Connecting piece and photovoltaic panel frame
By designing connectors with window substrates and anchor arms, the electrochemical corrosion problem of aluminum corner connectors was solved, achieving efficient connection and strength of steel frames, which is suitable for steel photovoltaic panel frames.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202410520588.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-04-28
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-28
AI Technical Summary
Existing aluminum corner connectors suffer from electrochemical corrosion and are difficult to apply to steel frames. Furthermore, it is difficult to manufacture steel with a similar structure to existing aluminum corner connectors.
A connector is designed, including a base plate with a window and anchor arms extending from both sides of the base plate. The anchor arms cooperate with the profile limiting part through mechanical interference to achieve elastic deformation to insert into the hollow cavity of the profile, and are restricted from detachment by the mechanical interference of the limiting part. It is suitable for making steel.
It achieves simple connection operation and high connection strength for steel photovoltaic panel frames, while avoiding electrochemical corrosion, and is suitable for steel frames.
Smart Images
Figure CN120856028A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates generally to connectors, and more specifically to connectors for photovoltaic panel frames. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, frames used for photovoltaic panels include metal frames and non-metal frames. Metal frames typically consist of four elongated profiles connected together to form a rectangular frame, with adjacent profiles joined by corner connectors. Metal frames include aluminum frames and steel frames. Currently, aluminum frames are the most widely used in the photovoltaic industry due to their numerous advantages. However, as the photovoltaic industry's demand for cost reduction increases, cost-effective steel frames are gaining more attention and are being used more frequently.
[0003] Currently, corner connectors for metal frames are typically made of aluminum. Aluminum corner connectors are usually formed by extrusion and consist of two connecting sections, which are, for example, interference-fitted into the hollow cavities of two adjacent profiles, thereby connecting the two profiles to each other via the corner connector. However, such aluminum corner connectors are prone to electrochemical corrosion due to the potential difference between them and the steel profiles, making them unsuitable for steel frames. Furthermore, because aluminum corner connectors are formed by extrusion, they often have complex cross-sections, making it difficult to directly manufacture corner connectors with a similar structure to existing aluminum corner connectors using steel. Therefore, developing corner connectors suitable for steel frames remains a challenge. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems existing in the prior art and to propose an improved connector.
[0005] To this end, a first aspect of the present invention provides a connector configured for connecting a profile and including a connecting segment, wherein the connecting segment is adapted to be inserted into a hollow cavity of the profile in an insertion direction and connected to the profile, wherein the connecting segment includes a substrate having a window and an anchoring arm extending from the substrate toward a first side of the substrate and through the window to a second side of the substrate opposite to the first side, wherein the anchoring arm includes a first anchoring portion located on the second side, and wherein the first anchoring portion is adapted to mechanically interfere with a first limiting portion of the profile to restrict movement of the connecting segment relative to the profile.
[0006] During the insertion of the connecting segment into the hollow cavity of the profile, the anchoring arm can elastically deform due to the mechanical interference between the first anchoring part and the profile, causing the first anchoring part to move towards the first side of the substrate, so that the connecting segment can enter the hollow cavity. The anchoring arm extends from the substrate first towards the first side of the substrate and then towards the second side of the substrate, giving the anchoring arm a curved structure. This increases the elasticity of the anchoring arm and reduces the insertion force required to insert the connecting segment into the hollow cavity. When the connecting segment is fully inserted into the hollow cavity of the profile, the first anchoring part of the connecting segment can mechanically interfere with the first limiting part of the profile to restrict the movement of the connecting segment relative to the profile and prevent the connecting segment from detaching from the hollow cavity of the profile. Furthermore, the above-described structure of the connector allows it to be easily made of steel for use in steel photovoltaic panel frames.
[0007] Based on the above-described technical concept, the first aspect of the present invention may further include any one or more of the following optional forms.
[0008] In some alternative forms, the connecting segment includes an anchoring wing extending from the substrate toward the first side, wherein the anchoring wing includes a second anchoring portion located on the first side, and wherein the second anchoring portion is adapted to mechanically interfere with a second limiting portion of the profile when the connecting segment is inserted into the hollow cavity, so as to limit the movement of the connecting segment relative to the profile in a direction opposite to the insertion direction.
