Connecting structure of offshore photovoltaic supporting frame and pile foundation

By employing a double flange connection structure and a fixed ball design, the stability issue of the connection between the support frame and the pile foundation in offshore photovoltaic projects has been resolved, achieving a stable connection and environmental adaptability, while reducing construction difficulty and costs.

CN223838117UActive Publication Date: 2026-01-27NORTHWEST ENGINEERING CORPORATION LIMITED
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202520164628.9
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-01-24
Publication Date
2026-01-27
Estimated Expiration
2035-01-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In offshore photovoltaic projects, the connection between the support frame and the pile foundation is difficult, the installation stability is poor, and it is hard to adapt to the changes in the complex marine environment.

Method used

The system employs a double flange connection structure, combining a connecting part and a fixed ball design. The support frame is directly connected to the top of the pile foundation via the first flange, while the second flange provides further reinforcement. The fixed ball allows for fine-tuning to adapt to environmental changes.

Benefits of technology

It improves the stability and reliability of the connection, reduces construction difficulty and cost, ensures a stable connection between the support frame and the pile foundation, and adapts to environmental factors such as sea waves and tides.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model provides a connecting structure of an offshore photovoltaic supporting frame and a pile foundation, and relates to the technical field of offshore photovoltaic. The connecting structure comprises a pile foundation and a supporting frame, one end of the pile foundation is fixed to the seabed, and the other end of the pile foundation extends to the position above the sea surface; the supporting frame comprises a supporting frame and a connecting piece arranged on the supporting frame, the connecting piece comprises a first flange, a second flange, a connecting part and a fixing ball, and the first flange is connected with the top, away from the seabed, of the pile foundation; the second flange is located on the side, away from the pile foundation, of the first flange and connected with the first flange. One end of the connecting part is arranged on the second flange, the other end of the connecting part extends towards the side away from the second flange, the fixing ball is connected with the end, away from the second flange, of the connecting part, and the supporting frame is connected with the fixing ball. According to the connecting structure, the mounting difficulty can be reduced, and the connecting stability is improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of marine photovoltaic technology, and more specifically, to a connection structure between a support frame and a pile foundation for marine photovoltaic systems. Background Technology

[0002] In offshore photovoltaic projects, pile foundations are typically used to support the support frame carrying the photovoltaic panels to ensure that the support frame can stand at sea for a long time. However, the connection between the support frame and the pile foundation is difficult and the installation stability is poor.

[0003] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the background section above is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0004] This disclosure provides a connection structure between the support frame and the pile foundation of an offshore photovoltaic system, which can reduce installation difficulty and improve connection stability.

[0005] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a connection structure between a support frame and a pile foundation for offshore photovoltaic systems is provided, comprising:

[0006] The pile foundation has one end fixed to the seabed and the other end extending above the sea surface.

[0007] A support frame includes a support frame and a connector disposed on the support frame. The connector includes a first flange, a second flange, a connecting portion, and a fixing ball. The first flange is connected to the top of the pile foundation away from the seabed. The second flange is located on the side of the first flange away from the pile foundation and is connected to the first flange. One end of the connecting portion is disposed on the second flange, and the other end extends away from the second flange. The fixing ball is connected to the end of the connecting portion away from the second flange, and the support frame is connected to the fixing ball.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the connecting portion includes a plurality of upper ribs extending in a direction perpendicular to the second flange, and the plurality of upper ribs being evenly distributed at equal angles along the circumference of the second flange. The ends of the upper ribs away from the second flange are provided with curved surfaces, the radius of curvature of the curved surfaces being the same as the radius of the fixed ball, and the fixed ball being connected to the curved surfaces by a welded connection portion.

