WO2008105707A1

WO2008105707A1 - A frame and a panel module comprising such frame and a method of producing and stacking the modules.

Info

Publication number: WO2008105707A1
Application number: PCT/SE2008/000145
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Johnson
Original assignee: Pv-Enterprise Sweden Ab
Priority date: 2007-02-28
Filing date: 2008-02-22
Publication date: 2008-09-04
Also published as: SE0700495L; SE530942C2

Abstract

The present invention relates to frame (10) for supporting a panel. The frame (10) is constituted by a plurality of bars wherein at least two of these bars have the same cross section (24). This cross section is designed such that frames comprising bars with the above-mentioned cross section may be stacked on one another. The present invention also relates to a panel module comprising a panel and a frame of the present invention as well as a method of simultaneously producing and stacking such modules.

Description

A frame and a panel module comprising such frame and a method of producing and stacking the modules.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a frame for supporting a panel, which frame is constituted by a plurality of bars wherein at least one end of each bar is connected to one end of another bar for forming a continuous unit about a frame centre. The unit has a main extension in a first plane and at least two of the bars have the same cross section. This cross section extends from a first cross section end to a second cross section end and comprises a first portion extending in a first direction from a first portion end to a second portion end. The first portion has an inner side and an outer side wherein the inner side faces the frame centre. The first direction is substantially perpendicular to the first plane and the cross section further comprises a second portion, connected to the second portion end, which second portion extends in a second direction at an angle to the first direction. The cross section has an outer contour and an inner contour extending on each side of said cross section from the first cross section end to the second cross section end and the outer contour comprises the outer side of the first portion.

The present invention also relates to a panel module, in particular a solar cell module, which comprises a frame according to the present invention, and a method of manufacturing and stacking such panel modules.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A solar cell panel is generally constituted by a plurality of solar cells, which convert solar energy to electrical energy, which solar cells are encased between a sheet of glass and a sealant coating. The solar panel is attached to a frame, which frame is usually made of aluminium, in order to form a solar cell module. There are many reasons for why the solar cell module comprises a frame, for instance the strength of the module is increased and also the installation of the solar cell module is simplified, since attachment arrangements may be attached to the frame instead of the more fragile solar cell panel.

However, frames from the prior art have some shortcomings. Among others, previously known frames have resulted in solar cell modules, which have been difficult to stack on one another. This has resulted in that prior art solar cell modules have required packaging material and/or the use of support structures when stacking solar cell modules. These measures have been necessary in order to prevent the solar cell modules from damaging one another as well as to prevent that a stack of solar cell modules falls over due to the fact that the solar cell modules are moving horizontally in relation to one another

In order to reduce the amount of packaging material, JP2004207667 proposes that two bars are attached to a solar cell panel, wherein the bars have different cross sections The cross section of each one of the bars is designed such that two solar cell modules, each one comprising the two bars, may be turned towards each other and then be conducted towards each other, wherein the bars of one of the solar cell modules engages with the bars of the other solar cell module In this manner, the two solar cell modules may be stacked on each other without the need of additional packing material between them JP2004207667 further discloses that a plurality of solar cell modules, wherein each pair is stacked according to the above, in turn may be stacked on each other However, in this case, the stack will grow somewhat outwards in the horizontal direction, which impairs the stability of the stack Further, since two modules have to be turned towards each other in order for the bars of the corresponding modules to engage, the module according to JP2004207667 renders a manufacturing method of solar cell modules difficult, in which method an attachment of a solar cell panel in a frame and stacking of the obtained solar cell modules is performed in the same step

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first object of the present invention is to provide a frame in which a panel may be attached, wherein the frame is designed such that a plurality of frames of identical or similar kind may be stacked on one another

A second object of the present invention is to provide a frame, wherein a plurality of frames of the same or similar kind may be stacked on one another without the need of packing material between them

A third object of the present invention is to provide a frame, wherein a plurality of frames of the same or similar kind may be stacked on one another in a space-efficient manner

A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a frame, wherein a plurality of frames may be stacked on one another in a stable manner, such that the risk of a mutual displacement, for instance during transport, in the horizontal direction is minimized A fifth object of the present invention is to provide a frame which enables a manufacturing method wherein panel modules, each one comprising a frame and a module, are produced and stacked in the same step

