Gasket for fastener, fastening unit and photovoltaic module

Abstract

The utility model provides a gasket for a fastener, a fastening unit and a photovoltaic module. The fastener is used to secure the bezel to the support structure and at least a portion of the fastener is adapted to be inserted into an opening on a wall portion of the bezel and apply a fastening force to an edge of the opening. The gasket comprises a bearing part which is suitable for being arranged between at least one part of the fastener and the edge of the opening so as to bear fastening force applied by at least one part of the fastener; and an attachment portion configured to attach the gasket to the bezel. The fastening unit comprises the fastener and a gasket. The photovoltaic module comprises the fastening unit. According to the gasket for the fastener, the fastening unit and the photovoltaic module, the bearing part of the gasket can bear and disperse the fastening force applied by the fastener to the opening of the wall part of the frame, so that stress concentration at the edge of the opening is avoided. In addition, the gasket can be self-held at the frame through the attachment part, and the assembly process can be simplified.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model generally relates to the field of photovoltaic technology, and more specifically relates to a gasket of a fastener for a photovoltaic assembly, a fastening unit for a photovoltaic assembly, and a photovoltaic assembly. Background Art

[0002] Currently, photovoltaic modules typically consist of a photovoltaic panel, a supporting structure for the panel, and fasteners that secure the panel's frame to the supporting structure. Frames for photovoltaic panels currently come in a variety of metal and non-metallic types. With the photovoltaic industry's increasing demand for cost reduction, non-metallic frames, with their cost advantages, are gaining increasing attention and adoption.

[0003] Non-metallic frames can be made, for example, from a composite material consisting of a matrix resin and a reinforcing material. Composite frames have significant differences in properties from metal frames. For example, composite frames are more susceptible to creep or damage when subjected to external forces than metal frames. Therefore, it is necessary to develop fasteners specifically for non-metallic frames to reduce creep or damage. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the problems existing in the above-mentioned prior art and to provide an improved gasket for a fastener, a fastening unit and a photovoltaic assembly.

[0005] To this end, a first aspect of the present invention provides a gasket for a fastener, wherein the fastener is used to fix a frame to a supporting structure and at least a portion of the fastener is suitable for being inserted into an opening on a wall portion of the frame and applying a fastening force to an edge of the opening, wherein the gasket comprises: a bearing portion, which is suitable for being arranged between the at least a portion of the fastener and the edge of the opening to bear the fastening force applied by the at least a portion of the fastener; and an attachment portion, which is configured to attach the gasket to the frame.

[0006] The first aspect of the present invention may further include any one or more of the following optional forms.

[0007] In some optional forms, the gasket includes a gasket body, wherein the attachment portion is connected to the gasket body via the load-bearing portion, and wherein the attachment portion and the gasket body are adapted to abut opposite sides of the wall portion respectively to attach the gasket to the wall portion.

[0008] In some optional forms, the attachment portion is in the form of a hook.

[0009] In some optional forms, the attachment portion includes a flange extending from the load-bearing portion and a plurality of attachment tabs spaced apart on the flange and adapted to abut against the wall portion.

[0010] In some optional forms, the bearing portion is adapted to extend along the entire edge of the opening and / or has an annular shape; or the bearing portion is adapted to extend along a portion of the edge of the opening and / or has an arc shape.

[0011] In some optional forms, the gasket includes a gasket body, wherein the bearing portion extends from the gasket body, and wherein the gasket body is suitable for abutting a protrusion of the frame extending from the wall portion to allow the fastening force borne by the bearing portion to be transmitted to the protrusion through the gasket body.

[0012] In some optional forms, the gasket body includes a first body portion and a second body portion connected to each other, wherein the bearing portion extends from the first body portion, the first body portion is adapted to abut the wall portion, and the second body portion is adapted to abut the protrusion.

[0013] In some optional forms, the second body portion includes a guide portion configured to guide the at least a portion of the fastener into the opening.

[0014] In some optional forms, the guide portion is in the form of a raised rib.

[0015] The second aspect of the present invention provides a fastening unit, which includes a fastener and a gasket for the fastener according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the fastener is configured to fix the frame to the supporting structure, wherein at least a portion of the fastener is suitable for being inserted into an opening on the wall portion of the frame and applying a fastening force to the edge of the opening, and wherein the bearing portion of the gasket is suitable for being arranged between the at least a portion of the fastener and the edge of the opening.

[0016] The second aspect of the present invention may further include any one or more of the following optional forms.