[0009] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the fixed ball is provided with a cross-shaped mounting groove, and the connector further includes:

[0010] The socket-type connector has one end connected to the second flange and the other end inserted into the cross mounting groove.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the socket-type connector includes a first plug-in plate extending in a direction perpendicular to the second flange, and a second plug-in plate and a third plug-in plate connected to both sides of the first plug-in plate. The second plug-in plate and the third plug-in plate are both perpendicularly distributed to the first plug-in plate. The ends of the first plug-in plate, the second plug-in plate, and the third plug-in plate that are away from the first flange are flush and form a cross-shaped plug-in plate. The cross-shaped plug-in plate is inserted into the cross mounting groove. The first plug-in plate, the second plug-in plate, and the third plug-in plate are all threadedly connected to the second flange and / or connected via a welded connection.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the number of upper ribs is greater than or equal to four, and at least some of the upper ribs are provided with insertion slots. The two ends of the first insertion plate are respectively inserted into the insertion slots of two oppositely distributed upper ribs. The ends of the second insertion plate away from the third insertion plate and the ends of the third insertion plate away from the second insertion plate are respectively inserted into the insertion slots of two oppositely distributed insertion plates.

[0013] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the pile foundation is a hollow structure, the first flange has a cross-shaped opening that penetrates the first flange along its thickness direction, and the connector further includes:

[0014] A socket-type cross connector is fixed to the side of the second flange away from the connection portion. The socket-type cross connector can pass through the cross opening and is located within the pile foundation.

[0015] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the first flange and the second flange are connected by bolts, and / or the first flange and the second flange are connected by a welded joint.

[0016] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the support frame includes a support rod connected to the fixed ball.

[0017] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, there are multiple support rods, and each fixed ball is connected to multiple support rods.

[0018] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, there are multiple pile foundations and multiple connectors, with each connector corresponding to a different pile foundation.

[0019] The disclosed connection structure between the support frame and the pile foundation of an offshore photovoltaic system directly connects the support frame to the top of the pile foundation via a first flange, ensuring a stable connection between the support frame and the pile foundation. Simultaneously, the introduction of a second flange further reinforces the connection area, forming a double-flange connection structure that effectively improves the stability and reliability of the connection, ensuring safe operation. Furthermore, the combination design of the connecting part and the fixing ball allows for a certain degree of flexibility in the connection between the support frame and the pile foundation. The fixing ball, as the connection point, allows the support frame to be fine-tuned within a certain range to adapt to changes caused by environmental factors such as sea waves and tides. This flexible connection method not only improves the adaptability of the structure but also reduces stress concentration problems caused by rigid connections. The combination of the first flange, the second flange, the connecting part, and the fixing ball makes the connection process between the support frame and the pile foundation simpler and more efficient, facilitating on-site assembly and commissioning, and reducing construction difficulty and cost.

[0020] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this disclosure, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the support frame and the pile foundation of the offshore photovoltaic system in this embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 2 For the embodiments of this disclosure along Figure 1 Top view after being cut along the BB direction.

[0024] Figure 3 For the embodiments of this disclosure along Figure 1 Top view after being cut along the AA direction.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the upper rib plate in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the first plug-in board in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the second plug-in board in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0028] In the diagram: 1. Pile foundation; 11. Lower rib plate; 2. Connector; 21. First flange; 211. Cross opening; 22. Second flange; 23. Connecting part; 231. Upper rib plate; 2311. Curved surface; 24. Fixed ball; 25. Socket connector; 251. First plug plate; 252. Second plug plate; 253. Third plug plate; 26. Socket cross connector; 3. Support rod. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, they are provided so that the invention will be thorough and complete, and the concept of the exemplary embodiments will be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar structures, and therefore their detailed description will be omitted.

[0030] Although relative terms such as "up" and "down" are used in this specification to describe the relative relationship of one component of an icon to another, these terms are used only for convenience, such as according to the orientation of the examples shown in the accompanying drawings. It is understood that if the device of the icon is flipped upside down, the component described as "up" will become the component described as "down." When a structure is "up" of another structure, it may mean that the structure is integrally formed on the other structure, or that the structure is "directly" mounted on the other structure, or that the structure is "indirectly" mounted on the other structure through another structure.

[0031] The terms “a,” “one,” “the,” and “the” are used to indicate the existence of one or more elements / components / etc.; the terms “including” and “having” are used to indicate an open-ended inclusion and to mean that there may be other elements / components / etc. in addition to those listed. The terms “first,” “second,” and “third” are used only as markers and are not a limitation on the number of objects.

