A COMPLETELY INCLUDING PROFILES TO SUPPORT A SOLAR PANEL

专利摘要:
An assembly comprising at least two structural profiles (1) arranged parallel to each other in their longitudinal direction (3) and at least one solar panel (2, 6), wherein: each of said structural profiles (1) has a double wall and comprising a continuous top cover element and a plurality of spaced apart panel support element sections (12, 22), and wherein each of said plurality of structural profiles (1) is positioned so that, between the respective top cover elements (16, 26) and their associated panel support elements (13, 23) of adjacent structural profiles (1), in the longitudinal direction (3), said at least one solar panel (2, 6) can be slidably mounted on both its opposite edges (300, 301) .
公开号:BE1022131B1
申请号:E2015/0110
申请日:2015-03-20
公开日:2016-02-18
发明作者:Marc Depauw
申请人:Voestalpine Sadef Nv；Sadef N.V.；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

A COMPLETELY INCLUDING PROFILES TO A SOLAR PANEL
SUPPORT
Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to a structural profile to support a solar panel, for example a photovoltaic solar panel or a solar collector, and the associated production method of the profile.
Background of the Invention There are various techniques for mounting a solar panel on a structure. According to a first mounting technique, the solar panel can be mounted on top of the structure or slid along the structure. The panel is then attached to the structure with clamps or connectors or is attached to the structure with screws and bolts. A second mounting technique is based on sliding one or more solar panels along a profile designed to ensure that the solar panel is attached to the structure with a reduced need for clamps or connectors or other mounting means.
US 2006/0086382 is an example of the first mounting technique. The document describes a whole for mounting solar modules on a structure. The whole comprises an upper rail, which is continuous and serves as an upper cover element for the solar panel, and a lower rail, which forms the panel support element on which the solar panel rests. The two rails are continuous along the length of the solar panel and are connected to each other by means of a screw and a bolt. The upper rail and the lower rail are structured relative to each other so that at least one of them is movable relative to the other. The two rails secure the solar panel when the distance between the top cover element and the panel support element is equal to the thickness of the mounted solar panel.
The whole described in US 2006/0086382 is based on the use of two independent rails that are fixed by means of bolts so that they can be adjusted to the thickness of different solar panels. The resulting torsional stiffness of the whole depends inter alia on the resistance of the screws and bolts. To ensure that the assembly can easily adapt to panels of different thickness, the upper and lower rails that are movable relative to each other further have not as good bending strength and stiffness against vertical loads as would be the case when the assembly was out one piece would have been made, due to a lower resistance modulus and moment of inertia. The resistance of the resulting assembly to the weight of the mounted solar panel is important since such profiles must have a considerable free span and therefore a good bending stiffness and resistance. In addition, the screw and bolt 27 shown in FIG. 6 that a solar panel is fastened too close to the two rails, and they prevent the solar panel from easily shifting during mounting, since the channel into which the solar panel is slided includes lateral obstacles that prevent the solar panel from sliding.
[05] The screws and bolts that fasten the profile described in US 2006/0086382 must be fastened separately, which considerably increases the time required for assembly. Furthermore, when different solar panels are positioned on the structure, mounting becomes more complex since solar panels that are high above the ground have to be attached separately to the structure. Such mounting structures, also known as tables for solar panels, can, for example, contain up to 6 solar panels which are placed in a horizontal position, which for example results in a mounting profile of 6 meters long. These solar panels are mounted on the mounting profiles of the table for solar panels at an angle of for example 25 degrees. The highest point of such a table for solar panels would then be 3 meters above the ground, which is too high for an operator to be able to access from the ground when he installs the solar panels. Mounting the solar panels on the solar panel table would therefore require additional equipment to gain access to the highly positioned solar panels, which increases the duration and complexity of the mounting. The mounting of the solar panels at locations that are not accessible from the ground can possibly be carried out by the technician who steps on the already mounted solar panels to reach the highest point. It is clear that this can lead to damage to the already installed solar panels and / or to a reduction in their energy efficiency.
The top cover element and the panel support element described in US 2006/0086382 are continuous, which means that they extend longitudinally along the full length of the panel support element, so that the solar panel is continuously partially covered. The use of the material is not optimized, which increases production costs and results in the production of a heavy structure. The weight of the assembly makes assembly difficult and dangerous. Also, the friction generated by the large contact surface of the continuous panel support element with the solar panel during the sliding movement of the solar panel during mounting is very high. This makes assembly difficult since extra force must be exerted to prevent friction with the solar panel during sliding.
EP 2 413 381 describes a continuous panel support element on which a solar panel is slid (shown in Fig. 12 as element 1140b). The frame of the solar panel itself must be designed so that it can slide along the rails of the profile. Solar panels are produced as a basic product, making them cheap. But the need for a special frame entails additional costs, which makes the option described in EP 2 413 381 expensive. In addition, in order to reduce the friction caused by the continuous panel support element and to facilitate the sliding movement of the solar panel, a sliding surface with little friction is provided on the panel support element, such as a surface coated with Teflon. However, this additional processing step makes the production of the profile more complex.
EP 2 495 508 is another example of the first mounting technique. The document describes a locking clip for mounting solar panels on a profile. Figure 17 shows an embodiment of such a clamp formed from a strip of material. The locking clip comprises an upper cover element, a vertical wall, a panel supporting element and two supporting pillars that are used to fix the locking clip against the profile. The clamp is formed from a metal plate that is folded at right angles along the upper and lower edges so as to form the top cover element and the panel support element, respectively, and the vertical wall between the top cover element and the panel support element, respectively. The solar panel is positioned in the formed chamber between the top cover element and the panel support element, and rests on the panel support element itself. The two bent strips that form the top cover element and the panel support element are subdivided into sections of the metal plate which are alternately bent in opposite directions perpendicular to the strip of material. Therefore, the top cover element and the panel support element are discontinuous in the direction of one dimension of the solar panel.
[09] The top cover element and the panel support element of the locking clip described in EP 2 495 508 are formed with material from the vertical wall by bending it at right angles to the upper and lower edges, respectively. The solar panel rests on the panel support element, positioned on the lower edge of the vertical wall. The flanges of the profile described in EP 2 495 508 are not continuous. Consequently, there is limited flexural strength and rigidity around the strong axis.
[10] The fact that the top cover element described in EP 2 495 508 is discontinuous also implies that the solar panel is more susceptible to damage at the places where it is not protected by the top cover element. In rain or other difficult weather conditions, moisture as well as dirt, such as dust, leaves and branches, can accumulate at the edges of the top cover element. In the long term, this will damage the solar panel and in any case reduce the energy conversion efficiency.
[11] The top cover element in EP 2 562 488 is not continuous. In rain or other difficult weather conditions, moisture as well as dirt, such as dust, leaves and branches, can accumulate at the edges of the top cover element. In addition, the discontinuities in the top cover element form obstructions that prevent dirt from flowing down so that it can accumulate at the top of the solar panel, which reduces the panel's performance. Moreover, when the profile is made of metal, it can react with another metal in an outdoor environment, for example with the metal that forms the frames of the solar panel, resulting in corrosion and wear of the solar panel itself, especially when moisture and dirt can be released. react as a catalyst of this process. In the long term, dirt and corrosion cause damage to the solar panel, which subsequently reduces the energy conversion efficiency. Such long-term effects are important as solar panels are expected to continue to work for a long period of time, for example 25 years, after delivery and assembly.
[12] EP 2 562 488 is an additional example of the second mounting technique. The document describes a profile to hold a photovoltaic or solar collector module. The profile is formed by bending a single metal plate and includes a bottom support element (shown in Fig. 2 as the element 7), a vertical wall (shown in Fig. 2 as the element 5), a panel support element (shown in Figs. 2 as element 10) and a top cover element (shown in Fig. 2 as element 4). The solar panel is positioned in the chamber that is created between the top cover element and the panel support element. The panel support element represents a U-shape in cross section. The top cover element is intermittently formed along the length of the vertical wall. The panel support member is continuously formed along the full length of the vertical wall. The U-shape is obtained by bending the metal plate.
[13] The chamber from EP 2 562 488 in which the solar panel is positioned is obtained by rolling and bending a single metal plate. Therefore, the production process is adjusted so that a fixed distance between the top cover element and the panel support element is obtained. This means that the profile produced is only compatible with a predetermined thickness of solar panel. As the thickness of the solar panels to be mounted changes, each production step that defines and follows the shape of the top cover element and the panel support element must be adjusted to take into account the corrected distance between the top cover element and the panel support element. This is a complex and time-consuming process that requires adjustments and reconfigurations of the parameters of the production line.
[14] The strength and torsional resistance of the profile described in EP 2 562 488 are limited. There is a high risk that such a profile will bend under the weight of the mounted solar panel or deform while mounting the solar panel. This leads to extra time required to assemble the solar panel.
[15] DE202012008175 describes an insertion profile for photovoltaic elements and an associated mounting system wherein the insertion profile has a special geometry that uses punched tabs so that a photovoltaic module can be further inserted. FIG. 7 of DE202012008175 depicts an embodiment of such a structural profile that is similar to the profile shown schematically in FIG. 1A-B, FIG. 13 and FIG. 14. As can be seen in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the structural profile 1 comprises a single wall 10, a panel support element 13, an opening 14, an upper cover element 16 and a base section 17. The structural profile 1 is formed from a single metal plate, for example aluminum or preferably steel. The height of the structural profile 1 and the wall 10 is defined along the height direction of the axis 5 and the width of the structural profile 1 is defined along the width direction of the axis 4. The top cover element 16 extends from the single wall 10. That means that the top cover element 16 extends from the surface of the wall 10. The base section 17 also extends from the wall 10, on the same side of the wall 10 as the corresponding top cover element 16 and at a position below its associated top cover element 16. Although, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the top cover element 16 and a base section 17 extend transversely from the vertical surface of the wall 10, it is clear that alternative embodiments are possible in which the angle at which the top cover element 16 and / or the base section 17 extend from the surface of the wall 10 is another suitable angle. As shown, the panel support element 13 extends from the wall 10 on the same side of the wall 10 as the associated top cover element 16. The panel support element 13 is positioned below the associated top cover element 16 and above the associated base section 17. Since the panel support element 13 is positioned between the top cover element 16 and the base section 17, it is also clear that the distance from the panel support element 13 to the top cover element 16 is smaller than the height of the wall 10. The panel support element 13 comprises a panel support element section 12 formed with material taken out of the wall 10. Generally, the panel support element 13 is positioned below its associated top cover element 16 so that a solar panel 2 can slide between the panel support element 13 and its associated top cover element 16. Both the top cover element 16 and the base section 17 are essentially continuous along said longitudinal direction 3 of the wall 10. As shown in FIG. 7 of DE202012008175, the structural profile 1 thus comprises a plurality of panel support element sections 12 formed with material taken from the wall 10 from which its associated top cover element 16 extends, the panel support element sections 12 being spaced apart along the longitudinal direction 3 and arranged at substantially the same height along the wall 10. The panel supporting element 13 is therefore discontinuous in the longitudinal direction 3. The lateral representation shown in FIG. 1B is periodically repeated in the longitudinal direction 3 of the wall 10 of the structural profile 1 as shown in FIG. 7 of DE202012008175. According to an alternative embodiment, the panel support element 13 can be repeated according to a periodic pattern in the longitudinal direction 3 of the wall 10 of the structural profile 1 so that the panel support element 3 on each side of the wall 10 can alternate in the longitudinal direction 3, as schematically shown in FIG. . 8 of DE202012008175 and as schematically shown in the lateral view in FIG. 14.
[16] The fact that in DE202012008175 the material taken to form the panel support element sections 13 is taken from near the neutral axis, reduces the bending resistance of the structural profile in the plane parallel to the wall 10 that the web of the structural profile 1. In other words, the fact that the structural profile 1 comprises a single wall 10 from which material is taken to form the panel support element 13 reduces the bending stiffness and the bending strength around the strong axis of the structural profile 1, since the moment of inertia is largely determined in function of the height of the web formed by the first wall 10 and the width of the flanges formed by the continuous top cover element 16 and the continuous base section 17. The modularity of the whole formed by the structural profile 1 and the solar panels 2, 6 is considerably reduced due to the fact that the structural profile comprises a single wall 10. As shown in FIG. 1 of DE202012008175, two different types of structural profiles are indeed used in the whole of the structural profiles and the solar panels. The structural profiles labeled 11 and 13 in FIG. 1 of DE202012008175 are single wall structural profiles with panel support elements made of material taken from the single wall. Around the solar panels and the structural profiles of Figs. 1 of DE202012008175, the panel support elements extend on the same side of the structural profile so that the solar panel can support on the panel support elements. The structural profile with label 12 in FIG. 1 of DE202012008175 is a single wall structural profile with panel support elements made of material taken from the single wall, but extending on both sides of the structural profile so that solar panels can rest on panel support elements on both sides of the structural profile. In other words, the structural profile with label 12 in FIG. 1 of DE202012008175 comprises alternating panel support elements so that solar panels can rest on panel support elements on both sides of the single wall of the structural profile. The whole of the structural profiles and of the solar panels therefore requires the production of two different types of structural profiles, which increases the complexity of the whole and of the production, as well as the costs caused by the production and the time required to complete the structural profiles. and assemble the solar panels.