[0017] In some optional forms, the fastener includes a first section and a second section, the first section and the second section defining a receiving channel therebetween, wherein the fastener is adapted to pass through a through hole on a wall section of the supporting structure in a first direction to reach a first position, wherein when the fastener is in the first position, the first section and the second section are respectively located on opposite sides of the wall section, wherein the fastener is adapted to move from the first position to a second position in a second direction, wherein when the fastener is in the second position, the first section is inserted into the opening of the wall section of the frame, and the bearing portion of the gasket, a portion of the wall section adjacent to the opening, and a portion of the wall section adjacent to the through hole are received by the receiving channel and held between the first section and the second section.

[0018] In some optional forms, the fastener includes a top wall, a side wall and a wing, the wing being connected to the top wall via the side wall, wherein the side wall includes a groove, the groove includes a first edge and a second edge opposite to each other, and the first edge is closer to the top wall than the second edge, wherein the first section includes the top wall and the portion of the side wall extending from the top wall to the first edge, and the second section includes the wing and the portion of the side wall extending from the second edge to the wing.

[0019] In some optional forms, a limiting recess is provided at the first edge, wherein the limiting recess is adapted to engage with the load-bearing portion of the gasket to limit the relative movement between the fastener and the gasket.

[0020] In some optional forms, the spacer includes a guide portion, wherein the side wall is slidable along the guide portion to guide the fastener to move along the second direction toward the second position.

[0021] In some optional forms, the first direction is substantially perpendicular to the wall segment of the support structure, wherein the wing is elastically deformable and includes a bent portion connected to the side wall and at least one retaining portion extending from the bent portion at an acute angle to the first direction, wherein, when the fastener is in the second position, the load-bearing portion of the gasket, a portion of the wall segment adjacent to the opening, and a portion of the wall segment adjacent to the through hole are retained between the first segment and the at least one retaining portion.

[0022] In some optional forms, the at least one retaining portion includes a first retaining portion and a second retaining portion, wherein the first retaining portion is at a first angle to the first direction, the second retaining portion is at a second angle to the first direction, and the first angle is smaller than the second angle.

[0023] In some optional forms, the fastener includes two side walls and two wings, wherein each wing is connected to the top wall through a corresponding side wall, wherein the two side walls are symmetrically arranged at opposite side edges of the top wall and the two wings are symmetrically arranged.

[0024] In some optional forms, the first direction is substantially perpendicular to the second direction.

[0025] A third aspect of the present invention provides a photovoltaic assembly, comprising a photovoltaic panel, a support structure, and a fastening unit according to the second aspect of the present invention, wherein the fastening unit is used to fix the frame of the photovoltaic panel to the support structure.

[0026] In the gasket for fasteners, fastening units, and photovoltaic modules according to the present invention, the bearing portion of the gasket can bear and distribute the fastening force applied by the fastener to the opening of the wall portion of the frame, thereby avoiding stress concentration at the edge of the opening. This is particularly advantageous for non-metallic frames made of a composite material of a matrix resin and a reinforcing material, as it can prevent creep or damage to the non-metallic frame due to stress concentration at the edge of the opening. Furthermore, the gasket can be self-retained to the frame via the attachment portion, which facilitates pre-installation of multiple gaskets onto the frame of a photovoltaic panel during, for example, assembly of the photovoltaic module, simplifying the assembly process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood through the following detailed description of the optional embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals identify the same or similar components, wherein:

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic partial perspective view of a photovoltaic assembly according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present utility model;

[0029] Figure 2A and Figure 2B They are schematic partial cross-sectional views of a photovoltaic assembly according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, taken along different planes;

[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a fastening unit of a photovoltaic module;

[0031] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic plan view of a fastening unit of a photovoltaic module;

[0032] Figure 5A yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a fastener of a fastening unit of a photovoltaic module;

[0033] Figure 5B and Figure 5C They are Figure 1 Schematic plan views of fasteners of a fastening unit of a photovoltaic module viewed from different perspectives;

[0034] Figure 6A yes Figure 1 A schematic three-dimensional diagram of a gasket of a fastening unit of a photovoltaic module;

[0035] Figure 6B yes Figure 1 A schematic plan view of a gasket of a fastening unit of a photovoltaic module;

[0036] Figure 7A yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a photovoltaic module fastening unit gasket pre-installed at the frame of the photovoltaic panel;

[0037] Figure 7B yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a fastener of a fastening unit of a photovoltaic module pre-installed on a supporting structure;

[0038] Figure 8 is a schematic partial perspective view of a photovoltaic assembly according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present utility model;

