A waterproof clamp between photovoltaic modules and a photovoltaic system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a waterproof clamp between photovoltaic module and photovoltaic system belongs to photovoltaic technical field, solves the problem that the risk of the conventional waterproof apron exists loose and falls off. Among them waterproof clamp includes waterproof apron installed in the clearance between the frame of two adjacent photovoltaic module, waterproof clamp still includes fixed part, the fixed part includes the upper connecting piece of being located above the clearance, the lower connecting piece of being located below the clearance and the fixed screw for connecting the upper connecting piece and the lower connecting piece, be equipped with parallel insertion structure between the upper connecting piece and waterproof apron, and the insertion direction is parallel to the frame, be equipped with the threaded hole on the upper connecting piece, be equipped with the fixed hole on the lower connecting piece, the fixed screw passes through fixed hole and is connected with threaded hole, thereby makes the upper connecting piece through parallel insertion structure and presss together the waterproof apron opposite two sides on the photovoltaic module surface.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of photovoltaic technology, specifically relating to a waterproof structure between photovoltaic modules. [Background Technology]

[0002] Currently, waterproofing the gaps between photovoltaic module frames typically employs two methods: applying sealant and installing drainage channels on the back. When using sealant, with standard module installation, the lack of a limiting function leads to inconsistent gap sizes between adjacent modules, making it difficult to achieve the ideal sealant width and thickness. Furthermore, the sealant is prone to aging and failure due to the skill level of the installer and prolonged exposure to sunlight, causing it to crack and detach from the module frame, ultimately resulting in waterproofing failure. When using drainage channels on the back, strict adherence to the prescribed installation procedure is essential, and sufficient space must be left on the back of the module for installation; otherwise, installation is impossible, presenting significant limitations. Additionally, the drainage channels are generally made of thin galvanized steel sheets with low bending strength, making them prone to bending and deformation during heavy rainfall, leading to water overflow.

[0003] Currently, there are also waterproof structures that lay waterproof covers over the gaps. Usually, the waterproof covers are fixed to the photovoltaic module frame using a snap-on structure, but there is a risk that the waterproof covers may loosen and fall off. [Utility Model Content]

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the present invention aims to provide a waterproof clamp and photovoltaic system between photovoltaic modules, optimizing the fixing method of the waterproof cover plate and solving the problem of the risk of loosening and falling off conventional waterproof covers plates.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] First, a waterproof clamp between photovoltaic modules is provided, including a waterproof cover plate installed in the gap between the frames of two adjacent photovoltaic modules. The waterproof clamp also includes a fixing component, which includes an upper connector located above the gap, a lower connector located below the gap, and a fixing screw for connecting the upper connector and the lower connector. The upper connector and the waterproof cover plate are provided with a parallel insertion structure, and the insertion direction is parallel to the frame. The upper connector is provided with a threaded hole, and the lower connector is provided with a fixing hole. The fixing screw passes through the fixing hole and connects with the threaded hole, so that the upper connector presses the waterproof cover plate against the photovoltaic module surface on opposite sides through the parallel insertion structure.

[0007] Preferably, the parallel interlocking structure includes slots on opposite sides of the bottom of the waterproof cover plate, and the upper connector has interlocking parts on opposite sides that are inserted into the slots.

[0008] Preferably, the mating part has a T-shaped structure.

[0009] Preferably, the outer side of the mating portion is provided with an arc-shaped protrusion.

[0010] Preferably, the slot is formed by folding the edges of a waterproof cover plate on opposite sides.

[0011] Preferably, the waterproof cover is made of aluminum alloy profile or sheet metal.

[0012] Preferably, the fixing screw is an internal hexagon screw; and / or, the upper connector has a reinforcing boss in the area corresponding to the threaded hole.

[0013] Preferably, the lower connector has upwardly protruding side flanges on opposite sides.

[0014] Preferably, the upper connector and the lower connector are aluminum alloy profiles or sheet metal parts.

[0015] In addition, a photovoltaic system is also provided, including the aforementioned waterproof clamp.

