ES2354535B1 - CLAMPING AND SUPPORT DEVICE FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC AND THERMAL PANELS WITH "ANTIRROBO" SYSTEM. - Google Patents

Abstract

Clamping and support device for photovoltaic and thermal panels with? Anti-theft? System, comprising support piece (6), formed by body (9) and square (10) screwed to the holes (4) of the frame (3) of the panels (1), and rails (7), constituted by profiles in? C ?, in which the pieces (6) are attached being fixed to them, fixed transversely, to the structure of porches (5) anchored to the ground, counting at the ends with safety screws (8) inserted in holes (21), which are subjected to a tightening torque that separates the nut, leaving only a cone (22). The rails (7), have some recesses (20) to introduce the support piece (6) during assembly, as well as some drainage holes (19) for water evacuation.

Description

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And on the other hand, some support rails, which

Clamping and support device for photovoltaic and thermal panels with “anti-theft” system. Object of the invention

The invention, as expressed in the present specification, refers to a clamping and support device for photovoltaic and thermal panels with an "anti-theft" system.

More specifically, the object of the invention consists of a device that is configured as a safety element specially designed for securing, supporting and anchoring the solar energy collection plates, whether photovoltaic or thermal, to the porticos or elements of support in which they are installed, whose innovative and particular design allows advantageously, in addition to its adequate immobilization to cope with the loads of force that it must bear, due both to its own weight and to the external elements, such as wind, provide a system that avoids the disassembly, breakage and / or subtraction of the same, by unauthorized personnel, that is to say, its theft, and a greater security and ease of assembly, saving of remarkable form time and efforts in the same. Scope

The scope of the present invention is within the industry sector dedicated to the manufacture and installation of solar panels. Background of the invention

As is known, solar panels, both photovoltaic and thermal, are usually mounted on metal structures or profiles expressly manufactured for support, being installed, grouped in greater or lesser numbers, in places that are sometimes more inaccessible but sometimes remain at reach of desaprensivos, that by means of the aid of few tools, disassemble and steal them.

This makes it necessary to create mounting and support systems for this type of panels that prevent such theft, this being one of the main objectives of the present invention, which also provides other advantages, which will be described in detail below. , it should be mentioned that, at present and as a reference to the state of the art, by the applicant, the existence of any other fastening and support device for photovoltaic and thermal panels with “anti-theft” system that has technical characteristics is unknown, similar structural and con fi guration, to those presented here. Explanation of the invention.

Thus, the fastening and support device for photovoltaic and thermal panels with “anti-theft” system that the present invention proposes has as its main objectives, the support and immobilization of the panels, provide them with an effective anti-theft system and provide security in the assembly of them, both for the personnel that carries out said assembly, and for the panels themselves.

To do this, and specifically, the device that is recommended consists essentially of two elements:

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On the one hand, some support pieces, which have the adequate means to be fixed to the frame that the panels are equipped with, four of them being fitted on each panel, a piece in the vicinity of each of its corners screwed, by means of a screw and nut that will be hidden from the holes that will be installed properly fixed to the porches or support structure anchored to the ground, and to which the mentioned support pieces are coupled, acting as a belt of the structure, guide for the displacement of the panels and as a system anti-theft device.

The assembly has some security screws or “anti-theft” that are mounted at the end of the rails, two at each end, and are subjected to a tightening torque that makes the nut separate, leaving only a cone that makes the extraction considerably difficult of the screw.

It is important to note that in the operation of mounting and fixing the panels to their supports there is a great risk of falling, because we are handling a piece of about 20 kg with an area of approximately 1.5 m2, so that the risk that It exists at very high (work at height, wind blows, etc.). With this new device, this risk is minimized, since you only have to insert the support piece along the rail and make it slide, which eliminates the custom-made and screwed-down operations required by conventional systems.

On the other hand, as regards the “anti-theft” issue, with the proposed system, once the panels are attached to the supports, the screw and the nut are inaccessible. On the other hand, once the part supports are inserted in the rails and the safety screws are mounted, the panel cannot be removed.

With this system, the assembly times have been reduced, since 50% of the operations can be carried out in assembly tables previously in the workshop, and its realization in height is not necessary as in other types of fixations.

