Connection locking device and photovoltaic module

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of photovoltaic module installation, and particularly relates to a connection locking device and a photovoltaic module. A connecting lock catch device comprises a connecting plate and at least one lock catch mechanism connected with the connecting plate, and each lock catch mechanism comprises two lock catch assemblies which can be in butt joint and matched with each other; the lock catch assembly comprises a body provided with a cavity; the locking piece is pivotally connected to the body and is accommodated in the cavity; the locking piece comprises an operating part and a locking part connected with the operating part; the elastic piece is connected between the body and the operating part and applies acting force to the body and the operating part; wherein the two lock catch assemblies are matched in a butt joint mode, and each locking piece automatically pivots under the action of the corresponding elastic piece, so that the two lock catch assemblies are in a locked state; the operation part is further used for overcoming the effect of the elastic piece through manual operation so as to release the locking state of the two lock catch assemblies.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of photovoltaic module installation, and in particular relates to a connection locking device and a photovoltaic module. Background Art

[0002] As a clean, renewable form of energy, photovoltaic power generation plays an increasingly important role in the global energy transition. The construction of large-scale photovoltaic power plants typically involves the installation of a large number of photovoltaic modules, which need to be securely fixed to a pre-set mounting system to ensure long-term stable operation and withstand the effects of various environmental factors (such as wind, snow, and temperature fluctuations). Traditional connection methods primarily rely on standard fasteners such as bolts, nuts, and clamps. While these connection methods can ensure connection reliability to a certain extent, their inherent flaws are becoming increasingly prominent in large-scale installation operations.

[0003] In existing photovoltaic module installation practices, whether purely manual or partially mechanically assisted, the connection and tightening process is often an efficiency bottleneck and a safety hazard. For example, during manual installation, workers are often required to align, insert, and tighten multiple bolts at height or inconvenient locations. This is not only labor-intensive and time-consuming, but also restricts the operating space, which can easily lead to unstable installation quality and even safety accidents. Even if equipment such as robotic arms are used to assist in the handling and initial positioning of photovoltaic modules, the final locking and fixing steps often still require manual intervention, using tools to tighten the pressure blocks or bolts. This process not only fails to completely eliminate dependence on manual labor, but also limits the further improvement of the overall installation automation level. In addition, traditional threaded connections may loosen during long-term use due to vibration, thermal expansion and contraction, etc., requiring regular inspections and maintenance, which increases the operation and maintenance costs of the power station.

[0004] Therefore, to address the issues of cumbersome connection operations, low efficiency, high reliance on manual labor, insufficient automation, and potential safety risks during the installation of existing photovoltaic modules, a new connection technology is urgently needed in the field. Specifically, the existing technology has failed to effectively provide a connection device that can achieve rapid and reliable automatic locking through the linkage of its internal structure after the two components to be connected are simply docked. This automatic locking is achieved through the joint and coordinated action of the locking mechanisms in the two docking components, thereby ensuring the immediacy and stability of the connection while facilitating rapid manual unlocking when necessary. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the above technical problems and provide a connection locking device and a photovoltaic module.

[0006] In a first aspect, a connection lock device adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A connecting lock device comprises a connecting plate and at least one lock mechanism connected to the connecting plate, wherein the lock mechanism comprises two lock assemblies capable of docking with each other;

[0008] The locking assembly comprises:

[0009] a body having a cavity;

[0010] A locking member is pivotally connected to the body and accommodated in the cavity; the locking member includes an operating portion and a locking portion connected thereto;

[0011] an elastic member connected between the main body and the operating portion and exerting a force on both;

[0012] Among them, the two locking components are docked and matched, and each locking member automatically pivots under the action of its own elastic member, so that the two locking components are in a locked state; the operating part is also used to overcome the action of the elastic member through manual operation to release the locked state of the two locking components.

[0013] Furthermore, the main body is provided with a docking portion and a joint portion extending along the length direction, and the docking portions and the joint portions of the two locking components are correspondingly plugged into each other to achieve a mating connection.

[0014] Furthermore, the cavity includes an inner limiting area and an outer limiting area connected thereto, the locking portion is pivotally connected to the inner limiting area, the operating portion is at least partially movably arranged in the outer limiting area, the operating portion at least partially extends outside the main body, and is operatively connected to the main body through the elastic member.

