Clamping element and rotating profile made of profile sections

Abstract

The utility model relates to a clamping piece, which is used for connecting profile sections and forming a rotating shaft with a square cross section in a solar tracker in the longitudinal direction by utilizing the profile sections, and is characterized in that the clamping piece consists of four components with angular cross sections, a lip part which is vertically protruded outwards is arranged on one side of the angular configuration, and a clamping part is arranged on the other side of the angular configuration. A frame is formed by an assembly of two of the parts around an end region of one of the profile sections to be connected, the parts being attached to the profile sections on their flanges by means of mechanical connection means. The assembly of the other two components forms the same frame around the end region of the other profile section to be connected, and the two components are attached together by means of a mechanical connecting device by attaching the opposite lips of the components of one and the other frame.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a solar tracker formed by a photovoltaic module panel coupled to a rotating shaft, wherein the panel is oriented with the movement of the sun by means of the movement of the rotating shaft. A clamping member is proposed for connecting the profile segments that constitute the rotating shaft in the longitudinal direction to the required length in the solar tracker to which it is applied. Background Technology

[0002] A solar tracker consisting of photovoltaic module panels mounted on a rotating shaft (the movement of which orients the panel toward the sun) is formed by using profile sections to shape the rotating shaft to the desired length, the profile sections being coupled longitudinally by means of connecting clamps.

[0003] Traditionally, the profile sections forming the rotating shaft in a solar tracker are connected by a clamp consisting of two complementary omega-shaped components arranged around opposite ends of the profile to be connected. In this position, the two components constituting the clamp are secured together by screwing a flange through the edge of the omega configuration of the components constituting the clamp.

[0004] This solution provides a robust connection between the profile sections of the rotating shaft. However, the problem is that while the rotational connection is ensured by the configuration of the clamps that connect the profile sections forming the rotating shaft around the profile sections that contact their outer surfaces, in the event of rotating profile failure, such as dents that may appear in the profiles, the mechanical properties of the rotating shaft will deteriorate even if the clamps themselves remain unchanged, leading to performance failure of the rotating shaft.

[0005] Therefore, there is clearly a need for a connecting clamp design that allows profile sections to be joined together, improves mechanical properties, prevents dents or failures that may occur in rotating profiles, and thus improves rotational transmission. Utility Model Content

[0006] According to the present invention, a clamping member is proposed for connecting profile sections forming a rotating shaft of a solar tracker, and one embodiment of the clamping member provides advantageous mechanical and functional characteristics for this function.

[0007] The clamping member of this invention consists of four components with angular cross-sections, each having a vertically outwardly projecting lip on one side of the angular configuration. Two of these components form a frame around the end region of one of the profile segments to be joined, with these components attached to the profile segment on their flanges by means of a mechanical connection. The other two components form the same frame around the end region of the other profile segment to be joined, with the two components attached together by means of a mechanical connection through opposing lips of the components that attach to the other frame.

[0008] In this case, the angled section is an L-shaped angled section because it has a profile with a square cross section. Although this is not intended to be a limiting feature of this invention, it also applies to rotation axes with any polygonal cross section. In this case, by joining two adjacent sides of the profile, the number of profiles for each component will be greater.

[0009] The expression "vertically outward" is understood to mean that in the operating position, it faces the area opposite to the clamping support or attachment to the rotation axis.

[0010] "Opposite" can be understood as an arrangement in which the lip surface of one component contacts the lip of a complementary component.

[0011] This results in a connection in which the frames forming two sets of clamping components are securely fastened together, and the components forming the frames are securely fastened to the connected profile segments, thus creating a connection that perfectly supports the connected profile segments. Due to this configuration, this clamping solution achieves better mechanical performance of the connection, better rotational transmission to the shaft assembly formed by the connected profile segments, and reduced weight and cost of the clamping structure compared to conventional connections used in the same application.

[0012] Furthermore, when combined with the profile sections to be connected, this clamp acts as a reinforcement for the rotating shaft to which the profile sections to be connected belong, ensuring the perfect performance of the shaft in its application function. At the same time, it simplifies the assembly of the clamp by enabling the components forming the clamp to be assembled on the profile sections to be connected offsite, and only requires fastening between the components of the clamp and the other component to be performed on site.

[0013] According to the features of this invention, the component assemblies are arranged in a complementary manner, such that the lip of one component simultaneously attaches to the lips of both components of the opposing assembly. This provides attachment continuity between the clamping component assemblies, thereby improving transmission.