Finally, it should be noted that the panel support piece has been developed taking into account that the frames of the panels to which it is intended may vary depending on the manufacturer or model of the panel, having achieved that said fixation is equally valid for any type of them .

The new clamping and support device for photovoltaic and thermal panels with an “anti-theft” system, therefore, represents an innovative structure with structural and constitutive characteristics unknown until now for this purpose, which, together with its practical utility, provide it with a sufficient foundation to obtain the privilege of exclusivity that is requested. Description of the drawings

To complement the description that is being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, this descriptive report is attached, as an integral part thereof, of a set of drawings, in which with character Illustrative and not limiting, the following has been represented:

Figure 1 shows a schematic side elevation view of an example of embodiment of the new fastening and support device for photovoltaic and thermal panels with "anti-theft" system object of the invention, in which the main parts of which it consists in this way, its con fi guration and arrangement as well as the way of coupling the panel for its support.

Figure number 2. - Shows respective orthopedic views of the body of the support piece.

3 EN 2354535A1 4

Figure number 3. - Shows respective orthopedic views of the square that incorporates the support piece.

Figure number 4.- Shows a perspective view of the support piece mounted and coupled to the panel frame.

Figure number 5.- Shows a perspective view of the way the rails are attached to the frame structure.

Figures 6, 7 and 8. - They show two details that show respectively the holes for drainage, the emptying for insertion of the support piece and the holes for the placement of the safety screws at their ends.

Figure number 9.- It shows a detailed view of the back of the rail once the safety screws have been installed, noting the lack of nut and its conical termination that makes its extraction considerably difficult. Preferred Embodiment of the Invention

In view of the aforementioned figures, and in accordance with the numbering adopted, an example of a preferred embodiment of the invention can be observed therein, which comprises the parts and elements indicated and described in detail below.

Thus, as can be seen in Figure 1, the invention consists of an applicable device for fastening and supporting solar panels (1), which, whether of a photovoltaic or thermal type, consist of a body or cell (2) surrounded by a perimeter frame (3), constituted by a metal structure, usually of aluminum, which has a series of holes (4) to allow its fixation to the support structure (5) that conventionally formed by porches anchored to the ground support set.

The device in question, and in a characterizing way, basically comprises two differentiated elements: support pieces (6) which, by screwing, are fixed to the perimeter frame (3) of the panels, at the back, and rails (7) in those that fit said support pieces (6) being fixed, which in turn are fixed, arranged transversely, to the structure of porches (5) anchored to the ground, counting at their ends with safety screws (8) " anti-theft device".

According to Figures 2 and 3, it can be seen how said support pieces (6) are formed in turn by a body (9) of approximately prismatic configuration and a square (10). Said body (9) is crossed by a hole (11) intended for the screw (12) that will fix it to the frame (3), and has, on its lower face, a recess (13) suitable for receiving a cover (14 ), on one of its sides with projections (15) to ensure the separation between panels (1) and, on its upper face, with a recess (16) suitable to receive the lateral branch of the square (10) to achieve said fixation.

The square (10), meanwhile, has a housing (17) suitable for the nut (18) that together with the said screw (12) allow the support piece (6) to be fixed to the frame.

To perform this fixation, the frame (3) of the panels (1) must be placed face down in a horizontal position, that is, with the frame structure

(5) looking up.

The nut (18) is mounted in the specific housing (17) of the square (10). The body (9) of the piece is positioned, on its upper face, in the frame (3) of the panel, facing the hole (11) thereof with the hole (4) of the frame (3), the screw ( 12) from the support (6), through its lower face, passing it through the frame (3) and threading it with the nut (18) inserted in the square (10), which will have been conveniently inserted from its side in the recess (16) provided on the upper face of the body (9). This avoids seeing the screw used to secure the support piece (6) with the frame (3).

Once the necessary tightening has been given to the screw (12), the part (6) is attached to the frame (3) without seeing either the nut (18) or the screw shank (12), as seen in the figure 4. In the pieces (6) that remain at the ends a cover (14) can be placed on the head of the screw (12), housed in the lower recess (13) existing in the body (9) in such place and whose purpose will be explained later.

For each panel (1) four support pieces (6) will be mounted as described.

