A locking device for a photovoltaic racking and methods of use thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a locking device of a photovoltaic support and a use method thereof, and relates to the technical field of photovoltaic supports, which comprises counterweights, photovoltaic supports and photovoltaic panels, four groups of the counterweights are arranged, photovoltaic supports are arranged on the top of the four groups of the counterweights, photovoltaic panels are arranged on the photovoltaic supports, the counterweights are connected with the photovoltaic supports through locking assemblies, connecting assemblies are arranged on the locking assemblies, limiting assemblies are arranged on the photovoltaic panels, the limiting assemblies are connected with the locking assemblies through the connecting assemblies; the locking assemblies are arranged, the photovoltaic supports are inserted into assembly grooves, the restoring force generated by the spring under the extrusion of a sliding plate is used to push the sliding plate to slide back in the sliding groove, the sliding plate is simultaneously used to drive a plug rod to slide into a plug groove and abut against the plug groove, the purpose of connecting the photovoltaic supports with the counterweights is achieved, the efficiency of installing the photovoltaic supports by workers is effectively improved, and installation tools are not needed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a locking device for a photovoltaic bracket and its method of use. Background Technology

[0002] Photovoltaic (PV) mounting systems are structures used to support and install photovoltaic (PV) modules, while locking devices ensure the stability and security of these systems. These locking devices are typically made of metal, possessing strength and durability. They use bolts, nuts, screws, and other fasteners to secure the various parts of the PV mounting system together. Locking devices are usually adjustable, allowing for adjustments and tightening according to actual needs. The locking device is a crucial component of PV mounting systems, ensuring their stability and security, and providing reliable support and protection for the PV modules.

[0003] Since locking devices typically connect photovoltaic brackets to counterweights using bolts, nuts, screws, and other connectors, disassembly tools such as screwdrivers are usually required when assembling and disassembling the counterweights and photovoltaic brackets. This installation method is time-consuming and can affect the work efficiency of workers, which is not conducive to the large-scale installation of photovoltaic brackets. Therefore, we propose a locking device for photovoltaic brackets and its usage method. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides a locking device for a photovoltaic bracket and its usage method. By setting the locking component, the photovoltaic bracket is inserted into the assembly slot, and then the spring is pushed by the restoring force generated by the pressure of the sliding plate to push the sliding plate to return to its original position in the slot. The sliding plate simultaneously drives the insertion rod to slide into the slot and abut against the slot, thereby achieving the purpose of connecting the photovoltaic bracket and the counterweight. This effectively improves the efficiency of the workers in installing the photovoltaic bracket, and at the same time, it eliminates the need to use installation tools for installation.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a locking device for a photovoltaic bracket, comprising a counterweight, a photovoltaic bracket, and a photovoltaic panel. The counterweight is provided in four sets, and a photovoltaic bracket is provided on the top of each of the four sets of counterweights. A photovoltaic panel is provided on the photovoltaic bracket. The counterweight is connected to the photovoltaic bracket through a locking component. A connecting component is provided on the locking component. A limiting component is provided on the photovoltaic panel. The limiting component is connected to the locking component through the connecting component.