[0039] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A schematic perspective view of a fastening unit of a photovoltaic module;

[0040] Figure 10A yes Figure 8 A schematic three-dimensional diagram of a gasket of a fastening unit of a photovoltaic module;

[0041] Figure 10B yes Figure 8 A schematic plan view of a gasket of a fastening unit of a photovoltaic module;

[0042] Figure 11 is a schematic partial perspective view of a photovoltaic assembly according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present utility model;

[0043] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A schematic perspective view of a fastening unit of a photovoltaic module;

[0044] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 A schematic perspective view of a fastener of a fastening unit of a photovoltaic module;

[0045] Figure 14A yes Figure 11 A schematic three-dimensional diagram of a gasket of a fastening unit of a photovoltaic module;

[0046] Figure 14B yes Figure 11 A schematic plan view of a gasket of a fastening unit of a photovoltaic module;

[0047] Figure 15 is a schematic partial perspective view of a photovoltaic assembly according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present utility model;

[0048] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A schematic perspective view of a fastening unit of a photovoltaic module; and

[0049] Figure 17 yes Figure 15 Schematic three-dimensional view of a gasket of a fastening unit of a photovoltaic module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The following describes the implementation and use of the embodiments in detail. However, it should be understood that the specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of specific ways to implement and use the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. References to the structural positions of components, such as up, down, top, and bottom, are not absolute but relative. These references are appropriate when the components are arranged as shown in the figures. However, if the positions of the components in the figures are changed, these references will change accordingly.

[0051] The terms "first," "second," and the like are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the quantity of the technical features indicated. In this utility model, unless expressly provided otherwise, the terms "installed," "connected," "connected," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, removable connections, or integral connections; they may be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediary. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0052] Figures 1 to 7B A photovoltaic assembly 1 and its components according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention are shown.

[0053] Reference Figure 1 The photovoltaic assembly 1 may generally include a plurality of fastening units 10, a plurality of photovoltaic panels and a plurality of supporting structures 30, wherein the supporting structure 30 is used to support the photovoltaic panels, and the fastening units 10 are used to fix the photovoltaic panels to the supporting structure 30. It should be noted that Figure 1 1 shows a partial portion of a photovoltaic assembly 1 , more specifically showing a fastening unit 10 fixing a frame 20 of a photovoltaic panel to a support structure 30 , wherein only partial portions of the frame 20 of the photovoltaic panel and the support structure 30 are shown.

[0054] A photovoltaic panel generally includes a panel body and a frame 20 surrounding the panel body. The frame 20 can be metal or non-metal. Non-metal frames can be made of a composite material comprising a base resin (including but not limited to epoxy resin or polyurethane) and a reinforcing material (including but not limited to glass fiber or carbon fiber). For example, non-metal frames can be made of glass fiber-reinforced polyurethane. The frame 20 can be an elongated profile. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 20 includes a frame body 21 having a generally rectangular cross-section, and a first protrusion 22 and a second protrusion 23 extending from the frame body 21. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame body 21 includes a top wall portion 24, a bottom wall portion 25, and two side wall portions 26A and 26B connecting the top wall portion 24 and the bottom wall portion 25. The first protrusion 22 can extend from the side wall portion 26A of the frame body 21 and be coplanar with the bottom wall portion 25 of the frame body 21. The second protrusion 23 can extend from the side wall portion 26B of the frame body 21. The second protrusion 23 is generally L-shaped and at least partially coplanar with the side wall portion 26B of the frame body 21. The second protrusion 23 cooperates with the top wall portion 24 of the frame body 21 to hold the edge of the photovoltaic panel's plate body therebetween. The frame body 21 may be provided with a plurality of openings 27 spaced apart along the length direction of the frame 20 on the side wall portion 26A adjacent to the first protrusion 22. Each opening 27 may receive a corresponding fastening unit 10 so as to fix the frame 20 and the corresponding supporting structure 30 to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the first protrusion 22 of the frame 20 is wider and in the form of a slat; it is conceivable that in other embodiments, the frame may also have other suitable structures, for example, Figure 11 As shown, the first protruding portion 22 of the frame 20 may also be narrower and in the form of a rib.

