Positioning tool for positioning belt for assembling solar panel

Abstract

The utility model relates to a positioning tool for positioning a belt for assembling a solar panel. The utility model relates to a positioning tool for positioning belts used for attaching a solar panel to a rotating profile of a solar tracker, which is characterized in that the positioning tool comprises two parallel arms connected by a central body, each arm comprises an assembling and guiding device and a hole used for positioning the belts, the holes coincide in the operative position with corresponding holes of a belt for attaching the solar panel, the holes including a spacing between the arms that coincides with a spacing distance of the belt to be attached on the rotating profile.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present utility model relates to the technical field of devices and accessories intended for the installation of photovoltaic panels or modules. More specifically, the present utility model relates to a tool that facilitates the assembly of support straps for solar panels, the tool positioning the straps for attachment to the rotating profiles of solar trackers. Background Art

[0002] Photovoltaic panels or modules can be fixed to the rotation axes of solar trackers or to structures similar to the rotation axes (such as profiles, beams or elements of this type). One of the common components in this type of attachment is the so-called support or attachment strap, which in turn is attached perpendicular to the rotation axis or similar structure and which acts as a support for the corresponding solar panel. Specifically, the strap is a longitudinal support with a U-shaped cross-section (or more precisely, an inverted Ω) and horizontal wings, where the frames of the photovoltaic modules or panels are attached (due to the alignment of the holes in the frame and the corresponding wings).

[0003] Thus, the situation is that, at the end of the assembly, two support straps must be placed under the frames on two opposite sides of a rectangular panel; to do so, the support straps must first be correctly positioned (with the appropriate spacing and orientation) in order to receive the corresponding solar panel so that the panel-strap attachment through-holes coincide. From this explanation, it is concluded that the operator must first find the correct position of the two straps either with the solar panel on top of the two straps or by making an estimate / measurement in advance based on the width of the panel, and once the holes of the panel are presented and aligned with the holes of each corresponding strap, the operator can then proceed to apply the tightening torque to the elements that hold the strap attached to the underlying structure (such as the rotation axis of a solar tracker).

[0004] Due to the weight and volume of the elements involved (such as solar panels), as well as the uncomfortable positions in which the above-mentioned assembly must be carried out, and the high number of panels that can be assembled in some installations, a device or accessory would be advisable that would facilitate and speed up this task, with the consequent advantages of productivity and comfort for the fitter.

[0005] For this reason, the present utility model provides an accessory or positioning tool that facilitates the prior placement of the strap in the rotating profile. This tool can be reused in each attachment of an individual solar panel, so that with only one of them (or several, depending on how many fitters are working simultaneously), a complete installation can be carried out. In addition, in some of its embodiments, the positioning tool provided for a specific strap model can be adapted to solar panels of different widths under discussion. Summary of the Utility Model

[0006] To achieve the above advantages and improvements, the following utility model is provided, which consists of a positioning tool for a belt that positions a rotating profile for attaching a solar panel to a solar tracker. The positioning tool includes two parallel arms connected by a central body. Each arm includes assembly and guiding devices, as well as holes for positioning these belts. These holes coincide with corresponding holes in the belts for attaching the solar panel in the operative position. The holes include a spacing between the arms, which is consistent with the spacing distance of the belt to be attached to the rotating profile.

[0007] The "operative position" refers to the position taken by the positioning tool placed between two adjacent belts and prepared for attaching the belts to the rotating profile.

[0008] Due to this configuration, it is possible to assemble one arm of the positioning tool into the first belt already attached to the rotating profile and the other arm into the second belt to be fixed to the rotating profile, so that the correct alignment and distance are maintained between the belts and they are guided until the belt attachment holes are aligned with the positioning holes of the positioning tool, enabling the attachment between the positioning tool and the belt to continue the attachment of the belt to the rotating profile, thus ensuring that the second belt is attached to the rotating profile in the correct position.

[0009] Preferably, the assembly and guiding devices are at least two downward positioning tabs longitudinally separated along the corresponding arm, such that in the operative position, they are assembled between the two inner walls of the corresponding belt. In other words, the tabs are protrusions that extend vertically (preferred shape) or obliquely downward. In the operative position, these downward tabs on each arm are closely assembled into the longitudinal cavity of the corresponding belt (within the spacing width of the inner walls of the cavity), and are positioned along the corresponding arm with a certain spacing therebetween; in this way, by being closely assembled into the belt and arranged with a certain longitudinal spacing, they do not allow the arm to move in the cavity of the belt in a direction perpendicular to the belt. This close assembly must allow the arm of the positioning tool to move longitudinally along the corresponding belt, so that the tool or the belt to be attached can be moved until the positioning holes of the tool coincide or align with the attachment holes of each corresponding belt (or at least several belts) intended for fastening the solar panel.