[0006] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the locking assembly includes an assembly groove formed on the top surface of the counterweight, a photovoltaic bracket slidably connected in the assembly groove, a slide groove formed on the outer wall of the counterweight, a slide plate slidably in the slide groove, an insert rod disposed in the slide plate, a slot formed on the outer wall of the photovoltaic bracket, a spring wound around the surface of the insert rod, and a handle disposed on the outer wall of the insert rod.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one end of the spring is welded to the surface of the slide plate, and the other end of the spring is welded to the inner wall of the slide groove, with the inner wall of the spring fitting against the outer wall of the insert rod.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the assembly groove is formed as a through hole adapted to the photovoltaic bracket, and the inner wall of the assembly groove is tightly fitted to the outer wall of the photovoltaic bracket.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connecting assembly includes a connecting rod disposed on a corresponding side surface of the two sets of handles, a fixing rod disposed on the rear end surface of the connecting rod, a limiting groove formed on the surface of the connecting rod facing the fixing rod, a collar slidably connected to the fixing rod, and a connecting plate disposed on the side of the collar.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fixing rod is rectangular in shape, the collar has a rectangular groove adapted to the fixing rod, and sealing rings are provided on the front and rear surfaces of the collar.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the limiting component includes movable grooves formed on both sides of the photovoltaic bracket, a fixed clamp rotatably connected to the top of the connecting plate, multiple sets of threaded rods threadedly connected to the fixed clamp, and a rubber pad set on the top of the threaded rods.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the threaded rod is provided in two sets, and the two sets of threaded rods are symmetrically arranged on the fixing clamp.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fixing clip is designed in an L-shape, and a soft pad is provided on the side surface of the fixing clip that contacts the photovoltaic panel, and the area of ​​the soft pad is equal to the area of ​​the inner wall of the fixing clip.

[0014] The present invention also provides a technical solution, a method for using a locking device for a photovoltaic bracket, the specific steps of which are as follows: S1. Pull the handle away from the photovoltaic bracket, so that the handle drives the slide plate to slide in the groove through the plug rod, and the slide plate continuously squeezes the spring. At the same time, the handle drives the connecting rod to slide synchronously. Then move the two sets of counterweights together, and then put the collar on the fixed rod. Then, when the two sets of counterweights move, they synchronously drive the fixed rod to insert into the limiting groove. S2. Next, insert the photovoltaic bracket into the four sets of assembly slots, so that the slots and the rods are aligned. Then, release the pull handles one by one. Use the spring's restoring force to make the sliding plate return to its original position in the slot. At the same time, the sliding plate will synchronously drive the rods into the slots and make contact with the rods, thus achieving the purpose of connecting the photovoltaic bracket and the counterweight. S3. As the insertion rod slides into the slot, place the photovoltaic panel on the photovoltaic bracket. Then, move the insertion rod by pulling the connecting rod. Next, rotate the fixing clamp so that it rotates on the connecting plate and is in contact with the surface of the photovoltaic panel. Then, move the connecting rod through the connecting plate to slide the fixing clamp in the movable slot, so that the two sets of fixing clamps abut against the surface of the photovoltaic panel. Then, rotate the threaded rod so that it rotates in the fixing clamp and the rubber pad moves continuously against the surface of the photovoltaic panel until the rubber pad abuts the photovoltaic panel against the photovoltaic bracket and cannot move. S4. When it is necessary to disassemble the photovoltaic bracket, use the pull handle to slide the plug out of the slot, then turn the fixing clip off the photovoltaic panel, and then slide the photovoltaic bracket out of the assembly slot to achieve the purpose of disconnecting the photovoltaic bracket.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects that this invention can achieve are: 1. By using the locking components, the photovoltaic bracket is inserted into the assembly slot, and then the spring is pushed by the restoring force generated by the pressure of the sliding plate to push the sliding plate to return to its original position in the slot. The sliding plate also drives the insertion rod to slide into the slot and abut against the slot, thus achieving the purpose of connecting the photovoltaic bracket and the counterweight. This effectively improves the efficiency of the staff in installing the photovoltaic bracket, and there is no need to use installation tools for installation. 2. By using the set connecting components, the connecting rod is moved synchronously by the pull handle, and then the connecting rod moves the two sets of fixing clamps to clamp the two sides of the photovoltaic panel. Then, the threaded rod drives the rubber pad to abut against the photovoltaic panel, which can achieve the purpose of limiting the position of different photovoltaic panels, so that photovoltaic panels of different sizes can be installed and used, greatly improving the practicality of photovoltaic brackets. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a first partial cross-sectional structure of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the second partial cross-sectional structure of the present invention; Figure 4 For the present invention Figure 2 Enlarged schematic diagram of the structure at point A in the middle; Figure 5 For the present invention Figure 1 Enlarged schematic diagram of the structure at point B; Figure 6 For the present invention Figure 3 Enlarged schematic diagram of the structure at point C.

