NL2021740B1 - Assembly and method for fixing a support structure for a solar panel to a roof - Google Patents
Assembly and method for fixing a support structure for a solar panel to a roof Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NL2021740B1 NL2021740B1 NL2021740A NL2021740A NL2021740B1 NL 2021740 B1 NL2021740 B1 NL 2021740B1 NL 2021740 A NL2021740 A NL 2021740A NL 2021740 A NL2021740 A NL 2021740A NL 2021740 B1 NL2021740 B1 NL 2021740B1
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- Netherlands
- Prior art keywords
- nut
- support
- contact surface
- hanger bolt
- assembly
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 7
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 37
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 37
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 37
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 229920002943 EPDM rubber Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 230000003014 reinforcing effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- ORQBXQOJMQIAOY-UHFFFAOYSA-N nobelium Chemical compound [No] ORQBXQOJMQIAOY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 14
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 11
- 239000010426 asphalt Substances 0.000 description 7
- 230000002787 reinforcement Effects 0.000 description 6
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 230000007812 deficiency Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001066 destructive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003754 machining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010079 rubber tapping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000000323 shoulder joint Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000003313 weakening effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- 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
- H02S20/30—Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
- E06B3/00—Window sashes, door leaves, or like elements for closing wall or like openings; Layout of fixed or moving closures, e.g. windows in wall or like openings; Features of rigidly-mounted outer frames relating to the mounting of wing frames
- E06B3/54—Fixing of glass panes or like plates
-
- 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
- H02S30/00—Structural details of PV modules other than those related to light conversion
-
- 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
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
- Y02B10/10—Photovoltaic [PV]
-
- 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
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Roof Covering Using Slabs Or Stiff Sheets (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to an assembly and method for fixing a support structure for at least one solar panel, in particular a support rail of a support structure for at least one solar panel, to a roof comprising at least one roof plate. The assembly comprises a hanger bolt for fixing the assembly onto a roof, a support element for coupling with a support structure for at least one solar panel, in particular a support rail of a support structure for at least one solar panel and at least two nuts configured for fastening of the support element onto the hanger bolt, wherein the first nut, the support element and the second nut substantially form a ball and socket joint when they are adjacently mounted onto the hanger bolt.
Description
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.
Assembly and method for fixing a support structure for a solar panel to a roof
The invention relates to an assembly for fixing a support structure for at least one solar panel, in particular a support rail of a support structure for at least one solar panel, to a roof comprising at least one roof plate or tile. The invention also relates to the use of such assembly. The invention furthermore relates to a method for fixing a support structure for at least one solar panel, in particular a support rail of a support structure for at least one solar panel, to a roof comprising at least one roof plate or tile.
Several types of mounting systems for fixing solar panels to a roof are known. Whereas for several tiled roofs systems it is possible to us non-destructive roof hooks, these roof hooks are not applicable for, for example, corrugated roofs or insulated bitumen roofs. The current solutions for fixing solar panels to such roofs make generally use of standard screw or bolt connections which affix a support rail for solar panels to the corrugated roof plates of the corrugated roof or the bitumen roof tiles of the insulated bitumen roof. When considering a corrugated roof, the screws can both be positioned at crests and valleys of the corrugated roof plate when . However, a problem which arises is that the screws are likely to get skewed due to the non-linear structure of the corrugated roof plates. Besides that it is a challenge to mount a support rail onto such skewed screw the weight of the support rail and/or the solar panel may result in an unequal force distribution onto the corrugated roof plate which may lead to weakening of the corrugated roof plate and/or the solar panel construction in general. Another drawback of the use of screws is that alignment of the support rails is rather difficult. This problem especially arises when the screw is skewed, where even a little deficiency may impede the further mounting process of solar panels. This also applies when a standard screw or bolt connection is used to affix a support rail for solar panels to an insulated bitumen roof comprising at least one bitumen roof tile.
It is a goal of the invention to provide an improved solution for fixing a support rail and/or solar panel to a roof wherein at least one of abovementioned drawbacks is overcome.