[17] DE202012008175 describes a whole for which solar panels are loaded on structural profiles in different successive steps. As shown in FIG. 1 of DE202012008175, three structural profiles are mounted to form a frame on which solar panels will be assembled. As soon as the structural profiles are mounted in an appropriate manner, a solar panel is positioned such that the longest sides of the solar panel run parallel to the width direction 4 shown in FIG. 13. The solar panel is then tilted at a suitable angle with respect to the width direction 4 of FIG. 13 so that the solar panel can be inserted between the top cover element of a structural profile and a panel support element of the associated structural profile, so that the solar panel rests on a panel support element of the structural profile. The angle between the solar panel and the width direction 4 of FIG. 13 is then reduced until the solar panel rests on the panel support element of another structural profile of the frame. For example in FIG. 1 of DE202012008175, a first row of solar panels is tilted, for example, at a suitable angle with respect to the width direction 4 of FIG. 13 and the solar panels are inserted between the top cover element of the structural profile 12 and the panel support element of the structural profile 12 which are formed with material taken from the single wall of the structural profile 12 and extend in the same direction as the width direction 4 of FIG. 13. As can be seen in Fig. 1 DE202012008175, the angle between the solar panels and the width direction 4 is then reduced to the solar panels on the panel support elements of the structural profile 12 of FIG. 1 of DE202012008175. In a similar manner, in FIG. 1 of DE202012008175 for example a second row of solar panels tilted at a suitable angle with respect to the width direction 4 of FIG. 13 and the solar panels are inserted between the top cover element of the structural profile 12 and the panel support element of the structural profile 12 which are formed with material taken from the single wall of the structural profile 12, but which extend in the opposite direction of the width direction 4 of FIG. 13, i.e. in the opposite direction of the panel support elements on which the first row of solar panels rests. As can be seen in FIG. 1 DE202012008175, the angle between the solar panels and the width direction 4 is then reduced to the solar panels on the panel support elements of the structural profile 12 of FIG. 1 of DE202012008175. There is a risk that the solar panels are positioned on the furthest edge of the panel support element of the structural profiles, viewed from the single wall, as illustrated in FIG. 5 of DE202012008175 wherein the solar panel with label 21 rests on the edge of the panel support element with label 15 which is furthest from the single wall with label 13. This increases the risk of solar panels sliding out of the panel support elements and being damaged if the solar panels slide out of the top cover element and the associated panel support element and fall to the ground. For example in FIG. 1 of DE202012008175, after a solar panel has been inserted at a suitable angle between the top cover element and the associated panel support element of the structural profile with label 11 in FIG. 1 of DE202012008175, the angle between a first row solar panel and the width direction 4 can be reduced to the solar panel very close to the edge of the free end of an associated panel support element of the structural profile with label 12 in FIG. 1 of DE202012008175 rest. There is a risk that this solar panel is not firmly secured between the top cover element of the structural profile with label 12 in FIG. 1 of DE202012008175 and the associated panel support element and there is a risk that the solar panel shifts and from the structural profile with label 12 in FIG. 1 of DE202012008175. The solar panel can therefore also be removed from the top cover element and an associated panel support element of the structural profile with label 11 in FIG. 1 of DE202012008175 and can therefore fall to the floor and be damaged. Alternatively, there is a risk that the solar panel is not completely between the top cover element and an associated panel support element of the structural profile with label 11 in FIG. 1 of DE202012008175, but is then subjected to torsional force since one edge of the solar panel is fixed to a structural profile and the opposite edge of the solar panel hangs loose. This can lead to cracks in the structure of the solar panel. This potential damage endangers the intrinsic quality of the material of the solar panels and therefore reduces the overall conversion efficiency of the solar cells of the solar panel. The fact that during mounting the solar panels must be positioned at the furthest edge of the panel support element of the structural profiles, the furthest away from the single wall, as illustrated in FIG. 5 of DE202012008175, moreover, leads to large torsional forces that act on the panel support elements that are hinged to the single wall of the structural profile. In FIG. 5 of DE202012008175, the weight of the solar panel with label 21 is indeed not spread over the surface of the panel support element in parallel with the width direction 4, but the weight of the solar panel with label 21 relies mainly on the edge of the panel support element with label 15 that it furthest from the single wall with label 13. This drastically increases the stress on the panel support element, as well as on the single wall of the structural profile. There is a risk that either the panel support element flexes under the weight and pressure caused by the solar panel at the node of the panel support element and the single wall, and / or that the single wall itself flexes under the weight and pressure caused by the solar panel. Since the top cover element of the structural profile is continuous, a flexure of the single wall compromises the integrity of the entire set of already assembled solar panels on the same structural profile. This can lead to damage to solar panels that are already assembled on the same structural profile because they can fall to the ground. Since the top cover element of the structural profiles with labels 11, 12 and 13 in Figs. 1 of DE202012008175 is shown continuously in the longitudinal direction 3 in FIG. 14, there is a limitation associated with the whole shown in FIG. 1 of DE202012008175 that all solar panels of the first row or of the second row must be assembled simultaneously with the structural profiles to ensure that all solar panels of the same row rest firmly on the panel support elements of the structural profiles as described above. It is only then that the structural profiles with the label 11, 13 can be moved closer to the structural profile 12 by elements 51, 52, 53 in a direction transverse to their longitudinal direction to firmly insert the opposite edges of the solar panels between their continuous top cover element and the panel support elements. This limits the modularity: the whole must contain structural profiles with labels 11, 13 on the top and bottom of the whole that are movable to fix the solar panels. Only two rows of solar panels can then be mounted securely: one row between the structural profile with label 11 and the structural profile 12 and one tide between the structural profile with label 13 and the structural profile 12. This further reduces the ergonomics of mounting for the whole of structural profiles and solar panels. The highest row of the whole is indeed difficult to reach since the whole lies at an angle with respect to a horizontal direction. This increases the complexity of installing solar panels on the highest row of the whole. The highest row also includes solar panels that must be attached one by one between the structural profile with label 11 and the structural profile 12 by means of the tilting operation described above. This further increases the complexity of installing solar panels on the highest row of the whole. Moreover, mounting solar panels on the whole of DE202012008175 requires the structural profiles with labels 11, 13 to be carefully positioned in advance relative to the structural profile 12 so that solar panels can be inserted between their respective top cover elements and their respective panel support elements, without the solar panels fall from their panel support elements. This further increases the complexity of installing the solar panels and the structural profiles. Moreover, the whole described in DE202012008175 requires that the movement of all elements 51, 52, 53 of a structural profile is coordinated when all solar panels of one row are mounted such that all solar panels of that row are simultaneously and correctly secured by the respective structural profiles with label 11, 13 in a mounted end position.
[18] WO2010 / 054617 describes a whole for which solar panels are loaded on structural profiles in different successive steps. As shown in Figs. 9 to 11 of WO2010 / 054617, a solar panel with label 2 is first inserted at an angle between the top cover element and the associated panel support element of a structural profile with label 7a, as shown in FIG. 9 of WO2010 / 054617. The angle between the solar panel with label 2 and the frame structure with label 5 is then reduced until the solar panel with label 2 touches a structural profile with label 7b, which is not identical to the structural profile with label 7a since it does not include an upper cover element and which is positioned in parallel with the structural profile with label 7a. The solar panel with label 2 then rests on the panel support elements of the structural profiles with labels 7a and 7b in a mounted end position, as shown in FIG. 10. The solar panel with label 2 is then firmly attached to the frame structure with label 5 when a mounting operator manually inserts the element with label 23 into the structural profile with label 7b, so as to clamp the solar panel with label 2 firmly to the structural profile with label 7b, between the element 23 and the panel support element of the structural profile with label 7b, as shown in FIG. 11. The limitations of the whole from WO2010 / 054617 are similar to the limitations of the whole from DE202012008175 as described above. The solar panels in WO2010 / 054617 are tilted to be inserted into the structural profiles of the whole, which increases the complexity of mounting solar panels on the frame structure with label 5. The ergonomics to mount such a whole is limited, especially with regard to the higher row of solar panels that are difficult to reach and for which an operator must not only position the solar panels in the structural profiles with label 7a, but must also clamp the solar panels firmly to the frame structure with label 5 by manually locking the element with label 23 from the top after the solar panels have been positioned in their entirety. Moreover, the whole described in WO2010 / 054617 requires the use of a combination of two different structural profiles with labels 7a and 7b in Figs. 9 to 11 of WO2010 / 054617. A solar panel can indeed only be attached to the frame structure with label 5 if it is fixed between a structural profile with label 7a and a structural profile with label 7b. This reduces the flexibility and increases the complexity of the whole described in WO2010 / 054617 and the associated mounting. Moreover, since the profile with label 7b only comprises individual clamping elements, there is a risk that moisture and dirt will accumulate and consequently cause corrosion and a decrease in the efficiency of the solar panels. Moreover, since the continuous top cover elements of the profiles with label 7b are substantially horizontal in their longitudinal direction, they form a continuous barrier for moisture, dirt, etc., which flows along the solar panels under the influence of gravity, which increases the risk of corrosion and a decrease in the efficiency of the solar panels.
[19] It is an object of the present invention to describe a profile and the related production process that solves the shortcomings of existing profiles identified above. More specifically, it is an objective to describe a profile that is easily adaptable to the different thicknesses of solar panels. It is a further objective to describe a profile that is easy to produce, light and mechanically strong and that reduces production and installation costs, as well as the amount of waste material. It is a further objective to describe a profile that makes it possible to use solar energy installations that last longer, are less expensive to maintain and have better energy conversion efficiency.
Summary of the invention [20] According to a first aspect of the invention, a whole is provided comprising at least two structural profiles, arranged parallel to each other in their longitudinal direction and at least one solar panel, each of the structural profiles comprising the following a first wall from which a first top cover element, an associated first base section extend at a position below the first top cover element, and an associated first panel support element at a position below the first top cover element and above the first base section; - a second wall from which a second top cover element, an associated second base section extend at a position below the second top cover element, and an associated second panel support element at a position below the second top cover element and above the second base section; - wherein the second wall is substantially parallel to the first wall and is positioned on the opposite side of the first top cover element; and wherein the second top cover element extends from the second wall on the opposite side of the first wall and the first top cover element is coupled to the second top cover element; - wherein the first and second base sections, and the first and second top cover elements continuously extend along the length direction; and wherein each of the first and second panel support elements extend from their associated walls at a position below their associated top cover elements, so that the solar panel can slide between this panel support element and its associated top cover element along its associated wall in the longitudinal direction; and - wherein each of the first and second panel support elements comprises a plurality of spaced apart panel support element sections made of material taken from their associated wall, and wherein each of the plurality of structural profiles is positioned so that, between the respective top cover elements and their associated panel support elements of adjacent structural profiles, in the longitudinal direction, at least one solar panel can be slidably mounted on its both opposite edges.
[21] In accordance with the present invention, solar panels are slidably and sequentially mounted on the assembly in the longitudinal direction of the structural profiles. In other words, each solar panel is inserted on respective spaced apart panel support element sections and under respective continuous top cover elements of two adjacent structural profiles and positioned between these two adjacent and identical structural profiles of the whole. The sequentially inserted solar panels are then guided between the two identical and adjacent structural profiles and then slid onto the respective spaced apart panel support element sections in the longitudinal direction of the structural profile until all solar panels have been inserted sequentially and reach a mounted end position. The spaced apart panel support element sections enable a smaller contact area which reduces the resistance during the sliding movement of the sequentially inserted solar panels during mounting. In addition, the continuous top cover elements prevent moisture, dirt, debris, etc. from infiltrating between the solar panels at the location of the structural profile, thus reducing the risk of corrosion. It is not necessary that all solar panels of one row or of one column be assembled simultaneously with the structural profiles to ensure that all solar panels of the same row or the same column rest firmly on the panel support elements of the same structural profiles. The modularity of the whole is also considerably improved compared to the structural profile of the prior art since only a single type of identical structural profiles is required, all of which can be arranged in the same direction, parallel to each other, so as to increase the possibility of reduce errors during assembly of the structural profiles of the whole. Moreover, the whole can be expanded without further complexity or compromising the efficiency of assembly, since only additional parallel identical structural profiles must be provided. The sequentially slidable mounting of the solar panels on the whole further improves the ergonomics of mounting the whole of solar panels on the structural profiles. The solar panels are indeed mounted sequentially on the structural profiles of the whole from the side of the whole that is easiest accessible for a mounting operator. Furthermore, this assembly also makes it possible to mount all parallel structural profiles before the solar panels are then placed between them, since the width of the panel support elements placed at a distance from each other can be chosen sufficiently large to enable reliable copying with possible tolerances with regard to the dimensions of the solar panel in view of their placement by means of a sliding movement at one end of the parallel structural profiles between which they are inserted, without the need to tilt the solar panels. Moreover, for attaching a solar panel to the structural profiles, it is not necessary to manually clamp the solar panel to the structural profile with, for example, clamping elements. This further reduces the complexity of mounting and also reduces the risk of moisture and dirt accumulation on the clamping elements and thus reduces the resulting risk of corrosion and a decrease in the efficiency of the solar panels.
[22] In accordance with the present invention, the complexity of the mounting method itself is considerably reduced since solar panels are sequentially slid longitudinally between two adjacent and identical structural profiles. To be secured between two adjacent structural profiles, a solar panel does indeed no longer have to be tilted at an appropriate angle relative to the width direction of the whole before being lowered to rest on the panel support elements of the structural profile. Moreover, the fact that solar panels are sequentially slid in the longitudinal direction of the whole eliminates the risk that a solar panel slides out of the upper cover element and the associated panel support element of a structural profile and falls to the ground or that the tilting movement of the solar panel permanent deformations or damage caused to the panel support element or the top cover element and vice versa. In other words, the assembly according to the present invention enables a mounting method that ensures that a solar panel is not subjected to undesirable levels of torsion or bending since both edges of the solar panel are reliably supported on a structural profile during the sliding operation around the solar panels. sequentially. Consequently, the intrinsic quality and the original general conversion efficiency of the solar cells of a solar panel are guaranteed, even after the solar panel is attached in its mounted end position.
[23] In accordance with the present invention, each structural profile of the whole comprises a first wall and a second wall. Since the moment of inertia of the structural profiles is largely determined by the weight of the web formed by the respective vertical walls and the width of the flanges formed by the respective continuous cover elements and the respective continuous base sections, the bending stiffness and the bending strength around the strong axis are of the structural profiles of the whole improved compared to those of a structural profile comprising a single wall. Moreover, the weight of a solar panel that is slid between two adjacent and identical structural profiles is spread over the panel support elements of the two structural profiles in order to reduce the stress caused by a solar panel on the panel support elements of each structural profile. The risk that the panel support element of the first wall of one structural profile and / or the panel support element of the second wall of another adjacent structural profile bends under the weight and the pressure caused by one solar panel mounted between two adjacent structural profiles is thus limited, and the integrity of the whole is guaranteed.