On the other hand, the rails (7), shown in Figures 5 to 8, constitute metal profiles of “C” section con fi guration, with dimensions suitable for receiving and housing the described support pieces (6). Said lanes, as can be seen in the details of Figures 6 and 7, have drainage holes (19) for the evacuation of water that can accumulate inside (Figure 6) and with some drains

(20) in the opposite couplings of the shaping ends of its "C" profile, at one of its ends, as seen in Figure 7, so that they allow the support piece (6) to be introduced inside the rail (7) during assembly.

The installation of the rails (7) is normally carried out on the structure (5) of frames or supports. The joining of the rail (7) to said structure is carried out by means of self-tapping screws (23), which will be introduced inside the rail (7) in the center of the rail, since the support piece (6) has to pass through above it, for which it has the aforementioned recess (13) on its upper face.

For each panel (1), two rails (7) will be mounted, introducing two of its support pieces (6) in one and the other two in the other.

Finally, it is important to note that these rails (7) also have, at their ends, some holes (21) for the positioning of the safety screws (8) that will prevent the extraction of the pieces (6), and therefore of the panels (1), once the installation is finished. Said screws (8), are mounted at the end of the rails (7), two at each end, and are subjected to a torque that makes the nut separate, leaving only a cone

(22) which considerably makes it difficult to remove the screw (8), as shown in Figure 9.

Sufficiently describing the nature of the present invention, as well as how to put it into practice, it is not considered necessary to make its explanation more extensive so that any person skilled in the art understands its scope and the advantages derived therefrom, stating that, within its essentiality, it may be implemented in other embodiments that differed in detail from that indicated by way of example, and to which it will also achieve the protection that is sought as long as it does not alter, change or modify its fundamental principle .

5 EN 2354535A1 6

Claims (5)

1. Clamping and support device for photovoltaic and thermal panels with “anti-theft” system, applicable for clamping and supporting solar panels (1), whether photovoltaic or thermal, of the type consisting of a body or cell (2 ) surrounded by a perimeter frame (3), constituted by a metal structure, usually of aluminum, with holes (4) for its fixation to a support structure (5) formed by porches or similar elements anchored to the ground support the assembly, characterized by the fact of comprising two differentiated elements: support pieces (6), which formed by a body (9) and a square (10) and by means of hidden screwing are fixed to the holes (4) of the perimeter frame (3) of the panels (1), on the back, preferably four support pieces (6) for each panel (1), and rails (7), constituted by metal profiles of section configuration in "C", with dimensions fit couple to receive and accommodate the described support pieces (6), in which said support pieces (6) are attached being fixed thereto, which are fixed, in turn, arranged transversely, to the structure of frames (5) anchored to the ground, preferably two for each panel (1), counting at the ends of said rails (7) with security screws (8) "anti-theft"; inserted in some drills (21) provided for this purpose, which are subjected to a tightening torque that causes the nut to separate, leaving only a cone (22) that considerably hinders the removal of the screw (8). 2. Clamping and support device for photovoltaic and thermal panels with “anti-theft” system, according to claim 1, characterized in that the support pieces (6) are formed by an approximately prismatic configuration body (9) and a squad (10); in which the said body (9) is crossed by a hole (11) intended for the screw (12) that will fix it to the frame (3), and has, on its lower face, a recess (13) suitable for receiving a cover (14), in one of its sides with projections (15) to ensure the separation between panels (1) and, in its upper face, with a recess (16) suitable to receive the lateral branch of the square (10) to achieve said fixation; and in that the square (10), for its part, has a housing (17) suitable for the nut (18) which together with the said screw (12) allow the support piece (6) to be fixed to the frame.

3.

Clamping and support device for photovoltaic and thermal panels with “anti-theft” system, according to claims 1 and 2, characterized by the fact that the rails (7), have recesses (20) in the facing joints of the forming ends of its “C” profile, at one of its ends, which allow the support piece (6) to be introduced inside it during assembly, as well as with some holes (19) for drains for the evacuation of water that can accumulate in its interior.

Four.

Clamping and support device for photovoltaic and thermal panels with “anti-theft” system, according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the installation of the rails (7) is carried out on the structure (5) of frames or supports by self-tapping screws (23), which will be introduced inside the rail (7) in the center of the rail, since the support piece (6) has to pass over it, for which it has the aforementioned recess (13) on its upper face.