At least one of the objects above is achieved by a frame according to claim 1

Thus, the invention relates to frame for supporting a panel, which frame is constituted by a plurality of bars wherein at least one end of each bar is connected to one end of another bar for forming a continuous unit about a frame centre The unit has a main extension in a first plane and at least two of said bars have the same cross section The cross section extends from a first cross section end to a second cross section end and comprises a first portion extending in a first direction from a first portion end to a second portion end The first portion has an inner side and an outer side wherein the inner side faces the frame centre The first direction is substantially perpendicular to the first plane The cross section comprises a second portion, connected to the second portion end, which second portion extends in a second direction at an angle to the first direction The cross section has an outer contour and an inner contour extending on each side of the cross section from the first cross section end to the second cross section end, wherein the outer contour comprises the outer side of the first portion

According to the invention, the outer contour comprises an abutment portion located in an extension in the first direction of the first portion, wherein the abutment portion at its end that is closest to the frame centre is defined by a locking portion of the outer contour The locking portion has an extension which is substantially different from the extension of the abutment portion

The locking portion is adapted to lock the frame from movement in the first plane in relation to an additional frame, which additional frame has at least one bar with the above mentioned cross section, through the first portion end of the bar of the additional frame, as the frame is stacked on the additional frame

By a frame according to the present invention, panel modules may be obtained, each one comprising a panel and a frame, which may be stacked on one another such that a locking is obtained in the horizontal direction, which is generally the main extension plane as they are stacked on one another Of course, frames without panels may be stacked in a similar manner

Since the above-mentioned locking is obtained due to the design of the frame, there is no need for additional locking members when stacking a plurality of modules on one another Furthermore, since the locking may be designed so as to ensure that the panels of two modules stacked on one another will not come in contact with each other, the stacking of a plurality of modules may be carried out without the need of introducing stacking material

According to a preferred embodiment of the frame of the invention, the first portion end has a smallest thickness and the length of the abutment portion is within the interval of one to two times this smallest thickness This ensures that the abutment portion of a frame rests on the first portion end of an underlying frame, without jeopardizing the locking in the horizontal direction

According to a further embodiment of the frame of the invention, the length of the abutment portion is one and a half times the smallest thickness of the first portion end

According to another embodiment of the frame of the invention, the locking portion extends from the abutment portion in substantially the same direction as the first direction

According to a further embodiment of the frame of the invention, the abutment portion extends in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the first direction

According to another embodiment of the frame of the invention, the abutment portion at its end which is located farthest away from the frame centre is defined by the outer side of the first portion

According to a further embodiment of the frame of the invention, the cross section further comprises a first protrusion extending from the inner side of the first portion, wherein the smallest distance from the first portion end to the protrusion is substantially equal to the length of the locking portion in the first direction According to another embodiment of the frame of the invention, the cross section further comprises a second protrusion extending from a position on the inner side of the first portion. This position is located between the first protrusion and the second portion. Each one of the first and second protrusions comprises a hook with a proximal portion and a distal portion to the inner side. The proximal portion extends substantially perpendicular to the first direction and the distal portion extends substantially parallel to the first direction. The distal portions of the first and second protrusions, respectively, are directed towards one another, wherein the protrusions are arranged to receive a connection arrangement for connecting two bars, therebetween.

According to a further embodiment of the frame of the invention, the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

According to another embodiment of the frame of the invention, the inner contour of the second portion comprises a corrugated portion for improving the adhesion of attachment means, such as glue, to the frame.

According to a further embodiment of the frame of the invention, the outer contour of the second portion comprises an inclined portion, which inclined portion has an extension forming an angle in the interval 2 - 10°, preferably 4 - 6° with the first plane, in order to enhance water runoff for example when the frame is used in outdoor environments.

According to another embodiment of the frame of the invention, the cross section further comprises a third portion, connected to the first portion end, which third portion extends substantially perpendicularly to the first direction away from the frame centre.

According to a further embodiment of the frame of the invention, all bars have the same cross section.

According to another embodiment of the frame of the invention, the frame is constituted by four bars which two by two have the same length and are connected so as to form a closed rectangular unit. According to a further embodiment of the frame of the invention, the bars are made of aluminium or an aluminium alloy.

