Limiting bearing and photovoltaic tracking support

Abstract

The application provides a limit bearing, which comprises a bearing body, a first shell and a second shell, the bearing body has an axial direction, the bearing body, the first shell and the second shell are coaxially arranged; the outer circumferential surface of the bearing body is provided with a protrusion in the circumferential direction, wherein the circumferential direction refers to the direction around the axial direction; the first shell and the second shell are coaxially arranged on the outer side of the bearing body from the two sides of the bearing body along the axial direction, the inner circumferential surface of the first shell and the second shell close to the bearing body is provided with a limit groove in the circumferential direction; the protrusion of the bearing body is limited in the limit groove, the bearing body rotates around the axial direction within a certain angle range, the protrusion moves in the circumferential direction in the limit groove, and the protrusion abuts against the limit groove in the movement process of the protrusion, so that the limit of the bearing body in the circumferential direction is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of bearing structure technology, and more specifically, to a limiting bearing and a photovoltaic tracking bracket. Background Technology

[0002] Photovoltaic modules are typically installed in open-air areas to receive solar energy and convert it into electrical energy. These modules are supported by photovoltaic tracking brackets, most of which are single-axis systems, including a drive system, main shaft, column, purlins, bearings, and various connectors. The main shaft passes through the center of the bearing, and the drive system rotates the main shaft, allowing the photovoltaic module to adapt to the direction of sunlight. During this process, the bearing rotates 360°.

[0003] However, in open-air areas, photovoltaic tracking brackets are highly susceptible to wind damage. In high-wind-pressure areas, the longer the span of the photovoltaic tracking bracket, the greater the impact of wind. The photovoltaic tracking bracket can experience vibrations, vortex-induced vibrations, and flutter due to wind, causing unnecessary shaking and rotation of the main shaft within the bearings. This results in a larger rotational torque on the bearings, increasing the risk of bearing failure. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is at least to provide a limiting bearing that, when subjected to wind loads or other loads, limits its own rotation angle to prevent the rotating object it drives from rotating at an excessive angle, thereby avoiding excessive rotational load on itself, adapting to various wind conditions, and exhibiting significant wind pressure resistance.

[0005] The following provides a brief overview of one or more aspects to offer a basic understanding of them. This overview is not an exhaustive summary of all conceived aspects, nor is it intended to identify key or decisive elements of all aspects, nor to define the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form to prepare for the more detailed descriptions that follow.

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention provides a limiting bearing, which includes a bearing body, a first housing, and a second housing. The bearing body has an axial direction, and the bearing body, the first housing, and the second housing are coaxially arranged. The outer circumferential surface of the bearing body has a circumferential protrusion, wherein the circumferential direction refers to the direction around the axial direction. The first housing and the second housing are respectively fitted onto the outer side of the bearing body from both sides along the axial direction. The inner circumferential surfaces of the first housing and the second housing near the bearing body have circumferential limiting grooves. The protrusion of the bearing body is confined within the limiting groove. When the bearing body rotates around the axial direction within a certain angle range, the protrusion moves circumferentially within the limiting groove. During the movement of the protrusion, the protrusion abuts against the limiting groove, thereby limiting the bearing body in the circumferential direction.

[0007] In some embodiments, the bearing body rotates at an angle ranging from 45° to 70°.

[0008] In some embodiments, the angle of the protrusion ranges from 60° to 180°, and the angle of the limiting groove of the first housing and the second housing ranges from 140° to 320°.

[0009] In some embodiments, the bearing body is a spherical bearing, the outer peripheral surface of the bearing body is a convex spherical surface, the inner peripheral surfaces of the first housing and the second housing are engaged with the outer peripheral surfaces, and the inner peripheral surfaces of the first housing and the second housing are spliced ​​together along the axial direction to form a concave spherical surface.

[0010] In some embodiments, the limiting groove is a groove structure that extends circumferentially and is recessed relative to the bearing body in the radial direction of the bearing body.

[0011] In some embodiments, the protrusion is a circumferentially extending rib structure that protrudes radially relative to the first or second housing.

[0012] In some embodiments, the protrusions are a plurality of bump structures distributed circumferentially and protruding radially relative to the first housing or the second housing.

[0013] In some embodiments, the protrusions are a plurality of roller structures distributed circumferentially and protruding radially relative to the first housing or the second housing.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first housing and the second housing extend into a first portion in a circumferential plane, and the first portion of the first housing and the second housing are fastened by fasteners to achieve the installation of the bearing body.