The invention thereto provides an assembly for fixing a support structure for at least one solar panel, in particular a support rail of a support structure for at least one solar panel, to a roof comprising at least one roof plate, said assembly comprising at least one hanger bolt for fixing the assembly onto a roof, at least one support element comprising a clamping element having an aperture for receiving at least part of the hanger bolt, the support element being configured for coupling with a support structure for at least one solar panel, in particular a support rail of a support structure for at least one solar panel, and at least two nuts configured for fastening of the support element onto the hanger bolt, wherein at least one nut is displaceable with respect to the hanger bolt, preferably by rotating the at least one nut with respect to the hanger bolt, wherein the first nut comprises a concave or convex lower contact surface and the second nut comprises a concave or convex upper contact surface, and wherein the clamping element comprises an upper contact surface defined around the aperture which upper contact surface has a substantially complementary shape with respect to said lower contact surface of said first nut, and wherein the clamping element comprises a lower contact surface defined around the aperture which lower contact surface has a substantially complementary shape with respect to said upper contact surface of said second nut such that the first nut, the support element and the second nut are configured to realize a ball and socket joint, such that the support element can be rotated and/or pivoted with respect to the hanger bolt in case play is present between the support element and the nuts, and such that the support element can be fixated with respect to the hanger bolt by clamping the clamping element in between the nuts by reducing the distance between said first contact surface of said first nut and said second contact surface of the second nut.
A hanger bolt is a commonly known type of bolt used in the field of the invention. The hanger bolt has generally no head and comprises a machine threaded body generally followed by a threaded screw tip, for example a wood threaded screw tip or a self-tapping metal screw. The machine threaded body is configured for coaction with the first nut and/or the second nut. The first and the second nut therefore are provided with complementary internal screw thread. The (wood) threaded screw tip is configured to be screwed into a roof element, in particular a purlin or rafter, of the roof. The threaded screw tip is configured for co-action with the material of the roof element, which can be for example wood, plastic and/or metal. When it is referred to a hanger bolt, also a hanger screw can be understood. The assembly according to the invention is configured for fixing a support structure for at least one solar panel, in particular a support rail of a support structure for at least one solar panel, to a roof comprising at least one roof plate and/or roof tile. Non-limiting examples of the application of the assembly are a corrugated roof comprising at least one corrugated roof plate and an insulated bitumen roof comprising at least one bitumen roof tile.
The first nut, the support element and the second nut can be adjacently mounted with clearance onto the hanger bolt such that they substantially form a ball and socket joint, also referred to as a hinge joint, typically a biaxial hinge joint, wherein the support element can rotate and/or pivot with respect to the hanger bolt. The expression ‘ball and socket' does not necessarily means that a physical ballshaped component should be present in the assembly according to the invention, but should be understood as a joint, wherein at least one convex surface is configured to co-act with at least one (complementarity shaped) concave surface. With the expression ‘mounted with clearance’ or ‘mounted with play’ it is meant that at least a small gap is present between the lower contact surface of the first nut and the upper contact surface of the support element and/or that at least a small gap is present between the upper contact surface of the second nut and the lower contact surface of the support element. Such gap may for example be at least a few millimetres. It can also be said that play is present between the support element and the nuts. This enables movement, and in particular rotation and/or pivoting of the support element with respect to the hanger bolt, while the first and second nut act as boundary. The axis of rotation of the support element is in line with or formed by the longitudinal direction of the hanger bolt. Also the pivoting movement can be defined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the hanger bolt, which pivoting movement is, in a mounted situation, substantially vertical. The functioning of the first and second nuts and the support element as ball and socket joint enables improved aligning of the support element, since the support element can be moved with at least two degrees of freedom, and can slide to some extent over a supporting upper contact surface of the second nut. Here, the lower contact surface of the first nut may be used to stabilize this sliding movement of the support element with respect to the hanger bolt. With the assembly according to the invention it is possible to align the support element, and therewith the support structure or support rail thereof, in both a horizontal and vertical direction. In particular the ability to vertically pivot the support element facilitates more aligning possibilities than can be obtained with alignment in a flat (horizontal) plane. Herewith the height of the support structure with respect to the underlying roof can be at least partially corrected. The possibility to rotate and/or pivot the support element can in particular be beneficial when the hanger bolt is at least partially skewed. It may also be beneficial when the hanger bolts used in the entire mounting system for solar panels are not in line with each