[0032] In the field of offshore energy development, with continuous technological advancements and increasing environmental demands, offshore photovoltaic (PV) projects, as an emerging method of renewable energy utilization, are gradually gaining widespread attention. However, compared to traditional offshore power generation projects, offshore PV projects face more complex and unique challenges, especially in the connection technology between the support frame and the pile foundation. The variable marine environment, with its wind, waves, tides, and other natural factors, places extremely high demands on the stability and durability of the structure. Ensuring a stable and safe connection between large components such as the PV panel support frame and the pile foundation has become a key challenge restricting the development of offshore PV projects.

[0033] When addressing the connection issues between support components and pile foundations in offshore power generation projects, it is essential not only to ensure the ease of connection but also to prioritize the reliability of the connection points to prevent structural failure due to prolonged exposure to harsh environmental loads.

[0034] Based on this, this disclosure provides a connection structure between the support frame and the pile foundation of an offshore photovoltaic system, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the connection structure may include pile foundation 1 and support frame, wherein:

[0035] One end of pile 1 is fixed to the seabed, and the other end extends above the sea surface;

[0036] The support frame includes a support frame and a connector 2 disposed on the support frame. The connector 2 includes a first flange 21, a second flange 22, a connecting part 23, and a fixing ball 24. The first flange 21 is connected to the top of the pile foundation 1 away from the seabed. The second flange 22 is located on the side of the first flange 21 away from the pile foundation 1 and is connected to the first flange 21. One end of the connecting part 23 is disposed on the second flange 22, and the other end extends to the side away from the second flange 22. The fixing ball 24 is connected to the end of the connecting part 23 away from the second flange 22, and the support frame is connected to the fixing ball 24.

[0037] The connection structure between the support frame and the pile foundation of the offshore photovoltaic system disclosed herein directly connects the support frame to the top of the pile foundation 1 via a first flange 21, ensuring a stable connection between the support frame and the pile foundation 1. Simultaneously, the introduction of a second flange 22 further reinforces the connection area, forming a double flange connection structure, effectively improving the stability and reliability of the connection and ensuring safe use. Furthermore, the combined design of the connecting part 23 and the fixing ball 24 allows for a certain degree of flexible adjustment in the connection between the support frame and the pile foundation 1. The fixing ball 24, as the connection point, allows the support frame to be fine-tuned within a certain range to adapt to changes caused by environmental factors such as sea waves and tides. This flexible connection method not only improves the adaptability of the structure but also reduces stress concentration problems caused by rigid connections. The combination of the first flange 21, the second flange 22, and the connecting part 23 and the fixing ball 24 makes the connection process between the support frame and the pile foundation 1 simpler and more efficient, facilitating on-site assembly and commissioning, and reducing construction difficulty and cost.

[0038] The following provides a detailed description of the various parts and specific details of the connection structure between the support frame and pile foundation of the offshore photovoltaic system disclosed herein:

[0039] The pile foundation 1 can be rod-shaped, with a circular cross-section. The material of the pile foundation 1 can be high-strength, corrosion-resistant steel, and its surface can be treated with anti-corrosion coating. One end of the pile foundation 1 is fixed to the seabed, and the other end extends above the sea surface. The end of the pile foundation 1 above the sea surface is connected to a support frame, so that the support frame is positioned above the sea surface. The diameter of the pile foundation 1 gradually decreases from the seabed to the sea surface. The pile foundation 1 can be a hollow structure, and its internal cavity can be conical. Figure 1 As shown, the interior of the pile foundation 1 may be provided with multiple lower ribs 11. The lower ribs 11 may be sheet-like and may extend radially along the pile foundation 1 and be fixed inside the pile foundation 1. The multiple lower ribs 11 may be evenly distributed at equal intervals along the circumference of the pile foundation 1. For example, the number of lower ribs 11 may be 6 to 8.