[0009] In some alternative forms, the second limiting portion is in the form of a convex portion, wherein the anchoring wing includes a clearance recess, and wherein the clearance recess is adjacent to and recessed relative to the second anchoring portion in the insertion direction to clearance the second limiting portion during insertion of the connecting section into the hollow cavity.
[0010] In some alternative configurations, a through-hole is provided at the connection between the anchoring wing and the substrate to increase the elasticity of the anchoring wing.
[0011] In some alternative forms, the substrate includes a first end and a second end opposite to each other in the insertion direction, wherein the anchoring arm extends from the first end toward the second end, and wherein the anchoring wing is disposed at the second end and extends from the edge of the substrate.
[0012] In some alternative forms, the connecting segment includes at least one retaining wing adapted to abut against the inner surface of the hollow cavity when the connecting segment is inserted into the hollow cavity to restrict movement of the connecting segment relative to the profile.
[0013] In some alternative forms, the at least one retaining wing includes a first retaining wing extending from the substrate and a second retaining wing extending from the anchoring arm, wherein the first retaining wing and the second retaining wing are configured to abut two opposing surface portions of the inner surface of the hollow cavity, respectively.
[0014] In some alternative forms, the connecting segment includes a guide lug extending from the substrate toward the first side, wherein the guide lug is adapted to engage with the inner surface of the hollow cavity to guide the connecting segment into the hollow cavity.
[0015] In some alternative forms, the guide lug has a generally L-shaped cross-section to mate with two adjacent surface portions of the inner surface of the hollow cavity.
[0016] In some alternative forms, the substrate has an edge extending generally along the insertion direction, the edge being configured as a flange.
[0017] In some alternative forms, the first anchoring portion is in the form of a rib, and the first anchoring portion is adapted to engage with the first limiting portion, which is in the form of a slot, so as to mechanically interfere with the inner edge of the first limiting portion.
[0018] In some alternative forms, the first anchoring portion is in the form of a rib, and at least a portion of the first anchoring portion extends substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction and is adapted to mechanically interfere with the first limiting portion in the form of a convex portion.
[0019] In some alternative forms, the connector is made of steel and integrally formed by stamping.
[0020] In some alternative forms, the connector is configured to connect two profiles and includes two connecting segments and a transition segment, wherein the two connecting segments extend generally perpendicular to each other and are connected by the transition segment, and wherein each of the two connecting segments is adapted to be inserted into the hollow cavity of the corresponding profile and connected to the corresponding profile.
[0021] A second aspect of the present invention provides a frame for a photovoltaic panel, the frame of the photovoltaic panel including a plurality of profiles and a plurality of the aforementioned connectors, wherein each connector is used to connect two adjacent profiles.
[0022] The connector according to the present invention can be connected to the profile of the photovoltaic panel frame by a simple insertion operation. The connection operation is simple and the connection strength is high. At the same time, the construction of the connector allows it to be made of steel for use in steel photovoltaic panel frames. Attached Figure Description
[0023] Other features and advantages of the invention will be better understood through the following detailed description of optional embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals identify the same or similar parts, wherein:
[0024] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] Figure 2 and Figure 3 They are Figure 1 The front and rear views of the connectors in the diagram;
[0026] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Top view of the connector in the middle;
[0027] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional drawing of the profiles to which the connectors in the diagram are applicable;
[0028] Figure 6A yes Figure 1 A top view of the connector being connected to a profile.
[0029] Figure 6B yes Figure 1 A top view showing the connectors that link the two profiles together.
[0030] Figure 7 and Figure 8 They are Figure 1 Cross-sectional views of the connectors and profiles cut along different planes;
[0031] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] Figure 10A and Figure 10B They are Figure 9 Rear view and auxiliary view of the connector in the middle;
[0033] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 A three-dimensional drawing of the profiles to which the connectors in the diagram are applicable;
[0034] Figure 12A yes Figure 9 A top view of the connector being connected to a profile.
