Floating type photovoltaic module quick connecting device
By using a universal ball and flexible connector in the floating photovoltaic system, the impact of water level fluctuations and waves on the floating platform is solved, a stable connection of photovoltaic modules is achieved, damage to the connection points and seawater intrusion are avoided, and the flexibility and convenience of the connection are improved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HAINAN LICE XINNENG TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-17
AI Technical Summary
The existing connection devices of floating photovoltaic systems cannot effectively cope with large fluctuations in water level and the movement of the floating platform caused by waves, resulting in insufficient stability of photovoltaic modules.
The design employs a universal ball joint and a flexible connector. The connecting rod is connected to the floating platform via a movable connection. The universal ball joint has a degree of freedom of rotation within the connecting block, and the flexible connector achieves rapid docking under the positioning of the limiting groove. Combined with a sealing gasket, it prevents seawater from seeping in, ensuring the stability and flexibility of the connection.
It achieves stable connection of photovoltaic modules when the external environment changes, avoids stress concentration, improves the durability and convenience of the connection, and ensures the dryness and cleanliness of the connector.
Smart Images

Figure CN224131264U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of marine photovoltaic connection devices, specifically a floating photovoltaic module quick connection device. Background Technology
[0002] Floating photovoltaic (PV) systems, as a novel form of photovoltaic power generation, have shown strong growth momentum globally in recent years. These systems are primarily built on water, using floats to support PV modules, thereby capturing and converting solar energy. Floating PV systems offer advantages such as saving land resources, improving power generation efficiency, strong adaptability, and significant environmental benefits, leading to their widespread application and rapid development.
[0003] In floating photovoltaic (PV) systems, the connections between PV modules are a crucial element. Because floating PV systems are built on water, their connection devices need to possess specialized performance characteristics to adapt to the complex aquatic environment. Some existing connection devices may not be effective in coping with significant water level fluctuations and the movement of the floating platform caused by waves. For example, during reservoir discharges and periods of high winds and waves, the water level changes significantly, and the floating platform moves with these changes, potentially causing the connection devices to fail to maintain the stability of the PV modules. Summary of the Invention
[0004] (I) Technical problem to be solved: In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, this utility model provides a floating photovoltaic module quick connection device, which has the advantage of adapting the floating platform to changes in water surface or sea waves, and solves the problem in the prior art that the floating platform cannot effectively cope with large fluctuations in water level and the movement of the floating platform caused by sea waves.
[0005] (II) Technical Solution: To achieve the purpose of the above-mentioned adaptive floating platform changing with the water surface or affected by waves, this utility model provides the following technical solution: A floating photovoltaic module quick connection device is set between two adjacent floating platforms, including a connecting rod. One end of the connecting rod is connected to the floating platform, and the other end is connected to a universal ball. The universal ball is embedded in the connecting block and has rotational freedom inside the connecting block. A groove is formed on the outer surface of the other end of the connecting block, and a sealing gasket is set inside the groove. A limiting groove is formed on the outer side of the sealing gasket. The two adjacent floating platforms are connected by the connecting block. A flexible connector is set between the two connecting blocks. The flexible connector is positioned and engaged with the connecting block by the limiting groove. The two ends of the flexible connector are fixedly connected to the two connecting blocks respectively.
[0006] Preferably, the connection between the connecting rod and the floating platform is a movable connection.
[0007] Preferably, the number of connecting rods is not less than two.
[0008] Preferably, the connecting rod and the universal ball joint are threaded at the connecting end, and the universal ball joint and the connecting rod are connected by the thread.
[0009] Preferably, the volume of the universal ball inside the connecting block is larger than the volume exposed on the outer surface. At least two steel balls are provided between the end of the universal ball inside the connecting block and the connecting block. The steel balls have rotational freedom inside the connecting block and are evenly distributed along the circumferential surface of the universal ball.
[0010] Preferably, both the sealing gasket and the flexible connector are made of rubber, and the flexible connector is hollow inside.
[0011] Preferably, the flexible connector has retaining rings at both ends. The retaining rings are made of rigid material and are sealed to the flexible connector. The retaining rings are fixedly connected to the connector by screws.