[0040] The hollow design not only significantly reduces the weight of pile 1 and the material requirements during manufacturing, but also lowers transportation and installation costs. During the driving of pile 1 into the seabed, the seabed mud layer is poured into the cavity of pile 1 and interacts with the inner wall of pile 1, increasing the contact area between pile 1 and the seabed mud layer. A larger contact area means that pile 1 can more evenly distribute the pressure from the upper support frame, effectively reducing the pressure per unit area and enhancing the stability of pile 1 on the seabed. Furthermore, the close interaction between the inner wall of pile 1 and the seabed mud layer creates an "anchoring effect." The inner wall of pile 1 firmly "grips" the mud layer, increasing the friction between pile 1 and the seabed, making pile 1 more difficult to pull out or move.

[0041] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the pile foundation 1 may include a seabed fixed section, an underwater extension section, and a support section above the sea surface, wherein;

[0042] The subsea anchoring section is made of corrosion-resistant high-strength steel or composite materials, and may be conical or spiral in shape to increase the contact area and friction with the seabed soil, ensuring the stability of pile 1 on the seabed. This section of pile 5 is fixed by driving or screwing into the seabed, and can resist the complex geological conditions of the seabed and long-term water erosion.

[0043] The underwater extension, located between the seabed and the sea surface, is also made of high-strength and corrosion-resistant materials. The design of this section of pile foundation 1 must take into account the buoyancy, wave force, and tidal currents of the seawater. Through reasonable cross-sectional shape and wall thickness design, the stability and durability of pile foundation 1 in seawater are ensured.

[0044] The above-sea support section extends above the sea surface to connect the support frame. This section of the pile foundation 1 is typically designed as a column or truss structure to provide sufficient support and stability. Additionally, its surface can be treated with anti-corrosion coatings to extend its service life.

[0045] The support frame includes a support frame (not shown in the figure) and connectors 2 mounted on the support frame. The support frame is the main structure of the offshore photovoltaic power station support system and is composed of multiple high-strength, corrosion-resistant steel support rods 3. These support rods 3 are connected by precision welding or bolting techniques to form a frame structure that is both stable and flexible. The frame design fully considers the size and layout of the photovoltaic panels and the special characteristics of the marine environment, aiming to ensure that the photovoltaic panels can receive maximum sunlight while minimizing shading and wind impact.

[0046] Please continue reading Figure 1 As shown, the connecting component 2 includes a first flange 21, a second flange 22, a connecting part 23, and a fixing ball 24. The first flange 21 is connected to the top of the pile foundation 1, away from the seabed. The first flange 21 can be made of steel and can be circular or square in shape. It has multiple bolt holes for connection to the top of the pile foundation 1. For example, the first flange 21 can be bolted to the top of the pile foundation 1; it can also be welded to the top of the pile foundation 1 (i.e., the first flange 21 can be welded to the top of the pile foundation 1). To enhance the connection stability between the first flange 21 and the pile foundation 1, in addition to the bolted connection, welding can be performed between the first flange 21 and the pile foundation 1, thus providing double fixation for both, which helps improve the connection stability and reliability between them. It should be noted that the shape and size of the first flange 21 match the shape and size of the top of the pile foundation 1. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the shape of the first flange 21 and the top of the pile foundation 1 can both be circular, and its diameter is the same as the size of the top of the pile foundation 1.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, the shape and material of the second flange 22 are similar to those of the first flange 21, but the size of the second flange 22 may be smaller than that of the first flange 21. The second flange 22 is located on the side of the first flange 21 away from the pile foundation 1 and is connected to the first flange 21. For example, the first flange 21 and the second flange 22 can be connected by bolts, and / or the first flange 21 and the second flange 22 can be connected by welding. Preferably, the first flange 21 and the second flange 22 can be first connected by bolts, and then the first flange 21 and the second flange 22 can be connected by welding on the basis of the bolt connection, thereby enhancing the connection stability between the first flange 21 and the second flange 22.