A second aspect of the present invention relates to a panel module comprising a panel and a frame according to the present invention, wherein the panel is fixedly attached to the frame by means of attachment means.

According to a preferred embodiment of the panel module of the invention, the panel is attached to the inner contour of the second portion of each one of the bars in the frame.

According to a further embodiment of the panel module of the invention, the attachment means comprises glue, for example silicone glue. The attachment means may however also comprise a clip which is arranged to fasten the panel to the frame. Preferably, the clip is clamped between the first and second protrusions of the profile.

According to a preferred embodiment of the panel module of the invention, the panel is a solar cell panel.

A third aspect of the present invention relates to a method of producing a panel module according to the present invention.

Thus, this third aspect of the invention relates to a method of producing and stacking two panel modules, each of which comprises a panel and a frame, wherein the frame has a front side and a rear side. The method according to the invention comprises the steps of: a) placing a first frame on a carrier, wherein at least a portion of the front side faces the carrier; b) attaching the panel to the rear side of the first frame by means of attachment means, for instance glue, in order to obtain a complete panel module; c) stacking an additional frame on the complete panel module, wherein the additional frame is locked from horizontal movement by an interaction between the front side of the additional frame and the rear side of the frame of the complete panel module, and d) attaching the panel to the rear side of the additional frame, by means of attachment means, for instance glue, in order to obtain an additional complete panel module. According to a preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, the method is used for producing a plurality of panel modules, wherein the steps c) and d) are carried out for each one of the panel modules in addition to the first two panel modules

According to a further embodiment of the method of the invention, the attachment means comprises at least one clip, which fastens the panel to the frame

According to another embodiment of the method of the invention, the panel of each one of the panel modules is a solar cell panel

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will hereinafter be further explained by means of non-limiting examples with reference to the appended figures wherein

Fig 1 is an example of a panel module according to the present invention,

Fig 2 is an example of a frame according to the present invention,

Fig 3 is a cross-section of a bar of an embodiment of a frame according to the present invention,

Fig 4 is a cross-section of bars of two frames according to the present invention, when one frame is stacked on the other,

Fig 5 is a cross-section of a bar of a further embodiment of a frame of the present invention,

Fig 6 is a cross-section of a bar of another embodiment of a frame of the present invention

Fig 7 is a cross-section of a bar of a further embodiment of a frame of the present invention, Fig. 8 is a cross-section of a bar of another embodiment of a frame of the present invention;

Fig. 9 is the cross-section the bar in Fig. 8, with additional reference numerals;

Fig. 10 is a partial cross-section of a preferred embodiment of a panel module according to the present invention;

Fig. 1 1 illustrates a first step of an embodiment of the method of producing and stacking panel modules according to the present invention, and

Fig. 12 illustrates a further step of the method in Fig. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The invention will, in the following, be exemplified by embodiments. It should however be realized that the embodiments are included in order to explain principles of the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention, defined by the appended claims.

In Fig. 1 , a frame 10 according to the present invention is illustrated. The frame 10 is intended to support a panel 12, which panel 12 is only illustrated schematically in Fig. 1. The frame 10 is constituted by a plurality of bars 14, 16, 18, 20 wherein at least one end of each bar 14, 16, 18, 20 is connected to one end of another bar for forming a continuous unit about a frame centre 22, which frame centre 22 is illustrated in Fig. 2. The frame 10, as illustrated in Fig. 1 , is constituted by four bars 14, 16, 18, 20 which two by two have the same length and are connected so as to form a closed rectangular unit, which is a preferred embodiment of the invention, although other shapes of the frame 10 are of course possible, such as for example a U-shaped or an octagonal frame 10 (not shown). The bars of the frame 10 are preferably made of aluminium or an aluminium alloy and are preferably extruded, although other materials may be suitable, such as for instance stainless steel or a plastics material.