[0035] Figure 12B yes Figure 12A A magnified view of a portion of region A; and
[0036] Figure 13 yes Figure 9 The top view shows the connectors that link the two profiles together. Detailed Implementation
[0037] The implementation and use of the embodiments are discussed in detail below. However, it should be understood that the specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of particular ways of implementing and using the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The descriptions of the structural positions of the various components, such as upper, lower, top, bottom, etc., are not absolute but relative. These orientations are appropriate when the various components are arranged as shown in the figures, but they change accordingly when the positions of the components in the figures change.
[0038] The terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. In this invention, unless otherwise expressly specified, the terms "installed," "connected," "linked," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.
[0039] Figures 1 to 4 A schematic diagram of a connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figures 5 to 8 A schematic diagram of a profile to which the connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applicable, and a schematic diagram of the connector used to connect the profile, are shown.
[0040] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector 100 can be used for assembling the frame of a photovoltaic panel, and more specifically, for connecting adjacent sides of the frame, i.e., two adjacent profiles 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 100 includes two connecting segments 102 and a transition segment 104, the two connecting segments 102 extending substantially perpendicularly to each other and connected by the transition segment 104. Each of the two connecting segments 102 is adapted to be inserted into the hollow cavity 202 of the corresponding profile 200 and connected to the profile 200. Thus, the connector 100 can realize the connection of two adjacent profiles 200 of the frame of the photovoltaic panel.
[0041] It is understood that in other embodiments, the two connecting segments may also form other suitable angles relative to each other; for example, the two connecting segments may form acute angles, obtuse angles, or 180° angles relative to each other. In other embodiments, the connector may include more than two connecting segments to achieve connection between more than two profiles, and these connecting segments may be connected to each other through transition segments. Optionally, the connector 100 may be made of steel (e.g., spring steel). Optionally, the connector 100 may be integrally formed from a steel plate / sheet by stamping.
[0042] In this document, the hollow cavity 202 of the profile 200 refers to the hollow portion of the profile 200 for receiving the connecting segment 102 of the connector 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the profile 200 for the photovoltaic panel frame has a hollow tubular shape and a generally L-shaped cross-section. The hollow cavity 202 of the profile 200 is defined by a first wall portion 204, a second wall portion 206, a third wall portion 208, and a fourth wall portion 210 of the profile 200, which, hereinafter, may also be collectively referred to as wall portions. The first wall portion 204 and the third wall portion 208 are opposite each other, and the second wall portion 206 and the fourth wall portion 210 are opposite each other. The inner surface 212 of the hollow cavity 202 is formed by the inner surfaces of the first wall portion 204, the second wall portion 206, the third wall portion 208, and the fourth wall portion 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the hollow cavity 202 of the profile 200 penetrates the profile 200 along its longitudinal direction. It is understood that in some other embodiments, the hollow cavity of the profile may not penetrate the profile, but may only be provided in a local area of the profile to receive the connecting section of the connector.
[0043] Reference Figures 1 to 5 as well as Figure 7 The two connecting segments 102 of the connector 100 may have the same or similar construction. In the illustrated embodiment, the two connecting segments 102 of the connector 100 have similar construction. The following description will focus primarily on one of the connecting segments 102.
[0044] The connecting segment 102 is adapted to be inserted into and connected to the hollow cavity 202 of the profile 200 along the insertion direction I. The connecting segment 102 includes a substrate 108 having a window 106 and an anchoring arm 110 extending from a first side S1 of the substrate 108 toward the substrate 108 and through the window 106 to a second side S2 of the substrate 108 opposite to the first side S1. The anchoring arm 110 includes a first anchoring portion 112 located on the second side S2. The first anchoring portion 112 is adapted to mechanically interfere with a first limiting portion 214 on the profile 200 when the connecting segment 102 is inserted into the hollow cavity 202 of the profile 200, thereby limiting the movement of the connecting segment 102 relative to the profile 200 (particularly limiting the movement of the connecting segment 102 relative to the profile 200 in a direction opposite to the insertion direction I), and thus preventing the connecting segment 102 from disengaging from the hollow cavity 202 of the profile 200.