[0010] According to another feature of the present utility model, the positioning tool may include one or more handles for lifting it relative to the belt; for this purpose, these handles are suitable for being grasped from the upper part of the tool. This feature allows the tool to be easily removed once the corresponding belt has been attached.

[0011] According to an additional feature of the present utility model, among the downward tabs arranged on each arm of the tool, at least two downward tabs may be located at two corresponding ends of each arm.

[0012] Another feature of the present utility model relates to the fact that the central body and the parallel arms of the positioning tool form a single piece.

[0013] According to another feature of the present utility model, the tool is in the form of a sheet, i.e., in the form of a sheet of hard material. Preferably, in the case where the tool is in the form of a sheet, it includes a first reinforcing rib protruding along the arm and a second reinforcing rib protruding perpendicular to the first reinforcing rib into the central body. This prevents the tool from deforming due to collision or force and from not performing its function correctly.

[0014] Finally, according to another aspect of the present utility model, the body of the positioning tool can extend and retract (or fold up) in the direction extending between the two parallel arms before attaching the body to adapt to different distances. In this way, the body can adapt to different distances between the belts depending on the installation, thus avoiding having to manufacture tools for each different installation. Description of the Drawings

[0015] The drawings illustrate, by way of non-limiting examples, embodiments of the belt positioning tool of the present utility model.

[0016] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of the positioning tool according to the present utility model.

[0017] Figure 2 is Figure 1 the top view of the positioning tool.

[0018] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the positioning tool of the present utility model.

[0019] Figure 4 is Figure 3 the top view of the positioning tool.

[0020] Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating the placement of the positioning tool according to the present utility model on two support belts.

[0021] Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating a method for installing a plurality of belts in a rotating profile of a solar tracker using the positioning tool of the present utility model. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0022] In the following detailed description, specific details of the present utility model are set forth by way of example, and these specific details assist in interpreting the scope of the claims with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the teachings can be practiced in other circumstances or with modifications to these details without changing the scope defined by the claims.

[0023] Figure 1 A perspective view of the positioning tool 100 for the strap 200 is shown, which straps are used to support photovoltaic panels. As explained in the previous section, these straps 200 constitute the supports on which the solar panels are assembled on top, such that two opposite parallel frames of the panel rest on the horizontal fins of the straps 200 and are attached thereto, for example, by means of screws or bolts, as is the case illustrated in the present utility model.

[0024] In Figure 5 and Figure 6 exemplary embodiments of the support strap 200 attached to a rotating profile 300 (e.g., of a solar tracker) can be seen. As can be readily understood, if the straps 200 are attached to the frame of the solar panel, these straps must be placed at a spacing and alignment suitable for the width of the solar panel to be installed.

[0025] To facilitate such placement of the strap 200, according to the present utility model, a spacer or positioning tool 100 is provided, which includes two parallel arms 110, 110' and a central body 120 connecting the arms 110, 110'. The parallel arms 110, 110' have tabs 112, 114, 112', 114' that are inserted into cavities of the strap 200.

[0026] These tabs 112, 114, 112', 114' (at least two of which are provided on each arm 110, 110') maintain the straps 200 at a mutual distance suitable for mounting the corresponding solar panel on top thereof. In other words, the width of the tool 100 (the spacing between the parallel arms 110, 110') is designed such that once any two straps 200 are held in a stable position by the tabs 112, 114, 112', 114' of the positioning tool 100, a distance corresponding to the geometry of the solar panel is maintained.

[0027] To do so, in the case where the first strap 200 is attached to the rotating profile 300, to attach the next strap 200 to the rotating profile, the tabs 112, 114, 112', 114' of the tool 100 are fitted into the longitudinal cavities of the corresponding strap 200, with one arm 110, 110' for each of the two straps 200, and this fitting allows the arms 110, 110' to move longitudinally along the strap 200, but hardly allows the tabs 112, 114, 112', 114' to move in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the strap 200, so as to thus achieve a stable attachment of the spacing between the straps.

[0028] In addition, each of the arms 110, 110' includes positioning holes 116, 116' which are arranged such that by longitudinally moving the tool 100 along the strip 200, these positioning holes coincide with the holes in the strip 200 intended for attaching the solar panel. In this way, by matching the positioning hole 116 of the arm 110 of the tool 100 with the holes that have been pre-determined in the wing of the strip 200 for attaching the solar panel, the tool 100 is first attached to the strip 200 already attached to the rotating shaft 300 by means of screws, bolts or even simple pins. Subsequently, the attachment of the next strip 200 is carried out by matching the positioning hole 116' on the other arm 110' of the tool 100 with the holes in the strip 200.