[0014] What is provided is that both the flange and lip of the component include holes for fastening between components and for fastening to the rotating shaft. This makes assembly easier, and the predefined holes can be matched with the holes made on the rotating shaft section by default.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, a rotary profile is provided, the rotary profile comprising sections connected together by means of clamping members according to the features described above. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 An exploded view is shown showing the connection between two profile sections constituting a rotating shaft using a clamping member according to the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the assembly connection shown in the image above.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of one of the angled members constituting the subject matter of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 4 This is an alternative embodiment of the clamping member according to the present invention, which is used to form a connecting clamping member.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the connection between the profile sections forming the rotation axis, the connection being made of clamping components similar to those in the above figure. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present invention relates to a clamping member for engaging a profile section 1 forming a rotating shaft (particularly a rotating shaft of a solar tracker), an embodiment of which provides advantageous structural and functional features for the application.

[0022] In its practical embodiment, the recommended clamping element consists of four components 2, which are configured with an angular profile L corresponding to the rectangular cross-sectional geometry of the rotation axis. For example... Figure 3 As shown, each of these components 2 includes a vertically outwardly projecting lip 3 at one end of an angled configuration.

[0023] By configuring the four components 2 in this way, in assembly applications for joining two profile sections 1, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the clamping member is formed by arranging two components 2 to form a frame around the end region of one of the profile segments 1 to be joined, with the lips 3 of these components 2 facing forward at the end of the profile segment 1. The same frame is formed by two other components 2 forming the clamping member around the end region of the other profile segment 1 to be joined. In this arrangement, the components 2 are attached by fastening their flanges 2.1 to the surface against which the profile segment 1 rests, using threaded fastening or a similar method. Once the component assemblies are attached at both ends of the profile segments 1 and the two profile segments 1 are aligned, with the lips 3 of the component assemblies facing each other and attached by threaded fastening or a similar method, the profile segments 1 are fully joined together.

[0024] For the purpose of securing the components together, the outer lip 3 of component 2 can be in any configuration, but in order to save material, the outer lip 3 of component 2 is provided in a circular configuration in a non-limiting manner.

[0025] For threaded fastening or similar methods, the angled flange 2.1 of component 2 is provided with a first hole 4 through which threaded fastening or similar methods are performed on the corresponding surface of profile segment 1. The lip 3 of component 2 also has a second hole 5 for threaded fastening or similar methods between components 2 arranged on profile segments 1 on either side of the connection. In any case, the first hole 4 in the angled flange 2.1 of component 2 and the second hole 5 in the outer lip 3 of component 2 can be one or more, without changing the functional concept of threaded fastening or similar methods.

[0026] In this way, the clamping member formed by the four components 2 achieves a completely rigid and stable connection of the connected profile section 1, because component 2 of the two connected components is attached and fastened to the connected profile section 1, and said component 2 of the two connected components is also attached and fastened.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 2 As can be seen, in the assembly of paired components 2, they are arranged alternately or complementaryly between component assemblies, such that the lip of one component 2 of one assembly is attached to the lips 3 of the two components 2 of the opposing component assembly. This provides greater strength and improved transmission.

[0028] As an alternative solution to the connection formed by a frame clamping member surrounding the end region of the profile segment 1 to be connected, a clamping member formed by two parts 6 having elongated, angled profiles is provided, such as Figure 4 As shown, the flange of each component in component 6 is attached to the two profile sections 1 to be connected via holes 7 by means of threaded fastening or similar methods. Figure 5As shown in the figure; however, the assembly with this solution is more complex because clamping component 6 onto profile section 1 must be done on-site.

Claims

1. A clamping element for connecting profile sections (1) with which a square cross-sectioned rotation axis of a solar tracker is formed in the longitudinal direction, characterized in that, The clamping element consists of four components (2) with an angular cross-section, with a vertically outwardly projecting lip (3) on the side of the angular configuration, to form a frame around the end region of one of the profile sections (1) to be connected by assembly of two of the components (2), which are attached to the profile section (1) on their flanges (2.1) by means of mechanical connection means, while assembly of the other two components (2) forms the same frame around the end region of the other profile section (1) to be connected, the two assemblies being attached together by means of mechanical connection means by attachment of the opposing lips (3) of the components (2) of one and the other frame.

2. The clamp of claim 1, wherein, The component assemblies are arranged in a complementary manner, so that the lips (3) of the components (2) of one assembly are attached simultaneously to the lips (3) of two components of the opposite assembly.

3. The clamp of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The angularly configured flanges (2.1) of the components (2) have first holes (4) through which the attachment to the corresponding profile section (1) is performed.

4. The clamp of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The lips (3) of the components (2) have second holes (5) through which the attachment between the component assemblies is performed, the second holes (5) being aligned in the operating position.

5. A rotary profile consisting of profile sections (1) comprising clamping elements according to any of the preceding claims.

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