[0015] Furthermore, the inner limiting area is provided with a limiting stopper, the locking portion is provided with a limiting slot, and the limiting stopper cooperates with the limiting slot to limit the pivoting angle range of the locking portion.

[0016] Furthermore, the locking portion has a guide structure. When the two locking components are docked, the guide structure contacts the main body of the other locking component or the corresponding part of the locking member to guide the locking member to overcome the force of the elastic member and temporarily pivotally displace, and automatically rebound to the locked state after the docking is completed.

[0017] Furthermore, the connecting plate is provided with a plurality of mounting through holes for fixing the connecting locking device on the bracket.

[0018] Furthermore, among the two locking components constituting the locking mechanism, one locking component is fixedly connected to the connecting plate, and the other locking component is suitable for being installed and fixed on the main body of the part to be locked.

[0019] Furthermore, a plurality of locking mechanisms are arranged at intervals on the connecting plate, and each of the locking mechanisms includes two locking components that can dock and cooperate with each other to achieve synchronous locking of the parts to be locked at multiple points.

[0020] In the second aspect, a photovoltaic module adopts the following technical solution:

[0021] A photovoltaic assembly comprises the connection locking device, a photovoltaic panel and a bracket, wherein the connection locking device is respectively connected to the photovoltaic panel and the bracket.

[0022] Furthermore, the connecting locking device is fastened to the bracket through a connecting plate, and is fastened to the main frame of the photovoltaic panel through a locking assembly. The two locking assemblies are docked and matched to achieve a locking connection between the photovoltaic panel and the bracket.

[0023] Beneficial effects of the present invention:

[0024] The present invention provides a connection lock device, which, through its unique structure, in particular, when the two lock components are docked, each locking member can automatically pivot under the action of its own elastic member, so that the two lock components can quickly reach a locked state, significantly improving the convenience and efficiency of the connection operation. Compared with the method of relying on manual tightening of bolts or pressure blocks one by one in the prior art, this solution realizes the function of automatic locking upon docking, greatly simplifies the installation steps, and shortens the operation time. This automatic locking mechanism reduces the requirements for operator skills and labor intensity, improves the reliability and consistency of the connection, and avoids problems such as inadequate or overtightened connections due to differences in manual operation. At the same time, its manual unlocking function also ensures the reversibility of the connection and the convenience of maintenance. Therefore, the connection lock device provided by the present invention effectively solves the technical problems of cumbersome operation, low efficiency, low degree of automation, and difficult to ensure connection quality in the existing connection methods, and provides an innovative solution for achieving fast, reliable and standardized component connections. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 An isometric view of the connecting locking device;

[0026] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism;

[0027] Figure 3 It is an isometric view of the lock assembly;

[0028] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the lock assembly;

[0029] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the lock assembly;

[0030] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view of the body of the lock assembly;

[0031] Figure numerals: 1. Connecting locking device; 10. Connecting plate; 101. Mounting through hole; 20. Locking mechanism; 30. Locking assembly; 301. Main body; 3011. Cavity; 30111. Inner limiting area; 30112. Outer limiting area; 3012. Docking part; 3013. Joint part; 3014. Limit block; 302. Locking member; 3021. Operating part; 3022. Locking part; 30221. Limiting groove; 30222. Guide structure; 303. Elastic member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention clearer, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The described embodiments should not be regarded as limiting the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] In the following description, references to "some embodiments" describe a subset of all possible embodiments. However, it is understood that "some embodiments" may be the same subset or different subsets of all possible embodiments, and may be combined with each other without conflict. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in the embodiments of the present invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments of the present invention pertain. The terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are for the purpose of describing the embodiments of the present invention only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0034] Those skilled in the art should understand that in the following description of the embodiments of the present invention, the order of serial numbers does not mean the order of execution, some or all of the steps can be executed in parallel or sequentially, and the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] The terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. The singular forms "a", "an" and "the" used in the embodiments of the present invention and the appended claims are also intended to include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0036] This embodiment provides a connection locking device 1, comprising a connection plate 10 and at least one locking mechanism 20 connected to the connection plate 10, wherein the locking mechanism 20 comprises two locking assemblies 30 capable of docking with each other;

[0037] The locking assembly 30 includes:

[0038] The body 301 has a cavity 3011;

[0039] The locking member 302 is pivotally connected to the body 301 and accommodated in the cavity 3011. The locking member 302 includes an operating portion 3021 and a locking portion 3022 connected thereto.