[0029] Once the position of the second strip 200 has been fixed, this second strip can be attached to the rotating profile 300 using conventional mechanical devices.

[0030] Figure 6 This method is reflected in [Figure], where the first three strips 200 shown from left to right have been attached and in that case the fourth strip is being attached.

[0031] Figure 2 is shown Figure 1 The upper plan view of the same positioning tool 100 as shown in [Figure] is presented. In one of the preferred embodiments, each arm 110, 110' has two tabs 112, 114, 112', 114' and these two tabs 112, 114, 112', 114' are located at two corresponding ends of the corresponding arms 110, 110'. A greater number of tabs 112, 114, 112', 114' may be present.

[0032] As can be seen in the illustration, the tool 100 may also have one or more handles 130, 130' which are intended to facilitate the manipulation of the tool, specifically to lift the tool vertically relative to the strips once the strip 200 has been firmly attached to the profile 300 or any other support structure.

[0033] In one of the preferred embodiments, the positioning tool 100 is made of a single piece ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 ). However, in the embodiments shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the tool 100 is made up of three separate parts or components that can be assembled together. Specifically, in the said Figure 3 and Figure 4In [the description], the body 120 and the two arms 110, 110' are three independent components, which can be assembled / dismantled with each other to form the positioning tool 100. The body 120 can be presented in different sizes (specifically, different widths) to adapt to corresponding photovoltaic panels of different widths. Therefore, the tool 100 can be presented in the form of a kit, which has two or more different body models 120 that are interchangeable with each other. In the embodiment formed by three independent components, the two arms 110, 110' can be exactly the same, thereby facilitating the manufacturing process. In the case where an installation with a strip 200 is provided, specifically with different spacings between the inner vertical walls of the strip cavity 200, different arm models 110, 110' can also be provided, and the tabs 112, 114, 112', 114' of these arm models have different widths suitable for the spacings of each type of strip 200.

[0034] In another embodiment of the present utility model, the body 120 can be extendable / retractable (i.e., adjustable) so as to adapt to solar panels of different widths. For example, such an extension / retraction ability can be achieved through a telescopic tube mechanism or a bellows structure, and can be provided in both variants of the positioning tool 100 made as a single piece and variants of the detachable tool 100.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the body 120 is formed by a network or framework of profiles that are either integral with each other or have a substantial gap or spacing therebetween, thereby achieving sufficient stiffness while controlling the material cost and the weight of the tool 100. As shown in the figures, the framework can be formed by casting or stamping an initial sheet or plate of the corresponding material.

[0036] In addition, it is contemplated that in both Figure 1 and Figure 2 embodiments and in Figures 3 to 6 embodiments, the tool 100 includes: a first reinforcing rib 118 that protrudes along the arms 110, 110' in either an ascending or descending manner; and a second reinforcing rib 119 that protrudes perpendicular to the first reinforcing rib 118 into the central body 120, thereby providing the required stiffness, especially when the tool 100 is in the shape of a sheet.

Claims

1. A positioning tool (100) for positioning a strap (200) for assembling a solar panel, the strap (200) being for attaching the solar panel to a rotating profile (300) of a solar tracker, characterized in that, The positioning tool (100) comprises two parallel arms (110; 110') connected by a central body (120), each arm (110, 110') comprising assembly and guiding means, and holes (116; 116') for positioning the strip (200), the holes coinciding in the operative position with corresponding holes of the strip (200) for attaching the solar panel, the holes comprising a spacing between the arms (110, 110') which is identical to the spacing distance of the strip (200) to be attached to the rotary profile (300).

2. The positioning tool (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The assembly and guiding means are at least two descending tabs (112, 114; 112', 114') longitudinally spaced along the corresponding arm (110; 110') such that, in the operative position, they fit between the two inner walls of the corresponding strip (200).

3. The positioning tool (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The positioning tool (100) comprises at least one handle (130; 130') suitable for being grasped from the upper part of the positioning tool (100).

4. The positioning tool (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The descending tabs (112, 114; 112', 114') are respectively located at the two ends of the corresponding arm (110; 110').

5. The positioning tool (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The central body (120) and the parallel arms (110, 110') are made in one piece.

6. The positioning tool (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The positioning tool is in the shape of a lamina and comprises: a first reinforcing rib (118) protruding along the arms (110, 110'); and a second reinforcing rib (119) protruding perpendicular to the first reinforcing rib (118) into the central body (120).

7. The positioning tool (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The body (120) is extendable / retractable in a direction perpendicular to the arms (110; 110').

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