[24] According to an optional embodiment, the whole is further characterized in that at least two parallel structural profiles are identical and arranged adjacent to each other along a direction that is transverse to the longitudinal direction, so that at least one solar panel can be slidably mounted in the longitudinal direction between each of the adjacent, identical structural profiles.
[25] According to an optional embodiment, the assembly is further characterized by the fact that the assembly further comprises a plurality of parallel, elongated transverse elements extending in a width direction that is transverse to the length direction on which the parallel structural profiles are mounted, wherein the distance between the adjacent elongated transverse elements is greater than the width of at least one longitudinal solar panel.
[26] In accordance with the present invention, the amount of structural profiles required to efficiently support solar panels mounted on the whole is minimized. A solar panel is indeed fixed in the longitudinal direction between two adjacent and identical structural profiles and the whole is supported in the longitudinal direction by a frame comprising elongated transverse elements extending in the width direction and positioned at distances greater than the width of at least one solar panel in the longitudinal direction. In this way the costs associated with supporting the whole of structural profiles and solar panels are minimized and the time required to assemble the frame that supports the whole is reduced.
[27] According to an optional embodiment, the whole is further characterized in that each of said parallel structural profiles is mounted such that between each of the adjacent structural profiles two or more identical solar panels can be mounted slidably in the longitudinal direction, in a horizontal orientation relative to from the width direction.
[28] According to an optional embodiment, the whole is further characterized in that the longitudinal direction of each of the parallel structural profiles is tilted at an angle relative to a horizontal plane, so that each of the parallel structural profiles extends longitudinally from a lowest end at a first height above the horizontal plane to a highest end at a second height above the horizontal plane, the second height being greater than the first height.
[29] In accordance with the present invention, the structural profiles of a whole can be tilted at an angle to a horizontal plane. A lowest end of the structural profiles is defined as the side of the structural profiles for which the distance to the horizontal is the smallest and a highest end of the structural profiles is defined as the side of the structural profiles for which the distance to the horizontal is is the largest. This reduces the risk of moisture, dirt, waste, etc. accumulation even less since the respective continuous top cover elements of the parallel structural profiles do not in this way obstruct the downward flow of moisture, dirt or waste on top of the solar panels, so that the the risk of corrosion is further reduced and the operational efficiency of the solar panels is maximized. Moreover, solar panels can be mounted more easily and more ergonomically, even in the position associated with the highest row of solar panels of the whole, in other words a row of solar panels near the highest end of the structural profiles of the whole, because the solar panels can be inserted sequentially by each solar panel one after inserting one at the lowest end between two adjacent parallel structural profiles and then shifting this growing number of solar panels, so as to form a column of solar panels in the longitudinal direction, between two parallel structural profiles of the whole to the highest solar panel of this sequence , which was first introduced at the lowest end, its mounted end position reached at the highest end of the adjacent parallel structural profiles. The mounting of the solar panels can therefore be carried out entirely at the lowest end, without the need to have access to the harder to reach highest end. In this way the complexity of mounting is reduced since it is no longer necessary for a mounting operator to be able to physically reach the highest row of the whole to insert, position and attach solar panels, even on the highest row of solar panels of the whole . It is clear that preferably the longitudinal direction is aligned with, or at most has an acute angle to, the north-south direction and consequently the width direction is aligned with the east-west direction or has at most an acute angle with it, since in this way a optimum angle for receiving sunlight can be obtained. Moreover, this means that the whole can also be easily scaled in the longitudinal direction of structural profiles since this does not affect the efficiency of mounting because the sequential, slidable mounting of the solar panels that is carried out at the lowest end of the structural profiles is not affected becomes as the length of the structural profiles is increased to have more solar panels in a column in the longitudinal direction, which leads to an increase in the height of the highest end of these structural profiles and the highest row of solar panels as a whole.
[30] According to an optional embodiment, the whole is further characterized in that each of the parallel structural profiles is mounted such that between each of the adjacent structural profiles two or more identical solar panels can be slidably mounted from the lowest longitudinal end to the highest end.
[31] In accordance with the present invention, solar panels are sequentially shifted longitudinally of the assembly until each solar panel reaches its mounted end position. In this way, all solar panels of a column or of a row can be sequentially slidably mounted on the structural profiles of the whole from a side of the whole that is easiest to reach for a mounting operator and along which it is easiest for him to pass solar panels along to slide the structural profiles. This facilitates the mounting of solar panels on the structural profiles.
[32] According to an optional embodiment, the whole is further characterized in that the whole further comprises, for each of the associated walls of each of the structural profiles along which solar panels are slidably mounted, a stop element which is inserted into an opening of the associated wall between the solar panels. and the lower end of the structural profile, the stopping element comprising a groove extending longitudinally near the lower end into which the associated wall can be introduced until it reaches the end of the groove in a secured end position, wherein the stopping element is the slidably mounted holds solar panels in a mounted end position.
[33] In accordance with the present invention, a stop element is a simple and efficient way to attach a solar panel in its mounted end position to the lowest end of structural profiles of a whole. Thanks to the symmetry of the structural profile, the stop element can moreover be inserted either into an opening of the first wall or into an opening of the second wall of a structural profile by simply rotating the stop element so as to obtain a mirrored stop element. The symmetry minimizes the costs associated with the use of a stop element.
[34] According to an optional embodiment, the whole is further characterized in that the first basic section is coupled to the second basic section.
[35] In this way, in the case of a double wall and double top cover element and associated double base section and panel support element, the structural profile forms a profiled tubular profile, also known as a hollow girder or tubular girder, which, in comparison with the embodiments of the structural profile referred to above has an increased resistance to torsional load to withstand, for example, torsional loads occurring during, for example, the insertion of solar panels. According to specific embodiments, the torsional rigidity during the mounting of the solar panels will be realized by a coupling between the two basic sections by means of a rigid connection. According to an embodiment, this can be realized, for example, by screwing both base sections to a rigid element to form a structure on which the structural profile is mounted, which is also called a substructure, so that a similar torsional rigidity is achieved as in the case of a tubular profile since the torsional rigidity is largely determined by the enclosed surface or the enclosed space between the two walls of the profile.
[36] According to an optional embodiment, the whole is further characterized in that the first wall and the second wall extend upright between their associated base sections and top cover elements over at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, of their total height.
[37] In this way the flexibility of the use of the whole is increased since the whole is compatible with any thickness of solar panel. Depending on the thickness of the solar panel between the top cover element and a panel support element of the first wall or the second wall of a structural profile, the height of the first wall or the second wall extending upright between the top cover element and the basic section can be adjusted. According to an alternative embodiment, the first wall and the second wall extend upright over at least 65% to 85% of their total height.
[38] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method is provided for mounting the assembly according to a first aspect of the invention, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps: - arranging the plurality of structural profiles in parallel with relative to each other; and - positioning each of the plurality of structural profiles so that, between the respective top cover elements and their associated panel support elements of adjacent structural profiles, at least one solar panel can be slidably mounted on its two opposite edges in the longitudinal direction.
[39] In this way the structural profiles of the whole are first arranged in parallel with each other before at least one solar panel is slidably mounted on the structural profiles. This increases the efficiency of mounting the solar panel on the structural profiles.
[40] In accordance with the present invention, solar panels are slidably and sequentially mounted on the assembly in the longitudinal direction of the assembly. In other words, each solar panel is positioned between two adjacent and identical structural profiles of the whole, is then guided between the two identical and adjacent structural profiles and then slid in the longitudinal direction of the whole until it reaches a mounted end position. It is not necessary that all solar panels of one row or of one column be assembled simultaneously with the structural profiles to ensure that all solar panels of the same row or the same column rest firmly on the panel support elements of the same structural profiles. The modularity of the whole is therefore considerably improved compared to that of a structural profile comprising a single wall. The sequential mounting of the solar panels on the whole further improves the ergonomics of mounting for the whole of solar panels on the structural profiles. The solar panels are indeed mounted sequentially on the structural profiles of the whole from the side of the whole that is easiest accessible for a mounting operator. Moreover, for attaching a solar panel to the structural profiles, it is not necessary to manually clamp the solar panel to the structural profile with, for example, clamping elements. This further reduces the complexity of mounting and also reduces the risk of moisture and dirt accumulation on the clamping elements and thus reduces the resulting risk of corrosion and a decrease in the efficiency of the solar panels.
[41] In accordance with the present invention, the complexity of the mounting method itself is considerably reduced since solar panels are sequentially slid longitudinally between two adjacent and identical structural profiles. To be secured between two adjacent structural profiles, a solar panel does indeed no longer have to be tilted at an appropriate angle relative to the width direction of the whole before being lowered to rest on the panel support elements of the structural profile. Moreover, the fact that solar panels are moved sequentially in the longitudinal direction of the whole eliminates the risk that a solar panel slides out of the top cover element and the associated panel support element of a structural profile and falls to the ground. In other words, the mounting method according to the present invention guarantees that a solar panel is not subjected to torsion because one edge of the solar panel is fixed to a structural profile and the opposite edge of the solar panel hangs freely. Consequently, the intrinsic quality and the original general conversion efficiency of the solar cells of a solar panel are guaranteed, even when the solar panel is fixed in its mounted end position.
[42] In accordance with the present invention, each structural profile of the whole comprises a first wall and a second wall. Since the moment of inertia of the structural profiles is largely determined by the weight of the web formed by the respective vertical walls and the width of the flanges formed by the respective continuous cover elements and the respective continuous base sections, the bending stiffness and the bending strength around the strong axis are of the structural profiles of the whole improved compared to those of a structural profile comprising a single wall. Moreover, the weight of a solar panel that is slid between two adjacent and identical structural profiles is spread over the panel support elements of the two structural profiles in order to reduce the stress caused by a solar panel on the panel support elements of each structural profile. The risk that the panel support element of the first wall of one structural profile and / or the panel support element of the second wall of another adjacent structural profile bends under the weight and the pressure caused by one solar panel mounted between two adjacent structural profiles is thus limited, and the integrity of the whole is guaranteed.
[43] According to an optional embodiment, the method further comprises the step of sequentially slidably mounting two or more identical solar panels between each of the adjacent structural profiles from the lowest longitudinal end to the highest end.
[44] In accordance with the present invention, solar panels are sequentially shifted longitudinally of the assembly until each solar panel reaches its mounted end position. In this way, all solar panels of a column or of a row can be sequentially slidably mounted on the structural profiles of the whole from a side of the whole that is easiest to reach for a mounting operator and along which it is easiest for him to pass solar panels along to slide the structural profiles. This facilitates the mounting of solar panels on the structural profiles.
[45] According to an optional embodiment, the method further comprises, for each of the associated walls of each of the structural profiles along which solar panels were slidably mounted, the following steps: - inserting the stop element into an opening of the associated wall between the solar panels and the lower end of the structural profile; - positioning the stop element so that the groove extends longitudinally to the lower end; - introducing the associated wall into the groove until the end of the groove is reached in a secured end position; - stopping the slidably mounted solar panels in a mounted end position through the stop element.
[46] In accordance with the present invention, a stop element is inserted into an opening of a first wall or a second wall of a structural profile after at least one solar panel has been slidably mounted on the structural profile. This is a simple and efficient way to fix the solar panel in a mounted end position.
[47] According to an optional embodiment, the method further comprises the step of inserting at least one grounding element comprising a planar platform between at least one of the slidably mounted solar panels when in their mounted end position and at least one of the associated panel supporting elements on which the respective end of the respective solar panel.
[48] This is a simple and efficient way to ground the solar panels as a whole without damaging the surface of the solar panels. The absence of scratches on the surface of the solar panels and / or the absence of drilled holes to ground the solar panels safeguard the integrity of the solar cells of the solar panels and thus ensure optimum conversion efficiency of the solar panels.
[49] According to a third aspect of the invention, a structural profile is provided for use in a unit according to a first aspect of the invention, characterized in that said structural profile comprises the following: - a first wall from which a first top cover element, an associated first base section at a position below the first top cover element, and an associated first panel support element at a position below the first top cover element and extend above the first base section; - a second wall from which a second top cover element, an associated second base section extend at a position below the second top cover element, and an associated second panel support element at a position below the second top cover element and above the second base section; - wherein the second wall is substantially parallel to the first wall and is positioned on the opposite side of the first top cover element; and wherein the second top cover element extends from the second wall on the opposite side of the first wall and the first top cover element is coupled to the second top cover element; - wherein the first and second base sections, and the first and second top cover elements continuously extend along said length direction; and wherein each of the first and second panel support elements extend from their associated walls at a position below their associated top cover elements, so that the solar panel can slide between this panel support element and its associated top cover element along its associated wall in the longitudinal direction; and wherein each of the first and second panel support elements comprises a plurality of spaced apart panel support element sections made of material taken from their associated wall.
[50] In the context of the invention, the first wall and the second wall of the structural profile extend essentially in the longitudinal direction over a distance of more than one meter. The height of the first wall and the second wall is considerably smaller than the length of the structural profile and is, for example, in the range of 50 to 200 mm. The thickness of the first wall and the second wall is even smaller than the height and is, for example, in the range of 0.5 to 5 mm. The panel support element is discontinuous, which has several advantages. First, the fact that it is discontinuous reduces the friction generated by sliding the solar panel on the panel support member. Mounting is easier and faster since the solar panel slides more easily on the panel support element of the profile. This reduces the need for an additional coating during production with a low-friction material, such as Teflon, which ensures that the production of the profile remains simple and inexpensive. Also the fact that the panel support element is discontinuous and formed with material from the wall itself means that locally at the position of the panel support element material from the wall itself is used to create the panel support element without the need for other material to create this panel support element, which reduces the overall amount of material needed to make the profile. The amount of material required to produce the profile is reduced, and moreover, a lighter structure is obtained compared to a structure with a continuous panel support element. Mounting becomes easier and less dangerous when working with lighter profiles.