[0017] The components include: 1. Counterweight; 2. Photovoltaic bracket; 3. Photovoltaic panel; 4. Locking component; 41. Assembly slot; 42. Slide groove; 43. Slide plate; 44. Insert rod; 45. Slot; 46. Spring; 47. Pull handle; 5. Connecting component; 51. Connecting rod; 52. Fixing rod; 53. Limiting slot; 54. Collar; 55. Connecting plate; 6. Limiting component; 61. Movable slot; 62. Fixing clamp; 63. Threaded rod; 64. Rubber pad. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the technical means, creative features, and achieved objectives and effects of this invention easier to understand, the invention is further described below with reference to specific embodiments. However, the following embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of this invention and not all of them. Other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments described herein without creative effort are all within the protection scope of this invention. Unless otherwise specified, the experimental methods in the following embodiments are conventional methods, and the materials and reagents used in the following embodiments are commercially available unless otherwise specified.

[0019] Example: like Figure 1 - Figure 6 As shown, this embodiment proposes a locking device for a photovoltaic bracket, including a counterweight 1, a photovoltaic bracket 2, and a photovoltaic panel 3. The counterweight 1 is provided in four sets, and the top of each of the four sets of counterweight 1 is provided with a photovoltaic bracket 2. The photovoltaic bracket 2 is provided with a photovoltaic panel 3. The counterweight 1 is connected to the photovoltaic bracket 2 through a locking component 4. The locking component 4 is provided with a connecting component 5. The photovoltaic panel 3 is provided with a limiting component 6. The limiting component 6 is connected to the locking component 4 through the connecting component 5. By inserting the photovoltaic bracket 2 into the assembly slot 41, and then using the restoring force generated by the spring 46 being squeezed by the sliding plate 43 to push the sliding plate 43 to return to its original position in the slide groove 42, the sliding plate 43 simultaneously drives the insertion rod 44 to slide into the slot 45 and abut against the slot 45, thus achieving the purpose of connecting the photovoltaic bracket 2 and the counterweight 1, effectively improving the efficiency of the workers in installing the photovoltaic bracket 2, and eliminating the need to use installation tools for installation.

[0020] The locking component 4 includes an assembly groove 41 on the top surface of the counterweight 1, a photovoltaic bracket 2 slidably connected in the assembly groove 41, a slide groove 42 on the outer wall of the counterweight 1, a slide plate 43 sliding in the slide groove 42, an insertion rod 44 in the slide plate 43, a slot 45 on the outer wall of the photovoltaic bracket 2, a spring 46 wound around the surface of the insertion rod 44, and a pull handle 47 on the outer wall of the insertion rod 44. In use, first pull the handle 47 away from the photovoltaic bracket 2, so that the handle 47 drives the slide plate 43 to slide in the slide groove 42 through the insert rod 44, and the slide plate 43 continuously squeezes the spring 46. Then, insert the photovoltaic bracket 2 into the four sets of assembly slots 41, so that the slot 45 and the insert rod 44 are connected. Then release the handle 47 in sequence, and use the restoring force of the spring 46 to reset the slide plate 43 in the slide groove 42. At the same time, the slide plate 43 synchronously drives the insert rod 44 to slide into the slot 45 and abut against the insert rod 44, thus achieving the purpose of connecting the photovoltaic bracket 2 and the counterweight block 1.

[0021] To improve the stability of the spring 46 during use, one end of the spring 46 is welded to the surface of the slide plate 43, and the other end of the spring 46 is welded to the inner wall of the slide groove 42. The inner wall of the spring 46 is in contact with the outer wall of the insert rod 44. This design can fix both ends of the spring 46, preventing the spring 46 from colliding between the inner wall of the slide groove 42 and the slide plate 43 due to the force generated by the movement of the counterweight 1 when the counterweight 1 moves, thus preventing noise pollution.

