fastening element 19, in particular a fastening screw 19. It is however, also possible that the clamp 1 and the clamp cover 5 are preassembled before use. It can be seen that it is beneficial if the first aperture of the clamp cover 5 is in line with the second aperture 4 of the clamp 1 in an assembled position such that at least part of the fastening element 19 can be received in the apertures.
It will be apparent that the invention is not limited to the working examples shown and described herein, but that numerous variants are possible within the scope of the attached claims that will be obvious to a person skilled in the art.
Where the term cutting is used in relation to this invention, it is also possible to use the term embedding and/or piercing. The clamp cover can also be referred to as clip. When it is referred to electrical bonding equipotential bonding can also be meant. The clamp cover can thereby be used as wireless interconnection establishing member for equipotential resolving. The clamp cover can also be used for system grounding, for example when it is desired that the electrical circuit is grounded to prevent that corrosion occurs in the panels. The clamp cover according to the invention can possibly also be used with frameless solar panels, whereas the at least one downwardly protruding cutting element will be configured to cut into an outer surface of the solar panel. The assembly according to the invention can also be referred to as two-component system.
Claims (21)
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2021380A NL2021380B1 (en) | 2018-07-23 | 2018-07-23 | Clamp cover and assembly for electrical bonding of solar panel frames |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2021380A NL2021380B1 (en) | 2018-07-23 | 2018-07-23 | Clamp cover and assembly for electrical bonding of solar panel frames |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| NL2021380B1 true NL2021380B1 (en) | 2020-01-30 |
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2021380A NL2021380B1 (en) | 2018-07-23 | 2018-07-23 | Clamp cover and assembly for electrical bonding of solar panel frames |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| NL (1) | NL2021380B1 (en) |
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| US10903785B2 (en) | 2018-03-21 | 2021-01-26 | Rmh Tech Llc | PV module mounting assembly with clamp/standoff arrangement |
| US10948002B2 (en) | 2018-12-14 | 2021-03-16 | Rmh Tech Llc | Mounting device for nail strip panels |
| US11041310B1 (en) | 2020-03-17 | 2021-06-22 | Rmh Tech Llc | Mounting device for controlling uplift of a metal roof |
| US11333179B2 (en) | 2011-12-29 | 2022-05-17 | Rmh Tech Llc | Mounting device for nail strip panels |
| US11352793B2 (en) | 2020-03-16 | 2022-06-07 | Rmh Tech Llc | Mounting device for a metal roof |
| US11774143B2 (en) | 2017-10-09 | 2023-10-03 | Rmh Tech Llc | Rail assembly with invertible side-mount adapter for direct and indirect mounting applications |
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| US10731355B2 (en) | 2011-02-25 | 2020-08-04 | Rmh Tech Llc | Mounting device for building surfaces having elongated mounting slot |
| US11035126B2 (en) | 2011-02-25 | 2021-06-15 | Rmh Tech Llc | Mounting device for building surfaces having elongated mounting slot |
| US11885139B2 (en) | 2011-02-25 | 2024-01-30 | Rmh Tech Llc | Mounting device for building surfaces having elongated mounting slot |
| US12018861B2 (en) | 2011-12-29 | 2024-06-25 | Rmh Tech Llc | Mounting device for nail strip panels |
| US11333179B2 (en) | 2011-12-29 | 2022-05-17 | Rmh Tech Llc | Mounting device for nail strip panels |
| US11573033B2 (en) | 2016-07-29 | 2023-02-07 | Rmh Tech Llc | Trapezoidal rib mounting bracket with flexible legs |
| US10859292B2 (en) | 2016-07-29 | 2020-12-08 | Rmh Tech Llc | Trapezoidal rib mounting bracket with flexible legs |
| US12044443B2 (en) | 2016-07-29 | 2024-07-23 | Rmh Tech Llc | Trapezoidal rib mounting bracket with flexible legs |
| US11085188B2 (en) | 2016-10-31 | 2021-08-10 | Rmh Tech Llc | Metal panel electrical bonding clip |
| US11808043B2 (en) | 2016-10-31 | 2023-11-07 | Rmh Tech Llc | Metal panel electrical bonding clip |
| US10640980B2 (en) | 2016-10-31 | 2020-05-05 | Rmh Tech Llc | Metal panel electrical bonding clip |
| US11774143B2 (en) | 2017-10-09 | 2023-10-03 | Rmh Tech Llc | Rail assembly with invertible side-mount adapter for direct and indirect mounting applications |
| US11616468B2 (en) | 2018-03-21 | 2023-03-28 | Rmh Tech Llc | PV module mounting assembly with clamp/standoff arrangement |
| US10903785B2 (en) | 2018-03-21 | 2021-01-26 | Rmh Tech Llc | PV module mounting assembly with clamp/standoff arrangement |
| US11668332B2 (en) | 2018-12-14 | 2023-06-06 | Rmh Tech Llc | Mounting device for nail strip panels |
| US10948002B2 (en) | 2018-12-14 | 2021-03-16 | Rmh Tech Llc | Mounting device for nail strip panels |
| US11739529B2 (en) | 2020-03-16 | 2023-08-29 | Rmh Tech Llc | Mounting device for a metal roof |
| US11512474B2 (en) | 2020-03-16 | 2022-11-29 | Rmh Tech Llc | Mounting device for a metal roof |
| US11352793B2 (en) | 2020-03-16 | 2022-06-07 | Rmh Tech Llc | Mounting device for a metal roof |
| US11965337B2 (en) | 2020-03-16 | 2024-04-23 | Rmh Tech Llc | Mounting device for a metal roof |
| US11788291B2 (en) | 2020-03-17 | 2023-10-17 | Rmh Tech Llc | Mounting device for controlling uplift of a metal roof |
| US11041310B1 (en) | 2020-03-17 | 2021-06-22 | Rmh Tech Llc | Mounting device for controlling uplift of a metal roof |
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