[0015] One embodiment of the present invention also provides a photovoltaic tracking bracket, which includes a column, a main shaft, and a limiting bearing as described in the above embodiment. The main shaft passes through the shaft channel of the limiting bearing, the limiting bearing is fixed relative to the column, and the main shaft is rotatably mounted on the column through the limiting bearing.

[0016] The limiting bearing of the present invention has a protrusion provided along the circumference of the bearing body, and a limiting groove provided along the circumference of the first housing and the second housing. After the bearing body rotates around the axial direction within a certain angle range, the protrusion abuts against the limiting groove, thereby limiting the rotation angle itself and preventing the rotating object driven by the limiting bearing from rotating at an excessive angle under the influence of wind pressure. This avoids the limiting bearing from bearing excessive rotational load on the rotating object, and can adapt well to various wind conditions with obvious wind pressure resistance. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The above-described features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood after reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, components are not necessarily drawn to scale, and components having similar related properties or features may have the same or similar reference numerals. Wherein:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the limit bearing according to some embodiments;

[0019] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the limit bearing shown in some embodiments;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the bearing body according to some embodiments;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second housing according to some embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that the aspects described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments are merely exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention in any way.

[0023] Flowcharts are used in this specification to illustrate the operations performed by the system according to embodiments of this specification. It should be understood that the preceding or following operations are not necessarily performed in exact order. Instead, the steps can be processed in reverse order or simultaneously. Furthermore, other operations can be added to these processes, or one or more steps can be removed from them.

[0024] It is understood that the technical terms that may be used in the description of this specification, such as “center,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” and “outer,” indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the implementation method and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the invention.

[0025] It should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define features in this article is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding features. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.

[0026] In the description of this specification, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, an integral connection, or a detachable connection; a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or a connection within two components, etc. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this specification according to the specific circumstances.

[0027] This specification provides an embodiment of a limiting bearing, comprising a bearing body, a first housing, and a second housing. The first and second housings together form the mounting structure of the bearing body. By setting the bearing body to be circumferentially limited relative to the first and second housings, the rotation angle of the bearing body relative to the fixed first and second housings in the circumferential direction is restricted. This reduces the swaying or swinging angle of the photovoltaic tracking bracket under wind pressure, lowers the rotational load borne by the bearing, and adapts to the wind pressure resistance requirements under various wind conditions. This helps maintain the effectiveness of the bearing and even the photovoltaic tracking bracket in practical applications.

[0028] The specific implementation of the limit bearing will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the limit bearing shown in some embodiments. Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the limit bearing shown in some embodiments.

[0030] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the limiting bearing 100 includes a bearing body 110, a first housing 120, and a second housing 130.

[0031] The bearing body 110, the first housing 120, and the second housing 130 are coaxially arranged. Here, the axis can be understood as the central axis of the bearing body 110, and the direction of the central axis is the axial direction of the bearing body 110. The circumferential direction mentioned in this specification refers to the direction around the axial direction, and the radial direction mentioned in this specification refers to the radial direction of the bearing body 110.

[0032] The first housing 120 and the second housing 130 are respectively fitted onto the outer side of the bearing body 110 from both sides along the axial direction. The first housing 120 and the second housing 130 are fixed together, and the first housing 120 and the second housing 130 are spliced ​​to form a mounting cavity. The bearing body 110 is accommodated in the mounting cavity to achieve installation. In some embodiments, the first housing 120 and the second housing 130 extend axially with flanges (including flange 121 of the first housing 120 and flange 131 of the second housing 130). The flanges of the first housing 120 and the second housing 130 are coaxially arranged with the bearing body 110, jointly defining an open cavity for accommodating the bearing body 110. The bearing body 110 is confined within the open cavity, and the bearing body 110 can rotate about the axial direction within the open cavity.

[0033] It should be understood that the structures of the first housing 120 and the second housing 130 can be the same, similar, or different, as long as they can achieve the limiting and installation of the bearing body 110. This specification uses the example of the first housing 120 and the second housing 130 having the same or similar structures for illustration.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the bearing body according to some embodiments. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second housing according to some embodiments.