[0022] To improve the stability of the connection between the photovoltaic bracket 2 and the counterweight 1 and to enhance the transmission effect, the assembly groove 41 is provided with a through hole adapted to the photovoltaic bracket 2. The inner wall of the assembly groove 41 is tightly fitted with the outer wall of the photovoltaic bracket 2. This design increases the contact area between the photovoltaic bracket 2 and the assembly groove 41, and the assembly groove 41 limits the position of the photovoltaic bracket 2, thereby preventing the photovoltaic bracket 2 from shaking within the assembly groove 41.

[0023] The connecting assembly 5 includes a connecting rod 51 disposed on one side surface of the two sets of handles 47, a fixing rod 52 disposed on the rear end surface of the connecting rod 51, a limiting groove 53 formed on the surface of the connecting rod 51 facing the fixing rod 52, a collar 54 slidably connected to the fixing rod 52, and a connecting plate 55 disposed on the side of the collar 54. By moving the two sets of counterweights 1, the fixing rod 52 is inserted into the limiting groove 53. Then, during the movement of the counterweights 1, the collar 54 is put on the fixing rod 52, thereby achieving the purpose of installing the limiting component 6 on the handle 47. When the handle 47 moves, it simultaneously drives the fixing clamp 62 to clamp the photovoltaic panel 3, thereby saving effort and limiting the photovoltaic panels 3 of different sizes.

[0024] To ensure that the fixing rod 52 is not damaged under the pressure of the connecting rod 51 and the limiting groove 53, the fixing rod 52 is designed in a rectangular shape. The collar 54 has a rectangular groove that matches the fixing rod 52. The front and rear surfaces of the collar 54 are provided with sealing rings. Through this design, the sealing rings can play a buffering role between the collar 54, the fixing rod 52, and the connecting rod 51, reducing the hard contact between the collar 54, the fixing rod 52, and the connecting rod 51.

[0025] To ensure that the surface of the photovoltaic panel 3 is not easily damaged by the impact of the fixing clip 62, the fixing clip 62 is designed in an L-shape. A soft pad is provided on the side of the fixing clip 62 that contacts the photovoltaic panel 3, and the area of ​​the soft pad is equal to the area of ​​the inner wall of the fixing clip 62. This design allows the soft pad to buffer the impact force and prevent the fixing clip 62 from impacting the surface of the photovoltaic panel 3, thus preventing damage to the photovoltaic panel 3. The limiting component 6 includes movable grooves 61 formed on both sides of the photovoltaic bracket 2, a fixed clamp 62 rotatably connected to the top of the connecting plate 55, multiple sets of threaded rods 63 threadedly connected to the fixed clamp 62, and a rubber pad 64 set on the top of the threaded rods 63.

[0026] By rotating the fixing clamp 62, the fixing clamp 62 is rotated on the connecting plate 55 and rotated to fit against the surface of the photovoltaic panel 3. Then, the connecting rod 51 drives the fixing clamp 62 to slide in the movable groove 61 through the connecting plate 55, so that the two sets of fixing clamps 62 abut against the surface of the photovoltaic panel 3. Then, the threaded rod 63 is rotated, so that the threaded rod 63 rotates in the fixing clamp 62, and the rubber pad 64 moves continuously against the surface of the photovoltaic panel 3 until the rubber pad 64 abuts the photovoltaic panel 3 against the photovoltaic bracket 2 and cannot move.