[0048] Please continue with the case. Figure 1As shown, one end of the connecting part 23 is disposed on the second flange 22, and the other end extends away from the second flange 22. The fixed ball 24 is connected to the end of the connecting part 23 away from the second flange 22, and the support frame is connected to the fixed ball 24. For example, the support rod 3 in the support frame is connected to the fixed ball 24. In some embodiments of this disclosure, multiple support rods 3 can be connected to each fixed ball 24. The support rod 3 can be connected to the fixed ball 24 by bolts, or the support rod 3 can be connected to the fixed ball 24 by a welded connection, that is, the support rod 3 and the fixed ball 24 can be welded together. In order to increase the connection stability between the support rod 3 and the fixed ball 24, the support rod 3 and the fixed ball 24 can be connected by bolts first. Furthermore, the support rod 3 and the fixed ball 24 can be welded on the basis of the bolt connection. It should be noted that the fixed ball 24 can be metal, alloy or stainless steel, etc., and the fixed ball 24 can be a hollow ball or a solid ball, without special limitation.

[0049] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the connecting part 23 includes multiple upper ribs 231, which may be plate-shaped, for example, they may be flat plates. One end of the upper rib 231 may be fixed to the second flange 22. For example, one end face of the upper rib 231 may be bolted to the second flange 22, or the upper rib 231 may be welded to the second flange 22; alternatively, one end face of the upper rib 231 may be bolted to the second flange 22 first, and then the upper rib 231 and the second flange 22 may be reinforced by welding.

[0050] The upper rib 231 can extend in a direction perpendicular to the second flange 22, and multiple upper ribs 231 can be evenly distributed at equal angles along the circumference of the second flange 22 to ensure that each upper rib 231 can provide balanced support in all directions, thereby greatly enhancing the overall stability and reliability of the connector 2.

[0051] like Figure 4 As shown, the end of the upper rib 231 furthest from the second flange 22 is provided with a curved surface 2311. The radius of curvature of the curved surface 2311 is the same as the radius of the fixed ball 24, so that the curved surface 2311 can perfectly fit with the fixed ball 24, thereby ensuring that the connection between the two is both tight and strong. The fixed ball 24 and the curved surface 2311 are connected by a welded joint. In this process, a full penetration groove weld can be used to ensure that the welded joint can withstand the test of various harsh environments.

[0052] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the fixed ball 24 may be provided with a cross mounting groove (not shown in the figure), the opening of the cross mounting groove may face the second flange 22, and the projection of the center of the cross mounting groove on the second flange 22 may be located in the central region of the second flange 22.

[0053] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the connector may further include a socket-type connector 25, such as... Figure 3 As shown, one end of the socket connector 25 is connected to the second flange 22, and the other end is inserted into the cross mounting groove on the fixed ball 24. After it is inserted into the cross mounting groove, the socket connector 25 and the fixed ball 24 can be welded together, thereby firmly connecting the socket connector 25 and the second flange 22.

[0054] The socket-type connector 25 can be made of a high-strength metal or alloy. The end of the socket-type connector 25 near the fixed ball 24 can be cross-shaped to facilitate insertion into the cross-shaped mounting groove on the fixed ball 24. The socket-type connector 25 can transmit and distribute the supporting force from the pile foundation 1. During use, the socket-type connector 25 effectively transmits the force on the second flange 22 to the fixed ball 24, while utilizing the stability of the fixed ball 24 to support and distribute these forces, thereby ensuring the smooth operation of the entire device.

[0055] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, please continue to refer to Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the socket-type connector 25 may include a first plug-in plate 251, a second plug-in plate 252, and a third plug-in plate 253. All three plates (251, 252, and 253) are flat and extend perpendicular to the second flange 22. The thickness and material of the first, second, and third plug-in plates 251 and 252 may be the same. The width of the first plug-in plate 251 may be greater than the widths of both the first and second plug-in plates 252. The second and third plug-in plates 252 and 253 may be connected to opposite sides of the first plug-in plate 251. Both the second and third plug-in plates 252 and 253 may be perpendicular to the first plug-in plate 251 and may be coplanar. That is, a stable right-angle structure can be formed between the first plug plate 251 and the second plug plate 252, as well as between the first plug plate 251 and the third plug plate 253. The design of this right-angle structure helps to enhance the shear and torsional resistance of the plug-in connector 25.