[0035] In some embodiments, the bearing body 110 is a spherical bearing, and the outer peripheral surface of the bearing body 110 is a convex spherical surface. The outer peripheral surface of the bearing body 110, as referred to in this specification, means the side surface of the bearing body 110 that is close to the first housing 120 or the second housing 130 and extends circumferentially. In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the bearing body 110 is shaped as a complete sphere cut off by cross sections located on opposite sides of the sphere's center. These cross sections are perpendicular to the axial direction, meaning that the diameter of the circular cross sections on the bearing body 110 gradually decreases from the sphere's center along the axial direction to both sides.

[0036] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4As shown, the flanges of the first housing 120 and the second housing 130 are adapted to the shape of the bearing body 110. In some embodiments, the inner circumferential surface shape of the flanges of the first housing 120 and the second housing 130 is adapted to the shape of the bearing body 110. The outer side of the flanges of the first housing 120 and the second housing 130 away from the bearing body 110 can be any shape, such as square, polygonal, or irregular. The inner circumferential surface of the first housing 120 and the second housing 130 referred to in this specification refers to the side surface of the flanges that are close to the first housing 120 and the second housing 130 that are close to the bearing body 110 and extend circumferentially. In some embodiments, the center of the bearing body 110 is located on the splicing surface where the first housing 120 and the second housing 130 are joined as a whole. The inner circumferential surfaces of the flanges of the first housing 120 and the second housing 130 gradually narrow on opposite sides along the axial direction, so that the bearing body 110 is confined in the open cavity of the first housing 120 and the second housing 130, ensuring that the bearing body 110 will not fall out of the open cavity.

[0037] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the first housing 120 and the second housing 130 extend into a first portion on a plane along the circumferential direction. The first portions of the first housing 120 and the second housing 130 are fastened by fasteners 140 (e.g., bolts) to achieve the installation of the bearing body 110. Here, the plane along the circumferential direction refers to a plane parallel to the circumferential direction, or the plane containing the circumferential direction.

[0038] The limiting bearing 100 supports the rotating shaft, allowing it to rotate relative to a fixed structure (e.g., a fixed base). The first housing 120 and the second housing 130 are fixed relative to the fixed structure, and the bearing body 110 is circumferentially fixed relative to the rotating shaft. The rotating shaft passes through the bearing body 110, and the flanges of the first housing 120 and the second housing 130, as well as the bearing body 110, are provided with shaft channels for the rotating shaft to pass through. The rotating shaft and the shaft channels on the bearing body 110 are matched, enabling them to rotate synchronously. For example, if the rotating shaft has a square or polygonal structure, the shaft channels on the bearing body 110 are square or polygonal channels, and the rotating shaft and bearing body 110 do not rotate relative to each other.

[0039] In some embodiments, mounting seats (including mounting seat 122 of the first housing 120 and mounting seat 132 of the second housing 130) are provided at the bottom of the first housing 120 and the second housing 130. The mounting seats are used for mounting to a fixed structure to secure the first housing 120 and the second housing 130. In some embodiments, the mounting seat is a flanged structure extending axially from a first portion. The mounting seats of the first housing 120 and the second housing 130 can be flanged in the same direction or in opposite directions. This is merely an example. Figure 2The mounting seats of the first housing 120 and the second housing 130 shown are flanged towards the bearing body 110. Fasteners can be installed and fastened to the mounting seats of the first housing 120 and the second housing 130 simultaneously, simplifying the installation process and saving installation space. The first housing 120 and the second housing 130, configured in this way, can be formed by stamping, simplifying the processing steps and reducing the processing difficulty. Furthermore, since the demand for bearing components in actual applications is huge, simplifying the processing steps of the limiting bearing 100 and reducing the processing difficulty effectively reduces production costs and improves production efficiency.

[0040] To limit the rotation angle of the bearing body 110 relative to the first housing 120 and the second housing 130 in the circumferential direction, reduce the rotational load borne by the bearing body 110, and ensure the effectiveness of the bearing body 110 in practical applications, the bearing body 110 has a protrusion 111 in the circumferential direction, and the first housing 120 and the second housing 130 have limiting grooves in the circumferential direction (including the limiting groove 123 of the first housing 110 and the limiting groove 133 of the second housing 130). After the bearing body 110 rotates around the axial direction by a certain angle under the limiting of the first housing 120 and the second housing 130, the protrusion 111 abuts against the groove wall of the limiting groove, restricting the bearing body 110 from continuing to rotate, thereby achieving the purpose of limiting the rotation angle of the bearing body 110 in the circumferential direction.