[51] The spaced apart panel support member sections formed with the material taken from the first wall or the second wall are positioned so that they do not significantly weaken the flexural rigidity and flexural strength of the profile around the strong axis. In other words, this means that the resistance to bending in a plane parallel to the first wall or the second wall forming the web of the structural profile is not significantly reduced. Furthermore, the fact that the material for the panel support element is taken locally from the first wall or the second wall ensures that the first wall or the second wall is still able to form a structural profile with a high resistance and rigidity to vertical loads , such as the weight of the solar panels, snow, wind etc. since the structural profile remains a one-piece structural element with a relatively large associated moment of inertia and resistance modulus around the strong axis. Moreover, the position of the panel support element and the associated material taken from the first wall and the second wall can easily be adjusted during production according to the thickness of the solar panel, without substantially changing the overall strength and stiffness of the structural profile.
[52] Moreover, the first top cover element and the second top cover element are essentially continuous in the longitudinal direction of the profile to sufficiently protect the solar panel as mentioned above. The top cover elements are essentially continuous in the longitudinal direction and are preferably continuous over at least one width or one length of a solar panel. The fact that the top cover elements are essentially continuous ensures that the solar panel slides continuously between the first and second top cover elements and the associated panel support element. The essentially continuous top cover elements cover the edge of the solar panel in an uninterrupted manner so as to protect the solar panel against accumulation of water and dirt and against corrosion so that a good and long-lasting energy conversion efficiency is obtained. The top cover elements must be continuous over a substantial part of the length of the structural profile, preferably along substantially the full length of the structural profile to serve as a suitable structural element of the profile to achieve the required flexural strength and flexural rigidity of the structural profile along its strong axis.
[53] The profile can be attached to a structure or to the ground at the position of the first basic and / or the second basic sections. This balances the entire profile. Each solar panel is also connected to electrical cables or wires that are adapted to conduct the converted electrical current that is converted by the solar panel. All electrical cables and wires connected to the solar panel resting on a panel support element can be bundled between the associated base section and the panel support element since the associated base section is located at a position below the first panel support element. In this way the electrical cables and wires are guided and protected and do not lie on the ground where they could be damaged by small animals. This increases the lifespan of the whole of the solar panel and ensures a good conversion efficiency. In addition, the base sections must be continuous over a substantial part of the length of the structural profile, preferably along substantially the full length of the structural profile to serve as suitable structural elements of the profile around the required flexural strength and flexural rigidity of the structural profile guarantee along its strong axis.
[54] A structural profile made from one piece with two walls has good flexural strength and rigidity against vertical loads due to a reduced resistance modulus and moment of inertia. The first and second walls are essentially parallel. Alternatively, the first and second walls may be tilted with respect to each other.
The structural profile is further characterized in that the plurality of spaced apart panel support element sections are formed with material taken from the first wall or the second wall from which the associated first or second top cover element extends so that it has an opening in this wall. In this way the solar panel is slid between the first or second top cover element and the panel support element on which it rests. The side of the solar panel in the direction of its thickness runs parallel to the first or the second wall. The opening is formed by punching and bending the wall at the position of the panel support element. The panel support element is therefore formed with material from the first or the second wall itself, which reduces the weight of the profile as well as the amount of base material required to produce the structural profile.
The structural profile is further characterized in that the opening is positioned between the associated first or second top cover element and the associated first or second base and the height of the opening is smaller than the height of the first or second wall. The material used to form the panel support element sections is taken from the web of the structural profile formed by the first and second wall at a position closer to the neutral axis, and thus with minimal impact on the resistance to bending in the plane that is parallel to the first or the second wall.
The structural profile is further characterized in that each of the plurality of spaced apart panel support element sections is formed with material taken from the first or second wall from which its associated top cover elements extend, by means of of at least partial punching to create the circumference of said aperture. In the context of the invention, the term partial punching also covers making at least one cut in the first or second wall and applying pressure below or above the resulting cut to form a lip with the material of the first or second wall, which lip extends from this first or the second wall. If the material of the first or second wall is characterized by good elasticity, the term partial punching further covers the act of applying pressure to the material of the first or second wall at a certain position without the need to pre-cutting material, so as to form a continuous lip of the material of the first or second wall in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
[58] The structural profile is further characterized in that each of the plurality of spaced apart panel support element sections are formed with material taken from the first or second wall from which the associated first or second top cover element extends, by means of : a punching operation to create the circumference of the opening and the circumference of the panel support member section; and - a subsequent bending operation configured to extend the panel support member section of the first or second wall so as to leave the opening in the first or second wall.
[59] The structural profile is further characterized in that the plurality of spaced apart panel support element sections are formed with material taken from the first or second wall from which the associated first or second top cover element extends, so that it does not have an opening in leaves this wall behind, by deep drawing, to create the perimeter of the panel support element section.
[60] The structural profile is further characterized in that it is produced according to a process comprising at least one rolling step; and wherein the distance from the at least one base section to the associated panel support element is greater than a predetermined distance, so that a roll for bending a metal plate can be positioned between the at least one base section and its associated panel support element. In this way the production process is not hindered by the panel support element. The metal plate can be rolled without the risk that the panel support element prevents the plate from bending.
The structural profile is further characterized in that the distance between the first wall and said second wall is greater than a predetermined distance, preferably greater than 5 mm. In this way the distance between the two vertical walls is small. If a single profile occupies a small volume, more profiles can be loaded in a certain volume. This helps to reduce the space needed to store different profiles together for transport and to reduce related transport costs.
[62] The structural profile is further characterized in that the profile has a minimum profile length in the longitudinal direction of one width or one length of the solar panel. In this way, the solar panel is securely fixed between a first or second top cover element and a panel support element. The top cover elements are continuous along the length of the profile, which ensures that the solar panel is protected over its full width or full length.
[63] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a method is provided for producing the structural profiles of the whole according to a first aspect of the invention, the method of producing comprising the steps of: - in a first step, provided with a metal plate; - in a second step following the first step, partially punching the metal plate in an area that will be used to form the wall from which the associated top cover element extends, so as to create the perimeter of the opening ; - in a third step following the second step, bending the circumference of said aperture so as to create each of the plurality of spaced apart panel support member sections; and - in a fourth step following the third step, performing a roll forming operation on the metal plate to form the following: - at least one wall; - at least one top cover element; - at least one basic section; and the panel side portion, so that when the distance from at least one of the panel support elements of the plurality of spaced apart panel support element sections to the top cover element is changed, the following steps are performed: the position of partial punching of the region that will be used to form the wall in the second step of the production method so that the position of the circumference of the opening is changed; and then changing the position of bending the circumference of the opening in the third step of the production method.
[64] Flexibility is provided in the production line of the profile. If the thickness of the solar panels to be mounted on the profile changes, the production line can indeed be easily adjusted to take account of the change. Only the position of the first and / or second panel support element must be adjusted so that it is formed at a higher or lower position in the first or second wall. This makes the profile compatible with any thickness of solar panel that is available on the market. The fact that the position of the openings and of the panel support elements is preprogrammed provides flexibility in the process so that the position of the panel support elements can be easily adjusted according to solar panels with different thicknesses. Partially punching or punching an opening or a panel support element at a different position only requires a simple reconfiguration of the matrix defining the punching pattern, for example only with regard to horizontal movement of that matrix. After punching, the panel support element is bent and the metal plate is then roll-formed in other places to create a so-called flower until the shape of the flower has the desired shape of the structural profile. It is clear that no changes need to be made to the multiple rolls that are in use during the roll forming process when production needs to be adjusted based on the thickness of the solar panel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1A to FIG. 1C are a schematic representation of an embodiment of a structural profile comprising a single wall. FIG. 1A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structural profile along the axis labeled AA in FIG. 1B, wherein a solar panel is slid between the first top cover element and the first panel support element. FIG. 1B is a schematic representation of a part of the structural profile in the longitudinal direction as indicated in FIG. 1C. FIG. 1B is a schematic side view of the structural profile in the longitudinal direction.
FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a cross-section of an alternative embodiment of a structural profile along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the structural profile comprising two walls, two coupled top cover elements, two base sections and two panel support elements on which two solar panels rest.
FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a structural profile similar to that of FIG. 2 along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of an embodiment of an assembly comprising a plurality of structural profiles similar to the structural profile shown in FIG. 3 and solar panels that are attached between two structural profiles.
FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of an embodiment of an assembly similar to that of FIG. 4 comprising a multiple number of structural profiles that are similar to the structural profile depicted in FIG. 3 and solar panels with a thickness greater than that shown in FIG. 4 fixed between two structural profiles.
FIG. 6 is a schematic front view in the longitudinal direction of a further embodiment of a structural profile similar to that in FIG. 3.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the structural profile of FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a further embodiment of an assembly comprising a plurality of structural profiles according to the embodiment of FIG. 6 which are mounted parallel to a structure so that solar panels can be placed by sliding them in landscape orientation in the longitudinal direction during mounting.
FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of the embodiment of FIG. 8 during a further step of mounting where six solar panels are fixed in landscape orientation after they have been placed by sliding them between two structural profiles.
FIG. 10A and 10B are respectively a front view and a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a structural profile wherein panel support elements are formed by partial punching.
FIG. 11A and 11B are respectively a front view and a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a structural profile in which panel support elements are formed by partial punching.
FIG. 12A and 12B are a front view and a perspective view, respectively, of an alternative embodiment of a structural profile in which panel support elements are formed by deep drawing.
FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of a front view of an alternative embodiment of a structural profile comprising a single wall of which two panel support elements, two coupled top cover elements and two coupled base sections are formed.
FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a structural profile similar to the structural profile shown in FIG. 13, wherein the structural profile comprises panel support elements formed with material taken from the wall and arranged alternately in the longitudinal direction.
FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a production line adapted to a structural profile adapted to support a solar panel.
FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the successive operations of the production process adapted to make a structural profile.
FIG. 17 is a more detailed schematic representation of an embodiment of the successive roll forming steps of the production process of FIG. 16.
FIG. 18A and FIG. 18B are schematic representations of embodiments of rollers used during some of the roll forming steps of FIG. 17.
FIG. 19A to FIG. 19D are schematic representations of an embodiment of a stop element attached to an assembly similar to that of FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 in FIG. 19A and FIG. 19C attached to an assembly that is similar to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 shown in cross-section on FIG. 19D and shown in top view on FIG. 19B.
FIG. 20A to FIG. 20C are schematic representations of an embodiment of a grounding element attached to an assembly similar to that of FIG. 3, shown in a side view of FIG. 20B and shown in a side view of FIG. 20C when attached to an assembly that is similar to that of FIG. 3.
FIG. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view, along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, of an alternative embodiment of a structural profile along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the structural profile comprising two walls, two coupled top cover elements, two base sections and two panel support elements on which two solar panels rest.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS [86] According to an embodiment shown in FIG. 1A-C, the structural profile 1 comprises a single wall 10, a panel support element 13, an opening 14, an upper cover element 16 and a base section 17. The structural profile 1 is formed from a single metal plate, for example aluminum or preferably steel. The height of the structural profile 1 and the wall 10 is defined along the height direction of the axis 5 and the width of the structural profile 1 is defined along the width direction of the axis 4. The wall 10 of the structural profile 1 extends substantially in a longitudinal direction 3 shown in FIG. 1B over a distance of more than one meter, for example 6 meters or more. The height of the wall is smaller than the length of the structural profile and is, for example, in the range of 50 to 200 mm. The thickness of the wall is even smaller than the height and is for example in the range of 0.5 to 5 mm. However, it is clear that alternative dimensions for the walls 10 are possible, for example higher or lower, and thicker or thinner walls. The top cover element 16 extends from the single wall 10. That means that the top cover element 16 extends from the surface of the wall 10. The base section 17 also extends from the wall 10, on the same side of the wall. 10 as the corresponding top cover element 16 and at a position below its associated top cover element 16. Although, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1A-C, the top cover element 16 and a base section 17 extending transversely from the vertical surface of the wall 10, it is clear that alternative embodiments are possible wherein the angle at which the top cover element 16 and / or the base section 17 extend from the plane of the wall 10 is another suitable angle. As shown, the panel support element 13 extends from the wall 10 on the same side of the wall 10 as the associated top cover element 16. The panel support element 13 is positioned below the associated top cover element 16 and above the associated base section 17.
Since the panel support element 13 is positioned between the top cover element 16 and the base section 17, it is also clear that the distance from the panel support element 13 to the top cover element 16 is smaller than the height of the wall 10. Furthermore, as below in more detail will be explained, the distance from the base section 17 to the panel support element 13 is preferably greater than a predetermined distance, so that a roll for use during the roll forming process can be positioned between the base section 17 and the panel support element 13. The panel support element 13 comprises a panel support element section 12 formed with material taken out of the wall 10. This means, for example, that a punching operation creates the circumference of the panel support element section 12 in the material of the wall 10 and then bends the panel support element section out of the plane of the wall 10 through a bending operation so as to create the panel support element section 12 which extends from the wall 10 and leaves the opening 14 in the wall 10 as shown in FIG. 1A. As will be explained in more detail below, according to alternative embodiments, alternative ways of forming the panel support element section 12 consist of material from the wall 10. It is clear that the aperture 14 is smaller than the height of the wall 10. Although as shown in FIG. 1 also the panel support element section 12 of the panel support element 13 extends substantially transversely to the vertical surface of the wall 10, it is clear that according to alternative embodiments, different angles are possible as long as the panel support element 13 is generally below its associated top cover element 16 positioned so that a solar panel 2 can be slid between the panel support element 13 and its associated top cover element 16 along the wall 10 in the longitudinal direction. When the solar panel 2 is slid between the panel support element 13 and the associated top cover element 16 along the wall 10 and in the longitudinal direction 3, the section of the wall 10 between the top cover element 16 and the opening 14 forms a side portion for the panel 15 that the solar panel 2 leads during the sliding. The wall 10 between the base section 17 and the panel support element 13 forms a spacer 11, where, for example, mounting means for mounting the structural profile on a whole or electrical cables connected to the solar panel 2 can be provided and protected against inclement weather conditions.
