WO2012143811A2

WO2012143811A2 - Rapid fastening system, in particular for fastening solar photovoltaic panels

Info

Publication number: WO2012143811A2
Application number: PCT/IB2012/051656
Authority: WO
Inventors: Aimone Balbo Di Vinadio
Original assignee: Thesan S.P.A.
Priority date: 2011-04-21
Filing date: 2012-04-04
Publication date: 2012-10-26
Also published as: WO2012143811A3; ITTO20110354A1

Abstract

Rapid fastening system, in particular for fastening solar photovoltaic panels (12), comprising: - at least one stationary profiled bar (16) having a longitudinal groove (28) with an undercut section, and - at least one clamp (18, 18') including a first clamp section (38) and a second clamp section (40) having respective tightening portions (42, 44) and movable relative to one another in a tightening direction (A), and a tightening pin (54) which extends in said direction of tightening (A) through aligned holes (56, 58) of said first and second clamp section (38, 40), the tightening pin (54) having an anchoring portion (60) projecting from the side of the first clamp section (38) and an actuating portion (62) projecting from the side of the second clamp section (40), in which the anchoring portion (60) of the tightening pin (54) has a (68) polygonal cross- sectional tract engaged in a non-rotatable manner with said first clamp section (38) and a head (72) having a first dimension (W3) that allows the insertion of the head (72) in said groove (28) with a first orientation of the clamp (18) and a second dimension (W4) which allows locking of the head (72) in said groove (28) with a second orientation of the clamp (18) rotated by 90° compared to the first orientation.

Description

"Rapid fastening system, in particular for fastening solar photovoltaic panels"

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TEXT OF THE DESCRIPTION

Field of invention

The present invention refers to a rapid fastening system utilizable in particular for the fastening of solar photovoltaic panels, which hereinafter will be abbreviated to "PV panels".

The invention has been developed with particular regard to the mounting of PV panels in fields, but may be of general use for the fastening of any panel-shaped elements .

Description of the prior art

The technique currently used for the installation of photovoltaic panels in fields foresees the realization of a fixed structure anchored to the ground involving a plurality of profiled bars equipped with longitudinal grooves with undercut section. Clamps are used for the fastening of the PV panels, and are anchored to the profiled bars by means of screws. The screws engage in threaded nuts that must be previously inserted into the undercut section of the grooves of the profiled bars.

These operations entail an expenditure of time, especially due to the need of inserting and holding the nuts in place inside the undercut grooves of the profiled bars while inserting the tightening screws of the clamps. These operations are made even more difficult by the fact that operators usually have to do these tasks whilst wearing gloves, especially when the panel mounting is carried out in the cold seasons. The time required for the mounting of each panel using traditional systems can be estimated at about 1 minute and 10 seconds. Another drawback of the prior art is that the mounting of the panels requires the intervention of at least two operators, one of which has the task of holding the panel whilst the second performs the tightening of the clamps.

The expenditure of time becomes particularly relevant when it is considered that usually many thousands of panels must be installed in one field.

Object and summary of the invention

The object of the present invention is to propose the provision of a rapid fastening system that allows the problems of the prior art to be resolved.

According to the present invention, this object is achieved by a fastening system with the characteristics forming the subject of Claim 1.

The claims form an integral part of the teaching administered in relation to the invention.

As will become clear in the following description, the present invention consists of a clamp with a pre- assembled tightening pin with a head that is inserted in the undercut groove of the profiled bar, with a first orientation of the clamp, and which becomes locked into the profile following a simple 90° rotation of the clamp.

Thanks to these characteristics, the mounting of the panels is considerably accelerated (-60%) because the insertion and positioning of a threaded nut inside the undercut groove of the profiled bar is no longer required, and the clamps are supplied fully pre- assembled .

The mounting of the clamps according to the present invention becomes extremely fast and can be easily carried out even when wearing gloves. The system according to the present invention also allows the mounting of PV panels by a single operator.