[0041] In some embodiments, the outer peripheral surface of the bearing body 110 has a protrusion 111 that extends circumferentially. In some embodiments, the inner peripheral surfaces of the flanges of the first housing 120 and the second housing 130 are provided with limiting grooves that extend circumferentially. In some embodiments, the limiting groove is a recessed structure and is recessed radially relative to the bearing body 110, that is, the limiting groove is recessed in a direction away from the bearing body 110. In some embodiments, the limiting groove may be provided only on the inner peripheral surface of the flange of the first housing 120 or the second housing 130, or half of the limiting groove may be provided on each of the first housing 120 and the second housing 130. When the first housing 120 and the second housing 130 are joined, the half of the limiting groove on the first housing 120 and the second housing 130 are joined to form a complete limiting groove. In some embodiments, in order for the protrusion 111 to abut against the limiting groove, the connection between the limiting groove and its inner peripheral surface is achieved through a radial plane. The protrusion 111 slides in the limiting groove and abuts against the radial plane of the limiting groove.

[0042] The protrusion 111 is confined within the limiting groove. After the bearing body 110 rotates a certain angle in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, the protrusion 111 of the bearing body 110 abuts against the groove wall of the limiting groove, restricting the bearing body 110 from continuing to rotate, thereby achieving the purpose of limiting the rotation angle of the bearing body 110 in the circumferential direction, and thus limiting the bearing body 110 in the circumferential direction.

[0043] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the protrusion 111 is a circumferentially extending ridge structure that protrudes radially relative to the first housing 120 or the second housing 130. In some embodiments, the protrusion 111 may be a square, arc-shaped, or other ridge structure. In some embodiments, the shape and structure of the limiting groove are adapted to the shape and structure of the protrusion 111 to prevent the protrusion 111 from moving unstably within the limiting groove. For example, when the protrusion 111 is a square ridge, the limiting groove is a square groove of similar size. In some embodiments, the protrusion 111 includes multiple bump structures distributed circumferentially, which can reduce the overall weight of the limiting bearing 100. In some embodiments, to reduce the frictional force between the bearing body 110 and the first housing 120 and the second housing 130 during relative movement, the protrusion 111 includes multiple roller structures distributed circumferentially, generating rolling friction between the bearing body 110 and the first housing 120 and the second housing 130.

[0044] The rotation angle of the bearing body 110 is set according to the rotation angle of the shaft required in actual application. In some embodiments, the photovoltaic module needs to adjust its angle according to the direction of illumination, and the photovoltaic tracking bracket used to provide the required angle of the photovoltaic module is angle-adjusted. To accommodate the angle adjustment of the photovoltaic tracking bracket, the rotation angle range of the bearing body 110 is 45° to 70°. In some embodiments, to reduce the rotational load on the bearing body 110 and the photovoltaic tracking bracket, the rotation angle range of the bearing body 110 is 45° to 60°. In some embodiments, considering the structural stability of the bearing body 110, the first housing 120 and the second housing 130, and to avoid structural cracking and damage during repeated positioning, the included angle range of the two protrusions 111 is 60° to 180° (e.g., 90° to 150°), and the included angle range of the limiting groove is 150° to 320° (e.g., 180° to 290°). The included angle of the two protrusions 111 or the two limiting grooves mentioned in this specification refers to the included angle between the line connecting the center of their surfaces and the center of the circle containing the center of the surfaces.

[0045] It is understood that the limiting bearing 100 described in this specification can be applied to the fit between a rotating shaft and a fixed structure in any device. The following description uses the application of the limiting bearing 100 to a photovoltaic tracking bracket as an example.

[0046] This specification also provides a photovoltaic tracking bracket, which includes the limiting bearing 100 described in the above embodiments.

[0047] The photovoltaic tracking bracket also includes a column (not shown in the figure) and a main shaft (not shown in the figure). The column can be understood as the fixed structure described above, and the main shaft can be understood as the rotating shaft described above. In some embodiments, the main shaft is a square tube structure used to mount photovoltaic modules. The main shaft is rotatably mounted on the column via a limit bearing 100, and the main shaft passes through the shaft channel of the limit bearing 100, which is fixed relative to the column. When the photovoltaic tracking bracket is in use, the column is fixed to the ground, and the main shaft is supported by the column. The rotation of the main shaft relative to the column drives the photovoltaic modules to adjust their solar angle, ensuring photovoltaic power generation efficiency.