[0012] (III) Beneficial Effects: Compared with the prior art, this utility model provides a floating photovoltaic module quick connection device, which has the following beneficial effects:
[0013] 1. This floating photovoltaic module quick connection device employs a movable connection, with a universal ball and a flexible connector installed at the connection point of two adjacent floating platforms. The universal ball design allows the connection point to adapt to changes in external forces in multiple directions, while the flexible connector further enhances this adaptability, enabling the two floating platforms to move in different directions under the influence of the external environment. When the floating platforms are subjected to wind, waves, or changes in water level, the connection between adjacent floating platforms remains stable while maintaining a certain degree of freedom of movement, avoiding damage caused by excessive rigidity at the connection point. Compared with existing technologies, its significant advantage lies in its ability to effectively avoid stress concentration and potential damage risks that may occur when encountering changes in the external environment due to excessive rigidity at the connection point.
[0014] 2. This floating photovoltaic module quick connection device, by opening threads on the outer surface of the connecting rod, allows for easy connection with the universal ball joint. The flexible connector between two adjacent connecting blocks can also achieve quick docking under the positioning of the limiting groove, realizing rapid installation between the connectors. The flexible connector has a hollow internal structure, which reduces weight and increases foldability. The snap-fit structure with the sealing gasket also effectively prevents the infiltration of external liquids such as seawater, ensuring the dryness and cleanliness of the connector's interior, and improving the convenience and durability of the structure during installation. Attached Figure Description
[0015] Figure 1 This is a frontal view of the structure of this utility model under the action of ocean waves;
[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;
[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the connecting rod and the floating platform of this utility model;
[0018] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the connecting block and flexible connector of this utility model.
[0019] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting rod and a cross-sectional view of the universal ball joint of this utility model.
[0020] In the diagram: 1. Floating platform; 2. Connecting rod; 3. Connecting block; 31. Universal ball; 32. Sealing gasket; 321. Limiting groove; 33. Steel ball; 4. Flexible connector; 41. Fixing ring. Detailed Implementation
[0021] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0022] Please see Figures 1-5A quick connection device for floating photovoltaic modules is provided, installed between two adjacent floating platforms 1 for connecting the two. It includes a connecting rod 2 and a connecting block 3. One end of the connecting rod 2 is movably connected to the floating platform 1. In this embodiment, a fixed connecting ring is provided on the floating platform 1, and one end of the connecting rod 2 has a corresponding open ring. During installation, the open ring is first inserted into the connecting ring, and then the open ring is closed using a tool to achieve the connection. The other end of the connecting rod 2 is threadedly connected to a universal ball 31, which is embedded inside the connecting block 3. Therefore, during connection, only rotating the connecting rod 2 or the universal ball 31 is needed to achieve a fixed connection. 31 has rotational freedom inside the connecting block 3. The outer surface of the other end of the connecting block 3 is provided with a groove, and a sealing gasket 32 is provided inside the groove. A limiting groove 321 is provided on the outward side of the surface of the sealing gasket 32. Two adjacent floating platforms 1 are connected by the connecting block 3. A flexible connector 4 is provided between the two connecting blocks 3. The flexible connector 4 and the connecting block 3 are positioned and snapped together by the limiting groove 321. During installation, the flexible connector 4 and the limiting groove 321 are first positioned by cooperation, and then the two are fixedly connected by screws or welding. Since the flexible material is easy to deform and difficult to fix, the limiting groove 321 can achieve a good positioning effect.
[0023] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3 The connection between the connecting rod 2 and the floating platform 1 is a movable connection; there are no fewer than two connecting rods 2, and in this embodiment there are three, all located on the side surface of the floating platform 1, forming a triangular structure to make the connection more stable.
[0024] Please see Figure 4 The volume of the universal ball 31 inside the connecting block 3 is larger than the volume exposed on the outer surface, so that the universal ball 31 will not slip out of the connecting block 3. At least two steel balls 33 are set between the end of the universal ball 31 inside the connecting block 3 and the connecting block 3. The steel balls 33 have rotational freedom inside the connecting block 3. The steel balls 33 are evenly distributed along the circumferential surface of the universal ball 31, which ensures the flexible movement of the universal ball 31 while increasing friction and preventing it from falling off. This structure is similar to the bullseye bearing structure in the prior art.
[0025] Please see Figure 4 Both the sealing gasket 32 and the flexible connector 4 are made of rubber, which ensures waterproofness while also providing a certain degree of flexibility. The flexible connector 4 is hollow inside, which reduces the overall weight of the device and facilitates the floating platform 1 to float on the sea surface. It also increases the deformability of the flexible connector 4. The sealing gasket 32 is made of rubber, which can effectively prevent seawater from entering the hollow part in the middle of the flexible connector 4 and prevent the interior of the flexible connector 4 from being corroded by seawater.