The frame 10 has, as illustrated in Fig. 2, a main extension in a first plane P. At least two of the bars 14, 16, 18, 20 have the same, i.e. substantially identical, cross section 24. In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 all of the bars 14, 16, 18, 20 have the same cross section 24 which is a preferred embodiment of the frame 10 of the invention. Fig 3 illustrates a preferred implementation of the cross section 24 The cross section 24 in Fig 3 extends from a first cross section end 26 to a second cross section end 28 and comprises a first portion 30 extending in a first direction R1 from a first portion end 32 to a second portion end 34 The first portion 30 has an inner side 36 and an outer side 38 wherein the inner side 36 faces the frame centre 22 The first direction R1 is substantially perpendicular to the first plane P

The cross section 24 comprises a second portion 40, connected to the second portion end 34 The second portion 40 extends in a second direction R2 at an angle to the first direction R1 In the implementation of the cross section 24 illustrated in Fig 3, the first direction R1 and the second direction R2 are substantially perpendicular, which is a preferred implementation of the cross section 24

The cross section 24 has an outer contour 42 and an inner contour 44 extending on each side of the cross section 24 from the first cross section end 26 to the second cross section end 28, wherein the outer contour 42 comprises the outer side 38 of the first portion 30

Further, the outer contour 44 comprises an abutment portion 46 which is located in an extension in the first direction R1 of the first portion 30, wherein the abutment portion 46 at its end that is closest to the frame centre 22 is defined by a locking portion 48 of the outer contour 42 The locking portion 48 has an extension which is substantially different from the extension of the abutment portion 46 In the implementation illustrated in Fig 3, the extension of the locking portion 48 is substantially perpendicular to the extension of the abutment portion 46, which is a preferred implementation of the cross section 24 Furthermore, Fig 3 illustrates that the abutment portion 46 according to this implementation at its end that is located farthest from the frame centre 22 is delimited by the outer side 38 of the first portion 30

Fig 3 further illustrates that the locking portion 48 extends from the abutment portion 46 in substantially the same direction as the first direction R1 and that the abutment portion 46 extends in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the first direction R1 However, other implementations of the abutment portion 46 and the locking portion 48 are of course possible For instance, Fig 6 illustrates that the abutment portion 46 and the locking portion 48 form a wedge-shaped groove, wherein the extension of the abutment portion 46 and the locking portion 48 form an angle to one another of approximately 90° The extension direction of each one of the abutment portion 46 and the locking portion 48, respectively, forms an angle of approximately 45° to the first direction R1 The first end portion 32 is, in the implementation illustrated in Fig 6, designed with a correspondingly protruding wedge the shape of which corresponds to the above-mentioned wedge-shaped groove

According to the invention, the locking portion 48 is adapted to lock the frame 10 from movement in the first plane in relation to an additional frame having at least one bar with the cross section mentioned above, through the first portion end 32 of the bar of the additional frame, as the frame 10 is stacked on the additional frame This function is illustrated in Fig 4, which illustrates a partial cross section of how a frame is stacked on another frame, wherein both frames have a bar with the same cross section 24 The leftmost portion of Fig 4 illustrates how the upper frame is conducted downwardly over the lower frame and the rightmost portion illustrates the two frames in a stacked condition

As is apparent from the rightmost portion of Fig 4, when the frames are in the stacked condition, the abutment surface 46 of the bar of the upper frame rests on the first portion end 32 of the bar of the lower frame Furthermore, the upper frame is locked from movement in the direction R3 by interaction between the locking portion 48 of the upper frame and the first portion end 32 of the lower frame Thus, a first locking in the first plane P has been obtained If the frames comprise more bars having the above-mentioned cross section, the upper frame will be locked in multiple directions in relation to the lower frame which all are in the first plane P and thus may preferably be completely locked from displacements in the plane P

In order to ensure that the abutment surface 46 of the upper frame rests on the first portion end 32 of the lower frame and at the same time ensure a locking from the locking portion 48, the abutment portion 46 is preferably designed such that the length of the same is within the interval of one to two times the smallest thickness T1 of the first end portion 32 More preferred, the length is one and a half times this smallest thickness T1 , as illustrated in Fig 5

Fig 7 illustrates another implementation of the cross section 24, wherein a first protrusion 50 protrudes from the inner side 36 of the first portion 30, wherein the smallest distance L1 from the first portion end 32 to the protrusion 50 substantially equals the length of the locking portion 48 in the first direction R1. By this implementation of the cross section 24, the outer contour 42 of the second portion 40 may rest on the lower side 52 of the protrusion 50 of a bar of an underlying frame 10 when two frames are stacked on one another. 5