other. And since also vertical adjusting of the support element is possible, the assembly according to the invention may possibly also be used to correct deficiencies in height of the support elements and/or support structures. The above mentioned sliding movement is possible in case there is at least some play, which may be very limited, between the first nut, the clamping element, and the second nut. Once the desired alignment of the support element with respect to the hanger bolt is obtained, the support element should be clamplingly fastened by tightening of the first and/or second nut. The upper contact surface of the support element is configured to at least partially engage said lower contact surface of the first nut, and the lower contact surface is configured to at least partially engage said upper contact surface of the second nut. The first nut and the second, and in particular the concave or convex lower contact surface and the concave or convex upper contact surface thereof, are configured to clampingly fasten the support element onto the hanger bolt. Both the lower and the upper contact surface enclose the opening of the nut at least partially, and preferably wholly. Due to the substantially complementary shape of the contact surfaces of the support element and the first and second nut it is relatively easy to maintain the aligned position of the support element while at least one of the nuts is tightened towards the other nut. The aforementioned substantially complementary surfaces furthermore contribute to firm clamping of the support element in between the first and second nut. With the assembly according to the invention it is relatively easy to correct the position and/or outlining of the support element once the assembly is mounted onto the roof. The support element is configured for either direct or indirect coupling with a support structure for at least one solar panel, in particular a support rail of a support structure for at least one solar panel. The assembly can be pre-mounted before use, i.e. the first nut, support element and second nut can be positioned onto the hanger bolt before the hanger bolt is fixated onto the roof. Typically the first nut is displaceable with respect to the hanger bolt, commonly by rotating the (threaded) first nut with respect to the (threaded) hanger bolt. Typically the second nut is (also) displaceable with respect to the hanger bolt, commonly by rotating the (threaded) second nut with respect to the (threaded) hanger bolt. However, it is also conceivable that one nut of the first nut and the second nut is fixated with respect the hanger bolt, wherein the fixated nut may optionally form an integral part of the hanger bolt.
An embodiment is possible wherein the clamping element is at least partially spherically shaped, in particular around the aperture. The upper contact surface and the lower contact surface of the clamping element can both be either substantially convex or concave, depending on the shape of the lower and upper contact surfaces of the cooperating first and second nut of the assembly. The upper contact surface and the lower contact surface of the clamping element can for example both be at least substantially convex, wherein the clamping element is substantially spherical or round. The lower contact surface of the first nut and the upper contact surface of the second nut then will be substantially concave. Nonlimiting examples of the complementary contact surfaces of the clamping element of the support element and the nuts are shown in the figures.
In a further possible embodiment extends an extended part of the support element from the clamping element, preferably in a direction enclosing an angle, more preferably an angle between -45 and +45 degrees, with a longitudinal direction of the hanger bolt. Since the support element is configured for coupling with at least one support structure for at least one solar panel, in particular a support rail of a support structure for at least one solar panel, the presence of an extended part of the support element may enable easier coupling. This may furthermore provide an improved weight distribution of the weight applied to the assembly. It may be beneficial if the extended part of the support element comprises at least one reinforcement rib. Such reinforcement rib can for example be present in the form an longitudinal projection at an longitudinal edge of the extended part. The presence of a reinforcement rib may increase the maximum load which the assembly can bear in a relatively easy manner.
It is beneficial if the upper contact surface of the clamping element has a convex shape, and wherein the lower contact surface of the clamping element has a concave shape. This embodiment benefits of relatively large upper and lower contact surfaces. This is beneficial both during alignment of the support element and during fixation thereof. This embodiment is also constructively seen relatively strong. Especially when a support structure, or support rail, is coupled, directly or indirectly, with an extended part of the support element, the convex upper contact surface and the concave lower contact surface of the clamping element will provide a good load distribution and supporting force. This embodiment of the support element furthermore benefits a relative simple design. The clamping element can be made of a single material layer. The suitable thickness of the clamping element depends inter alia on the applied material and the weight to be carried by the assembly. It is for example possible that the aperture of the clamping element is at least partially provided at a central region of the clamping element. This will positively contribute to a more controlled rotation of the support element with respect to the hanger bolt. The clamping element can for example be formed by a spherical shell segment, wherein the upper contact surface is present at an outer convex side of the spherical shell segment and wherein the lower contact surface is present at an inner concave side of the spherical shell segment.