[0048] When the limit bearing 100 is used in a photovoltaic tracking bracket, the first housing 120 and the second housing 130 are fixedly connected to the column. The bearing body 110 has a square through hole (or square channel) that matches the cross-section of the main shaft. The main shaft is inserted into the square through hole, and the main shaft and the bearing body 110 rotate synchronously relative to the column.

[0049] The limiting bearing 100 and photovoltaic tracking bracket provided in this specification address the issue that, under wind pressure, the photovoltaic module experiences a high starting speed or abnormal swaying on its main shaft due to wind force. This can cause the photovoltaic module to drive the bearing to rotate at a large angle. Such large-angle rotation of the photovoltaic module places a significant load on the bearing, potentially leading to bearing failure. By limiting the bearing's rotation angle—that is, by designing the limiting bearing 100—the rotation or swaying of the main shaft and the photovoltaic module on it under wind pressure is prevented, thus achieving the purpose of counteracting wind pressure and preventing wind-induced disasters.

[0050] The basic concepts have been described above. It is clear that the detailed disclosure above is merely illustrative and does not constitute a limitation of this specification, especially for those skilled in the art. Furthermore, unless expressly stated in the claims, the order of elements and sequences, the use of numbers and letters, or other names in this specification are not intended to limit the order of the processes and methods described herein. Although various examples of currently considered useful embodiments of the invention have been discussed in the foregoing disclosure, it should be understood that such details are for illustrative purposes only, and the appended claims are not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Rather, the claims are intended to cover all modifications and equivalent combinations that conform to the substance and scope of the embodiments described herein.

Claims

1. A limiting bearing, characterized in that, The limiting bearing includes a bearing body, a first housing, and a second housing. The bearing body has an axial direction, and the bearing body, the first housing, and the second housing are coaxially arranged. The outer circumferential surface of the bearing body has circumferential protrusions, wherein the circumferential direction refers to the direction around the axial direction; The first housing and the second housing are respectively fitted onto the outer side of the bearing body along the axial direction from both sides of the bearing body. The first housing and the second housing have circumferentially oriented grooves on their inner circumferential surfaces near the bearing body. The protrusion of the bearing body is confined within the limiting groove. The bearing body rotates around the axial direction within a certain angle range. The protrusion moves circumferentially within the limiting groove. During the movement of the protrusion, the protrusion abuts against the limiting groove, thereby limiting the bearing body in the circumferential direction.

2. The limiting bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bearing body rotates at an angle ranging from 45° to 70°.

3. The limiting bearing according to claim 2, characterized in that, The angle range of the protrusion is 60° to 180°, and the angle range of the limiting groove of the first housing and the second housing is 140° to 320°.

4. The limiting bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bearing body is a spherical bearing, and the outer peripheral surface of the bearing body is a convex spherical surface. The inner peripheral surfaces of the first housing and the second housing are matched with the outer peripheral surface, and the inner peripheral surfaces of the first housing and the second housing are spliced ​​together along the axial direction to form a concave spherical surface.

5. The limiting bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting groove is a groove structure that extends along the circumferential direction and is recessed relative to the bearing body in the radial direction of the bearing body.

6. The limiting bearing according to claim 5, characterized in that, The protrusion is a rib structure that extends circumferentially and protrudes radially relative to the first housing or the second housing.

7. The limiting bearing according to claim 5, characterized in that, The protrusions are a plurality of bump structures distributed along the circumferential direction and protruding in the radial direction relative to the first housing or the second housing.

8. The limiting bearing according to claim 5, characterized in that, The protrusions are a plurality of roller structures distributed along the circumference and protruding in the radial direction relative to the first housing or the second housing.

9. The limiting bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first housing and the second housing extend into a first portion on a plane along the circumferential direction, and the first portion of the first housing and the second housing are fastened by fasteners to realize the installation of the bearing body.

10. A photovoltaic tracking bracket, characterized in that, The photovoltaic tracking bracket includes a column, a main shaft, and a limiting bearing as described in any one of claims 1-9. The main shaft passes through the shaft channel of the limiting bearing, the limiting bearing is fixed relative to the column, and the main shaft is rotatably mounted on the column through the limiting bearing.

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