[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the first anchoring portion 112 is in the form of a rib, and the first limiting portion 214 is in the form of a slot. During the insertion of the connecting portion 102 into the hollow cavity 202 of the profile 200, the anchoring arm 110 can elastically deform due to the mechanical interference between the first anchoring portion 112 and the first wall portion 204 of the profile 200, causing the first anchoring portion 112 to move toward the first side S1 of the substrate 108 so that the connecting portion 102 can enter the hollow cavity 202. The anchoring arm 110 extends from the substrate 108 first toward the first side S1 of the substrate 108 and then toward the second side S2 of the substrate 108, giving the anchoring arm 110 a curved structure. This increases the elasticity of the anchoring arm 110 and reduces the insertion force required for the connecting portion 102 to enter the hollow cavity 202. When the connecting segment 102 is inserted into the hollow cavity 202 of the profile 200 (i.e., the window 106 of the connecting segment 102 is aligned with the first limiting portion 214 of the profile 200, or the first anchoring portion 112 of the connecting segment 102 is aligned with the first limiting portion 214 of the profile 200), the anchoring arm 110 can recover its deformation, and the first anchoring portion 112 can engage with the first limiting portion 214 of the profile 200 (in other words, the first anchoring portion 112 can mechanically interfere with the inner edge of the first limiting portion 214) to prevent the connecting segment 102 from disengaging from the hollow cavity 202 of the profile 200, thereby helping the connector 100 and the profile 200 to be firmly connected to each other.
[0046] Reference Figures 1 to 5 as well as Figure 7In the illustrated embodiment, the substrate 108 of the connecting segment 102 has a generally rectangular shape. The substrate 108 has a first edge 114 and a second edge 116 extending generally along the insertion direction I. The first edge 114 and the second edge 116 are configured as flanges to enhance the rigidity of the substrate 108, thereby reducing or avoiding undesirable deformation of the substrate 108. The substrate 108 includes a first end 118 and a second end 120 opposite to each other in the insertion direction I, wherein the first end 118 is away from the transition segment 104, and the second end 120 is adjacent to the transition segment 104. During the insertion of the connecting segment 102 into the hollow cavity 202, the first end 118 of the substrate 108 will enter the hollow cavity 202 first.
[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the anchoring arm 110 extends from a first end 118 of the substrate 108 toward a second end 120, and sequentially includes a first arm portion 122 bending from the first end 118 toward a first side S1 of the substrate 108, a second arm portion 124 extending from the first arm portion 122 toward the substrate 108, and two third arm portions 126 extending from the second arm portion 124 substantially perpendicular to the substrate 108 and passing through the window 106 to a second side S2 of the substrate 108. Each of the two third arm portions 126 has a first anchoring portion 112 at its free end. Accordingly, the substrate 108 includes two windows 106 through which the two third arm portions 126 respectively pass, and the first wall portion 204 of the profile 200 is provided with two first limiting portions 214 for engaging with the two first anchoring portions 112 respectively. It is understood that in other embodiments, the anchoring arm may also include other suitable numbers of first anchoring portions, and correspondingly, the base may include other suitable numbers of windows, and the profile may include other suitable numbers of first limiting portions.
[0048] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 7 The substrate 108 may also be provided with reinforcing ribs 128 to improve the rigidity of the substrate 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the reinforcing rib 128 is disposed between the first end 118 of the substrate 108 and the window 106. It is understood that reinforcing ribs may also be provided at other locations on the substrate.
[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, each first anchoring portion 112 has a guide edge 130 inclined relative to the insertion direction I. The guide edge 130 mechanically interferes with the first wall portion 204 of the profile 200 during the insertion of the connecting portion 102 into the hollow cavity 202 of the profile 200, so as to guide the anchoring arm 110 to elastically deform toward the first side S1 of the substrate 108, thereby causing the first anchoring portion 112 to move toward the first side S1 of the substrate 108, so as to allow the connecting portion 102 to be smoothly inserted into the hollow cavity 202 of the profile 200.