As clearly shown in FIG. 1B which is a detailed view of fragment B in FIG. 1C, the panel support element 13 of this embodiment is discontinuous in the longitudinal direction 3. That is, the panel support element 13 comprises a plurality of panel support element sections 12 formed with material from the wall 10 spaced apart in the longitudinal direction 3. As further shown, both the top cover element 16 and the base section 17 are essentially continuous along said longitudinal direction 3 of the wall 10. The top cover element 16 and the base section 17 are preferably continuous over at least one width or one length of a solar panel, and must be continuous over a substantial part of the length of the structural profile, preferably along substantially the full length of the structural profile to serve as a suitable structural element of the profile to provide the required flexural strength and flexural rigidity of the structural profile along its strong axis. As shown in FIG. 1C, the structural profile 1 thus comprises a plurality of panel support element sections 12 formed with material taken from the wall 10 from which its associated top cover element 16 extends, the panel support element sections 12 being spaced along the longitudinal direction 3 and arranged at substantially the same height along the wall 10. The panel support element 13 is therefore discontinuous in the longitudinal direction 3. The fragment B shown in FIG. 1B is periodically repeated in the longitudinal direction 3 of the wall 10 of the structural profile 1 as shown in FIG. 1C. According to an alternative embodiment, the fragment B can be repeated according to a non-periodic pattern in the longitudinal direction 3 of the wall 10 of the structural profile 1. In other words, the distance between two adjacent panel support element sections 12 can vary in the longitudinal direction 3 of the wall 10 of the structural profile 1.
It is clear that in this way the structural profile 1 forms a structural profile in which the continuous top cover element 16 and base section 17 form the flanges and the single wall 10 forms the web. The continuous base section and the top cover element, which are arranged relatively far from the neutral axis of the structural profile on both sides, in this way allow a moment of inertia that offers a good resistance to bending in the plane parallel to the wall 10 which web forms, for example to resist loads caused by the weight of the solar panels, snow, wind etc. The material taken to form the panel support element sections is taken from the web of the structural profile 1 being formed through the wall 10. As shown, the material is taken from a position close to the neutral axis, and thus with minimal impact on the resistance to bending in the plane parallel to the wall 10 forming the web of the structural profile 1. In other words, taking material from close to the neutral axis has a minimal impact on the bending stiffness and the bending strength around the strong axis of the structural profile 1, since the moment of inertia is largely determined by the height of the web formed by the first wall 10 and the width of the flanges formed by the continuous top cover element 16 and the continuous base section 17.
According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the structural profile 1 comprises a first wall 10 from which a first top cover element 16 and its associated first base section 17 and its associated panel support element 13 extend. The structural profile 1 further comprises a second wall 20 from which at least a second top cover element 26 and its associated second base section 27 and its associated second panel support element 23 extend in a direction opposite to the width direction 4. The height of the structural profile 1 and its first wall 10 and its second wall 20 are defined along the height direction of the axis 5 and the width of the structural profile 1 is defined along the width direction of the axis 4. The structural profile 1 is formed from a single metal plate, e.g. aluminum or preferably steel. The first wall 10 and the second wall 20 of the structural profile 1 substantially extend in a longitudinal direction 3 shown in FIG. 1C over a distance of more than one meter, for example 6 meters or more. The height of the first wall 10 and the second wall 20 is smaller than the length of the structural profile 1 and is, for example, in the range of 50 to 200 mm. The thickness of the first wall 10 and of the second wall 20 is even smaller than the height and is, for example, in the range of 0.5 to 5 mm. However, it is clear that alternative dimensions for the first wall 10 and the second wall 20 are possible, for example higher or lower, and thicker or thinner walls. The top cover elements 16, 26 extend respectively from the first wall 10 and from the second wall 20. That means that the top cover elements 16, 26 extend respectively from the plane of the first wall 10 and from the plane of the second wall 20. The base sections 17, 27 also extend respectively from the first wall 10, on the same side of the first wall 10 as the associated top cover element 16 and at a position below the associated top cover element 16, and from the second wall 20, on the same side of the second wall 20 as the associated top cover element 26 and at a position below the associated top cover element 26. Although, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1C, the top cover elements 16, 26 and base sections 17, 27 extend transversely from the vertical plane of the first wall 10 and from the vertical plane of the second wall 20, it is clear that alternative embodiments are possible in which the angle in which the top cover elements 16, 26 and / or the base sections 17, 27 respectively extend from the plane of the first wall 10 and the second wall 20 is another suitable angle. As shown, the panel support elements 13, 23 extend respectively from the first wall 10 and the second wall 20 on the same side of the first wall 10 and the second wall 20 as the associated top cover elements 16, 26. The panel support elements 13, 23 are positioned below the associated top cover elements 16, 26 and above the associated base sections 17, 27. As shown in FIG. 2, the panel support elements 13, 23 are positioned at the same height and extend respectively from the first and the second wall 10, 20 and they also face each other in the width direction 4. Since the panel support elements 13, 23 between the top cover elements 16 26 and the base sections 17, 27, it is also clear that the distance from the panel support element 13 to the top cover element 16 is smaller than the height of the first wall 10 and that the distance from the panel support element 23 to the top cover element 26 is smaller than the height of the second wall 20. Further, as will be explained in more detail below, the distance from the base sections 17, 27 to the respective panel support elements 13, 23 is preferably greater than a predetermined distance, so that a roll for use during the roll forming process between the base sections 17, 27 and the respective panel support elements 13, 23 k can be positioned. The panel support elements 13, 23 comprise a panel support element section 12, 22 formed with material taken from the first wall 10 or the second wall 20, respectively. This means, for example, that a punching operation creates the circumference of the respective panel support element sections 12, 22 in the material of the first wall 10 and the second wall 20 and then by a bending operation the panel support element section from the plane of the first wall 10 and the second wall 20 flexes so as to create the panel support element sections 12, 22 extending from the first wall 10 and the second wall 20 and leaving the respective openings 14, 24 in the first wall 10 and the second wall 20 as shown in FIG. 2. As will be explained in more detail below, according to alternative embodiments, there are alternative ways of forming the panel support element sections 12, 22 from material of the first wall 10 and the second wall 20. It is clear that the openings 14 24 are smaller than the respective height of the first wall 10 and the second wall 20. Although as shown in FIG. 2 also the panel support element sections 12, 22 of the panel support elements 13, 23 extend substantially respectively transversely to the vertical surface of the first wall 10 and the second wall 20, it is clear that according to alternative embodiments, different angles are possible as long as the panel support elements 13, 23 are generally positioned below their associated top cover elements 16, 26 so that a solar panel 2 can be slid between the panel support element 13 and its associated top cover element 16 along the first wall 10 in the longitudinal direction and so that a solar panel 6 is positioned between the panel support element 23 and its associated top cover element 26 can be slid along the second wall 20 in the longitudinal direction. When the solar panel 2 is slid between the panel support element 13 and the associated top cover element 16 along the first wall 10 and in the longitudinal direction 3, the section of the first wall 10 between the top cover element 16 and the opening 14 forms a side portion for the panel 15 which guides the solar panel 2 during the sliding. When the solar panel 6 is slid between the panel support element 23 and the associated top cover element 26 along the second wall 20 and in the longitudinal direction 3, the section of the second wall 20 forms between the top cover element 26 and the opening 24 a side portion for the panel 25 which guides the solar panel 6 during the sliding. The first wall 10 between the base section 17 and the panel support element 13 forms a spacer 11, where, for example, mounting means for mounting the structural profile on a whole or electrical cables connected to the solar panel 2 can be provided and protected against inclement weather conditions. The second wall 20 between the base section 27 and the panel support element 23 forms a spacer 21, where, for example, mounting means for mounting the structural profile on a whole or electrical cables connected to the solar panel 6 can be provided and protected against harsh weather conditions. Therefore, an edge 300 of the solar panel 2 is fixed under the first top cover element 16 and an edge 301 of the solar panel 6 is fixed under the second top cover element 26.
As clearly shown in FIG. 2, both the top cover elements 16, 26 and the base sections 17, 27 are essentially continuous along said longitudinal direction 3 of the first wall 10 and the second wall 20, respectively. The top cover elements 16, 26 and the base sections 17, 27 are preferably continuous over at least one width or one length of a solar panel, and must be continuous over a substantial part of the length of the structural profile 1, preferably along substantially the full length of the structural profile 1 to serve as a suitable structural element of the profile 1 to guarantee the required flexural strength and flexural rigidity of the structural profile 1 along its strong axis. As shown in FIG. 1C, the structural profile 1 thus comprises a plurality of panel support element sections 12 formed with material taken from the first wall 10 from which its associated top cover element 16 extends, the panel support element sections 12 being spaced along the longitudinal direction 3 and arranged at substantially the same height along the first wall 10. The panel support element 13 is therefore discontinuous in the longitudinal direction 3. The fragment B shown in FIG. 9B is periodically repeated in the longitudinal direction 3 of the first wall 10 of the structural profile 1 as shown in FIG. 1C. According to an alternative embodiment, the fragment B can be repeated according to a non-periodic pattern in the longitudinal direction 3 of the first wall 10 of the structural profile 1. In other words, the distance between two adjacent panel support element sections 12 can vary in the longitudinal direction 3 of the first wall 10 of the structural profile 1 and the distance between two adjacent panel support element sections 22 may vary in the longitudinal direction 3 of the second wall 20 of the structural profile 1.
It is clear that in this way the structural profile 1 forms a structural profile in which the continuous top cover elements 16, 26 and base sections 17, 27 form the flanges and the first wall 10 and the second wall 20 form the web. The continuous base section and the top cover element, which are arranged relatively far from the neutral axis of the structural profile on both sides, in this way allow a moment of inertia that offers a good resistance to bending in the plane parallel to the first wall 10 and the second wall 20 forming the web, for example to resist loads caused by the weight of the solar panels, snow, wind, etc. The material taken to form the panel support element sections is taken from the web of the structural profile 1 formed by the first wall 10 and the second wall 20, respectively. As shown, the material is taken from a position close to the neutral axis, and thus with a minimal impact on the resistance to bending in the plane parallel to the first wall 10 and the second wall 20 which form the web of the structural profile 1. In other words, taking material from close to the neutral axis has a minimal impact on the bending stiffness and the bending strength around the strong axis of the structural profile 1, since the moment of inertia is largely determined by the height of the web formed by the first wall 10 and the second wall 20 and the width of the flanges formed by the respective continuous top cover elements 16, 26 and the respective continuous base sections 17, 27.
According to this embodiment, the panel support element sections 12, 22 were formed with material from the associated walls 10, 20 by a punching operation that created the perimeter of the panel support element section 12, 22, followed by a bending operation configured around the panel support element extend section 12, 22 from the wall 10, 20 by bending the panel support element section 12, 22 from the plane of the associated wall 10, 20 to the position shown so as to open the opening 14, 24 in the wall 10 , 20. As shown, these openings 14, 24 are smaller than the height of the associated wall 10, 20. As further shown, the second wall 20 is substantially parallel to the first wall 10 and positioned on the opposite side of the first top cover element 16. The first top cover element 16 is coupled to the second top cover element 26. In other words, as shown, the first and second top cover elements 16, 26 can be directly connected to each other or, according to alternative embodiments, can be coupled to each other via an intermediate piece . The walls 10, 20 between the top cover element 16, 26 and the opening 14, 24 form a side portion 15, 25 for the panel that guides the solar panel 2, 6 during sliding. The walls 10, 20 between the base section 17, 27 and the panel support element 13, 23 form a spacer 11, 21, where, for example, mounting means or electrical cables connected to the solar panels can be provided and protected from inclement weather. Although the base sections 17, 27, as shown, are not connected, according to an alternative embodiment, the first and second base sections 17, 27 can be coupled together, meaning that they can be directly connected to each other or connected to an intermediate piece such as a structure on which they are fixed. It is clear that in this way the structural profile 1 forms a profiled tubular profile, also known as a hollow beam or tubular beam, which has the same advantages as the structural profile, as will be explained in more detail below with reference to Figures 13 and 14, and furthermore has an increased resistance to torsional load to withstand, for example, torsional loads occurring during the insertion of solar panels, for example.
According to a further embodiment shown in FIG. 3, similar to that of FIG. 2, the structural profile 1 comprises a first wall 10 from which a continuous first top cover element 16 and its associated continuous first base section 17 and its associated discontinuous panel support element 13 extend. The structural profile 1 further comprises a second wall 20 from which at least one continuous second top cover element 26 and its continuous associated second base section 27 and its discontinuous associated second panel support element 23 extend. As shown, they extend from the second wall 20 on the opposite side of the side of the wall 10 from which the first top cover element 16 extends. As shown, similar to the previous embodiments, the structural profile 1 is formed from one metal plate, for example aluminum or preferably steel, in which the spaced apart panel support element sections 12 of the panel support element are formed, for example by means of a punching operation that created the circumference of the panel support element section 12, followed by a bending operation to cause the panel support element section 12 to extend from the wall 10 so as to leave the opening 14 in the wall 10. As shown, the height of the opening 14 is smaller than the height of the wall 10, and preferably the height of the opening is smaller than, for example, 50%, preferably smaller than 30%, of the height of the wall 10. As further the second wall 20 is shown substantially parallel to the first wall 10 and positioned on the opposite side of the first wall 10 than the side from which its first top cover element 16 extends. The first top cover element 16 is coupled to the second top cover element 26. In other words, as shown, since the first top cover element 16 and second top cover element 26 are formed from a single metal plate, they are directly connected. It is clear that alternative embodiments are possible in which the first and the second upper cover elements 16, 26 can be directly connected to each other, or according to still further alternative embodiments, they can be coupled to each other via an intermediate piece, for example a suitable cap which the first and second top cover elements 16, 26 continuously covered. The wall 10 between the top cover element 16 and the opening 14 forms a side portion 15 for the panel that guides a solar panel during sliding. The wall 10 between the base section 17 and the panel support element 13 forms a spacer 11, where electrical cables connected to the solar panels are bundled and protected against inclement weather in the longitudinal direction 3. In a similar manner, the wall 20 forms a side portion 25 for the panel that guides a solar panel during sliding, and a spacer 21 that guides and protects electrical cables. According to an alternative embodiment, the first and the second base sections 17, 27 can be coupled to each other, which means that they can be directly connected to each other or connected to an intermediate piece. By means of the openings 18 and 28 which are provided in the base sections 17 and 27 respectively, the structural profile 1 can for instance be fixed to a structure or to the ground, shown as element 7 of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, using screws or clamps that fit into the openings 18 and 28 of the first and second base sections 17, 27 so as to couple the base sections 17, 27. As further shown, it is clear that according to this embodiment the first and the second panel support elements 13, 23 are positioned at the same height on the first and the second wall 10, 20, respectively, and also face each other in the direction 4 to make them suitable for use as a whole for mounting solar panels with essentially the same thickness.