[0016] The present invention adopts the above technical solution and has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] 1. First, a fixing component is used to secure the waterproof cover plate. This fixing component includes an upper connector, a lower connector, and a fixing screw. The upper connector is positioned above the gap, and the lower connector is positioned below the gap. A parallel insertion structure is provided between the upper connector and the waterproof cover plate, with the insertion direction parallel to the photovoltaic module. This allows the upper connector to be inserted into the waterproof cover plate through the parallel insertion structure. The upper connector has a threaded hole, and the lower connector has a fixing hole. During installation, the fixing screw passes through the fixing hole and connects to the lower connector, placing it below the gap. Then, the fixing screw is connected to the threaded hole.

[0018] Secondly, the waterproof cover is placed directly above the gap to prevent water from entering. The waterproof cover is pressed against the surface of the photovoltaic module on both sides, and there is almost no gap between the two mating surfaces, which can block water from the side.

[0019] During installation, the upper connector can be inserted into the waterproof cover plate via a parallel interlocking structure, and the two are combined and placed above the gap between the frames of two adjacent photovoltaic modules. Then, the lower connector is positioned below the gap between the frames of two adjacent photovoltaic modules, and finally, the fixing screws are tightened under the photovoltaic modules to complete the installation. Therefore, the operation is simple and convenient, and compared with the snap-fit ​​structure, the fixing screws are less likely to loosen, solving the problem of the risk of loosening and falling off conventional waterproof covers.

[0020] 2. The parallel interlocking structure includes slots on opposite sides of the bottom of the waterproof cover plate. The upper connector has interlocking portions on opposite sides that insert into the slots. These interlocking portions are T-shaped, and their outer sides have arc-shaped protrusions that can form a limiting fit with the slots, facilitating relative sliding between the interlocking portions and the slots. Therefore, the interlocking portions can slide inside the slots, perpendicular to the interlocking direction. Due to the limiting effect between the arc-shaped protrusions and the upper flange, the interlocking portions will not disengage from the slots in this direction. Furthermore, during the tightening of the fixing screws, the upper connector moves the waterproof cover plate downwards until the upper connector is in contact with the A-side of the frame and the bottom surface of the horizontal edge is in contact with the surface of the photovoltaic panel.

[0021] 3. Hex socket screws can be used for fixing screws to facilitate tightening. In addition, since the upper connector itself is relatively thin, in order to ensure that the threaded hole depth is sufficient, a reinforcing boss is provided in the corresponding threaded hole area of ​​the upper connector. The reinforcing boss can be located on the lower side of the upper connector and inside the gap between the frames of two adjacent photovoltaic modules. Setting the reinforcing boss can also increase the structural strength of the upper connector.

[0022] 4. The lower connector has upward-protruding side guards on both sides, which have a positioning function between the C-side of the frame of the two adjacent photovoltaic modules, which facilitates the positioning and installation of the lower connector and also enhances the structural strength.

[0023] 5. Waterproof covers can be made of aluminum alloy profiles or sheet metal parts, which have high structural strength and can be mass-produced to reduce costs.

[0024] These features and advantages of the present invention will be disclosed in detail in the following specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. [Attached Image Description]

[0025] The utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the waterproof clamp between photovoltaic modules in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of the waterproof clamp between photovoltaic modules in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the waterproof clamp between photovoltaic modules in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the waterproof clamp between photovoltaic modules in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the upper connector in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lower connector in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the fixing screw in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 8 This is a partial schematic diagram of the photovoltaic module array of the photovoltaic system in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0034] Reference numerals: Waterproof clamp 1, Waterproof cover plate 11, Slot 111, Folding structure 112, Vertical edge 1121, Horizontal edge 1122, Upper flange 1123, Upper connector 12, Insertion part 121, Arc protrusion 1211, Threaded hole 122, Lower connector 13, Side guard 131, Fixing hole 132, Fixing screw 14, Photovoltaic module 2, Frame 21, A side 211, C side 212, Waterproof adhesive 3.

Detailed Implementation Methods

[0035] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be explained and described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the following embodiments are only preferred embodiments of the present utility model and not all of them. Other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in the implementation methods without creative effort are all within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0036] Those skilled in the art will understand that, without conflict, the features in the following embodiments and implementations can be combined with each other.