The diameter of the aperture of the clamping element is generally equal to or larger than the outer diameter of the hanger bolt. In this way it is relatively easy to position the support element on the second nut when the second nut is mounted onto the hanger bolt. The diameter of the aperture being equal to or larger than the outer diameter of the hanger bolt also enables the possibility to rotate and/or pivot the support element with respect to the hanger bolt in when the first nut, the support element and the second nut are mounted with play onto the hanger bolt. With the difference in diameter of the aperture of the clamping element with respect to the outer diameter of the hanger bolt can an extend of pivoting be determined. It is desirable that the maximum pivoting angle of the support element with respect to the hanger bolt is for example 10, 15 or 20 degrees. The diameter of the aperture is, however, generally smaller that the out diameter of the first and/or second nut in order to enable sufficient engagement of the nuts and the clamping element during the fastening thereof. It is also possible that the aperture of the clamping element is at least partially elongated. This will give rise to further control of the movement of the support element with respect to the hanger bolt in a situation where the first and second nut and the support element are mounted with clearance as described above. In particular pivoting of the support element with respect to the hanger bolt can be done in a more controlled and predetermined manner. If the support element comprises an extended part, it is in particular beneficial if the substantially elongated aperture has its longitudinal direction in line with the longitudinal direction of the extended part. This will enable more targeted pivoting of the support element with respect to the hanger bolt, which may be beneficial for aligning purposes.
The support element of the assembly can for example be made of a single piece. This is beneficial from constructional and manufacturing point of view. The support element can for example be at least partially manufactured via injection moulding. It is also possible that the support element is at least partially manufactured via cold forming, hot forming and/or machining. The support element can for example be made of metal, in particular stainless steel, plated steel and/or coated steel.
It is furthermore possible that the first nut comprises an outwardly protruding first flange, which outwardly protruding first flange is provided with the lower contact surface and/or that the second nut comprises and outwardly protruding second flange, which outwardly protruding second flange is provided with the upper contact surface. This embodiments of the first and/or second nut are relatively material efficient. By using a relatively small nut which extends into a flange it is possible to provide a relatively large (upper or lower) contact surface without having to use robust components. It is possible that the first nut comprising the first flange is made of a single piece. It is also possible that the second nut comprising the second nut is made of a single piece.
In a possible embodiment are the upper contact surface and/or the lower contact surface of the clamping element at least partially textured (profiled). A textured contact surface may improve the friction and/or clamping force between the upper contact surface of the clamping element and the lower contact surface of the first nut. This also applies to the friction and/or clamping force between the lower contact surface of the support element and the upper contact surface of the second nut. Such textured contact surface can for example be obtained by using a profiled or structured material. It is also possible that the contact surface is coated in order to obtain a textured surface. A similar effect as described above can be obtained when the lower contact surface of the first nut and/or the upper contact surface of the second nut are at least partially textured.
An embodiment of the assembly according to the invention is possible wherein the support element comprises at least one coupling element for coupling with a support structure for at least one solar panel, in particular a support rail of a support structure for at least one solar panel. The coupling element can for example be configured to be coupled with the support structure, and in particular the support rail of the support structure by means of a snap connection. With a snap connection a relatively fast and reliable coupling can be made between the coupling element and the support structure, or support rail. It is herewith possible that the coupling element comprises multiple deformable coupling members, in particular elastically deformable coupling members, for engaging, in particular clasping of the support structure, in particular a support rail of the support structure. In particular are the coupling members configured for co-action with a counter coupling member forming part of the support structure, and in particular the support rail of the support structure, and/or with a receiving space of the support structure, and in particular the support rail of the support structure. If the support element of the element comprises an extended part, it is beneficial if the coupling element is present at the extended part of the support element, in particular at an outer end of the extended part of the support element. The coupling element can for example be rotatably connected to the support element by means of a coupling pin. When the coupling element is rotatably connected this may further improve the aligning of the assembly as such, and therefore the aligning of the support structure, or rail, which is to be coupled with the coupling element of the assembly.
