IP Library › Granted Patent US 9,097,442
Granted Patent B2
US 9,097,442 · App. 12/738,218 · Granted Aug 4, 2015

Made to elements capable of collecting light

Inventors: Hans-Werner Kuster (Aachen, DE); Franz Karg (Munich, DE); Walter Stetter (Illertissen, DE); Robert Gass (Herzogenrath, DE); Joerg Baumbach (Munich, DE)
Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE
F24J2/5254F24J2/5232H02S20/00F24J2002/5222F24J2002/5298Y02B10/12Y02E10/47Y02E10/50
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 9,097,442
App. No.
12/738,218
Granted
Aug 4, 2015
Kind
B2
Abstract

The invention relates to an element capable of collecting light, including a first substrate having a glass function and forming a cover, and a second substrate forming a support, the substrates sandwiching between two electrode-forming conductive layers at least one functional layer based on an absorber material for converting light energy into electrical energy, the second substrate provided on its lower face with a plurality of profiles oriented parallel to one of the sides of the element.

Claims (25)

1. A solar module, comprising a first substrate having a glass function and forming a cover, and a second substrate forming a support, the first substrate and the second substrate sandwiching between two electrode-forming conductive layers at least one functional layer based on an absorber material for converting light energy into electrical energy, the module further comprising at least two elongated reinforcing profiles fastened to the lower face of the second substrate, wherein the elongated reinforcing profiles are oriented parallel to one of the sides of the module and are uniformly distributed on said lower face, wherein the profiles are internally offset relative to the sides of the module and wherein the profiles are configured for attachment to (1) a support framework attached to a carrier structure or (2) a carrier structure, wherein each profile has a cross section in the form of two inverted Vs or two inverted Us, wherein each profile comprises:

a first flat region extending parallel to one of the sides of the module configured to form a contact region for contact with the rear face of the module,

a first arm projecting from a longitudinal edge of the first flat region,

a second flat region parallel to the first flat region projecting from the first arm at its other longitudinal edge configured to form a contact region for contact with the support framework or carrier structure,

a second arm projecting from the longitudinal edge of the second flat region,

a third flat region parallel to the first flat region projecting from the second arm at its other longitudinal edge configured to form a contact region for contact with the rear face of the module,

a third arm projecting from the longitudinal edge of the third flat region,

a fourth flat region parallel to the first flat region projecting from the third arm at its other longitudinal edge configured to form a contact region for contact with the support framework or carrier structure,

wherein the first arm and second arm form a first V or U and the second arm and third arm form a second V or U, with the second V or U being inverted with respect to the first V or U.

2. The module according to claim 1 , wherein the first substrate and the second substrate are of substantially polygonal shape.

3. The module according to claim 1 , comprising, fastened to its lower face, at least two profiles oriented so as to be parallel to the vertically located sides of the module when the module is assembled with a support framework attached to a carrier structure or a carrier structure.

4. The module according to claim 1 , wherein each profile is ribbed and has at least one contact region with a support framework attached to a carrier structure or a carrier structure and at least one contact region with the lower face of said module.

5. The module according to claim 1 , wherein each profile is provided with a plurality of recesses.

6. The module according to claim 1 , wherein each profile has a notch for the passage of a junction box.

7. The module according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the profiles comprises a safety device in the form of a leg terminated by a curved part, to retain the element if the latter is disconnected from the profile.

8. The module according to claim 1 , wherein each profile comprises, at one of the contact regions with a support framework attached to a carrier structure or a carrier structure, a lug suitable for being clamped, relative to a carrier structure, with a clamp and a tightening member connected to the carrier structure.

9. The module according to claim 8 , wherein the lug is suitable for being clamped relative to a support framework attached to a carrier structure or a carrier structure with the clamp and the tightening member from the upper side of the module.

10. The module according to claim 1 , further comprising a locking device for locking said module to a support framework attached to a carrier structure or a carrier structure.

11. The module according to claim 10 , wherein the locking device has a keyhole.

12. The module according to claim 1 , wherein each profile includes at least one orifice for centering said module on a support framework attached to a carrier structure or a carrier structure.

13. The module according to claim 1 , wherein each profile is assembled by adhesive bonding to a surface portion of the second substrate.

14. The module according to claim 1 , wherein the first substrate and the second substrate are of rectangular shape.

15. The module according to claim 1 , wherein the module is frameless.

16. A table, suitable for being fastened to a support framework attached to a carrier structure or a carrier structure, comprising a plurality of juxtaposed modules according to claim 1 .

17. A table according to claim 16 , having a size compatible with an Inloader.

Assignments (2)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Nov 17, 2017
From: SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE
To: BENGBU DESIGN AND RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR GLASS INDUSTRY
Reel/Frame 044163/0170 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jun 16, 2010
From: KUSTER, HANS-WERNER; KARG, FRANZ; STETTER, WALTER; GASS, ROBERT; BAUMBACH, JOERG
To: SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE
Reel/Frame 024541/0757 →
Priority Claims (2)
FR 07 58350 · Oct 16, 2007 · national
FR 08 52216 · Apr 3, 2008 · national
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20100258158A1 · Oct 14, 2010