[0055] Continue to refer to Figure 1The support structure 30 can be fixed to the roof of a building, to a support leg connected to the ground, to a pile foundation or a floating foundation on a mountain or in a lake or sea. In the illustrated embodiment, the support structure 30 is an elongated support beam and has a generally C-shaped cross-section. The support structure 30 may include a base wall section 31, two side wall sections 32 extending from opposite side edges of the base wall section 31, and two flanges 33 extending toward each other from the two side wall sections 32. A side wall section 32 of the support structure 30 may be provided with a plurality of through holes 34 spaced apart along the length direction of the support structure 30. Each through hole 34 may receive a corresponding one of the fastening units 10 so as to fix the support structure 30 to the frame 20 of the corresponding photovoltaic panel. The side wall section 32 of the support structure 30 having the through hole 34 may contact and support the frame 20 of the photovoltaic panel, more specifically, the first protruding portion 22 and the bottom wall portion 25 of the frame 20. It is conceivable that in other embodiments, the support structure may have other suitable configurations. For example, the support structure may have a substantially U-shaped cross-section, that is, the support structure may not have flanges.

[0056] Reference Figures 1 to 2B 、 Figures 5A to 7B The fastening unit 10 includes a fastener 100 and a gasket 200. The fastener 100 may include a first section 102 and a second section 104. The first section 102 and the second section 104 define a fastening / retaining structure, and the first section 102 and the second section 104 define a receiving channel 106 therebetween. The fastener 100 may pass through the through hole 34 on the side wall section 32 of the support structure 30 along the first direction D1 to reach the Figure 7B When the fastener 100 is in the first position, the receiving channel 106 of the fastener 100 is aligned with the side wall section 32, and the first section 102 and the second section 104 are located on opposite sides of the side wall section 32. The fastener 100 can be moved from the first position along the second direction D2 relative to the support structure 30 to the position shown in FIG. Figure 1 In the second position shown, when the fastener 100 is in the second position, the first section 102 is inserted into the opening 27 of the side wall portion 26A of the frame 20, and a portion of the side wall portion 26A adjacent to the opening 27 and a portion of the side wall segment 32 adjacent to the through hole 34 are received by the receiving channel 106 and clamped / retained between the first section 102 and the second section 104. In other words, the first section 102 applies a fastening force to the side wall portion 26A of the frame 20, particularly the edge of the opening 27, and the second section 104 applies a fastening force to the side wall segment 32 of the support structure 30, thereby securing the frame 20 of the photovoltaic panel to the support structure 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the first direction D1 is substantially perpendicular to the second direction D2. The first direction D1 is substantially perpendicular to the side wall segment 32 of the support structure 30, and the second direction D2 is the longitudinal direction of the support structure 30.

[0057] Reference Figures 1 to 2B as well as Figures 6A to 6B The gasket 200 includes a load-bearing portion 202 and an attachment portion 204. The load-bearing portion 202 is positioned between the first section 102 of the fastener 100 and the edge of the opening 27 to bear and distribute the tightening force applied by the first section 102 of the fastener 100. The attachment portion 204 is configured to attach the gasket 200 to the frame 20. The load-bearing portion 202 of the gasket 200 can bear and distribute the tightening force applied by the first section 102 of the fastener 100 to the opening 27 of the sidewall portion 26A, thereby preventing stress concentration at the edge of the opening 27. This is particularly advantageous for non-metallic frames made of a composite material of a matrix resin and a reinforcing material, as it can prevent creep or damage to the non-metallic frame due to stress concentration at the edge of the opening 27. Furthermore, the gasket 200 can be self-retained to the photovoltaic panel frame 20 via the attachment portion 204, making it easy to pre-install multiple gaskets 200 on the photovoltaic panel frame 20 during assembly of the photovoltaic module 1, simplifying the assembly process.

[0058] Reference Figures 1 to 2B as well as Figures 5A to 7B In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener 100 can be integrally formed from a metal sheet by stamping. The fastener 100 may include a top wall 108, two side walls 110, and two wings 112. The top wall 108 is connected to the two wings 112 through the two side walls 110. Specifically, the two opposite side edges of the top wall 108 are respectively connected to the top edges of the two side walls 110, and each of the two wings 112 is connected to the bottom edge of the corresponding side wall 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the two side walls 110 are symmetrically arranged with respect to each other, and the two wings 112 are symmetrically arranged with respect to each other. It is conceivable that in other embodiments not shown, the two side walls may be asymmetrical, and the two wings may also be asymmetrical.

[0059] The original spacing between the portions of the two side walls 110 of the fastener 100 adapted to contact the edge of the through-hole 34 when the fastener 100 is in the first position can be greater than the width w of the through-hole 34. When inserting the fastener 100 into the through-hole 34 along the first direction D1, a force is applied to the fastener 100. The two side walls 110 of the fastener 100 are brought closer together through elastic deformation of the fastener 100, allowing the fastener 100 to be inserted into the through-hole 34. After the fastener 100 has reached the first position, the elastic deformation is only partially restored, allowing the fastener 100 to be retained in the through-hole 34 by its own elastic restoring force.