[0040] The elastic member 303 is connected between the main body 301 and the operating portion 3021 and applies a force to both of them;

[0041] Among them, the two locking components 30 are docked and matched, and each locking member 302 automatically pivots under the action of its own elastic member 303, so that the two locking components 30 are in a locked state; the operating part 3021 is also used to overcome the action of the elastic member 303 through manual operation to release the locking state of the two locking components 30.

[0042] Reference Figures 1 to 6 This embodiment provides a connection locking device 1, the core of which is to achieve fast and reliable connection and locking between components. The connection locking device 1 includes a connection plate 10 and at least one locking mechanism 20 disposed on the connection plate 10. In this embodiment, two locking mechanisms 20 are disposed in parallel on the connection plate 10 to enhance the stability and load-bearing capacity of the connection. Each locking mechanism 20 is composed of two locking assemblies 30 that can dock and lock with each other.

[0043] Furthermore, each locking assembly 30 includes the following core components:

[0044] The body 301 serves as the base of the locking assembly 30 and has a cavity 3011 therein. The cavity 3011 provides necessary space for the movement of the locking member 302.

[0045] The locking member 302 is pivotally connected to the body 301, with at least a portion housed or movable within the cavity 3011. Specifically, the locking member 302 includes an operating portion 3021 and a locking portion 3022 integrally formed with or securely connected to the operating portion 3021. The operating portion 3021 is the direct location for applying the manual unlocking force, while the locking portion 3022 is responsible for mechanically locking with a corresponding portion of the other latch assembly 30.

[0046] The elastic member 303 is a tension spring, and its two ends are respectively connected between the body 301 and the operating portion 3021. Through this connection mode, the elastic member 303 can exert a continuous force on the operating portion 3021, thereby driving the entire locking member 302.

[0047] In actual use, when the two locking assemblies 30 are mated, the locking member 302 within each locking assembly 30 automatically pivots under the force of its corresponding elastic member 303, allowing the locking portions 3022 of the two locking assemblies 30 to engage with each other, thereby quickly and automatically placing the two locking assemblies 30 in and maintaining a locked state. When the lock needs to be released, an external force can be manually applied to the operating portion 3021. This external force overcomes the pre-tightening force of the elastic member 303, causing the locking member 302 to pivot in the opposite direction to the unlocked position, thereby releasing the locked state between the two locking assemblies 30.

[0048] In some embodiments, a docking portion 3012 and a joint portion 3013 extending along the length direction are provided on the main body 301 , and the docking portions 3012 and the joint portions 3013 of the two locking assemblies 30 are correspondingly plugged into each other to achieve a mating connection.

[0049] The body 301 is specifically configured with a docking portion 3012 and a joint portion 3013 extending along its length or in a specific direction. When two locking components 30 are docked, the docking portion 3012 of one locking component 30 forms a corresponding, plug-in fit with the joint portion 3013 of the other. For example, the joint portion 3013 of one component can be inserted into the receiving space formed by the docking portion 3012 of the other component, facilitating initial guidance and positioning during the initial docking process, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the subsequent locking action.

[0050] In some embodiments, the cavity 3011 includes an inner limiting area 30111 and an outer limiting area 30112 connected thereto, the locking portion 3022 is pivotally connected to the inner limiting area 30111, the operating portion 3021 is at least partially movably arranged in the outer limiting area 30112, the operating portion 3021 at least partially extends outside the main body 301, and is operatively connected to the main body 301 through the elastic member 303.

[0051] The cavity 3011 can be specifically divided into an inner limiting area 30111 and an outer limiting area 30112 interconnected with the inner limiting area 30111. The main pivoting movement of the locking portion 3022 occurs in the inner limiting area 30111, that is, its pivot center is usually located in the inner limiting area 30111. At least a portion of the operating portion 3021 is arranged in the outer limiting area 30112. In order to facilitate manual operation, the operating portion 3021 usually extends at least partially beyond the outer contour of the main body 301. One end of the elastic member 303 is connected to this operating portion 3021, and the other end is connected to a specific anchor point of the main body 301, thereby applying continuous tension or pressure to the operating portion 3021 to maintain the preset locking state of the locking member 302.