[0056] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the ends of the first plug-in plate 251, the second plug-in plate 252, and the third plug-in plate 253 that are furthest from the first flange 21 are flush and form a cross-shaped plug-in plate, which is inserted into a cross-shaped mounting groove. The size of the cross-shaped plug-in plate matches the size of the cross-shaped mounting groove. The cross-shaped insertion arrangement can increase the contact area between the socket connector 25 and the cross-shaped mounting groove, thereby enhancing the tightness and firmness of the connection between the socket connector 25 and the fixed ball 24.

[0057] The ends of the first plug-in plate 251, the second plug-in plate 252, and the third plug-in plate 253 furthest from the fixed ball 24 can all be threadedly connected to the second flange 22 and / or connected via welded joints. For example, the first plug-in plate 251, the second plug-in plate 252, and the third plug-in plate 253 can all be fastened to the second flange 22 via threaded connections. Threaded connections offer the advantages of easy disassembly and reliable connection, allowing for easy operation of the socket-type connector 25 when maintenance or replacement is required. Furthermore, to further enhance the stability of the connection, the first plug-in plate 251, the second plug-in plate 252, and the third plug-in plate 253 can also be connected to the second flange 22 via welded joints. Welded connections offer advantages such as high strength and good durability, ensuring that the socket-type connector 25 maintains a stable connection state throughout long-term use.

[0058] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, please continue to refer to Figure 1 As shown, the number of upper ribs 231 is greater than or equal to four, that is, the fixed ball 24 can be connected simultaneously by at least four upper ribs 231, thereby enhancing the support stability of the fixed ball 24. For example, the number of upper ribs 231 can be four to ten. For instance, the number of upper ribs 231 can be four, six, eight or ten, or of course, other numbers are also possible, which will not be listed here.

[0059] In some embodiments of this disclosure, at least a portion of each upper rib 231 is provided with a insertion groove (not shown in the figures). The insertion groove may be recessed inward from the end of the upper rib 231 near the center of the second flange 22. It should be noted that, in order to ensure the rigidity of the upper rib 231, the recess depth of the insertion groove may be less than one-quarter of the width of the upper rib 231.

[0060] For example, when there are four upper ribs 231, the four upper ribs 231 can be arranged opposite each other in pairs, and each of the four upper ribs 231 is provided with a slot; when there are eight upper ribs 231, the eight upper ribs 231 can be divided into ten first upper ribs and four second upper ribs, wherein the first upper ribs are provided with slots, the second upper ribs are not provided with slots, the four first upper ribs and the four second upper ribs are alternately distributed, and the four first upper ribs can be arranged opposite each other in pairs.

[0061] The thicknesses of the first plug-in plate 251, the second plug-in plate 252, and the third plug-in plate 253 are all slightly smaller than the opening size of the plug-in slots. Both ends of the first plug-in plate 251 are inserted into the plug-in slots of two oppositely distributed upper ribs 231. The ends of the second plug-in plate 252 and the third plug-in plate 253 furthest from the third plug-in plate 253 are inserted into the plug-in slots of the two oppositely distributed plug-in plates. This design enhances the longitudinal stability of the connection structure. The first plug-in plate 251, the second plug-in plate 252, and the third plug-in plate 253 can all be made of high-strength materials, such as metals or alloys, which can effectively resist external forces.

[0062] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, please continue to refer to Figure 2 As shown, the first flange 21 has a cross opening 211, which can penetrate the first flange 21 along its thickness direction. The connector 2 also includes a socket-type cross connector 26, which can be made of a high-strength material, such as alloy steel. The socket-type cross connector 26 is fixed to the side of the second flange 22 away from the connecting part 23. The socket-type cross connector 26 can pass through the cross opening 211 and is located within the pile foundation 1.

[0063] For example, the shape and size of the cross section of the socket-type cross connector 26 are matched with the shape and size of the cross opening 211 to ensure that the socket-type cross connector 26 can be tightly inserted and pass through the cross opening 211, thereby ensuring that the socket-type cross connector 26 can be firmly locked in the predetermined position after insertion and will not easily fall off or shift due to external force.