[0060] Each of the two side walls 110 of the fastener 100 includes a groove 114 to define the receiving channel 106. Each groove 114 includes a first edge 116 and a second edge 118 that are opposite each other, wherein the first edge 116 is closer to the top wall 108 than the second edge 118. The fastener 100 can be divided into the first section 102 and the second section 104 described above by the receiving channel 106 / groove 114. The first section 102 includes the top wall 108 and a portion of each of the two side walls 110 that extends from the top wall 108 to the first edge 116, and the second section 104 includes two wings 112 and a portion of each of the two side walls 110 that extends from the second edge 118 to the wings 112.

[0061] Each of the two wings 112 of the fastener 100 is elastically deformable and includes a bent portion 120 connected to the bottom edge of the sidewall 110 and at least one retaining portion 122 extending from the bent portion 120 at an acute angle to the first direction D1. The bent portion 120 of the wing 112 can absorb and dampen vibrations caused by external factors such as wind, thereby improving the fatigue resistance of the photovoltaic assembly 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the bent portion 120 can have a generally teardrop-shaped profile. When the fastener 100 is in the second position, a portion of the sidewall portion 26A of the frame 20 adjacent to the opening 27 and a portion of the sidewall section 32 of the support structure 30 adjacent to the through-hole 34 are retained between the first section 102 and the at least one retaining portion 122. In other words, the at least one retaining portion 122 can provide a fastening force to the sidewall section 32 of the support structure 30. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the at least one retaining portion 122 is in the form of a tab.

[0062] The at least one retaining portion 122 may include a first retaining portion 122A and a second retaining portion 122B. The first retaining portion 122A forms a first angle α with respect to the first direction D1, and the second retaining portion 122B forms a second angle β with respect to the first direction D1, wherein the first angle α is smaller than the second angle β. When the fastener 100 is in the second position and under normal use conditions, the first retaining portion 122A abuts the sidewall section 32 of the support structure 30 to provide a tightening force, while the second retaining portion 122B may not contact or only slightly contact the sidewall section 32 of the support structure 30. When the fastener 100 is in the second position and under special usage conditions (for example, when the frame 20 of the photovoltaic panel tends to move upward away from the supporting structure 30 due to external factors such as strong winds), the wing 112 can undergo elastic deformation, so that the first retaining portion 122A and the second retaining portion 122B both abut against the side wall section 32 of the supporting structure 30, thereby preventing the frame 20 of the photovoltaic panel from separating from the supporting structure 30 through the first retaining portion 122A and the second retaining portion 122B, thereby avoiding structural damage due to local excessive force on the fastener 100.

[0063] Reference Figures 1 to 2B as well as Figures 5A to 6B In the illustrated embodiment, the gasket 200 can be integrally formed from a metal sheet by stamping. The gasket 200 can include a gasket body 206, and the attachment portion 204 can be connected to the gasket body 206 via the support portion 202. In the illustrated embodiment, the gasket body 206 has a bent shape and includes a first body portion 208 and a second body portion 210 connected to each other. The first body portion 208 and the second body portion 210 are both plate-like in shape.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, the bearing portion 202 extends substantially perpendicularly from the first main portion 208 of the gasket body 206. The bearing portion 202 may extend along a portion of the edge of the opening 27 to have an arcuate shape. When the fastener 100 is in the second position, the bearing portion 202 is located between the first edge 116 of the first section 102 of the fastener 100 and the edge of the opening 27. The bearing portion 202 may bear and distribute the fastening force applied by the first edge 116 of the first section 102 of the fastener 100 to the edge of the opening 27, thereby preventing stress concentration at the edge of the opening 27 of the frame 20 from causing creep or damage to the frame 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the bearing portion 202 extends along the main stress-bearing portion of the edge of the opening 27 rather than the entire edge, which can reduce the required size of the opening 27 and reduce the weakening of the structure of the frame 20.

[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, the first edge 116 of the first section 102 of the fastener 100 can be provided with a limiting recess 124, and the limiting recess 124 can engage with the bearing portion 202 of the gasket 200 to limit the relative movement of the fastener 100 and the gasket 200, for example, hindering the fastener 100 from moving relative to the gasket 200 along the second direction D2 and in a direction opposite to the second direction D2.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment portion 204 and the first main portion 208 of the gasket body 206 are adapted to abut opposite sides (i.e., opposite side surfaces) of the side wall portion 26A of the frame 20 to attach the gasket 200 to the side wall portion 26A. The attachment portion 204 extends from the bearing portion 202 and is in the form of a hook. In the illustrated embodiment, the gasket 200 is provided with only one attachment portion 204, which can reduce the assembly force required to pre-install the gasket 200 on the frame 20.