[0027] To ensure the stability of the photovoltaic panel 3 on the photovoltaic bracket 2, two sets of threaded rods 63 are provided, both sets of which are symmetrically arranged on the fixing clamp 62. This design increases the contact area between the threaded rods 63 and the photovoltaic panel 3, thereby improving the stability of the photovoltaic panel 3 on the photovoltaic bracket 2 and making it less prone to displacement on the photovoltaic bracket 2. The specific steps for using the locking device on the photovoltaic bracket are as follows: S1. Pull the handle 47 in the direction away from the photovoltaic bracket 2, so that the handle 47 drives the slide plate 43 to slide in the slide groove 42 through the insert rod 44, and the slide plate 43 continuously squeezes the spring 46. At the same time, the handle 47 drives the connecting rod 51 to slide synchronously. Then, move the two sets of counterweights 1 together, and then put the collar 54 on the fixed rod 52. Then, when the two sets of counterweights 1 move, they synchronously drive the fixed rod 52 to insert into the limiting groove 53. S2. Next, insert the photovoltaic bracket 2 into the four sets of assembly slots 41, so that the slot 45 and the insertion rod 44 are connected. Then, release the pull handle 47 in sequence. Using the restoring force of the spring 46, the sliding plate 43 returns to its original position and slides in the slide groove 42. At the same time, the sliding plate 43 drives the insertion rod 44 to slide into the slot 45 and abut against the insertion rod 44, thus achieving the purpose of connecting the photovoltaic bracket 2 and the counterweight 1. S3. When the insertion rod 44 slides into the slot 45, place the photovoltaic panel 3 on the photovoltaic bracket 2. Then, move the connecting rod 51 through the pull handle 47. Then rotate the fixing clamp 62 so that it rotates on the connecting plate 55 and is in contact with the surface of the photovoltaic panel 3. Next, move the connecting rod 51 through the connecting plate 55 to slide the fixing clamp 62 in the movable slot 61 and make the two sets of fixing clamps 62 abut against the surface of the photovoltaic panel 3. Then rotate the threaded rod 63 so that the threaded rod 63 rotates in the fixing clamp 62 and the rubber pad 64 moves continuously against the surface of the photovoltaic panel 3 until the rubber pad 64 abuts the photovoltaic panel 3 against the photovoltaic bracket 2 and cannot move. S4. When it is necessary to disassemble the photovoltaic bracket 2, similarly, use the pull handle 47 to drive the plug rod 44 to slide out of the slot 45, then turn the fixing clip 62 off the photovoltaic panel 3, and then slide the photovoltaic bracket 2 out of the assembly slot 41 to achieve the purpose of disconnecting the photovoltaic bracket 2.

[0028] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0029] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely preferred examples and are not intended to limit the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A locking device for a photovoltaic bracket, comprising a counterweight (1), a photovoltaic bracket (2), and a photovoltaic panel (3), wherein the counterweight (1) is provided in four sets, and each of the four sets of counterweights (1) is provided with a photovoltaic bracket (2) on its top, and the photovoltaic bracket (2) is provided with a photovoltaic panel (3), characterized in that: The counterweight (1) is connected to the photovoltaic bracket (2) via a locking assembly (4). The locking assembly (4) is provided with a connecting assembly (5). The photovoltaic panel (3) is provided with a limiting assembly (6). The limiting assembly (6) is connected to the locking assembly (4) via the connecting assembly (5). The locking assembly (4) includes an assembly groove (41) on the top surface of the counterweight (1), a photovoltaic bracket (2) slidably connected in the assembly groove (41), a sliding groove (42) on the outer wall of the counterweight (1), a sliding plate (43) sliding in the sliding groove (42), a plug rod (44) provided in the sliding plate (43), a slot (45) on the outer wall of the photovoltaic bracket (2), a spring (46) wound on the surface of the plug rod (44), and a spring (46) provided on the surface of the plug rod (44). 4) The handle (47) on the outer wall, the connecting assembly (5) includes a connecting rod (51) on the corresponding side surface of the two sets of handles (47), a fixing rod (52) on the rear end surface of the connecting rod (51), a limiting groove (53) on the surface of the connecting rod (51) facing the fixing rod (52), a collar (54) slidably connected to the fixing rod (52), and a connecting plate (55) on the side of the collar (54). The limiting assembly (6) includes a movable groove (61) on both sides of the photovoltaic bracket (2), a fixing clamp (62) rotatably connected to the top of the connecting plate (55), multiple sets of threaded rods (63) threadedly connected to the fixing clamp (62), and a rubber pad (64) on the top of the threaded rod (63).