[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, each first anchoring portion 112 has a generally triangular, plate-like shape. Each first limiting portion 214 of the profile 200 may be in the form of an elongated slot. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement of the first anchoring portion 112 with the first limiting portion 214 can restrict the movement of the connecting segment 102 relative to the profile 200 in a direction opposite to the insertion direction I, and can also restrict the movement of the connecting segment 102 relative to the profile 200 in a direction generally perpendicular to the extending plane of the first anchoring portion 112.
[0051] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 7 The connecting section 102 also includes an anchoring wing 132 extending from the substrate 108 toward the first side S1. The anchoring wing 132 is elastically deformable and includes a second anchoring portion 134 located on the first side S1. The second anchoring portion 134 is adapted to mechanically interfere with the second limiting portion 216 on the profile 200 when the connecting section 102 is inserted into the hollow cavity 202 of the profile 200, so as to limit the movement of the connecting section 102 relative to the profile 200 in a direction opposite to the insertion direction I. By providing a first anchoring portion 112 located on the second side S2 of the substrate 108 and a second anchoring portion 134 located on the first side S1 of the substrate 108, when the connector 100 and the profile 200 are connected but tend to separate due to external force, the connection section 102 of the connector 100 is ensured to be evenly stressed on both sides of the substrate 108 by the engagement / mechanical interference between the first anchoring portion 112 and the first limiting portion 214 and the mechanical interference between the second anchoring portion 134 and the second limiting portion 216, thereby avoiding structural damage that may occur when the connection section 102 is stressed on only one side.
[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the anchoring wing 132 is disposed at the second end 120 of the substrate 108, and sequentially includes a first wing portion 136 curved from the first edge 114 toward a first side S1 of the substrate 108 and a second wing portion 138 extending from the first wing portion 136 substantially parallel to the substrate 108. The second wing portion 138 is in the shape of a generally rectangular sheet. A second anchoring portion 134 is disposed at the second wing portion 138. In the illustrated embodiment, the second limiting portion 216 of the profile 200 is in the form of a protrusion and is disposed on the third wall portion 208 of the profile 200. The second limiting portion 216 protrudes toward the hollow cavity 202 of the profile 200. When the connector 100 and the profile 200 are connected but tend to separate due to external force, the second limiting part 216 of the profile 200 can abut against the second anchoring part 134 of the connector 100, or in other words, stop the second anchoring part 134 of the connector 100 to prevent the connecting section 102 of the connector 100 from detaching from the hollow cavity 202 of the profile 200.
[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the anchoring wing 132 further includes a clearance recess 140. The clearance recess 140 is recessed relative to the second anchoring portion 134, and is adjacent to the second anchoring portion 134 in the insertion direction I. Specifically, the clearance recess 140 is closer to the first end 118 of the substrate 108 in the insertion direction I than the second anchoring portion 134. Thus, when the connecting segment 102 of the connector 100 is inserted into the hollow cavity 202 of the profile 200, the clearance recess 140 of the anchoring wing 132 will first pass through and avoid the second limiting portion 216 of the profile 200 compared to the second anchoring portion 134 of the anchoring wing 132, allowing the connecting segment 102 to be inserted into the hollow cavity 202 of the profile 200 with a relatively small insertion force; then, as the connecting segment 102 is further inserted, the second anchoring portion 134 of the anchoring wing 132 will contact the profile 208. The second limiting portion 216 of the profile 200 mechanically interferes with the anchoring wing 132, causing it to elastically deform toward the substrate 108, thereby allowing the second anchoring portion 134 to move past the second limiting portion 216. After the second anchoring portion 134 moves past the second limiting portion 216, the anchoring wing 132 will return to its original shape, and the second limiting portion 216 of the profile 200 will stop the second anchoring portion 134 to prevent the connecting portion 102 of the connector 100 from dislodging from the hollow cavity 202 of the profile 200. Furthermore, by providing the clearance recess 140, the stiffness and load-bearing capacity of the anchoring wing 132 can be increased, thereby improving the connection strength between the connecting portion 102 and the profile 200 without significantly increasing the insertion force required for the connecting portion 102 to be inserted into the hollow cavity 202.