[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, the second main body portion 210 can be roughly perpendicular to the first main body portion 208 and can abut the first protruding portion 22 of the frame 20. The fastening force exerted on the supporting portion 202 is suitable for being transmitted to the first protruding portion 22 through the first main body portion 208 and the second main body portion 210, thereby further dispersing the force and avoiding stress concentration, thereby improving the fatigue resistance of the photovoltaic component 1.

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, the second body portion 210 may further include a guide portion 212 configured to guide the first section 102 of the fastener 100 into the opening 27 of the frame 20 along the second direction D2. The guide portion 212 may be in the form of a rib and adapted to extend along the second direction D2. In the illustrated embodiment, the second body portion 210 includes two guide portions 212 spaced apart from each other, and the two side walls 110 of the fastener 100 can slide along the two guide portions 212, respectively (during which the two guide portions 212 are located between the two side walls 110), thereby guiding the fastener 100 to be inserted into the opening 27 along the second direction D2 to reach the second position.

[0069] Reference Figure 1 as well as Figure 7A and Figure 7BWhen securing the frame 20 of the photovoltaic panel to the support structure 30 via the fastening unit 10, the gasket 200 can be pre-installed at the opening 27 of the frame 20, and the fastener 100 can be moved along the first direction D1 through the through-hole 34 of the support structure 30 to pre-install the fastener 100 in the first position. The photovoltaic panel can then be placed at a suitable position on the support structure 30, and the fastener 100 can then be inserted along the guide portion 212 of the gasket 200 along the second direction D2 into the opening 27 of the frame 20, so that the fastener 100 reaches the second position. In the second position, at least the bearing portion 202 of the gasket 200, a portion of the frame 20 adjacent to the opening 27, and a portion of the support structure 30 adjacent to the through-hole 34 are held / fastened between the first section 102 and the second section 104 of the fastener 100.

[0070] Figures 8 to 10B The photovoltaic assembly according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention and its components are shown. The photovoltaic assembly according to the second exemplary embodiment is similar to the photovoltaic assembly according to the first exemplary embodiment, except that the structure of the spacer 200 of the photovoltaic assembly 1 according to the second exemplary embodiment is slightly different.

[0071] Reference Figures 8 to 10B The gasket 200 of the photovoltaic assembly 1 according to the second exemplary embodiment includes a gasket body 206, a supporting portion 202, and an attachment portion 204. The gasket body 206 has a bent shape and includes a first main portion 208 and a second main portion 210 connected to each other, both of which are plate-like. The supporting portion 202 extends from the first main portion 208 of the gasket body 206 and is adapted to extend along the entire edge of the opening 27 of the frame 20, thereby having an annular shape. The annular shape of the supporting portion 202 can more comprehensively protect the opening 27 of the frame 20, thereby preventing creep or damage at the opening 27 of the frame 20 due to stress concentration. The attachment portion 204 may include a flange 214 extending from the supporting portion 202 and a plurality of attachment tabs 216 spaced apart on the flange 214 and adapted to abut against the sidewall portion 26A of the frame 20. A plurality of attachment tabs 216 can provide a more uniform anti-slip force, which is conducive to more firmly attaching the gasket 200 to the frame 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment portion 204 includes three attachment tabs 216. It is conceivable that in other embodiments, the attachment portion may also include other suitable numbers of attachment tabs.

[0072] Figures 11 to 14B The photovoltaic assembly according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention and its components are shown. The photovoltaic assembly according to the third exemplary embodiment is similar to the photovoltaic assembly according to the first exemplary embodiment, and the differences between the two will be mainly introduced below.

[0073] Reference Figures 11 to 14B Compared to the first protruding portion of the frame of the photovoltaic module according to the first exemplary embodiment, the first protruding portion 22 of the frame 20 of the photovoltaic module 1 according to the third exemplary embodiment has a significantly smaller width and takes the form of an elongated rib. Accordingly, the second main portion 210 of the gasket 200 according to the third exemplary embodiment also has a smaller width, resulting in a strip-like shape. The second main portion 210 of the gasket 200 can abut the first protruding portion 22 of the frame 20, allowing the fastening force applied to the bearing portion 202 of the gasket 200 to be transmitted to the first protruding portion 22 via the first and second main portions 208, 210 of the gasket 200. This further disperses the force, avoids stress concentration, and thus improves the fatigue resistance of the photovoltaic module 1. Furthermore, due to the smaller widths of the first protruding portion 22 of the frame 20 and the second main portion 210 of the gasket 200, the receiving channel 106 of the fastener 100 can be shortened, thereby making the fastener 100 more compact.