Fig. 8 illustrates a preferred implementation of the cross section 24 which further comprises a second protrusion 54 protruding from a position on the inner side 36 of the first portion 30. This position is located between the first protrusion 50 and the second portion 40. Each one of the protrusions 50, 54 comprises a hook with a proximal portion

10 50', 54' and a distal portion 50", 54" to the inner side. The proximal portion 50', 54' extends substantially perpendicularly to the first direction R1 and the distal portion 50", 54" extends substantially parallel to the first direction R1. The distal portions 50", 54" of the first 50 and second 54 protrusions, respectively, are directed towards one another, wherein the protrusions 50, 54 are arranged to receive a connection arrangement (not

15 shown) for connecting two bars therebetween. An example of such a connection arrangement may be an angle element, for instance an angle bar (not shown).

Fig. 9 illustrates a preferred implementation of the second portion 40, wherein the inner contour 44 comprises a corrugated portion 56 for improving the adhesion of attachment

20 means, such as glue, to the frame 10. Fig. 9 further illustrates a preferred implementation of the second portion 40, in which the outer contour comprises an inclined portion 57, which inclined portion 57 has an extension forming an angle α in the interval 2 - 10°, preferably 4 - 6° with the first plane P, in order to enhance water runoff for example when the frame 10 is used in outdoor environments.

25

Fig. 9 further illustrates yet another detail of a preferred implementation of the cross section 24, wherein the cross section comprises third portion 58, connected to the first portion end 32. As illustrated in Fig. 9, the third portion 58 extends substantially perpendicularly to the first direction R1 away from the frame centre 22. This third portion

30 preferably forms a flange to the frame 10 of the present invention. This flange may contribute to the stiffness of the frame 10 as well as facilitating an installation of the frame 10, since the flange may be provided with openings through which for example screws or bolts may be introduced in order to attach the frame to a fixed object for instance, such as a wall or a roof.

35 Fig 10 illustrates an embodiment of a panel module 60 according to the present invention The panel module 60 comprises a frame and a panel 12 which is fixedly attached to the frame with fastening means As can be seen from Fig 10, the panel 12 is preferably attached to the inner contour 44 of the second portion 40 of the cross section Even though only the cross section 24 of one bar is illustrated in Fig 10, it is preferred that the panel 12 is attached to the inner contour 44 of the second portion 40 of each one of the bars constituting the frame

Preferably, the attachment means comprises glue, preferably silicone glue, for instance provided by Loctite® Preferably, the glue is applied on the corrugated portion 56 of each one of the bars in the frame 10 before the panel 12 is lowered into the frame 10 As illustrated in Fig 10, a clip 64 may also be used for fastening the panel 12 to the frame 10 In Fig 10, the clip 64 is illustrated before it clamps the panel 12 in place

In Fig 10, a preferred implementation of the clip 64 is illustrated, wherein the clip 64 comprises a substantially U-shaped portion 66 wherein the tips of the U are provided with barbs 68 The clip 64 further comprises a strain portion 70, which is connected to the outside of the U-shaped portion 66 and extends in an angled direction away from both the bottom and the sides of the U-shaped portion 66 When the clip 64 is to be tightened between the frame 10 and the panel, the clip 64 is slid in a direction R4 which is substantially parallel to the panel 12, towards the protrusions 50, 54 of the profile 24 Due to the barbs 68, the clip 64 will hitch to the protrusions 50, 54 and the strain portion 70 will be forced towards the panel 12 to thereby fasten the panel 12 in the frame 10

The panel 12 of the above-mentioned panel module 60 is preferably a solar cell panel A solar cell panel generally comprises a plurality of solar cells connected in series, which are encased between a panel of toughened glass and a sealant coating, for instance tedlar The solar cell panel may further comprise a glass fibre panel between the solar cell and the sealant coating The encasing may preferably be achieved by means of a plastics material, such as EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate)

In the following, the method of producing and stacking panel modules 60 will be described In the description and accompanying drawings hereinbelow, only one bar of a frame 10 and one part of a panel 12 are described, but is should be realized that the description is valid for all of the bars, in two consecutive frames, having the same cross section