Brief description of the drawings Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become clear in the course of the detailed description which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings, provided purely by way of a non-limiting example, wherein:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a rapid fastening system according to the present invention used for the mounting of PV panels according to a "vertical" arrangement,

- Figures 2 to 6 are perspective views illustrating the mounting sequence of a clamp according to the present invention,

- Figures 2a-6a are side views corresponding to Figures 2-6,

- Figure 5b is a section along the line V-V of

Figure 5a,

- Figure 7 is a perspective view illustrating the mounting of a retaining bracket,

Figure 8 is a side view illustrating the retaining bracket of Figure 7, mounted

- Figure 9 is a perspective view illustrating the rapid fastening system according to the present invention used for the fastening of PV panels according to a "horizontal" arrangement,

- Figures 10 and 11 are perspective views illustrating the steps for configuration of the clamp according to the present invention for "horizontal" mounting,

- Figure 12 is a perspective view illustrating the clamp configured for "horizontal" mounting, positioned on the profiled bar, and

Figures 13 and 14 are perspective views illustrating a variant of the clamp according to the present invention in the open position and in the closed position, respectively. Detailed description of the embodiments of the invention

With reference to Figure 1, numeral 10 designates an assembly for the production of electrical energy comprising a plurality of photovoltaic panels 12. The assembly 10 comprises a stationary support structure 14 fixed to the ground and including a plurality of horizontal profiled bars 16 to which the panels 12 are fixed by means of clamps 18. The fastening system of the panels 12 may optionally include a plurality of retaining brackets 20 on which the bottom edges of panels 12 rest.

The photovoltaic panels 12 typically have a rectangular shape and are mounted on the structure 14 in order to form a sloping surface, arranged as being as much as possible orthogonal to the direction of the solar radiation. Figure 1 demonstrates the case in which the panels 12 are mounted in a "vertical" arrangement, i.e. with the longer side of the panels 12 parallel to the line of maximum gradient of the surface .

With reference to Figures 2 and 2a, the profiled bar 16 may be an extruded metal bar, for example made of aluminium or its alloys. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the profiled bar 16 comprises a central section 22 with a rectangular shape, a section of anchorage of the panels 24, and a section 26 for the connection to the ground fasteners. The anchorage section of the panels 24 includes a longitudinal groove 28 with an undercut section. The groove 28 is bordered by two longitudinal wings 30, two internal lateral walls 32 and by a bottom wall 34.

The wings 30 have respective longitudinal edges facing each other that define the mouth of the groove 28. The distance between the facing edges of the wings 30 is indicated with Wl . The distance between the internal lateral walls 32 is indicated with W2. The wings 30 have flat upper surfaces 36.

Again with reference to Figures 2 and 2a, the clamp 18 comprises a first clamp section 38 and a second clamp section 40. The two clamp sections 38, 40 are movable relative to one another along a tightening direction indicated by the axis A. Clamp sections 38, 40 have respective gripping portions 42, 44. In the example shown the gripping portions 42, 44 are provided with profiles of elastomeric material facing each other .

In one embodiment, the clamp sections 38, 40 are coupled together in a telescopic manner. The telescopic coupling can be realized by two pairs of walls 46, 48 parallel to axis A and coupled together in a sliding manner. The walls 46, 48 may be fitted at their ends with respective teeth 50, 52 that define an end stop in the position of maximum mutual spacing between the clamp sections 38, 40, which corresponds to the position of maximum opening of the clamp 18.

The clamp 18 includes a tightening pin 54 which extends in the tightening direction A through aligned holes 56, 58 of the first and second clamp sections 38, 40. The tightening pin 54 has an anchorage portion 60 which projects from the side of the first clamp section 38 and an actuating portion 62 that projects from the side of the second clamp section 40. A helical spring 64 is arranged coaxially to the tightening pin 54 and produces an elastic force which tends to cause the two clamp sections 38, 40 to move away from each other.

The two clamp sections 38, 40 may be formed from extruded metal profiles, for example made of aluminium or its alloys. The direction of extrusion of the profiles forming the clamp sections 38, 40 is orthogonal to the tightening direction A. Clamp 18 has an elongated shape along a longitudinal axis B parallel to the direction of extrusion of the clamp sections 38, 40 and orthogonal to the tightening direction A.

The clamp shown in Figures 2 and 2a has two pairs of portions 42, 44 facing each other and arranged on opposite sides with respect to the tightening direction A. A version of the clamp 18' may also be envisaged, with a single pair of gripping portions disposed on one side of the tightening direction A. Such a version of the clamp 18' (Figure 1) is suitable for utilisation in fastening the outer edges of panels 12 situated at the ends of the group of panels 10.

