IP Library Granted Patent US 8,650,815
Granted Patent B2
US 8,650,815 · App. 13/062,087 · Granted Feb 18, 2014

Solar module frames having water drain

Inventor: Michael Brodam (Sankt Augustin, DE)
Assignee: SAPA GmbH
View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,650,815
App. No.
13/062,087
Granted
Feb 18, 2014
Kind
B2
Abstract

The invention relates to a frame for a solar module, wherein the frame comprises a plurality of aluminum extruded profiles, which form the sides of the frame and which are connected to each other at the corners thereof, wherein at least one aluminum extruded profile comprises at least one hollow chamber, wherein the frame comprises corner elements, wherein at least one corner element comprises a discharge opening, and the discharge opening is connected to a hollow chamber of at least one adjacent aluminum extruded profile.

Claims (14)

1. A frame for a solar module, wherein the frame comprises a plurality of aluminium extruded profiles, which form the sides of the frame and which are connected to one another at the corners thereof, wherein at least one aluminium extruded profile comprises at least one hollow chamber, wherein the frame comprises corner elements, wherein at least one corner element comprises a discharge opening, and the discharge opening is connected to a hollow chamber of at least one adjacent aluminium extruded profile, wherein the hollow chamber is subdivided into two areas by means of at least one inwardly protruding ledge-shaped wall, wherein the first area is larger and is adapted to receive a connector on face side and the second area of the hollow chamber is smaller and serves as a water drainage channel, and the first area and second area are connected to one another over the entire length of the aluminium extruded profile, wherein the aluminium extruded profiles are electrically connected by means of the electrically conductive connectors.

2. The frame according to claim 1 , wherein the connectors can be pressed in a force-fit manner into open face sides of the aluminium extruded profiles.

3. The frame according to claim 1 , wherein connectors comprise ribs which are adapted to be inserted into the face sides, and are adapted to press with their ends against inner wall of the aluminium extruded profiles.

4. The frame according to claim 1 , wherein connectors are extruded profiles cut to length, and comprise aluminium.

5. The frame according to claim 1 , wherein a corner element can be attached to a connector, can be slid on or attached by means of a snap-in or snap-fit connection.

6. The frame according to claim 1 , wherein a corner element comprises two sides which are arranged perpendicular to one another and which are arranged parallel to the face sides of the aluminium extruded profiles and abut on these in assembled state.

7. The frame according to claim 1 , wherein corner element, with its visible outer walls, adjoins in alignment the outer walls of adjacent aluminium extruded profiles.

8. The frame according to claim 1 , wherein the corner element comprises three outer walls adjoining one another forming a corner, and from the corner projecting parts comprising walls that protrude inwardly and emanate from at least two of the outer walls, wherein the corner element can be attached to the connector, by sliding onto at least two ribs of the connector.

9. The frame according to claim 1 , wherein the water drainage channel is connected to an area of the corner element, wherein a lower wall section forms the discharge opening.

10. The frame according to claim 1 , wherein the aluminium extruded profiles comprise a channel, which is open to the interior of the frame, for gripping around the border of solar modules.

11. The frame according to claim 1 , wherein the corner element comprises a front wall which, together with a wall, which is parallel to it, and side walls, forms a reception space for corner of a solar module.

12. The frame according to claim 1 , wherein the corner element is manufactured from aluminium or plastic.

13. The frame according to claim 1 , wherein the connector comprises a recess for screwing in a screw for equipotential bonding, wherein the recess is formed during the extruding process.

14. The frame according to claim 13 , wherein the recess extends in the longitudinal extent of the connector, which is cut to length and formed as an extruded profile, in such a way that the screw axis of the screw for equipotential bonding runs parallel to the normal surface of the frame and securely holds the connector in the vertical direction.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Mar 29, 2011
From: BRODAM, MICHAEL
To: SAPA GMBH
Reel/Frame 026036/0530 →
Priority Claims (1)
DE 10 2008 045 510 · Sep 3, 2008 · national
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20110180680A1 · Jul 28, 2011