[0074] Figures 15 to 17 A photovoltaic assembly and its components according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention are shown. The photovoltaic assembly according to the fourth exemplary embodiment is similar to the photovoltaic assembly according to the third exemplary embodiment, and the differences between the two will be mainly introduced below.

[0075] Reference Figures 15 to 17 The carrier portion 202 of the gasket 200 of the photovoltaic assembly 1 according to the fourth exemplary embodiment extends from the first main portion 208 of the gasket body 206 and extends along the entire edge of the opening 27 of the frame 20, thereby having a generally annular shape. The attachment portion 204 of the gasket 200 includes a flange 214 extending from the carrier portion 202 and a plurality of attachment tabs 216 spaced apart on the flange 214 and adapted to abut against the sidewall portion 26A of the frame 20.

[0076] It is understandable that the application of the fastening unit according to the present invention is not limited to fixing the frame of the photovoltaic panel to the support structure, but can also be used to fix the frames of various other components (such as various panels) to the support structure.

[0077] 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, rubbers, metals, and other suitable materials or combinations of materials known to those skilled in the art. Figures 1 to 17 The illustrated embodiments merely illustrate the shapes, quantities, sizes, and arrangements of the gaskets, fastening units, and various optional components of the photovoltaic assembly for fasteners according to the present invention. However, these are merely illustrative and non-limiting, and other shapes, sizes, and arrangements may be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0078] The technical content and technical features of the present invention have been disclosed above. However, it is understandable that, based on the creative ideas of the present invention, those skilled in the art can easily make modifications, variations and equivalents of these embodiments according to the disclosed content. For example, a feature shown or described as part of one embodiment can be used together with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. The present disclosure is intended to cover these modifications, variations and equivalents. The description of the above embodiments is illustrative rather than restrictive, and the scope of protection of the present invention is determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A gasket for a fastener, wherein: The fastener (100) is used to fix the frame (20) to the support structure (30), and at least a portion of the fastener (100) is adapted to be inserted into an opening (27) on a wall portion (26A) of the frame (20) and to apply a fastening force to an edge of the opening (27), wherein the gasket (200) comprises: a bearing portion (202), the bearing portion (202) being adapted to be disposed between the at least a portion of the fastener (100) and an edge of the opening (27) to bear a fastening force applied by the at least a portion of the fastener (100); and An attachment portion (204) configured to attach the gasket (200) to the frame (20).

2. The gasket for a fastener according to claim 1, wherein: The gasket (200) includes a gasket body (206), wherein the attachment portion (204) is connected to the gasket body (206) through the bearing portion (202), and wherein the attachment portion (204) and the gasket body (206) are adapted to abut opposite sides of the wall portion (26A) to attach the gasket (200) to the wall portion (26A).

3. The gasket for a fastener according to claim 2, wherein: The attachment portion (204) is in the form of a hook.

4. The gasket for a fastener according to claim 2, wherein: The attachment portion (204) includes a flange (214) extending from the carrier portion (202) and a plurality of attachment tabs (216) spaced apart on the flange (214) and adapted to abut against the wall portion (26A).

5. The gasket for a fastener according to claim 1, wherein: The carrying portion (202) is adapted to extend along the entire edge of the opening (27) and / or the carrying portion (202) has an annular shape; or The supporting portion (202) is adapted to extend along a portion of an edge of the opening (27) and / or the supporting portion (202) has an arc shape.

6. The gasket for a fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The gasket (200) includes a gasket body (206), wherein the bearing portion (202) extends from the gasket body (206), wherein the gasket body (206) is suitable for abutting against a protruding portion (22) of the frame (20) extending from the wall portion (26A) to allow the fastening force borne by the bearing portion (202) to be transmitted to the protruding portion (22) through the gasket body (206).

7. The gasket for a fastener according to claim 6, wherein: The gasket body (206) includes a first body portion (208) and a second body portion (210) connected to each other, wherein the bearing portion (202) extends from the first body portion (208), the first body portion (208) is adapted to abut the wall portion (26A), and the second body portion (210) is adapted to abut the protrusion (22).