Fig 11 illustrates a cross section of a frame 10, wherein the frame 10 has a front side 72 and a rear side 74 Fig 11 illustrates that the frame 10 is placed on a carrier 76 The carrier 76 may assume a plurality of implementations, it may for instance be a pallet (not shown) but it may also be a floor in factory premises (not shown) The function of the carrier 76 is mainly to carry the frame 10 and ensure that the frame 10 is located in a substantially horizontal position As may be realized from Fig 1 1 , the frame 10 is placed on the carrier 76 such that the front side 72 of the frame faces the carrier 76

Fig 1 1 further illustrates how a panel 12 is applied to the rear side 74 of the frame 10 The panel 12 is the attached to the rear side 74 by means of attachment means, such as for example glue Thus, a first panel module 60 has been produced

Fig 12 illustrates how an additional frame 10' is stacked on the completed panel module 60 As illustrated in Fig 12, the additional frame 10' is locked from horizontal movement by an interaction between the front side 72' of the additional frame 10' and the rear side 74 of the frame 10 of the completed panel module 60 Fig 12 illustrates how a panel 12' is applied to the additional frame 10' and attached to the same by means of attachment means, for instance glue, in order to obtain an additional completed panel module 60' Thus an additional panel module 60' has been produced which also, through the same operation, is stacked on the latter panel module 60 The stacking has in this case been performed without the need of additional packing material or support structures

The production and stacking steps illustrated in Fig 12 may of course be repeated a plurality of times in order to obtain a stack of a plurality of panel modules

In order to obtain an appropriate locking between the front side of a frame and the rear side of another frame, the frame according to the present invention is preferably used, as described hereinabove Furthermore, when attaching the panel 12 to the frame 10, besides glue, the clip 64 as described hereinabove in conjunction with Fig 10 may preferably be used The method hereinabove is preferably used for producing and stacking solar cell modules, which means that the panels 12 attached to the frames 10 are solar cell panels.

It should be realized that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described hereinabove and illustrated in the appended drawings, instead a person skilled in the art will rather realize that many variants and modifications may be performed within the scope of protection of the appended claims.

Claims

1 A frame (10) for supporting a panel (12), which frame (10) is constituted by a plurality of bars (14, 16, 18, 20) wherein at least one end of each bar is connected to one end of another bar for forming a continuous unit about a frame centre (22), which unit has a main extension in a first plane (P), wherein at least two of said bars have the same cross section (24), wherein said cross section (24) extends from a first cross section end (26) to a second cross section end (28) and comprises a first portion (30) extending in a first direction (R1) from a first portion end (32) to a second portion end (34), wherein said first portion (30) has an inner side (36) and an outer side (38) wherein said inner side (36) faces said frame centre (22), wherein said first direction (R1 ) is substantially perpendicular to said first plane (P), wherein said cross section (24) comprises a second portion (40), connected to said second portion end (34), which second portion (40) extends in a second direction (R2) at an angle to said first direction (R1 ), wherein said cross section (24) has an outer contour (42) and an inner contour (44) extending on each side of said cross section (24) from said first cross section end (26) to said second cross section end (28), wherein said outer contour (42) comprises said outer side (38) of said first portion (30), characterized in that said outer contour (42) comprises an abutment portion (46) located in an extension in said first direction (R1 ) of said first portion (30), wherein said abutment portion (46) at its end that is closest to said frame centre (22) is delimited by a locking portion (48) of said outer contour (42), which locking portion (48) has an extension which is substantially different from the extension of said abutment portion (46), wherein said locking portion (48) is adapted to lock said frame (10) from movement in said first plane (P) in relation to an additional frame, which additional frame has at least one bar with said cross section (24), through said first portion end (32) of said bar of said additional frame, when said frame (10) is stacked on said additional frame

2 The frame (10) according to claim 1 , wherein said first portion end (32) has a smallest thickness (T1 ) and the length of said abutment portion (46) is within the interval of one to two times said smallest thickness (T1 )

3 The frame (10) according to claim 2, wherein the length of said abutment portion (46) is one and a half times said smallest thickness (T 1 ) The frame (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said locking portion (48) extends from said abutment portion (46) in substantially the same direction as said first direction (R1 )