With reference to Figure 2a, the tightening pin 54 has a central section that extends between the two clamp sections 38, 40 and which engages with clearance the holes 56, 58 so as not to hinder the relative movement between the two clamp sections 38, 40 in the tightening direction A.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2 and 2a, the actuating portion 62 of pin 54 includes a threaded element 66 which engages a corresponding threaded end of the tightening pin 54. The threaded element 66 can be actuated into rotation about the tightening axis A by means of a wrench.

The anchorage portion 60 of the tightening pin 54 includes a polygonal section 68 which engages the first clamp section 38 in a non-rotatable way. In the illustrated example the polygonal section 68 is inserted into a groove 70 of the first clamp section 38. The width of the groove 70 is slightly greater than the width of the polygonal portion 68 and does not allow rotation of pin 54 about axis A.

The anchorage portion 60 of the pin 54 also includes a head 72 suitable for insertion into the longitudinal groove 28 of the profiled bar 16.

With reference to Figure 5b, the head 72 of pin 54 in a plane orthogonal to the axis A has a rectangular shape with two chamfered edges 74 and with a minimum width W3 and a maximum width W4.

With reference to Figure 2a, the minimum width W3 of the head 72 is smaller than the width Wl of the opening of groove 28 of the profiled bar 16. With reference to Figures 5a and 5b, the maximum width W4 of the head 72 is slightly smaller than the distance W2 between the internal lateral walls 32 of groove 28. The chamfers 74 (Figure 5b) of the head 72 have the purpose of enabling rotation of the head 72 within the groove 28 between an insertion position and a locking position.

Figures 3 to 6 and 3a to 6a show the mounting sequence of the clamp 18 on the profiled bar 16.

The clamp 18 is initially orientated with its longitudinal axis B parallel to the profiled bar 16. In this position, the smaller dimension W3 of the head 72 is aligned with groove 28. In the first phase shown in Figures 3 and 3a, the clamp 18 is supported on the upper surfaces 36 of the profiled bar 16 and the head 72 is positioned in the opening of groove 28.

Subsequently, as shown in Figures 4 and 4a, pressure is applied on the upper clamp section 40 in the direction indicated by arrows C. In this way, the tightening pin 54 is pressed downwards and the head 72 of pin 54 is inserted inside the groove 28 until it makes contact with the surface 34 of the profiled bar 16, as shown in Figure 4a.

Then, as shown in Figures 5 and 5a, while maintaining the pressure in direction C a rotation of the clamp 18 of 90° in a clockwise direction is applied, as indicated by the arrow D. Following this rotation, the head 72 of pin 54 rotates 90° about axis A as pin 54 is driven into rotation by means of the coupling between the polygonal section 68 of pin 54 in groove 70 of the first clamp section 38.

This rotation is permitted by the chamfers 74

(Figure 5b) . Following this rotation, the smaller sides of the head 72 come into contact with the internal lateral walls 32 of groove 28 and prevent further rotation of the head 72.

Finally, pressure on the clamp is released and, as illustrated in Figures 6 and 6a, the panels 12 are positioned between the grip portions 42, 44 of the clamp 18. Then, the clamp 18 is closed by applying a rotation to the threaded element 66 by means of a wrench 76. As a result of tightening of the threaded element 66, the second portion of clamp 40 moves downwards to compress the lateral edges of the panels between the gripping portions 42, 44. During the tightening movement, the pin 54 is locked with respect to the first portion of clamp 38 thanks to the engagement between the polygonal portion 68 of pin 54 and the groove 70 of the first portion of clamp 38. Furthermore, the clamp 18 is locked angularly with respect to the profiled bar 16 thanks to the contact between the head 72 of pin 54 with the inner lateral walls 32 of the groove 28.

It will be understood that the mounting of the clamp 18 is a fast and simple operation that does not require the placement of fastening elements within the groove of the profiled bar and can therefore be carried out even when wearing gloves.

To further facilitate the mounting of the panels 12 retaining brackets 20 can be used, as illustrated in Figures 1, 7 and 8. The bracket 20 is equipped with an elongated arm 78 having a hooking portion 80 at the first end and a base 82 for supporting the panels 12 at the second end.

As illustrated in Figure 8, the hooking portion 80 is shaped as a hook and engages a longitudinal edge of the profiled bar 16. The bracket 20 can also be provided with an integral elastic element 84 which snap locks the bracket 20 in the position of engagement with the profiled bar 16. As shown in Figure 8, the bracket 20 allows panels 12 to retain their position and be aligned with each other prior to fastening by means of the clamps 18.