2. The locking device for a photovoltaic bracket according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the spring (46) is welded to the surface of the slide plate (43), and the other end of the spring (46) is welded to the inner wall of the slide groove (42). The inner wall of the spring (46) is in contact with the outer wall of the insert rod (44).

3. The locking device for a photovoltaic bracket according to claim 2, characterized in that: The assembly groove (41) is provided with a through hole adapted to the photovoltaic bracket (2), and the inner wall of the assembly groove (41) is tightly fitted to the outer wall of the photovoltaic bracket (2).

4. The locking device for a photovoltaic bracket according to claim 3, characterized in that: The fixing rod (52) is rectangular in shape, and the collar (54) has a rectangular groove that matches the fixing rod (52). The front and rear surfaces of the collar (54) are provided with sealing rings.

5. The locking device for a photovoltaic bracket according to claim 4, characterized in that: The threaded rod (63) is provided in two sets, and the two sets of threaded rods (63) are symmetrically arranged on the fixing clamp (62).

6. The locking device for a photovoltaic bracket according to claim 5, characterized in that: The fixing clip (62) is designed in an L shape. A soft pad is provided on the side surface of the fixing clip (62) that contacts the photovoltaic panel (3), and the area of ​​the soft pad is equal to the area of ​​the inner wall of the fixing clip (62).

7. The method of using the locking device for a photovoltaic bracket according to claim 6, characterized in that: S1. Pull the handle (47) away from the photovoltaic bracket (2) so that the handle (47) drives the slide plate (43) to slide in the groove (42) through the insert rod (44) and the slide plate (43) continuously squeezes the spring (46). At the same time, the handle (47) drives the connecting rod (51) to slide synchronously. Then move the two sets of counterweights (1) together and put the collar (54) on the fixed rod (52). Then, when the two sets of counterweights (1) move, the fixed rod (52) is simultaneously inserted into the limiting groove (53). S2. Next, insert the photovoltaic bracket (2) into the four sets of assembly slots (41) so that the slot (45) and the rod (44) are aligned. Then, release the pull handle (47) in sequence. Use the restoring force of the spring (46) to make the slide plate (43) return to its original position and slide in the slide groove (42). At the same time, the slide plate (43) drives the rod (44) to slide into the slot (45) and abut against the slot (45). This achieves the purpose of connecting the photovoltaic bracket (2) and the counterweight (1). S3. When the insertion rod (44) slides into the slot (45), place the photovoltaic panel (3) on the photovoltaic bracket (2), and then move the connecting rod (51) by pulling the handle (47). Then rotate the fixing clamp (62) so that the fixing clamp (62) rotates on the connecting plate (55) and rotates to fit against the surface of the photovoltaic panel (3). Then, the connecting rod (51) drives the fixing clamp (62) to slide in the movable groove (61) through the connecting plate (55) and make the two sets of fixing clamps (62) abut against the surface of the photovoltaic panel (3). Then rotate the threaded rod (63) so that the threaded rod (63) rotates in the fixing clamp (62) and moves the rubber pad (64) toward the surface of the photovoltaic panel (3) until the rubber pad (64) abuts the photovoltaic panel (3) against the photovoltaic bracket (2) and cannot move. S4. When it is necessary to disassemble the photovoltaic bracket (2), similarly use the pull handle (47) to drive the plug (44) out of the slot (45), then turn the fixing clip (62) off the photovoltaic panel (3), and then slide the photovoltaic bracket (2) out of the assembly slot (41) to achieve the purpose of disconnecting the photovoltaic bracket (2).

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