According to an embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a whole is provided comprising a plurality of structural profiles 1 comprising a first wall 10 and a second wall 20 according to the embodiment described in Figure 3. Two structural profiles 1 are shown which are attached to an element 7, for example a frame structure or the ground, with screws and bolts inserted into the openings 18 and 28 of the first and second base sections 17, 27 so as to connect these base sections of the profiles 1. As shown, a solar panel 2, which is slidably mounted in the longitudinal direction 3, is fixed between the first top cover element 16 and the first panel support element 13 of one structural profile 1. A solar panel 6 is fixed between the second top cover element 26 and the second panel support element 23 of the structural profile 1 on its left-hand side 301 and between the first top cover element 16 and the first panel support element 13 of another structural profile 1 on its right-hand side 300. The edge 301 of the solar panel 6 is thereby covered with the second top cover element 26 of one structural profile 1, while the opposite edge 301 of the same solar panel 6 is covered by the first top cover element 16 of the other structural profile 1.
According to an alternative embodiment of such a whole shown in FIG. 5 make two structural profiles 1 similar to the profiles shown in FIG. 4 fixes a solar panel 6 in a similar manner, but in this case solar panel 6 is thicker than the solar panel 6 shown in FIG. 4. Therefore, the distance between the first top cover element 16 and the first panel support element 13, as well as the distance between the second top cover element 26 and the second panel support element 23 is adjusted and made larger to secure the thicker solar panel 6. Consequently, the distance between the first panel support element 13 and the first base section 17, as well as the distance between the second panel support element 23 and the second base section 27 is smaller than the distance shown in FIG. 4. However, the latter distances remain large enough to position a roll used to bend a metal plate 100 between the base sections 17, 27 and the associated panel support elements 13, 23 and to provide access to the mounting means for the structural profiles 1 to be fixed to the frame structure 7 before the solar panels are retracted.
According to an embodiment shown in FIG. 6 and 7, a structural profile 1 is provided that is similar to the profile shown in Figs. 3. This structural profile 1 is also formed from a single metal plate, for example aluminum or preferably steel. FIG. 6 is a front view perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 3, clearly showing that the walls 10, 20 extend continuously along the full height, which is also the case at positions along the longitudinal direction 3 between two consecutive side portions 12, 22 for the panel. The first and second panel support elements 13, 23 are not continuous in the direction of the walls. As explained above with reference to Figures 4 and 5, the first and second panel support elements 13, 23 of a structural profile 1 can be positioned at different vertical heights on the first and second walls 10, 20 during production to adjust the structural profile 1 to attach solar panels with different thicknesses. As further shown, support elements 19, 29 are formed on the first and second panel support elements 13, 23. They are formed as a local notch extending from the first and the second wall 10, 20 and the first and second panel support element sections 12, respectively. 22 so that their linear bending axis is interrupted by these notches in a manner that increases the resistance to torsion about this axis under the influence of the load exerted by the solar panels due to their weight, snow and wind load, etc. according to this embodiment, the panel support element sections 12, 22 face downwardly by means of a bent lip 400, 401 along the periphery of their edges to smooth their edges. This facilitates the sliding of the solar panels along the wall 10.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 6.
As shown, the support elements 19, 29 of the panel support elements 13, 23 are located below the panel support element sections 12, 22 and form a notch which interrupts the linear bending axis with the wall 10, 20. The first and second panel support elements 13, 23 are positioned at the same height on the first and second wall 10, 20, respectively, and they also face each other in the width direction 4. Similar to the previous embodiments, the first and second panel support elements 13, 23 are thus not continuous in the longitudinal direction 3, while the top cover elements 16, 26 and base sections 17, 27 are continuous.
According to an embodiment of a whole shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of structural profiles 1 are mounted parallel to each other in their longitudinal direction 3 on a frame structure comprising a plurality of elongated transverse elements 7. These transverse elements 7 also extend parallel to each other and substantially transversely to the longitudinal direction 3. As shown, the structural profiles 1 and the transverse elements 7 form a frame structure which is supported on still further support elements 70 which extend substantially parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction 3 to mount this frame structure on the ground and to provide the frame structure with a suitable inclination for the solar panels. As shown in this embodiment, the distance separating the plurality of structural profiles 1 is adjusted so that a solar panel 2 can slide along the longitudinal direction 3 in a horizontal orientation with respect to the width direction 4 and can be fixed between two structural profiles 1. Although only If two such structural profiles 1 are shown, it is clear that any suitable multiple number of structural profiles can be arranged along the width direction 4 with a mutual distance of approximately the same distance that substantially corresponds to the width of the solar panels. It is clear that such an orientation is advantageous since in this way a maximum area can be covered with solar panels with a minimum amount of structural profiles 1 since in a horizontal orientation the distance between the parallel structural profiles will be greater than in an upright orientation. Such an orientation of the solar panels, however, requires sufficient stiffness of the structural profiles since the distance between support points for these structural profiles in the longitudinal direction, which according to this embodiment is the distance between the parallel transverse elements 7, as shown, is preferably larger than the width. of the solar panels and thus structural stiffness and strength is no longer supplied by the solar panels themselves. In this way, according to this embodiment, a predetermined area for the solar panels can be provided by the frame, comprising a minimum number of parallel structural profiles 1 and elongated transverse elements 7, while still providing the required structural rigidity and strength.
FIG. 9 shows the same embodiment of the whole as FIG. 8, in which a plurality of structural profiles 1 are mounted on a frame structure 7 and positioned in parallel with each other. As shown, six solar panels 2 have now been attached after they have been slid in the longitudinal direction 3 in landscape orientation with respect to the width direction 4 and can be fixed between the two structural profiles 1. As shown, two structural profiles 1 are mounted on the frame structure 7 and parallel with each other. It is clear that three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or any other suitable multiple number of structural profiles 1 can be positioned in parallel with each other on a suitable frame structure 7. Between each of such adjacent parallel structural profiles 1 can further be provided with rows of solar panels 2. Each row of solar panels 2 can be mounted in a similar manner, as explained with reference to
FIG. 8 and 9, by sliding them sequentially in the longitudinal direction 3, in landscape orientation with respect to the width direction 4, between the respective two adjacent structural profiles 1.
According to yet a further embodiment shown in FIG. 10A and 10B, a structural profile 1 is provided that is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 3, wherein a plurality of panel support element sections 12, 22 are formed according to an alternative production technique. The panel support elements 13, 23 are obtained by partially punching, i.e. making at least one cut in the wall 10, 20 and applying pressure below or above the resulting cut to form a lip from the material of the wall 10, 20 and have it extend from this wall 10, 20 so as to create the opening 14, 24. Furthermore, if the material of the wall 10, 20 is characterized by good elasticity, the term partial punching also covers the act of applying pressure to the material of the wall 10, 20 at a certain position, without the need for the material pre-cutting, so as to form a continuous lip of the material of the wall 10, 20 in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 3.
According to yet a further embodiment shown in FIG. 11A and 11B, a structural profile 1 is provided that is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 10A and 10B, wherein a plurality of panel support element sections 12, 22 are formed according to an alternative production technique. The panel support elements 13, 23 are obtained by partially punching, i.e. making one cut in the wall 10, 20 and applying pressure under the resulting cut to form a lip from the material of the wall 10, 20 and to extend from this wall 10, 20 so as to create the opening 14, 24.
According to an embodiment in FIG. 12, a structural profile 1 is shown that is similar to the profile described in FIG. 3, wherein a plurality of spaced apart panel support element sections 12, 22 of the structural profile 1 is formed with material taken from the wall 10, 20 so that it leaves no opening in this wall 10, 20 by means of of a deep-drawing operation that creates the perimeter of the panel support member section 12, 22.
According to an embodiment in FIG. 13 and 14, there is shown a structural profile 1 comprising a single wall 10, a first top cover element 16, a first base section 17, a first panel support element 13, and second top cover element 26, a second base section 27 and a second panel support element 23. The structural profile 1 is formed from a single metal plate, for example aluminum or preferably steel. A partial punching operation that creates the perimeter of the panel support element section 12 and is followed by a bending operation configured to cause the panel support element section 12 to extend from the wall 10 so as to leave the opening 14 in the wall 10. The opening 14 is smaller than the height of the wall 10. The first and second top cover elements 16, 26 are coupled to each other. The first and second base sections 17, 27 are also coupled to each other. The first and second panel support elements 13, 23 are positioned at the same height on the first wall 10 and they also face each other in the width direction 4. But the first and second panel support elements 13, 23 are made with material taken from the first wall 10. They are therefore arranged alternatively in the longitudinal direction 3 in the first wall 10. It is clear that in this way the first and second panel support elements 13, 23 are not continuous in the longitudinal direction 3. As shown in FIG. 14, the first and second top cover elements 16, 26 are continuously and interconnected. The first and second base sections 17, 27 are also continuously and interconnected. For example, as explained above, a partial punching operation was used to create the perimeter of the panel support element section 12, 22 followed by a bending operation configured to cause the panel support element section 12, 22 to extend from the wall 10 so as to open the opening 14, 24 in the wall 10. The height of the opening 14, 24 is smaller than the height of the wall 10, and preferably the height of the opening is smaller than, for example, 50%, preferably smaller than 30%, of the height of the wall 10. The first and second panel support elements 13, 23 are positioned at the same height on the first wall 10 and they also face each other in the width direction 4. It is clear that the first and second panel support elements 13, 23 are made of material taken from the first wall 10 and are therefore arranged alternatively along the direction of the first wall 10. They can alternate periodically, i.e. the first and third and fifth panel support elements 13 extend on the left-hand side of the wall 10, while the second and fourth panel support elements 23 extend the right side of the wall 10. It is understood that according to alternative embodiments, non-periodically alternating panel support elements 13, 23 are possible. It is further clear that the first and second panel support elements 13, 23 are not continuous in the longitudinal direction 3, while the top cover elements 16, 26 and base sections 17 are continuous.
In this way, as shown in FIG. 12 and 13, such an embodiment generally forms a structural profile in which the continuous top cover element 16, 26 and base section 17, 27 form the flanges and the single wall 10 forms the web. The continuous base section and the top cover element, which as shown are arranged relatively far from the neutral axis of the structural profile on both sides, thus allow a moment of inertia that offers good resistance to bending in the plane parallel to the wall which forms the web, for example, to withstand loads caused by the weight of the solar panels, snow, wind, etc. On the other hand, the material used to form the panel support element sections is taken from the wall covering the web of the structural profile forms at a position closer to the neutral axis, and thus with minimal impact on the resistance to bending in the plane parallel to the wall 10 forming the web.
The production line is shown in FIG. 15. A metal plate 200 is provided at the beginning of the line. The metal plate 200 can be made, for example, from aluminum, and preferably from steel. It is for example 310.4 mm wide and 1.2 mm thick. The metal plate 200 is on a reel and is first flattened to remove all internal stress from the material. The production is not interrupted when the reel is unwound since a new reel is immediately loaded into the production line. The second step 201 consists of punching the metal plate to create holes, protrusions and edges. The punching pattern is preprogrammed in the machine and is repeated along the length of the metal plate. For example, identical punching patterns are produced periodically along the metal plate. During this step 201, the circumference of the openings 14, 24 in the walls of the structural profile 1 is partially punched or punched and the panel support elements 13, 23 are partially punched or punched. The fact that the position of the openings 14, 24 and of the panel support elements 13, 23 is preprogrammed provides flexibility in the process so that the position of the panel support elements 13, 23 can be easily adjusted according to solar panels with different thicknesses. Partially punching or punching an opening 14, 24 or a panel support element 13, 23 at a different position only requires a simple reconfiguration of the matrix defining the punching pattern, for example only with regard to horizontal movement of that matrix. After punching 201, the panel support member 13, 23 is bent 90 degrees with a tolerance of 2 degrees during step 202. The metal plate 200 is then roll-formed at different locations during step 203 so as to create a so-called flower until the shape of the flower has the desired shape of structural profile 1. It is clear that no changes need to be made to the multiple rolls that are in use during the roll forming process when production needs to be adjusted based on the thickness of the solar panel. The structural profile 1 is then cut to the desired length and then bundled and / or packaged appropriately during step 204.
According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 16 shows the axis 8 the chronological order of the steps of the production process of the structural profile 1 by means of the production line shown in FIG. 15. The arrow 3 over the metal plate 200 indicates the longitudinal direction 3 of the structural profile 1. First, the metal plate 200 is flattened to remove all internal stress from the material. Holes and outlines of openings 14, 24 are partially punched or punched during step 201 to define the contours of the panel support elements 13, 23. The panel support elements 13, 23 are later bent 90 degrees during the step 202. The sketch, which only shows the left half of the metal plate with respect to its axis of symmetry in the longitudinal direction 3, illustrates the bending process since it depicts a cross-section of the bending tool and of the loaded metal plate 200 which is bent at the position of the panel support element 13 so as to create an opening 14 where the material was taken out of the metal plate 200 to form the panel support element 13. A roller 913 bends the panel support element 13 at a 90-degree angle, while a roller (not shown) simultaneously bends a panel support element 23 at a 90-degree angle on the opposite side of the metal plate 200. The bending step 202 becomes followed by a sequence of roll forming steps 203 to roll roll the metal plate 200 until its shape has the desired shape of the structural profile 1. During the roll forming steps 203, a first wall 10, a second wall 20, first and second top cover elements 16, 26 and first and second base sections 17, 27 are formed. After roll forming, the obtained structural profile is cut to the desired length during step 204.