It is possible that the assembly comprises a third nut configured for co-action with the hanger bolt and for co-action, either directly and/or indirectly, with at least one roof plate and/or roof tile when mounting the device onto the roof. The function of the third nut is to enhance fixation of the hanger bolt with respect to the roof. It is beneficial if the assembly additionally comprises an at least partially resilient sealing element configured for co-action with said third nut and the roof plate or roof tile, preferably wherein the sealing element is manufactured of a rubber material, in particular EPDM rubber. The sealing element may provide a substantially watertight sealing where the hanger bolt penetrates the roof plate or roof tile, thereby prevent leakage of for example rain water. A second benefit of this embodiment of the device according the invention can be found in the sealing element being at least partially resilient. Due to the sealing element being at least partially resilient the sealing element can provide a shock-absorbing performance. Typically the third nut is displaceable with respect to the hanger bolt, commonly by rotating the (threaded) third nut with respect to the (threaded) hanger bolt. However, it is also conceivable that the third nut is fixated with respect the hanger bolt, wherein the fixated third nut may optionally form an integral part of the hanger bolt.
It is beneficial if the hanger bolt comprises a first external screw thread over a length of at least 3 cm, preferably at least 5 cm, more preferably at least 7 cm, wherein said external first screw thread is configured to co-act with at least the first nut, and preferably also the second nut and/or, if applied, the third nut.. The first external screw thread is for example machine screw thread. This will result in that the positioning of the first nut, support element and the second nut on the hanger bolt can be relatively easily adjusted to the preferences of the user. This embodiment therefore provides an adjustable height of the support element with respect to the underlying roof, which results in more mounting possibilities. The hanger bolt may further comprise a second external screw thread configured to be screwed into a roof element, in particular a purlin. The second external screw thread is for example wood screw thread or metal screw thread.
The assembly can furthermore comprise at least one support structure for at least one solar panel, in particular a support rail of a support structure for at least one solar panel.
The invention also relates to the use of an assembly as disclosed in the present application. As outlined above is it possible that the assembly is at least partially pre-mounted before use.
The invention furthermore relates to a method for fixing an assembly as disclosed in this application for a support structure for at least one solar panel, in particular a support rail of a support structure for at least one solar panel onto a roof comprising at least one roof plate and/or roof tile, comprising the steps of:
A) fixing at least one hanger bolt with respect to a roof element, in particular a purlin, of the roof supporting the roof plate and/or roof tile,
B) mounting the second nut on the hanger bolt,
C) positioning of the clamping element of the support element onto the second nut by receiving at least of the hanger bolt through the aperture of the clamping element preferably such that the lower contact surface of the support element at least partially engages the upper contact surface of the second nut,
D) mounting the first nut on the hanger bolt at a distance from the support element such that the first nut, the support element and the second nut substantially form a ball and socket joint wherein the support element can rotate and/or pivot with respect to the hanger bolt,
E) aligning of the support element by rotation and/or pivoting of the support element with respect to the hanger bolt, and
F) tightening of the first and/or second nut such that the support element is clampingly fastened onto the hanger bolt by the first and second nut.
When the roof is a corrugated roof, the hanger bolt is generally positioned on a crest or crest region of the corrugated roof plate. It is also possible that steps B), C) and D) are performed before step A). It is furthermore possible that during step A) the hanger bolt is fixated onto the corrugated roof by making use of a third nut.
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 side view possible embodiment of an assembly according to the invention mounted onto a roof;
figure 1b a cross sectional view of the assembly as shown in figure 1a; figure 2 the assembly as shown in figures 1a and 1b and a support structure; figures 3a, 4a, 5a and 6a possible embodiments of first nuts of an assembly according to the invention;
figures 3b, 4b, 5b and 6b possible embodiments of support elements of an assembly according to the invention; and figures 3c, 4c, 5c and 6c possible embodiments of seconds nuts of an assembly according to the invention.