[0037] The terminology used in this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. For example, terms such as "upper," "lower," "lateral," and "longitudinal," which indicate orientation or positional relationship, are based solely on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description. They do not indicate or imply that the device / component referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0038] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0039] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0040] Referring to existing photovoltaic (PV) systems, a PV system includes a PV module array. Several PV modules in the array can be arranged in a matrix, with each module having a frame and a PV panel mounted on the frame. There is a gap between the frames of adjacent PV modules. As a conventional structure, the frame has sides A, B, and C. To address the waterproofing issue of the gaps between the PV module frames, waterproof clamps are used between adjacent PV modules. These clamps typically employ a snap-fit ​​structure to secure the modules to the frame; however, existing waterproof clamps carry the risk of loosening and detaching.

[0041] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the waterproof clamp 1 in this embodiment includes a waterproof cover plate 11 installed above the gap between the frames 21 of two adjacent photovoltaic modules 2. The waterproof clamp 1 also includes a fixing component, which includes an upper connector 12 located above the gap, a lower connector 13 located below the gap, and a fixing screw 14 for connecting the upper connector and the lower connector. The upper connector 12 and the waterproof cover plate 11 are provided with a parallel insertion structure, and the insertion direction is parallel to the frame, i.e., the plane direction of the photovoltaic module. The upper connector 12 is provided with a threaded hole 122, and the lower connector 13 is provided with a fixing hole 132. The fixing screw 14 passes through the fixing hole 132 and connects with the threaded hole 122, so that the upper connector presses the waterproof cover plate against the photovoltaic module surface on both sides through the parallel insertion structure.

[0042] In the above technical solution, the waterproof cover 11 is placed directly above the gap to prevent water from entering the gap. The waterproof cover is pressed against the surface of the photovoltaic module on both sides, and there is almost no gap between the mating surfaces of the two, so water can be blocked from the side.

[0043] During installation, the upper connector 12 can be inserted into the waterproof cover plate 11 through the parallel insertion structure, and the two are combined into one and placed above the gap between the frames of two adjacent photovoltaic modules; then, the lower connector 13 is configured below the gap between the frames of two adjacent photovoltaic modules, and finally the fixing screw 14 passes through the fixing hole and connects with the threaded hole. Tightening the fixing screw below the photovoltaic module completes the installation. The operation is simple and convenient.

[0044] After the fixing screw 14 is tightened, the lower connector 13 presses upward against the frame C-side 212, and the upper connector 12 presses downward against the frame A-side 211. Furthermore, the upper connector 12, through a parallel interlocking structure, presses the waterproof cover 11 against the photovoltaic module surface on both sides. Therefore, the fixing screws form a solid whole with the upper and lower connectors and the frame. Compared to a snap-fit ​​structure, the fixing screws are less prone to loosening, solving the problem of the risk of loosening and falling off conventional waterproof covers.

[0045] Specifically, the parallel insertion structure includes slots 111 located on opposite sides of the bottom of the waterproof cover plate, and insertion parts 121 inserted into the slots are located on opposite sides of the upper connector.

[0046] In some embodiments, the mating part 121 has a T-shaped structure, meaning that the outermost part is thicker at the top and bottom, and the outermost part of the mating part has an arc-shaped protrusion 1211, which can form a limiting fit with the slot, facilitating the relative sliding of the mating part and the slot. The slot 111 is formed by the folding structure 112 of the opposite side edges of the waterproof cover plate, and its folding structure includes a vertical edge 1121, a horizontal edge 1122, and an upper folded edge 1123. Therefore, the mating part 121 can slide inside the slot 111, perpendicular to the mating direction. Due to the limiting between the arc-shaped protrusion and the upper folded edge, the mating part will not disengage from the slot in this direction. In addition, during the tightening of the fixing screws, the upper connector moves the waterproof cover plate downwards until the upper connector is in contact with the side of the frame A and the bottom surface of the horizontal edge 1122 is in contact with the surface of the photovoltaic panel.

[0047] Preferably, the waterproof cover 11 is made of aluminum alloy profile or sheet metal. It can be designed as a one-piece extruded structure. Using aluminum alloy material and employing mature extrusion molding technology for mass production reduces costs.