8. The gasket for a fastener according to claim 7, wherein: The second body portion (210) includes a guide portion (212) configured to guide the at least a portion of the fastener (100) into the opening (27).

9. The gasket for a fastener according to claim 8, wherein: The guide portion (212) is in the form of a convex rib.

10. A fastening unit, characterized in that: The fastening unit (10) comprises a fastener (100) and a gasket for the fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the fastener (100) is configured to fix the frame (20) to the supporting structure (30), wherein at least a portion of the fastener (100) is adapted to be inserted into an opening (27) on a wall portion (26A) of the frame (20) and to apply a fastening force to an edge of the opening (27), and wherein a bearing portion (202) of the gasket (200) is adapted to be arranged between the at least a portion of the fastener (100) and the edge of the opening (27).

11. The fastening unit according to claim 10, characterized in that The fastener (100) includes a first section (102) and a second section (104), wherein the first section (102) and the second section (104) define a receiving channel (106) therebetween, wherein the fastener (100) is adapted to pass through a through hole (34) on a wall section (32) of the support structure (30) along a first direction (D1) to reach a first position, wherein when the fastener (100) is in the first position, the first section (102) and the second section (104) are respectively located on opposite sides of the wall section (32), wherein the fastener (100) 0) is suitable for moving from the first position to the second position along the second direction (D2), wherein when the fastener (100) is in the second position, the first section (102) is inserted into the opening (27) of the wall portion (26A) of the frame (20), and the bearing portion (202) of the gasket (200), a portion of the wall portion (26A) adjacent to the opening (27), and a portion of the wall segment (32) adjacent to the through hole (34) are received by the receiving channel (106) and are retained between the first section (102) and the second section (104).

12. The fastening unit according to claim 11, characterized in that The fastener (100) includes a top wall (108), a side wall (110), and a wing (112), wherein the wing (112) is connected to the top wall (108) through the side wall (110), wherein the side wall (110) includes a groove (114), the groove (114) includes a first edge (116) and a second edge (118) opposite to each other, and the first edge (116) is closer to the top wall (108) than the second edge (118), wherein the first section (102) includes portions of the top wall (108) and the side wall (110) extending from the top wall (108) to the first edge (116), and the second section (104) includes portions of the wing (112) and the side wall (110) extending from the second edge (118) to the wing (112).

13. The fastening unit according to claim 12, characterized in that A limiting notch (124) is provided at the first edge (116), wherein the limiting notch (124) is adapted to engage with the bearing portion (202) of the gasket (200) to limit relative movement between the fastener (100) and the gasket (200).

14. The fastening unit according to claim 12, characterized in that The gasket (200) includes a guide portion (212), wherein the side wall (110) is slidable along the guide portion (212) to guide the fastener (100) to move along the second direction (D2) toward the second position.

15. The fastening unit according to claim 12, characterized in that The first direction is substantially perpendicular to the wall section (32) of the support structure (30), wherein the wing (112) is elastically deformable and comprises a bent portion (120) connected to the side wall (110) and at least one retaining portion (122) extending from the bent portion (120) at an acute angle to the first direction (D1), wherein, when the fastener (100) is in the second position, the load-bearing portion (202) of the gasket (200), a portion of the wall section (26A) adjacent to the opening (27) and a portion of the wall section (32) adjacent to the through hole (34) are retained between the first section (102) and the at least one retaining portion (122).

16. The fastening unit according to claim 15, characterized in that The at least one retaining portion (122) includes a first retaining portion (122A) and a second retaining portion (122B), wherein the first retaining portion (122A) forms a first angle (α) with the first direction (D1), the second retaining portion (122B) forms a second angle (β) with the first direction (D1), and the first angle (α) is smaller than the second angle (β).

17. The fastening unit according to claim 12, characterized in that The fastener (100) includes two side walls (110) and two wings (112), wherein each wing (112) is connected to the top wall (108) through the corresponding side wall (110), wherein the two side walls (110) are symmetrically arranged at two opposite side edges of the top wall (108) and the two wings (112) are symmetrically arranged.

18. The fastening unit according to any one of claims 11 to 17, characterized in that The first direction (D1) is substantially perpendicular to the second direction (D2).

19. A photovoltaic module, characterized in that: The photovoltaic assembly (1) comprises a photovoltaic panel, a support structure (30), and a fastening unit (10) according to any one of claims 10 to 18, wherein the fastening unit (10) is used to fix a frame (20) of the photovoltaic panel to the support structure (30).

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