Figure 1a shows a side view of a schematic representation of a possible embodiment of an assembly 100 according to the invention. Figure 1b shows a cross sectional view of the assembly shown in figure 1a. Similar references in these figures therefore correspond to similar features or elements.
Figures 1a and 1b show a possible embodiment of an assembly 100 for fixing a support structure (not shown) for at least one solar panel (not shown) to a corrugated roof 10 comprising at least one corrugated roof plate 11. The assembly 100 comprises a hanger bolt 101 for fixing the assembly 100 onto the corrugated roof 10. The hanger bolt 101 is mounted into a roof element 12, in particular a purlin 12, of the corrugated roof 10 supporting the corrugated roof plate 11. The assembly 100 furthermore comprises support element 102 comprising a clamping element 113, which clamping element comprises an aperture 103 for receiving at least part of the hanger bolt 101. The support element 102 is configured for coupling with a support structure for at least one solar panel. The assembly comprises a first nut 104 and a second nut 105 configured for fastening of the support element 102 onto the hanger bolt 101. The first nut 104 comprises in the shown embodiment a concave lower contact surface 106. The second nut 105 comprises in the shown embodiment a convex upper contact surface 107. The clamping element 113 of the support element 102 comprises an upper contact surface 108 defined around the aperture 103 which upper contact surface 108 is substantially complementary to said lower contact surface 106. The clamping element 113 of the support element 102 furthermore comprises a lower contact surface 109 defined around the aperture 103 which lower contact surface 109 is substantially complementary to said upper contact surface 107. In particular comprises the first nut 104 an outwardly protruding first flange 114, which outwardly protruding first flange 114 is provided with the lower contact surface 106. And the second nut 105 comprises and outwardly protruding second flange 115, which outwardly protruding second flange 115 is provided with the upper contact surface 107. In the shown figures is the support element 102 clampingly fastened onto the hanger bolt 101 by the first and second nut 104, 105. It is apparent from the figures that when the first nut 104, the support element 102 and the second nut 105 are adjacently mounted with play onto the hanger bolt 101 they substantially form a ball and socket joint 110 wherein the support element 102 can rotate and/or pivot with respect to the hanger bolt 101. A part 111 of the support element 102 extends from the upper and lower contact surface 108, 109 of the support element 102. In the figures is shown that the extended part 110 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hanger bolt 101. The extended part 110 of the support element 102 thereby comprises a reinforcement rib 112. The support element 102 comprises a clamping element 113, wherein the upper contact surface 108 is present at an outer convex side of the clamping element 113 and wherein the lower contact surface 109 is present at an inner concave side of the clamping element 113. In the shown embodiment is the clamping element 113 partially formed by a spherical shell segment. The support element 102 furthermore comprises a coupling element 116 for coupling with a support structure for at least one solar panel. The coupling element 116 as shown is configured to couple such support structure by means of a snap connection. The coupling element 116 is herewith rotatably connected to the support element 102 by means of a coupling pin 117. The assembly 100 also comprises a third nut 118 configured for co-action with the hanger bolt 101 and for co-action with the corrugated roof plate 11. In the shown embodiment is a resilient sealing element 119 used, which configured for co-action with said third nut 118 and the corrugated roof plate 11. The sealing element 119 is manufactured of a rubber material, in particular EPDM rubber. Since the hanger bolt 101 comprises . first external screw thread 121 over a relatively long length the height of the height of the assembly 100 with respect to the underlying crest of the roof plate 11 is relatively easily adaptable. The hanger bolt 101 furthermore comprises a second external screw thread 122 configured to be screwed into a roof element 12, in particular a purlin 12.
Figure 2 shows the assembly 100 as shown in figures 1a and 1b and the assembly 100 further comprising a support structure 120 for at least one solar panel (not shown), in particular a support rail 120 of a support structure 120 for at least one solar panel.