The frame (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said abutment portion (46) extends in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to said first direction (R1 )

The frame (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said abutment portion (46) at its end which is located farthest away from said frame centre (22) is delimited by said outer side (38) of said first portion (30)

The frame (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said cross section (24) further comprises a first protrusion (50) extending from said inner side (36) of said first portion (30), wherein the smallest distance from said first portion end (32) to said protrusion (50) is substantially equal to the length of said locking portion (48) in said first direction (R1 )

The frame according to claim 7, wherein said cross section (24) further comprises a second protrusion (54) extending from a position on said inner side (36) of said first portion (30), which position is located between said first protrusion (50) and said second portion (40), wherein each one of said first and second protrusions (50, 54) comprises a hook with a proximal portion (50', 54') and a distal portion (50", 54") to said inner side, wherein said proximal portion (50', 54') extends substantially perpendicularly to said first direction (R1 ) and said distal portion (50",

54") extends substantially parallel to said first direction (R1), wherein said distal portions (50" 54") of said first (50) and second (54) protrusions, respectively, are directed towards one another, wherein said protrusions (50, 54) are arranged to receive a connection arrangement for connecting two of said bars (12, 14) therebetween

The frame (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second direction (R2) is substantially perpendicular to said first direction (R1 )

10. The frame (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said inner contour (44) of said second portion (40) comprises a corrugated portion (56) for improving the adhesion of attachment means, such as glue, to said frame (10).

1 1. The frame (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said outer contour (42) of said second portion (40) comprises an inclined portion (57), which inclined portion (57) has an extension forming an angle (α) in the interval 2 - 10°, preferably 4 - 6° with said first plane (P), in order to enhance water runoff for example when said frame (10) is used in outdoor environments.

12. The frame (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said cross section (24) further comprises a third portion (58), connected to said first portion end (32), which third portion (58) extends substantially perpendicularly to said first direction (R1 ) away from said frame centre (22).

13. The frame (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein all bars (14, 16, 18, 20) have the same cross section (24).

14. The frame (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said frame (10) is constituted by four bars (14, 16, 18, 20) which two by two have the same length and are connected so as to form a closed rectangular unit.

15. The frame (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said bars are made of aluminium or an aluminium alloy.

16. A panel module (60) comprising a panel (12) and a frame (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said panel (12) is fixedly attached to said frame (10) by means of attachment means.

17. The panel module (60) according to claim 16, wherein said panel (12) is attached to said inner contour (44) of said second portion (40) of each one of said bars in said frame (10).

18. The panel module (60) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein said attachment means comprises glue, for example silicone glue.

19. The panel module (60) according to any one of claims 16 - 18, wherein said attachment means comprises a clip (64), which is arranged to fasten said panel (12) to said frame (10).

20. The panel module (60) according to claim 19 when dependent on claim 8, wherein said clip (64) is clamped between said first and second protrusions (50, 54).

21. The panel module (60) according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein said panel is a solar cell panel.

22. A method of producing and stacking panel modules (60), each of which comprises a panel (12) and a frame (10), wherein said frame (10) has a front side (72) and a rear side (74), wherein the method comprises the steps of: a) placing a first frame (10) on a carrier (76), wherein at least a portion of said front side (72) faces said carrier (76); b) attaching said panel (12) to said rear side (74) of said first frame (10) by means of attachment means, for instance glue, in order to obtain a complete panel module (60); c) stacking an additional frame (10') on said complete panel module (60), wherein said additional frame (10') is locked from horizontal movement by an interaction between the front side (72') of said additional frame (10') and the rear side of said frame (10) of said complete panel module (60), and d) attaching said panel (12') to said rear side (74') of said additional frame (10'), by means of attachment means, for instance glue, in order to obtain an additional complete panel module.

23. The method of producing a stacking panel modules (60) according to claim 22, wherein the steps c) and d) are carried out for each one of said panel modules in addition to the first two panel modules.

24. The method according to claim 22 or 23, wherein said attachment means comprises at least one clip (64), which fastens said panel (12) to said frame (10).

25. The method according to any one of claims 22 - 24, wherein said panel (12) of each one of said panel modules (60) is a solar cell panel.