According to an embodiment shown in FIG. 17, steps A, B and C relate to partial punching or punching and bending of the metal plate 200 to create the panel support element 13, 23. Steps D to L relate to rolling the metal plate 200 until its shape has the desired shape of the structural profile 1. The metal plate 200 is first flattened to remove all internal stress and thus obtain the metal plate from step A. The metal plate is then partially punched or punched in step B to define the perimeter of the openings 14, 24 and the contours of the panel support elements 13, 23. In step C, the punched panel support elements 13, 23 are bent 90 degrees. In steps D, E, F, the basic sections 17, 27 are rolled. In step G, the spacers 11, 21 are roll-formed. In step H, the side portions 15, 25 for the panel as well as the top cover elements 16, 26 are rolled. In step I, the top cover elements 16, 26 are further roll-formed. In steps J, K, L, the first wall 10 and the second wall 20 are roll-shaped to obtain the shape of the desired structural profile 1.
According to an embodiment shown in FIG. 18A and 18B, two examples of the arrangement and construction of rollers during the roll forming process of a structural profile 1 are depicted in cross-section. In FIG. 18A, the combination of rollers 811 and 911 and the combination of rollers 821 and 921 form the spacers 11 and 21, respectively. The position of the panel support elements 13, 23 is adjusted so that rollers fit between the base sections 17, 27 and the panel support elements 13, 23. Also in FIG. 18A, the combination of rollers 815 and 915 and the combination of rollers 825 and 925 form the first and second walls 10 and 20, and more specifically, the side portions 15 and 25 for the panel. According to an alternative embodiment, a single roller comprising the rollers 811 and 815 and a suitable opening at the position of the panel support element 13 can be used to simultaneously form the spacer 11 and the base 17. In a similar manner, a single roll comprising the rollers 821 and 825 and a suitable opening at the position of the second panel support element 23 can be used to simultaneously form the spacer 21 and the base 27. In FIG. 18B, the combination of rollers 916, 926, 910 and 920 forms the top cover elements 16 and 26 by rolling the first and second walls 10 and 20. The position of the panel support elements 13, 23 is adjusted so that rollers fit between the base sections 17, 27 and the panel support elements 13, 23.
According to an embodiment shown in FIG. 19A to FIG. 19D, a stop element 18, 28 is positioned on the structural profile 1. Components in FIG. 19A with identical reference numbers as parts in FIG. 2 have the same function. As can be seen in the plan view shown in FIG. 19B, a stop element 18, 28 includes a groove 180, 280, a handle 181, 281, and a hook 182, 282. As clearly shown in FIG. 19C which is a detailed view of fragment B in FIG. 1C, the panel support elements 13, 23 of this embodiment are discontinuous in the longitudinal direction 3. That is, the panel support elements 13, 23 comprise a plurality of panel support element sections 12, 22 formed with material taken from the first wall 10 and the second wall, respectively. 20 which are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction 3. As shown in FIG. 19C, the structural profile is tilted in a corner 301 with label a. In other words, as shown in FIG. 19C, the structural profile 1 is tilted so that there is an angle 301 with label α between the longitudinal direction 3 and the horizontal direction 308. The horizontal direction 308 can for instance be parallel to the ground on which the structural profile 1 rests. A higher end 701 of the structural profile 1 is identified as the section of the structural profile 1 with the height 710 from the structural profile 1 to the horizontal direction 308 being greatest.
A lower end 702 of the structural profile 1 is identified as the section of the structural profile 1 with the height 720 from the structural profile 1 to the horizontal direction 308 being the smallest. An operator can hold the handle 181, 281 and attach the stop element 18, 28 to the structural profile 1 by holding the stop element 18, 28 on the handle 181, 281, and more specifically, he can attach the stop element 18, 28 to the lower end 702 of the structural profile 1. A timeline 304 depicted in FIG. 19C determines the chronological order of the steps of mounting the stop element 28 on the lower end 702 of the structural profile 1. As can be seen in FIG. 19C, a stop element 28 can be mounted in the opening 24 of the second wall 20 at a lower end 702 of the structural profile 1, the height of the structural profile 1 to the horizontal direction 308 being the smallest. According to another embodiment, a stop element 18 can be mounted in the opening 14 of the first wall 10 at a lower end 702 of the structural profile 1, the height of the structural profile 1 to the horizontal direction 308 being the smallest. According to a further alternative embodiment, a stop element 18 and a stop element 28 can be mounted respectively in the opening 14 and the opening 24 of the first wall 10 and the second wall 20 respectively at a lower end 702 of the structural profile 1, the height of the structural profile 1 until the horizontal direction 308 is the smallest. In a first step 305, the solar panel 6 is slidably mounted on the structural profile 1 in the longitudinal direction 3 of the structural profile 1 between the top cover element 26 and the associated panel support element 23 of the second wall 20 of the structural profile 1. The solar panel 6 therefore rests on the panel support element 23 in an intermediate mounting position that differs from a mounted end position 302. The solar panel 6 is indeed slid in the longitudinal direction 3 of the structural profile 1. Alternatively, in step 305, a solar panel 2 can be slidably mounted on the structural profile 1 in the longitudinal direction 3 of the structural profile 1 between the top cover element 16 and the associated panel support element 13 of the first wall 10 of the structural profile 1. According to In a further alternative embodiment, a solar panel 6 and a solar panel 2 can be slidably mounted on the structural profile 1 in the longitudinal direction 3 of the structural profile 1 between the upper cover element 26 and the associated panel support element 23 and between the upper cover element 16 and the associated panel support element 13. In the second step 306, the stop element 28 is displaced in a plane parallel to the plane comprising longitudinal direction 3 and the direction 4 as defined in FIG. 19A. In this plane, the stop element 28 is inserted into the aperture 24 so that the section 31 of the aperture 24 in the second wall 20 is parallel to the direction 5 and furthest from the higher end 701 of the structural profile 1 in the plane that becomes defined by the center 310 of the groove 280 of the stop element 28 and parallel to the direction 5. The stop element 28 is then slid along the second wall 20 in the plane parallel to the plane comprising longitudinal direction 3 and the direction 4 as defined in FIG. 19A. The stop element 28 is slid from the higher end 701 of the structural profile 1 to the lower end 702 of the structural profile 1. FIG. 19D depicts a cross-section of step 306 illustrated in FIG. 19C along the axis AA '. It is clear from FIG. 19D that a stop element 18 is mounted on the first wall 10 and a stop element 28 is mounted on the second wall 20. In a similar manner, the stop element 18 is inserted into the opening 14 so that the section 30 of the opening 14 in the first wall 10 parallel to the direction 5 and furthest from the higher end 701 of the structural profile 1 is in the plane defined by the center 309 of the groove 180 of the stop element 18 and parallel to the direction 5. The stop element 18 is then slid along the first wall 10 in the plane parallel to the plane comprising longitudinal direction 3 and the base section 17. The stop element 18 is slid from the higher end 701 of the structural profile 1 to the lower end 702 of the structural profile 1. The stop elements 18, 28 are slid along the first wall 10 and the second wall 20, respectively, until the first wall 10 and the second wall 20 are inserted as far as possible into the respective grooves 180, 280. In the mounted end positions of the stop elements 18, 28 shown in the cross-section of FIG. 19D, the hooks 182, 282 are located on the inner sides of the first wall 10 and the second wall 20, respectively, and are equally spaced from the plane of symmetry 303 of the structural profile 1, while the respective handles 181, 281 are on the respective outer sides of the first wall 10 and of the second wall 20. In a third step 307, shown in FIG. 19C, the solar panel 6 is slidably displaced on the panel support element 23 in the longitudinal direction 3 until it reaches its mounted end position 302 at which the solar panel 6 rests against the stop element 28 under the influence of gravity. As shown in FIG. 19D, a solar panel 2 is slidably displaced on the panel support element 13 in the longitudinal direction 3 until it reaches its mounted end position 302 at which the solar panel 2 rests against the stop element 18 under the influence of gravity. According to an alternative embodiment, only one of the stop elements 18, 28 is mounted on the structural profile 1, either on the first wall 10 or on the second wall 20. For example, the stop element 18 shown in FIG. 19B can be used to be mounted on the first wall 10. Thanks to the symmetry of the structural profile 1, the stop element 18 can moreover be used as a stop element 28 for the second wall 20 by rotating the stop element 18 to obtain a mirrored stop element 18. with respect to the plane of symmetry 303 of the structural profile 1 as defined in FIG. 19D.
According to an embodiment shown in FIG. 20A, the structural profile 1 is identical to the profile shown in FIG. 3. Parts in FIG. 20A with identical reference numbers as parts in FIG. 3 have the same function. A solar panel 2 is slidably mounted in the longitudinal direction between the top cover element 16 and the associated panel support element 13 of the structural profile 1 until the solar panel 2 reaches its mounted end position. Moreover, a solar panel 6 is slidably mounted in the longitudinal direction between the top cover element 26 and the associated panel support element 23 of the structural profile 1 until the solar panel 6 has been mounted in its end position. The structural profile 1 further comprises two grounding elements 19, 29 which are respectively positioned between the solar panels 2, 6 and the panel support elements 13, 23. The grounding elements 19, 29 respectively comprise a horizontal platform 190, 290, an earthing lip 191, 291, securing lips 192 292 and a plurality of grounding lips 193, 293. The horizontal platforms 190, 290 are slid between the solar panels 2, 6 and the panel support elements 13, 23 in the opposite direction as the direction 4 shown in FIG. 10 for the grounding element 19 and in the direction 4 for the grounding element 29. The grounding elements 19, 29 are slid in the above-mentioned directions until the grounding lips 191,291 are in contact with the respective bent lips 400, 401 of the panel supporting elements 13, 23 so as to covering said bent lips 400, 401. The grounding elements 19, 29 are also slid under the respective solar panels 2, 6 in the aforementioned directions until the securing lips 192, 292 are released after the grounding elements 19, 29 are further than the respective edges 32, 33 of the associated solar panels 2, 6 pushed. The securing lips 192, 292 serve as a locking tab for the grounding elements 19, 29, so as to prevent them from falling out of the structural profiles 1. The grounding elements 19, 29 also comprise grounding lips 193, 293 in contact with the solar panels 2, 6 which ground the solar panels 2, 6. The fact that the structural profile 1 comprises two vertical walls 10, 20 at a distance from each other that is a suitable distance makes it possible to simultaneously introduce a grounding element 19, 29 on each side of the structural profile 1. In other words , the fact that the structural profile 1 comprises two walls which are essentially spaced from one another ensures that the positioning of an earthing element on one panel support element of the first wall or the second wall of the structural profile 1 does not interfere with the positioning of a second grounding element on a panel support element defined at the same location as the first panel support element in the longitudinal direction of the structural profile 1 and defined from the respective other vertical wall of the structural profile 1. This is only possible if the structural profile 1 has two vertical walls 10, 20 includes.
According to an embodiment shown in FIG. 20B and 20C, a grounding element 19, 29 includes a horizontal platform 190, 290, a grounding lip 191, 291, two securing lips 192, 292, and a plurality of grounding lips 193, 293. The grounding lip 191, 291 extends perpendicularly from the horizontal platform 190 , 290 of the grounding element 19, 29. As can be seen in FIG. 20C, the grounding element 19 is positioned parallel to the width direction 4 of the structural profile 1. The securing lips 192, 292 are formed with material from the horizontal platform 190, 290 of the grounding element 19, 29 and are formed, for example, by partially punching the horizontal platform 190, 290 so as to create the perimeter of the securing lips 192, 292 and then bending the partially punched area so as to form the locking tabs 192, 292. The securing lips 192, 292 are formed on the opposite edge of the horizontal platform 190, 290 with respect to the grounding lip 191,291. The plurality of grounding lips 193, 293 is formed with material from the horizontal platform 190, 290 of the grounding element 19, 29 and is formed, for example, by punching the horizontal platform 190, 290 and then by partially punching the horizontal platform 190, 290 to create the perimeter of the ground lips 193, 293 and then bend the partially punched area to form the ground lips 193, 293. FIG. 20C shows a lateral view in the longitudinal direction 3 of a structural profile 1 on which two adjacent solar panels 2, 300 are slidably mounted and on which an earthing element 19, 29 is positioned. The structural profile 1 comprises a wall 10, a side portion 15 for the panel, a spacer 11, an upper cover element 16 and a first base section 17. The structural profile 1 also comprises a panel support element section 12 and a first panel support element 13 corresponding to the opening 14. Two adjacent solar panels 2, 300 are slidably mounted between the panel support element 13 and its associated top cover element 16 along this wall 10 in the longitudinal direction 3. The solar panels 2, 300 are mounted in a mounted end position. A grounding element 19 is inserted under the solar panels 2, 300 so that its horizontal platform 190 is parallel to the first panel supporting element 13 and so that its horizontal platform 190 covers the first panel supporting element 13 and is thus partially covered by each of the solar panels 2, 300. The grounding element 19 is slid under the solar panels 2, 300 in a direction perpendicular to the lateral view shown in FIG. 20C to a secured end position for which the grounding lip 191 of the grounding element 19 comes into contact with the first panel supporting element 13. The grounding element 13 also comprises a plurality of grounding lips 193 which come into contact with the solar panels 2, 300 when the grounding element 19 is attached to the structural profile 1 in a secured end position.