Figures 3a-6c show schematic representations of several different embodiments of first nuts 304, 404, 504, 604, support elements 302, 402, 502, 602 and second nuts 305, 405, 505, 605. In all shown embodiments comprises the first and second nut 304, 404, 504, 604, 305, 405, 505, 605 an outwardly protruding flange 314, 414, 514, 614, 315, 415, 515, 615.
Figures 3a-c show that the first nut 304 has a concave lower contact surface 306. The second nut 305 has a convex upper contact surface 307. The support element
302 comprises a clamping element 313 and an extended part 311. The aperture
303 is centrally provided in the clamping element 313. The extended part 311 is reinforced via the reinforcement rib 312. The extended part 311 comprises a secondary aperture 331 for co-action with a coupling element (not shown). The convex upper contact surface 308 of the support element 302 is substantially complementary to said concave lower contact surface 306. The concave lower contact surface 309 of the support element 302 is substantially complementary to said convex upper contact surface 307.
The embodiments of the first nut 404, support element 402 and the second 402 of figures 4a-c are substantially similar to the components shown in figures 3a-c. The lower contact surface 406 and the upper contact surface 407 are at least partially textured. The aperture 403 of the clamping element 413 of the support element 402 is substantially elongated, in order to restrict the pivoting movement of the support element 402 with respect to the hanger bolt when mounted thereto. The support element 402, in particular the extended part 411 comprises multiple reinforcement ribs 412.
Figures 5a-c show another possible embodiment, wherein the clamping element 513 of the support element 502 comprises two convex contact surfaces 508, 509. The lower and upper contact surfaces 506, 507 of respectively the first and the second nut 504, 505 are both substantially concave.
Figures 6a-c show a further possible embodiment, wherein the clamping element 613 of the support element 602 comprises two concave contact surfaces 608, 609. The lower and upper contact surfaces 606, 607 of respectively the first and the second nut 604, 605 are both substantially convex.
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.
Terms of relative position, such as “upper” and “lower”, as used in this patent document are, for clarity reasons only, based on a conventional orientation of the assembly according to the invention when mounted onto a horizontal or diagonal (inclined) roof, regardless of the actual orientation of the assembly.
The invention also relates to an assembly wherein the first nut, the support element and the second nut substantially form a condyloid joint wherein the support element can rotate and/or pivot with respect to the hanger bolt when they are adjacently mounted with clearance, or play, onto the hanger bolt. When it is referred to ball 10 and socket joint a mechanical joint is meant. It can also be referred to as shoulder joint, hinge joint, curved disc joint, condyloid joint or ellipsoidal joint.
Claims (24)
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2021740A NL2021740B1 (en) | 2018-10-01 | 2018-10-01 | Assembly and method for fixing a support structure for a solar panel to a roof |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2021740A NL2021740B1 (en) | 2018-10-01 | 2018-10-01 | Assembly and method for fixing a support structure for a solar panel to a roof |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| NL2021740B1 true NL2021740B1 (en) | 2020-05-07 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2021740A NL2021740B1 (en) | 2018-10-01 | 2018-10-01 | Assembly and method for fixing a support structure for a solar panel to a roof |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| NL (1) | NL2021740B1 (en) |
Cited By (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11035126B2 (en) | 2011-02-25 | 2021-06-15 | Rmh Tech Llc | Mounting device for building surfaces having elongated mounting slot |
| US11041310B1 (en) | 2020-03-17 | 2021-06-22 | Rmh Tech Llc | Mounting device for controlling uplift of a metal roof |
| US11085188B2 (en) | 2016-10-31 | 2021-08-10 | Rmh Tech Llc | Metal panel electrical bonding clip |
| 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 |
| US11573033B2 (en) | 2016-07-29 | 2023-02-07 | Rmh Tech Llc | Trapezoidal rib mounting bracket with flexible legs |
| US11616468B2 (en) | 2018-03-21 | 2023-03-28 | 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 |
| 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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| US11041310B1 (en) | 2020-03-17 | 2021-06-22 | Rmh Tech Llc | Mounting device for controlling uplift of a metal roof |
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