[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, a through hole 142 is provided at the connection between the anchor wing 132 and the base plate 108 (i.e., at the first wing portion 136 of the anchor wing 132). Figure 4 This increases the elasticity of the anchoring wing 132, allowing the second anchoring portion 134 to move relatively easily over the second limiting portion 216 of the profile 200 during the insertion of the connecting section 102 of the connector 100 into the hollow cavity 202 of the profile 200.
[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the outer contour of the anchoring wing 132 may also have a shape that matches the inner surface 212 of the hollow cavity 202, such that the anchoring wing 132 engages with the inner surface 212 of the hollow cavity 202 when the connecting segment 102 is inserted into the hollow cavity 202 of the profile 200, thereby restricting the movement of the connecting segment 102 relative to the profile 200 (in particular, restricting the movement of the connecting segment 102 relative to the profile 200 in the lateral direction perpendicular to the insertion direction I), thereby helping the connecting segment 102 to be stably held within the hollow cavity 202 of the profile 200.
[0056] Reference Figures 1 to 5 as well as Figure 7 The connecting section 102 may further include at least one retaining wing 144, 146, which is adapted to abut against the inner surface 212 of the hollow cavity 202 when the connecting section 102 is inserted into the hollow cavity 202 of the profile 200, so as to restrict the movement of the connecting section 102 relative to the profile 200 and so that the connecting section 102 can be stably held in the hollow cavity 202 of the profile 200.
[0057] At least one retaining wing may include a first retaining wing 144 extending from the substrate 108 and a second retaining wing 146 extending from the anchoring arm 110, the first retaining wing 144 and the second retaining wing 146 being configured to abut two opposing surface portions of the inner surface 212 of the hollow cavity 202, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the first retaining wing 144 is disposed near the second end 120 of the substrate 108 and is adapted to abut the inner surface of the first wall portion 204 of the profile 200; the second retaining wing 146 extends from the second arm portion 124 of the anchoring arm 110 in a direction away from the substrate 108 and is adapted to abut the inner surface of the third wall portion 208 of the profile 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the first retaining wing 144 and the second retaining wing 146 are respectively provided with a first opening 148 and a second opening 150 to increase the elasticity of the first retaining wing 144 and the second retaining wing 146, respectively. During the process of inserting the connecting section 102 into the hollow cavity 202 of the profile 200, the first retaining wing 144 and the second retaining wing 146 can be elastically deformed toward the substrate 108 due to mechanical interference with the profile 200, so as to allow the connecting section 102 to smoothly enter the hollow cavity 202, and elastically abut against the inner surface 212 of the hollow cavity 202 when the connecting section 102 is inserted into the hollow cavity 202. On the one hand, the contact between the first retaining wing 144 and the second retaining wing 146 and the inner surface 212 of the hollow cavity 202 can limit the relative movement of the connecting segment 102 relative to the profile 200 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the substrate 108. On the other hand, the contact between the first retaining wing 144 and the second retaining wing 146 and the inner surface 212 of the hollow cavity 202 can increase the friction between the first retaining wing 144 and the second retaining wing 146 and the inner surface 212 of the hollow cavity 202, thereby limiting the movement of the connecting segment 102 relative to the profile 200 in a direction substantially parallel to the substrate 108. In other words, by providing the first retaining wing 144 and the second retaining wing 146, the movement of the connecting segment 102 relative to the profile 200 in multiple directions can be limited, thereby stably holding the connecting segment 102 within the hollow cavity 202 of the profile 200.