[0064] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the socket-type cross connector 26 may consist of three connecting plates, which may be plate-shaped, for example, flat plates. Two of the three connecting plates may be located on opposite sides of another connecting plate, and the two connecting plates may be coplanar.

[0065] In this disclosure, the first flange 21, which has a cross opening 211, is first connected to the pile foundation 1. Then, the fixing ball 24, the upper rib plate 231, the socket connector 25, the second flange 22, and the socket connector 26 are connected. Finally, the socket connector 26 is inserted into the cross opening 211 in the first flange 21, and the second flange 22 is connected to the first flange 21, thus fixing the pile foundation 1 to the support frame. In the above process, the socket connector 26 can be used for rapid positioning and guidance, which can improve the construction efficiency and reduce the construction difficulty during the installation and fixing of the support frame.

[0066] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, there may be multiple pile foundations 1, and at the same time, there may also be multiple connectors 2, which may be connected to different pile foundations 1 respectively.

[0067] Multiple pile foundations 1 can be used to simultaneously support the support frame used to support photovoltaic panels, thereby firmly fixing the support frame on the sea surface and realizing the utilization of offshore photovoltaic resources.

[0068] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A connection structure between a support frame and pile foundation for offshore photovoltaic systems, characterized in that, include: The pile foundation has one end fixed to the seabed and the other end extending above the sea surface. A support frame includes a support frame and a connector disposed on the support frame. The connector includes a first flange, a second flange, a connecting portion, and a fixing ball. The first flange is connected to the top of the pile foundation away from the seabed. The second flange is located on the side of the first flange away from the pile foundation and is connected to the first flange. One end of the connecting portion is disposed on the second flange, and the other end extends away from the second flange. The fixing ball is connected to the end of the connecting portion away from the second flange, and the support frame is connected to the fixing ball.

2. The connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting part includes multiple upper ribs, which extend in a direction perpendicular to the second flange and are evenly distributed at equal angles along the circumference of the second flange. The ends of the upper ribs away from the second flange are provided with curved surfaces, the radius of curvature of which is the same as the radius of the fixed ball. The fixed ball and the curved surfaces are connected by a welded connection.

3. The connection structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fixed ball is provided with a cross-shaped mounting groove, and the connector further includes: The socket-type connector has one end connected to the second flange and the other end inserted into the cross mounting groove.

4. The connection structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The socket-type connector includes a first plug plate extending in a direction perpendicular to the second flange, and a second plug plate and a third plug plate connected to both sides of the first plug plate. The second plug plate and the third plug plate are both perpendicular to the first plug plate. The ends of the first plug plate, the second plug plate, and the third plug plate that are away from the first flange are flush and form a cross-shaped plug plate. The cross-shaped plug plate is inserted into the cross mounting groove. The first plug plate, the second plug plate, and the third plug plate are all threaded to the second flange and / or connected by a welded connection.

5. The connection structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The number of upper ribs is greater than or equal to four, and at least some of the upper ribs are provided with insertion slots. The two ends of the first insertion plate are respectively inserted into the insertion slots of two oppositely distributed upper ribs. The end of the second insertion plate away from the third insertion plate and the end of the third insertion plate away from the second insertion plate are respectively inserted into the insertion slots of two oppositely distributed insertion plates.

6. The connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pile foundation is a hollow structure. The first flange has a cross-shaped opening that extends through the first flange along its thickness. The connecting component further includes: A socket-type cross connector is fixed to the side of the second flange away from the connection portion. The socket-type cross connector can pass through the cross opening and is located within the pile foundation.

7. The connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first flange and the second flange are connected by bolts, and / or the first flange and the second flange are connected by a welded joint.

8. The connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support frame includes a support rod, which is connected to the fixed ball.

9. The connection structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, There are multiple support rods, and each fixed ball is connected to multiple support rods.

10. The connection structure according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, There are multiple pile foundations and multiple connectors, with each connector being connected to a different pile foundation.