[0052] In some embodiments, a limit block 3014 is provided in the inner limit area 30111 , and a limit slot 30221 is provided in the locking portion 3022 . The limit block 3014 cooperates with the limit slot 30221 to limit the pivot angle range of the locking portion 3022 .

[0053] A limit stop 3014 may be disposed within the inner limit region 30111. Accordingly, a limit slot 30221 is provided on the locking portion 3022. When the locking member 302 pivots, the limit stop 3014 contacts and engages with the edge of the limit slot 30221, effectively limiting the pivoting angle range of the locking portion 3022, ensuring accurate movement between the preset locked and unlocked positions and preventing excessive rotation.

[0054] In some embodiments, the locking portion 3022 has a guide structure 30222. When two locking components 30 are docked, the guide structure 30222 contacts the corresponding part of the body 301 or the locking member 302 of the other locking component 30 to guide the locking member 302 to overcome the force of the elastic member 303 and temporarily pivotally displace, and automatically rebound to the locked state after the docking is completed.

[0055] Referring to the shape of the locking portion 3022 in the figure, the locking portion 3022 has a specific guide structure 30222. This guide structure 30222 can be a sloped surface, an arc surface, or a cam profile. When two locking components 30 are docked, the guide structure 30222 of one locking component 30 will first come into contact with a specific edge of the body 301 of the other locking component 30 or the corresponding guide portion of its locking member 302. Under the continuous action of the docking force, the guide structure 30222 can guide the locking member 302 in which it is located to overcome the preset force of its own elastic member 303, resulting in a temporary pivotal displacement toward the unlocking direction. Once fully engaged, the locking member 302 will automatically pivot in the opposite direction and rebound to the preset locked state under the rebound force of its elastic member 303, forming a secure lock with the other component.

[0056] In some embodiments, the connecting plate 10 is provided with a plurality of mounting through holes 101 for fixing the connecting locking device 1 on the bracket.

[0057] The connecting plate 10 is provided with a plurality of mounting through holes 101 evenly or as needed. These mounting through holes 101 are used to pass fasteners such as bolts and rivets, thereby firmly mounting and fixing the entire connecting lock device 1 on a certain bracket, supporting structure or foundation component.

[0058] In some embodiments, of the two locking components 30 constituting the locking mechanism 20 , one locking component 30 is fixedly connected to the connecting plate 10 , and the other locking component 30 is suitable for being installed and fixed on the main body of the component to be locked.

[0059] Typically, of the two locking assemblies 30 that comprise a locking mechanism 20, one locking assembly 30 is fixedly connected to the connecting plate 10 via welding, screwing, or other permanent or semi-permanent connection methods, or is directly integrated with the connecting plate 10. The other locking assembly 30 is designed to be mounted and fixed to the main body of the object to be locked. Thus, when the object to be locked is moved to align and dock with the connecting plate 10 on the bracket, both locking assemblies 30 become active.

[0060] In some embodiments, a plurality of locking mechanisms 20 are spaced apart on the connecting plate 10 , and each locking mechanism 20 includes two locking assemblies 30 that can dock with each other to achieve synchronous locking of the parts to be locked at multiple points.

[0061] The connecting plate 10 can be provided with multiple (e.g., two or more) locking mechanisms 20 spaced apart along its length or as required by a specific layout. Each locking mechanism 20, as described above, includes two interlocking locking assemblies 30. This multi-point arrangement allows the locked component to be simultaneously and synchronously locked with the bracket at multiple, discrete points when docked with the connecting plate 10, significantly improving the overall strength, torsional resistance, and stability of the connection.

[0062] This embodiment provides a photovoltaic assembly, including a connection locking device 1, a photovoltaic panel and a bracket, wherein the connection locking device 1 is connected to the photovoltaic panel and the bracket respectively.

[0063] This embodiment also provides a photovoltaic assembly that uses the connection locking device 1 of any of the aforementioned embodiments to achieve a quick and reliable connection between the photovoltaic panel and the bracket. Specifically, the photovoltaic assembly includes: the connection locking device 1 described in any of the aforementioned embodiments, one or more photovoltaic panels (usually referring to solar panel modules with a frame), and a bracket (or mounting system) for supporting the photovoltaic panel. In this photovoltaic assembly, the key role of the connection locking device 1 is to serve as a bridge, connecting the photovoltaic panel and the bracket respectively, and forming a connection that can be quickly locked and unlocked.