[0058] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 8The connecting segment 102 may include a guide lug 152 extending from the substrate 108 toward the first side S1. The guide lug 152 is adapted to mate with the inner surface 212 of the hollow cavity 202 to guide the connecting segment 102 into the hollow cavity 202 of the profile 200. The guide lug 152 may have a generally L-shaped cross-section to mate with two adjacent surface portions of the inner surface 212 of the hollow cavity 202, respectively. By simultaneously mates with two adjacent and angled surface portions of the inner surface 212, the guide lug 152 with its L-shaped cross-section can more smoothly guide the connecting segment 102 of the connector 100 into the hollow cavity 202 of the profile 200, improving installation stability and efficiency. The guide lug 152 can also engage with the inner surface 212 of the hollow cavity 202 when the connecting segment 102 is inserted into the hollow cavity 202 of the profile 200, thereby restricting the movement of the connecting segment 102 relative to the profile 200 (particularly restricting the movement of the connecting segment 102 relative to the profile 200 in the lateral direction perpendicular to the insertion direction I), thus stably holding the connecting segment 102 within the hollow cavity 202 of the profile 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide lug 152 is disposed at the second end 120 of the substrate 108 and extends from the second edge 116 of the substrate 108 toward the first side S1. The guide lug 152 can engage / fit with the inner surfaces of the third wall portion 208 and the fourth wall portion 210, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide lug 152 and the anchoring wing 132 are substantially aligned in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction I and extend toward each other.
[0059] Return to reference Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the two connecting segments 102 of the connector 100 have similar structures, differing only in the orientation of the reinforcing ribs. It is understood that in other embodiments, the two connecting segments of the connector may have the same structure. (Refer to...) Figures 6A to 6B When using connector 100 to connect two profiles 200, one connecting segment 102 of connector 100 can be inserted into the hollow cavity 202 of one profile 200 and inserted into place to complete the connection between the connecting segment 102 and the profile 200. Then, the other connecting segment 102 of connector 100 can be inserted into the hollow cavity 202 of the other profile 200 and inserted into place to complete the connection between the connecting segment 102 and the profile 200. In this way, the connection between two profiles 200 can be achieved through simple operation.
[0060] Figures 9 to 13 A connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. The main difference between the connector according to the second embodiment and the connector according to the first embodiment lies in the construction of the first anchoring portion. The differences between the two embodiments will be described below, while the similarities will not be repeated.
[0061] Reference Figures 9 to 13 According to the second embodiment, the first anchoring portion 112 of the connector 100 is in the form of a rib and has a generally L-shaped cross-section. The first anchoring portion 112 includes a first segment 113 and a second segment 115 that are adjacent to each other. The first segment 113 extends generally perpendicular to the insertion direction I, and the second segment 115 extends generally parallel to the insertion direction I.
[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the first limiting portion 214 is in the form of a protrusion and protrudes toward the hollow cavity 202 of the profile 200. During the insertion of the connecting portion 102 into the hollow cavity 202 of the profile 200, the anchoring arm 110 can elastically deform due to the mechanical interference between the first anchoring portion 112 and the first wall portion 204 of the profile 200, so that the connecting portion 102 enters the hollow cavity 202. When the connecting portion 102 is inserted into the hollow cavity 202 (e.g. Figure 12A and Figure 12B As shown, the first anchoring portion 112 of the connecting section 102 moves past the first limiting portion 214 of the profile 200. At this time, the first anchoring portion 112 can mechanically interfere with the first limiting portion 214. More specifically, the first section 113 of the first anchoring portion 112 can mechanically interfere with the first limiting portion 214 to restrict the connecting section 102 from moving relative to the profile 200 in a direction opposite to the insertion direction I, thereby preventing the connecting section 102 from detaching from the hollow cavity 202 of the profile 200.
[0063] Although the above description of the exemplary connector according to the present invention is based on the example of the connector used for assembling photovoltaic panel frames, it is understood that the connector according to the present invention can be used for connecting profiles in other fields.
[0064] It should also be understood that the various components and features described herein may be made of a variety of materials, including but not limited to polymers, rubber, metals, and other suitable materials or combinations thereof known to those skilled in the art. Figures 1 to 8 The embodiments shown only illustrate the shape, size, and arrangement of various optional components of the connector according to the invention; however, they are merely illustrative and not limiting. Other shapes, sizes, and arrangements may be adopted without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0065] The technical content and features of the present invention have been disclosed above. However, it is understood that, under the inventive concept of the present invention, those skilled in the art can easily make modifications, variations, and equivalents of these embodiments based on the disclosed content. For example, features shown or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. This disclosure is intended to cover these modifications, variations, and equivalents. The description of the above embodiments is exemplary and not restrictive, and the scope of protection of the present invention is determined by the claims.