[0048] Furthermore, the lower connector 13 has upwardly protruding side flanges 131 on opposite sides. These flanges provide positioning between the C-surfaces of the adjacent photovoltaic module frames, facilitating the positioning and installation of the lower connector and enhancing structural strength.

[0049] In this embodiment, the upper connector 12 and the lower connector 13 are preferably aluminum alloy profiles or sheet metal parts. This allows for large-scale standardized processing to reduce costs. Furthermore, aluminum alloys offer excellent corrosion resistance and a longer service life.

[0050] Since the upper connector 12 itself is relatively thin, in order to ensure that the threaded hole depth is sufficient, a reinforcing boss can be provided in the threaded hole area of ​​the upper connector 12. The reinforcing boss can be located on the lower side of the upper connector 12 and inside the gap between the frames of two adjacent photovoltaic modules. Providing a reinforcing boss can also increase the structural strength of the upper connector.

[0051] Specifically, the fixing screw 14 can be an internal hex screw for easy tightening. It is understood that the length of the fixing screw should not be too long, because the gap between the upper connector and the waterproof cover is small. After tightening, the head of the fixing screw should only slightly protrude from the threaded hole, and there should be a certain gap between it and the waterproof cover.

[0052] Understandably, the waterproof cover extends continuously along the length of the frame to cover the gap between the frames of two adjacent photovoltaic modules throughout the entire length. In addition, the specific structure of the waterproof cover can be varied. For example, the top can be designed as a raised arc, an inverted V-shaped structure, or an isosceles trapezoidal structure. There are many possible variations, which will not be listed here.

[0053] like Figure 8 The diagram shows a partial schematic of the photovoltaic module array of the photovoltaic system. The aforementioned waterproof clamp 1 can be installed at the gap between two adjacent photovoltaic modules in the horizontal direction. In addition, the gap between two adjacent photovoltaic modules in the vertical direction can be filled with waterproof adhesive 3.

[0054] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the utility model, but the scope of protection of the utility model is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art should understand that the utility model includes, but is not limited to, the content described in the accompanying drawings and the specific embodiments above. Any modifications that do not depart from the functional and structural principles of the utility model will be included within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A waterproof clamp between photovoltaic modules, comprising a waterproof cover plate installed in the gap between the frames of two adjacent photovoltaic modules, characterized in that, The waterproof clamp also includes a fixing component, which includes an upper connector located above the gap, a lower connector located below the gap, and a fixing screw for connecting the upper connector and the lower connector. The upper connector and the waterproof cover plate are provided with a parallel insertion structure, and the insertion direction is parallel to the frame. The upper connector is provided with a threaded hole, and the lower connector is provided with a fixing hole. The fixing screw passes through the fixing hole and connects with the threaded hole, so that the upper connector presses the waterproof cover plate against the photovoltaic module surface on opposite sides through the parallel insertion structure.

2. The waterproof clamp between photovoltaic modules according to claim 1, characterized in that, The parallel interlocking structure includes slots on opposite sides of the bottom of the waterproof cover plate, and the upper connector has interlocking parts on opposite sides that are inserted into the slots.

3. A waterproof clamp between photovoltaic modules according to claim 2, characterized in that, The insertion part has a T-shaped structure.

4. A waterproof clamp between photovoltaic modules according to claim 3, characterized in that, The outer side of the mating part is provided with an arc-shaped protrusion.

5. A waterproof clamp between photovoltaic modules according to claim 2, characterized in that, The slot is formed by folding the edges of a waterproof cover plate on opposite sides.

6. A waterproof clamp between photovoltaic modules according to claim 5, characterized in that, The waterproof cover is made of aluminum alloy profiles or sheet metal parts.

7. A waterproof clamp between photovoltaic modules according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing screw is an internal hexagon screw; and / or, the upper connector has a reinforcing boss in the corresponding threaded hole area.

8. A waterproof clamp between photovoltaic modules according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower connector has upwardly protruding side guards on both sides.

9. A waterproof clamp between photovoltaic modules according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper and lower connectors are made of aluminum alloy profiles or sheet metal parts.

10. A photovoltaic system, characterized in that, Includes the waterproof clamp as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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