According to a further embodiment shown in FIG. 21, similar to that of FIG. 2, the structural profile 1 comprises a first wall 10 from which a continuous first top cover element 16 and its associated continuous first base section 17 and its associated discontinuous panel support element 13 extend. The structural profile 1 further comprises a second wall 20 from which at least one continuous second top cover element 26 and its continuous associated second base section 27 and its discontinuous associated second panel support element 23 extend. As shown, they extend from the second wall 20 on the opposite side of the side of the wall 10 from which the first top cover element 16 extends. As shown, similar to the previous embodiments, the structural profile 1 is formed from one metal plate, for example aluminum or preferably steel, in which the spaced apart panel support element sections 12 of the panel support element are formed, for example by means of a punching operation that created the circumference of the panel support element section 12, followed by a bending operation to cause the panel support element section 12 to extend from the wall 10 so as to leave the opening 14 in the wall 10. As shown, the height of the opening 14 is smaller than the height of the wall 10, and preferably the height of the opening is smaller than, for example, 50%, preferably smaller than 30%, of the height of the wall 10. As further the second wall 20 is shown substantially parallel to the first wall 10 and positioned on the opposite side of the first wall 10 than the side from which its first top cover element 16 extends. The first top cover element 16 is coupled to the second top cover element 26. In other words, as shown, since the first top cover element 16 and second top cover element 26 are formed from a single metal plate, they are directly connected. It is clear that alternative embodiments are possible in which the first and the second upper cover elements 16, 26 can be directly connected to each other, or according to still further alternative embodiments, they can be coupled to each other via an intermediate piece, for example a suitable cap which the first and second top cover elements 16, 26 continuously covered. The wall 10 between the top cover element 16 and the opening 14 forms a side portion 15 for the panel that guides a solar panel during sliding. The wall 10 between the base section 17 and the panel support element 13 forms a spacer 11, where electrical cables connected to the solar panels are bundled and protected against inclement weather in the longitudinal direction 3. In a similar manner, the wall 20 forms a side portion 25 for the panel that guides a solar panel during sliding, and a spacer 21 that guides and protects electrical cables. According to an alternative embodiment, the first and the second base sections 17, 27 can be coupled to each other, which means that they can be directly connected to each other or connected to an intermediate piece. By means of the openings 18 and 28 which are provided in the base sections 17 and 27 respectively, the structural profile 1 can for instance be fixed to a structure or to the ground, shown as element 7 of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, using screws or clamps that fit into the openings 18 and 28 of the first and second base sections 17, 27 so as to couple the base sections 17, 27. As further shown, it is clear that according to this embodiment the first and the second panel support elements 13, 23 are positioned at the same height on the first and the second wall 10, 20, respectively, and also face each other in the direction 4 to make them suitable for use as a whole for mounting solar panels with essentially the same thickness. Although as shown in FIG. 21 also the panel support element sections 12, 22 of the panel support elements 13, 23 extend substantially respectively transversely to the vertical surface of the first wall 10 and the second wall 20, it is clear that according to alternative embodiments, different angles are possible as long as the panel support elements 13, 23 are generally positioned below their associated top cover elements 16, 26 so that a solar panel 2 can be slid between the panel support element 13 and its associated top cover element 16 along the first wall 10 in the longitudinal direction and so that a solar panel 6 is positioned between the panel support element 23 and its associated top cover element 26 can be slid along the second wall 20 in the longitudinal direction. When the solar panel 2 is slid between the panel support element 13 and the associated top cover element 16 along the first wall 10 and in the longitudinal direction, the section of the first wall 10 between the top cover element 16 and the opening 14 forms a side portion for the panel 15 that the solar panel 2 leads during the sliding. When the solar panel 6 is slid between the panel support element 23 and the associated top cover element 26 along the second wall 20 and in the longitudinal direction, the section of the second wall 20 forms between the top cover element 26 and the opening 24 a side portion for the panel 25 that the solar panel 6 leads during the sliding. The first wall 10 between the base section 17 and the panel support element 13 forms a spacer 11, where, for example, mounting means for mounting the structural profile on a whole or electrical cables connected to the solar panel 2 can be provided and protected against inclement weather conditions. The second wall 20 between the base section 27 and the panel support element 23 forms a spacer 21, where, for example, mounting means for mounting the structural profile on a whole or electrical cables connected to the solar panel 6 can be provided and protected against harsh weather conditions. Therefore, an edge 300 of the solar panel 2 is fixed under the first top cover element 16 and an edge 301 of the solar panel 6 is fixed under the second top cover element 26. As shown in FIG. 21, the top cover element 16 further comprises a lip 34 and the top cover element 26 further comprises a lip 35. The two lips 34, 35 are continuous in the longitudinal direction 3 of the structural profile 1. The continuous lips 34, 35 guide the respective solar panels 2, 6 between the top cover elements 16, 26 and the first and second panel support elements 13, 23 when the solar panels 2, 6 are slidably mounted on the structural profile 1. The two lips 34, 35 further ensure that the solar panels 2 6 are kept at a constant distance from the respective side portions 15, 25 for the panel in the longitudinal direction of the structural profile 1. The solar panel 2 slides against the lip 34 when it is slidably mounted on the structural profile and rests against the lip 34 in a mounted end position while the solar panel 6 slides against the lip 35 when it is slidably mounted on the structural profile and rests against the lip 35 in a mounted end position. The contact area between the lips and the solar panel during the sliding operation is reduced, which further facilitates the movement of the solar panels during the sliding operation.
Although the present invention has been illustrated with reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the details of the foregoing illustrative embodiments, and that the present invention may be practiced with various modifications and modifications without leaving the scope of the invention. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being described by the appended claims and not by the foregoing description, and all modifications falling within the meaning and scope of the claims, are therefore included here. In other words, it is assumed that this covers all changes, variations or equivalents that fall within the scope of the underlying basic principles and whose essential attributes are claimed in this patent application. In addition, the reader of this patent application will understand that the words "comprising" or "include" do not exclude other elements or steps, that the word "a" does not exclude a plural, and that a single element, such as a computer system, a processor or other integrated unit can fulfill the functions of different tools mentioned in the claims. Any references in the claims should not be construed as limiting the claims in question. The terms "first", "second", "third", "a", "b", "c" and the like, when used in the description or in the claims, are used to distinguish between similar elements or steps and do not necessarily describe a sequential or chronological order. Similarly, the terms "top", "bottom", "over", "under" and the like are used for the purposes of the description and do not necessarily refer to relative positions. It is to be understood that those terms are interchangeable under proper conditions and that embodiments of the invention are capable of functioning in accordance with the present invention in sequences or orientations other than described or illustrated above.

权利要求:
Claims (15)
[1]
An assembly comprising at least two structural profiles (1) arranged parallel to each other in their longitudinal direction (3) and at least one solar panel (2, 6), each of said structural profiles (1) comprising the following: - a first wall (10) from which a first top cover element (16), an associated first base section (17) at a position below the first top cover element (16), and an associated first panel support element (13) at a position extend below the first top cover element (16) and above the first base section (17); - a second wall (20) from which a second top cover element (26), an associated second base section (27) at a position below the second top cover element (26), and an associated second panel support element (23) at a position extend below the second top cover element (26) and above the second base section (27); - wherein said second wall (20) runs substantially parallel to said first wall (10) and is positioned on the opposite side of said first top cover element (16); and wherein said second top cover element (26) extends from said second wall (20) on the opposite side of said first wall (10) and said first top cover element (16) is coupled to said second top cover element (26) ; - wherein said first and second base sections (17, 27), and said first and second top cover elements (16, 26) continuously extend along said longitudinal direction (3); and - wherein each of said first and second panel support elements (13, 23) extend from their associated walls (10, 20) at a position below their associated top cover elements (16, 26), so that said solar panel (2) between this panel support element (13, 23) and its associated top cover element (16, 26) can slide along its associated wall (10, 20) in the longitudinal direction (3); and - wherein each of said first and second panel support elements (13, 23) has a plurality of spaced apart panel support element sections (12, 22) made of material taken from their associated wall (10, 20) and wherein each of said plurality of structural profiles (1) is positioned so that, between the respective top cover elements (16, 26) and their associated panel support elements (13, 23) of adjacent structural profiles (1), in the longitudinal direction (3 ), said at least one solar panel (2, 6) can be slidably mounted to its two opposite edges (300, 301).
[2]
A unit according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least two parallel structural profiles (1) are identical, and are arranged adjacent to each other along a direction that is transverse to said longitudinal direction (3), so that said at least one solar panel (2, 6) can be slidably mounted in the longitudinal direction (3) between each of said adjacent, identical structural profiles (1).
[3]
An assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said assembly further comprises a plurality of parallel, elongated transverse elements (7) extending in a width direction (4) that is transverse to said longitudinal direction (3) on which said parallel structural profiles (1) are mounted, the distance between said adjacent elongated transverse elements (7) being greater than the width of said at least one solar panel (2, 6) in the longitudinal direction (3).
[4]
An assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that each of said parallel structural profiles (1) is mounted such that between each of the adjacent structural profiles (1) two or more identical solar panels (2, 6) can be mounted in a sliding manner. in the longitudinal direction (3), in a horizontal orientation with respect to the width direction (4).
[5]
A unit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said longitudinal direction (3) of each of said parallel structural profiles (1) is inclined at an angle (301) with respect to a horizontal plane (308), so that each of said parallel structural profiles (1) extending in the longitudinal direction (3) from a lowest end (701) at a first height (710) above said horizontal plane (308) to a highest end (702) at a second height (720) above said horizontal plane (308), said second height (720) being greater than said first height (710).
[6]
A unit as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that each of said parallel structural profiles (1) is mounted such that two or more identical solar panels (2, 6) can be mounted for sliding sequentially between each of the adjacent structural profiles (1) from the lowest end (702) in the longitudinal direction (3) to the highest end (701).
[7]
An assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that said assembly further comprises a stop element (18) for each of the associated walls (10, 20) of each of the structural profiles (1) along which solar panels (2, 6) are slidably mounted 28) inserted into an opening (14, 24) of said associated wall (10, 20) between said solar panels (2, 6) and said lower end (702) of said structural profile (1), said stop element ( 18) comprising a groove (180, 280) extending in the longitudinal direction (3) near the lower end (702) into which said associated wall (20) can be introduced until it reaches the end of said groove (180, 280) in a secured end position, wherein said stop element (18, 28) holds said slidably mounted solar panels (2, 6) in a mounted end position.
[8]
An assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first basic section (17) is coupled to said second basic section (27).
[9]
A unit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first wall (10) and said second wall (20) extend upright between their associated base sections (17, 27) and top cover elements (16, 26) over at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, of their total height.
[10]
A method for mounting said whole according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said method comprises the following steps: - arranging said multiple number of structural profiles (1) parallel to each other; and - positioning each of said plurality of structural profiles (1) such that, between the respective top cover elements (16, 26) and their associated panel support elements (13, 23) of adjacent structural profiles (1), in the longitudinal direction (3 ), at least one solar panel (2, 6) can be slidably mounted on its two opposite edges (300, 301).
[11]
A method for mounting said whole according to claim 10, when referring to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the method further comprises the step of sequentially slidably mounting two or more identical solar panels (2) 6) between each of the adjacent structural profiles (1) from the lowest end (702) in the longitudinal direction (3) to the highest end (701).
[12]
A method for mounting said whole according to claim 11, when referring to claim 7, characterized in that said method for each of the associated walls (10, 20) of each of the structural profiles (1) along which solar panels (2) 6) slidably mounted, further comprising the steps of: - inserting said stop element (18, 28) into an opening (14, 24) of said associated wall (10, 20) between said solar panels (2, 6) and said lower end (702) of said structural profile; - positioning said stop element (18) so that said groove (180, 280) extends in the longitudinal direction (3) to the lower end (702); - introducing said associated wall (20) into said groove (180, 280) until the end of said groove (180, 280) is reached in a secured end position; - stopping said slidably mounted solar panels (2, 6) in a mounted end position through said stop element (18, 28).
[13]
A method for mounting said whole according to claim 12, characterized in that said method further comprises the step of introducing at least one grounding element (19, 29) comprising a planar platform (190, 290) between at least one of the slidably mounted solar panels (2, 6) if in their mounted end position and at least one of the associated panel support elements (13, 23) on which the respective end (300, 301) of the respective solar panel (2, 6) rests.
[14]
A structural profile (1) for use as a whole according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said structural profile (1) comprises the following: - a first wall (10) from which a first top cover element (16), an associated first base section (17) at a position below the first top cover element (16), and an associated first panel support element (13) at a position below the first top cover element (16) and above the extend first base section (17); - a second wall (20) from which a second top cover element (26), an associated second base section (27) at a position below the second top cover element (26), and an associated second panel support element (23) at a position extend below the second top cover element (26) and above the second base section (27); - wherein said second wall (20) is substantially parallel to said first wall (10) and is positioned on the opposite side of said first top cover element (16) and wherein said second top cover element (26) extends from said second wall (20) on the opposite side of said first wall (10) and said first top cover element (16) is coupled to said second top cover element (26); - wherein said first and second base sections (17, 27), and said first and second top cover elements (16, 26) continuously extend along said longitudinal direction (3); and - wherein each of said first and second panel support elements (13, 23) extend from their associated walls (10, 20) at a position below their associated top cover elements (16, 26), such that said solar panel (2, 6) between this panel support element (13, 23) and its associated top cover element (16, 26) can slide along its associated wall (10, 20) in the longitudinal direction (3); and wherein each of said first and second panel support elements (13, 23) has a plurality of spaced apart panel support element sections (12, 22) made of material taken from their associated wall (10, 20).
[15]
A production method for said structural profiles (1) of said whole according to any one of claims 1 to 9, said production method comprising the following steps: - in a first step, providing a metal plate (200); - in a second step following said first step, partially punching said metal plate (200) in an area that will be used to form said wall (10, 20) whose associated top cover element (16, 26) extends to create the circumference of said opening (14, 24); - in a third step following said second step, bending said periphery of said opening (14, 24) so as to create each of said plurality of spaced apart panel support element sections (12, 22); and - in a fourth step following said third step, performing a roll forming operation on said metal plate (200) to form the following: - said at least one wall (10, 20); - said at least one top cover element (16, 26); - at least one basic section (17, 27); and - said panel side portion (15, 25), so that when the distance from at least one of said panel support elements (13, 23) from said plurality of spaced apart panel support element sections (12, 22) to said top cover element (16, 26) is changed, the following steps are performed: - a change of the position of said partial punching of said region that will be used to form said wall (10, 20) in said second step of said production method such that the position of said circumference of said opening (14, 24) is changed; and subsequently changing the position of said bending of said circumference of said opening (14, 24) in said third step of said production method.

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法律状态:
2020-12-23| MM| Lapsed because of non-payment of the annual fee|Effective date: 20200331 |

优先权:

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申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

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EP14161341.4A|EP2924365A1|2014-03-24|2014-03-24|A profile for supporting a solar panel|

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EP14161341.4|2015-03-24|

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