Claims
1. A connector (100), characterized in that, The connector (100) is configured to connect to the profile (200) and includes a connecting section (102), wherein the connecting section (102) is adapted to be inserted into and connected to the hollow cavity (202) of the profile (200) in the insertion direction (I), wherein the connecting section (102) includes a base plate (108) having a window (106) and extends from the base plate (108) toward a first side (S1) of the base plate (108) and through... An anchoring arm (110) extends through the window (106) to a second side (S2) of the substrate (108) opposite to the first side (S1), wherein the anchoring arm (110) includes a first anchoring portion (112) located on the second side (S2), and wherein the first anchoring portion (112) is adapted to mechanically interfere with a first limiting portion (214) of the profile (200) to restrict the movement of the connecting segment (102) relative to the profile (200).
2. The connector (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting section (102) includes an anchoring wing (132) extending from the substrate (108) toward the first side (S1), wherein the anchoring wing (132) includes a second anchoring portion (134) located on the first side (S1), and wherein the second anchoring portion (134) is adapted to mechanically interfere with a second limiting portion (216) of the profile (200) when the connecting section (102) is inserted into the hollow cavity (202) to limit the movement of the connecting section (102) relative to the profile (200) in a direction opposite to the insertion direction (I).
3. The connector (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second limiting portion (216) is in the form of a convex portion, wherein the anchoring wing (132) includes a clearance recess (140), and wherein the clearance recess (140) is adjacent to and recessed relative to the second anchoring portion (134) in the insertion direction (I) to clearance the second limiting portion (216) during the insertion of the connecting section (102) into the hollow cavity (202).
4. The connector (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, A through hole (142) is provided at the connection between the anchor wing (132) and the base plate (108) to increase the elasticity of the anchor wing (132).
5. The connector (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The connecting section (102) includes at least one retaining wing (144, 146) adapted to abut against the inner surface (212) of the hollow cavity (202) when the connecting section (102) is inserted into the hollow cavity (202) to restrict movement of the connecting section (102) relative to the profile (200).
6. The connector (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The at least one retaining wing (144) includes a first retaining wing (144) extending from the substrate (108) and a second retaining wing (146) extending from the anchoring arm (110), wherein the first retaining wing (144) and the second retaining wing (146) are configured to abut two opposing surface portions of the inner surface (212) of the hollow cavity (202), respectively.
7. The connector (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The connecting segment (102) includes a guide lug (152) extending from the substrate (108) toward the first side (S1), wherein the guide lug (152) is adapted to engage with the inner surface (212) of the hollow cavity (202) to guide the connecting segment (102) into the hollow cavity (202).
8. The connector (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The guide lug (152) has a generally L-shaped cross-section to mate with two adjacent surface portions of the inner surface (212) of the hollow chamber (202).
9. The connector (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The substrate (108) has an edge that extends generally along the insertion direction (I) and the edge is configured as a flange.
10. The connector (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first anchoring part (112) is in the form of a rib, and the first anchoring part (112) is adapted to engage with the first limiting part (214) in the form of a slot, so as to mechanically interfere with the inner edge of the first limiting part (214).
11. The connector (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first anchoring portion (112) is in the form of a rib, and at least a portion of the first anchoring portion (112) extends substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction (I) and is adapted to mechanically interfere with the first limiting portion (214) in the form of a convex portion.
12. The connector (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The connector (100) is made of steel and is integrally formed by stamping.
13. The connector (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The connector (100) is configured to connect two profiles (200) and includes two connecting segments (102) and a transition segment (104), wherein the two connecting segments (102) extend substantially perpendicular to each other and are connected by the transition segment (104), and wherein each of the two connecting segments (102) is adapted to be inserted into and connected to the hollow cavity (202) of the corresponding profile (200).
14. A photovoltaic panel frame, characterized in that, The photovoltaic panel frame includes a plurality of profiles (200) and a plurality of connectors (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein each connector (100) is used to connect two profiles (200) that are adjacent to each other.