[0026] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 4 The flexible connector 4 has a fixing ring 41 at both ends. The fixing ring 41 is made of rigid material. The fixing ring 41 and the flexible connector 4 are sealed and fixedly connected. In this embodiment, the connection is achieved by heat fusion. After the flexible connector 4 is positioned, the fixing ring 41 is fixedly connected to the connecting block 3 by screws.
[0027] Working principle: In use, the operator first connects one end of the connecting rod 2 to the floating platform 1 through the movable connection structure, and then connects the threaded end of the connecting rod 2 to the universal ball 31 by rotation. At this time, a single universal ball 31 and a single connecting block 3 form an integral structure, which is convenient to connect. After the connecting rod 2 and universal ball 31 between the two adjacent floating platforms 1 are all connected, the operator will use the limiting groove 321 to snap the flexible connector 4 onto the two connecting blocks 3 at the corresponding positions. Finally, the fixing ring 41 is used to achieve a fixed connection between the connecting block 3 and the flexible connector 4, and the installation is completed.
[0028] In summary, this floating photovoltaic module quick connection device allows two floating platforms 1 to move in different directions under the influence of the external environment. When the floating platforms 1 are subjected to wind, waves, or changes in water level, the connection between adjacent floating platforms 1 is stable while also having a certain degree of freedom of movement, avoiding damage caused by excessive rigidity at the connection point. Compared with existing technologies, its significant advantages are that it can effectively avoid stress concentration and potential damage risks that may occur when encountering changes in the external environment due to excessive rigidity at the connection point; and the flexible connector 4 between two adjacent connecting blocks 3 in this structure can also achieve quick docking under the positioning of the limiting groove 321, realizing rapid installation between the connectors; the flexible connector 4 has a hollow internal structure, which reduces weight and increases foldability, and the snap-fit structure with the sealing gasket 32 effectively prevents the infiltration of external liquids such as seawater, ensuring the dryness and cleanliness of the connector's interior, and improving the convenience and durability of the structure during installation.
[0029] It should be noted that, in this document, terms such as "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.
[0030] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A floating photovoltaic module quick connection device, disposed between two adjacent floating platforms (1), comprising a connecting rod (2) and a connecting block (3), wherein the two adjacent floating platforms (1) are connected by the connecting block (3), and one end of the connecting rod (2) is connected to the floating platform (1), characterized in that: The other end of the connecting rod (2) is connected to a universal ball (31), which is embedded inside the connecting block (3). The universal ball (31) has a degree of rotational freedom inside the connecting block (3). A groove is provided on the outer surface of the other end of the connecting block (3), and a sealing gasket (32) is provided inside the groove. A limiting groove (321) is provided on the outer side of the sealing gasket (32). A flexible connector (4) is provided between the two connecting blocks (3). The flexible connector (4) and the connecting block (3) are positioned and engaged through the limiting groove (321). The two ends of the flexible connector (4) are fixedly connected to the two connecting blocks (3) respectively.
2. A quick connect device for floating photovoltaic modules according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connection between the connecting rod (2) and the floating platform (1) is a movable connection.
3. A quick connect device for floating photovoltaic modules according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of connecting rods (2) shall not be less than two.
4. A quick connect device for floating photovoltaic modules according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting rod (2) and the universal ball (31) are connected by threads, and the universal ball (31) and the connecting rod (2) are connected by threads.
5. The floating photovoltaic module quick connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The volume of the universal ball (31) inside the connecting block (3) is greater than the volume exposed on the outer surface. At least two steel balls (33) are provided between one end of the universal ball (31) inside the connecting block (3) and the connecting block (3). The steel balls (33) have rotational freedom inside the connecting block (3). The steel balls (33) are evenly distributed along the circumferential surface of the universal ball (31).
6. A quick connect device for floating photovoltaic modules according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the sealing gasket (32) and the flexible connector (4) are made of rubber, and the flexible connector (4) is hollow inside.
7. A quick connect device for floating photovoltaic modules according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flexible connector (4) is provided with fixing rings (41) at both ends. The fixing rings (41) are made of rigid material. The fixing rings (41) and the flexible connector (4) are sealed and fixedly connected. The fixing rings (41) are fixedly connected to the connecting block (3) by screws.