SPANISH OFFICE OF THE PATENTS AND BRAND Application no .: 200800408 SPAIN Date of submission of the application: 02.22.2008 Priority Date: REPORT ON THE STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE 51 Int. Cl.: F24J2 / 52 (01.01.2006) H01L31 / 042 (01.01.2006) RELEVANT DOCUMENTS

Category

Documents cited Claims Affected

To

US 5986203 A (HANOKA JACK I et al.) 16.11.1999, column 7, line 57 - column 8, line 21; Figures 1c, 13-18,21. US 6414237 B1 (BOEER KARL W) 02.07.2002, summary; column 8, lines 6-67; column 9, lines 49-53; figures. 1.2 1-4

Category of the documents cited X: of particular relevance Y: of particular relevance combined with other / s of the same category A: reflects the state of the art O: refers to unwritten disclosure P: published between the priority date and the date of priority submission of the application E: previous document, but published after the date of submission of the application

This report has been prepared • for all claims • for claims no:

Date of realization of the report 09.02.2011

Examiner P. Del Castillo Penabad Page 1/4

REPORT OF THE STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE Application number: 200800408 Minimum documentation sought (classification system followed by classification symbols) F24J, H01L Electronic databases consulted during the search (database name and, if possible, terms of search used) INVENES, EPODOC State of the Art Report Page 2/4  WRITTEN OPINION Application number: 200800408 Date of Written Opinion: 09.02.2011 Statement

Novelty (Art. 6.1 LP 11/1986)

Claims Claims 1-4 IF NOT

Inventive activity (Art. 8.1 LP11 / 1986)

Claims Claims 1-4 IF NOT

The application is considered to comply with the industrial application requirement. This requirement was evaluated during the formal and technical examination phase of the application (Article 31.2 Law 11/1986).  Opinion Base.- This opinion has been made on the basis of the patent application as published. State of the Art Report Page 3/4  WRITTEN OPINION Application number: 200800408 1. Documents considered.- The documents belonging to the state of the art taken into consideration for the realization of this opinion are listed below.

Document

Publication or Identification Number publication date

D01

US 5986203 A (HANOKA JACK I et al.) 11/16/1999

D02

US 6414237 B1 (BOEER KARL W) 02.07.2002

2. Statement motivated according to articles 29.6 and 29.7 of the Regulations for the execution of Law 11/1986, of March 20, on Patents on novelty and inventive activity; quotes and explanations in support of this statement The invention claimed in claim 1 of the application discloses a clamping and support device for solar panels of the type having metal perimeter frame with holes. The device comprises two differentiated elements:

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support pieces formed by body and square, which by means of hidden screwing are fixed to the holes of the perimeter frame by its back

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and metal rails of "C" profile in which said support pieces are coupled

The rails are fixed in turn transverse to a structure of porches anchored to the ground. The ends of these rails have safety screws inserted in holes and subjected to a torque that separates the nut leaving only one cone. Document D01 (US5986203) discloses (column 7 line 57-column 8 line 21; figures 1c, 13-18, 21) four mounting brackets (92) that are attached to the rear of the solar panel (80) and that engage Slidingly a channel support with "C" section (96) to mount said panel in the desired position. This document discloses the possibility of a perimeter framework (26). However, these brackets are fixed directly to the panel by heating. Document D02 (US6414237) discloses (summary; column 8 lines 6-67, column 9 lines 49-53; figure 9) a system for coupling the aluminum frame (300) of the solar panel to channels (100) that may have a "C" profile (Fig. 3c) and which are screwed in turn to a support structure (140). This coupling is made by means of pieces (200) each of which allows on the one hand to be screwed to the frame and on the other hand to be introduced into the channel. The main difference between this document and the request is that the sliding of the piece-panel assembly in the request is made along the rails to place the panel in the desired place while in document D02 only a small slip is made to introduce said piece-panel assembly through the holes in the channel. That is, the channel (100) is not a lane in its entire length. None of the documents cited, taken alone or in combination, reveal the invention defined in claim 1 of the application. In addition, there are no suggestions in the cited documents that direct the person skilled in the art towards the invention defined by said claim. Therefore said claim is new and implies inventive activity and, consequently also the dependent claims fulfill these requirements. For all the above, claims 1-4 of the application are new and involve inventive activity according to articles 6 and 8 of Patent Law 11/86. State of the Art Report Page 4/4