In this way, the mounting of the panels 12 is also possible by a single operator. Once the PV panel is fastened by the clamps 18, the retaining bracket 20 has the purpose of preventing sliding in a direction parallel to the longer side of the PV panels.

Figure 9 illustrates an example of mounting of photovoltaic panels 12 according to a "horizontal" arrangement, i.e. with the major sides of the panels arranged transversely with respect to the line of maximum gradient of the sloping surface.

Whilst the clamps 18 were mounted, in the mounting system described above, with their longitudinal axis B orthogonal to the profiled bars 16, in the case of the mounting diagram of Figure 9 the clamps 18 are mounted with their longitudinal axes B parallel to the profiled bars 16.

The clamp 18 according to the present invention can be rapidly configured for one type of mounting or the other, simply by rotating the tightening pin 54 by 90° .

This operation is carried out as illustrated schematically in Figures 10 and 11. With reference to these figures, in order to change the position of the pin 54 with respect to the first section of the clamp 38, it is first necessary to disengage the polygonal portion 68 of the tightening pin 54 from the groove 70 of the first tightening section 38. This is achieved by compressing the two tightening sections 38, 40 as indicated by the arrows in Figure 10. After having disengaged the polygonal portion 68 from the groove 70, the pin 54 can then be rotated by 90° in order to obtain the orientation illustrated in Figure 11, in which the head 72 of pin 54 extends transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis B of the clamp 18. With this arrangement of the pin it is possible to mount the clamps 18 in parallel to the profiled bars 16, as illustrated in Figure 12. The mounting operation is identical to that previously described, with the only difference that the clamp 18 is initially positioned orthogonally to the profiled bar 16, and then rotated by 90° until it reaches a position in which the clamp 18 is aligned with the profiled bar 16.

Figures 13 and 14 show a clamp, according to the present invention, with a different actuating mechanism. In this case, instead of a threaded element operable by rotation by means of a wrench, a cam 86 is foreseen, which is articulated to one end of the tightening pin 54 about an axis transverse to axis A of pin 54. The cam 86 is rotatable by 180° about its axis of articulation between an open position, illustrated in Figure 13, and a closed position, illustrated in Figure 14.

Naturally, the principle of the invention being understood, the details of construction and the embodiments may be widely varied with respect to what is described and illustrated without thereby departing from the scope of the invention, as defined by the claims that follow.

Claims

1. Rapid fastening system, in particular for fastening solar photovoltaic panels (12), comprising:

at least one stationary profiled bar (16) having a longitudinal groove (28) with an undercut section, and

at least one clamp (18, 18') including a first clamp section (38) and a second clamp section (40) having respective gripping portions (42, 44) and movable relative to one another in a tightening direction (A) ,

characterized in that it comprises a tightening pin (54) which extends in said tightening direction (A) through aligned holes (56, 58) of said first and second clamp section (38, 40), the tightening pin (54) having an anchoring portion (60) projecting from the side of the first clamp section (38) and an actuating portion (62) projecting from the side of the second clamp section (40), the anchoring portion (60) of the tightening pin (54) having a polygonal cross-sectional tract (68) engaged in a non-rotatable manner with said first clamp section (38) and a head (72) having a first dimension (W3) that allows the insertion of the head (72) in said groove (28) with a first orientation of the clamp (18) and a second dimension (W4) which allows locking of the head (72) in said groove (28) with a second orientation of the clamp (18) rotated by 90° compared to the first orientation.

2. Fastening system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first dimension (W3) of said head (72) is smaller than the width (Wl) of said longitudinal groove (28) of the profiled bar (16) and in that the second dimension (W4) of said head (72) is substantially equal to the distance (W2) between two lateral internal walls (32) of said longitudinal groove (28) .

3. Fastening system according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that in a plane orthogonal to said tightening direction (A), said head (72) has a rectangular shape with two chamfered edges (74) .

4. Fastening system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first and second clamp sections (38, 40) are formed from extruded profiles with the extrusion direction (B) orthogonal to said tightening direction (A) .

5. Fastening system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first and second clamp sections (38, 40) are coupled together in a telescopic manner by means of respective flat walls (46, 48) parallel to said tightening direction (A) .

6. Fastening system according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a retaining bracket (20) attachable to said profiled bar (16) and equipped with a support base (82) for said panels (12) .