[0064] In some embodiments, the connecting locking device 1 is fastened to the bracket through a connecting plate 10, and is fastened to the main frame of the photovoltaic panel through a locking component 30. The two locking components 30 are docked and matched to achieve a locking connection between the photovoltaic panel and the bracket.

[0065] The connecting locking device 1 is secured to a specific mounting location (e.g., a C-shaped steel beam, a crossbeam, etc.) of the bracket via its connecting plate 10, utilizing mounting holes 101 on the connecting plate 10 and fasteners such as bolts. Simultaneously, the other components of the locking mechanism 20, namely one or more locking assemblies 30 (corresponding to the number of locking mechanisms 20 on the connecting plate 10), are pre-installed and fixed to the edge or specific mounting point of the photovoltaic panel's main frame (typically an aluminum alloy frame).

[0066] When installing a photovoltaic panel, a worker or automated equipment moves the photovoltaic panel, equipped with the locking assembly 30, to a predetermined position on the bracket, aligning the locking assembly 30 on the photovoltaic panel with the corresponding locking assembly 30 on the bracket (secured by the connecting plate 10). Subsequently, through a simple docking or pressing action, the two (or more) pairs of locking assemblies 30 automatically trigger the locking mechanism, as in the aforementioned embodiments, achieving a fast and secure locking connection between the photovoltaic panel and the bracket. This design greatly simplifies the on-site installation process of photovoltaic panels and improves installation efficiency.

[0067] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any modifications or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A connection lock device, characterized in that: It includes a connecting plate and at least one locking mechanism connected to the connecting plate, wherein the locking mechanism includes two locking components that can be docked and matched with each other; The locking assembly comprises: a body having a cavity; A locking member is pivotally connected to the body and accommodated in the cavity; the locking member includes an operating portion and a locking portion connected thereto; an elastic member connected between the main body and the operating portion and exerting a force on both; Among them, the two locking components are docked and matched, and each locking member automatically pivots under the action of its own elastic member, so that the two locking components are in a locked state; the operating part is also used to overcome the action of the elastic member through manual operation to release the locked state of the two locking components.

2. A connection lock device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main body is provided with a docking portion and a joint portion extending along the length direction, and the docking portions and the joint portions of the two locking components are correspondingly plugged into each other to achieve a mating connection.

3. A connection lock device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cavity includes an inner limiting area and an outer limiting area connected thereto, the locking portion is pivotally connected to the inner limiting area, the operating portion is at least partially movably arranged in the outer limiting area, the operating portion at least partially extends outside the body, and is operatively connected to the body through the elastic member.

4. A connection lock device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The inner limiting area is provided with a limiting block, the locking portion is provided with a limiting slot, and the limiting block cooperates with the limiting slot to limit the pivoting angle range of the locking portion.

5. A connection lock device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The locking portion has a guide structure. When the two locking components are docked, the guide structure contacts the body of the other locking component or the corresponding part of the locking member to guide the locking member to overcome the force of the elastic member and temporarily pivot and displace, and automatically rebound to the locked state after the docking is completed.

6. A connection lock device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting plate is provided with a plurality of mounting through holes for fixing the connecting locking device on the bracket.

7. A connection lock device according to claim 6, characterized in that: Of the two locking components constituting the locking mechanism, one locking component is fixedly connected to the connecting plate, and the other locking component is suitable for being installed and fixed on the main body of the component to be locked.

8. A connection lock device according to claim 7, characterized in that: A plurality of locking mechanisms are arranged at intervals on the connecting plate, and each of the locking mechanisms includes two locking components that can dock and cooperate with each other to achieve synchronous locking of the to-be-locked parts at multiple points.

9. A photovoltaic module, characterized in that: It comprises a connection locking device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, a photovoltaic panel and a bracket, wherein the connection locking device connects the photovoltaic panel and the bracket respectively.

10. The photovoltaic module according to claim 9, characterized in that: The connecting locking device is fastened to the bracket via a connecting plate, and is fastened to the main frame of the photovoltaic panel via a locking assembly. The two locking assemblies are docked and matched to achieve a locking connection between the photovoltaic panel and the bracket.

Images