Fasteners and photovoltaic modules

By using a π-shaped clamp and a U-shaped fastener design, the problems of structural compactness, ease of installation, and connection stability of photovoltaic modules are solved, enabling efficient installation and long-term stable operation of photovoltaic modules.

CN224438861UActive Publication Date: 2026-06-30YANGTZE INSTITUTE FOR SOLAR TECHNOLOGY

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
YANGTZE INSTITUTE FOR SOLAR TECHNOLOGY
Filing Date
2025-08-01
Publication Date
2026-06-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing fasteners and photovoltaic modules have shortcomings in terms of structural compactness, ease of installation, and connection stability, which affect the performance improvement and application promotion of photovoltaic modules.

Method used

A fastener consisting of a π-shaped pressure block and a U-shaped clamp was designed. The integrated structure reduces the number of parts, the double-clamp design improves the connection reliability, and the U-shaped crossbeam snap-fit ​​method achieves a compact structure, convenient installation, and a stable connection.

Benefits of technology

It improves the installation efficiency and stability of photovoltaic modules, extends their service life, reduces production costs and installation difficulty, and enhances their seismic performance and maintainability.

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Abstract

This utility model provides a fastener and a photovoltaic module. The fastener includes a π-shaped pressure block and a U-shaped clamp. The π-shaped pressure block includes an integral pressing part, two supporting parts, and a locking part. The supporting parts have reinforcing ribs and recesses on their side walls, improving their bending resistance and preventing them from bending easily under the pressure of the photovoltaic panel. The locking part has double buckles, improving the reliability of the locking connection. The U-shaped clamp has a locking hole on its base plate for engaging with the locking part, and one end of its side plate is arc-shaped and diagonally distributed, facilitating flexible adjustment of position and angle during installation. The photovoltaic module includes the aforementioned fastener, a U-shaped crossbeam, and a photovoltaic panel. The opening of the vertical section of the crossbeam has a locking part, further enhancing the connection stability with the clamp. This design makes the photovoltaic module structure compact and reasonable, easy to install, improves connection stability and seismic performance, and ensures the long-term stable operation and power generation efficiency of the photovoltaic module.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of photovoltaic technology, and in particular to fasteners and photovoltaic modules. Background Technology

[0002] In the current booming development of the photovoltaic industry, the installation quality and stability of photovoltaic modules directly affect the power generation efficiency and lifespan of the entire photovoltaic system. Fasteners, as key elements connecting various components of photovoltaic modules, play a crucial role in their performance. However, existing fasteners and photovoltaic modules have many shortcomings in terms of structural compactness, ease of installation, and connection stability, severely restricting the performance improvement and application promotion of photovoltaic modules.

[0003] From a structural compactness perspective, traditional fastener designs are often complex, with numerous components. For example, some fasteners are assembled from multiple separately manufactured parts through complex processes. This not only increases production steps and leads to high production costs but also results in a less compact overall structure. Too many components stacked in a limited space can easily interfere with each other, affecting the normal installation and layout of photovoltaic modules and reducing space utilization. Moreover, during long-term use, the complex structure is prone to loosening and wear at the connections between components, further weakening the fastener's performance and reducing the stability of the photovoltaic modules.

[0004] In terms of ease of installation, existing fasteners involve cumbersome procedures and require highly skilled installers. Some fasteners require multiple tools and complex installation steps, necessitating precise adjustments to the position and angle of each component. Even slight errors can lead to installation failure or insecure connections. This not only increases installation time and labor costs but also easily affects the overall performance of photovoltaic modules due to installation errors. Especially in large-scale photovoltaic power plant construction, the cumbersome installation process can severely impact project progress and increase construction costs.

[0005] In summary, the shortcomings of existing fasteners and photovoltaic modules in terms of structural compactness and ease of installation have become bottlenecks restricting the further development of the photovoltaic industry. Therefore, developing fasteners and photovoltaic modules with advantages such as compact and reasonable structure, convenient installation and operation, and stable and reliable connection is of great practical significance.

[0006] Therefore, we propose fasteners and photovoltaic modules. Utility Model Content

[0007] Therefore, it is necessary to address the technical shortcomings of existing fasteners and photovoltaic modules in terms of structural compactness, ease of installation, and connection stability by providing fasteners and photovoltaic modules that possess advantages such as compact and reasonable structure, convenient installation and operation, and stable and reliable connection, thereby effectively improving the installation efficiency and operational stability of photovoltaic modules and extending their service life.

[0008] The first aspect of this utility model provides a fastener, comprising: a pressure block having a π-shaped structure, including an integrally formed pressure part, two support parts extending from the pressure part along the thickness direction, and a locking part disposed on the side of the support part away from the pressure part; and a clamping element having a U-shaped structure formed by a base plate and two side plates, wherein the base plate has two locking holes that engage with the locking part. This structural design makes the fastener structure compact and reasonable. The π-shaped pressure block can simultaneously press the photovoltaic panels on both sides, ensuring uniform force at both ends and improving the pressing effect. The integrated structure reduces the number of parts, improves production efficiency, and enhances overall strength. The U-shaped clamping element facilitates connection and installation with the crossbeam, and the engagement of the locking holes with the locking part ensures the stability of the connection, effectively preventing loosening and improving the reliability of the fastener.

[0009] In other embodiments, the clamping part, supporting part, and locking part are formed by bending the same plate-like structure. This integrated design reduces the number of parts, improves production efficiency, and avoids the problems of increased production steps, higher costs, and assembly errors associated with traditional separate manufacturing and reassembly methods. Simultaneously, the integrated structure enhances the overall strength of the fastener, preventing fastening failure due to loosening of the connection points. It also allows for better coordination under greater external forces, ensuring a secure fastening effect.

[0010] In other embodiments, the two end sidewalls of the clamping part and the support part are bent towards the support part. This bent part can hold a part of the photovoltaic panel. Especially when the photovoltaic panel has a built-in buckle, the bending design of the clamping part can work with the buckle to press and fix the photovoltaic panel again, increasing its horizontal resistance, effectively preventing the photovoltaic panel from shifting, improving the reliability of the fastening, and ensuring that the photovoltaic module can operate stably in various environments.

[0011] In other embodiments, reinforcing ribs are provided on the sidewalls of the support portion. These ribs are strip-shaped and evenly distributed along the length of the support portion. This distribution is designed based on mechanical principles, ensuring effective reinforcement of the support portion at all points. The reinforcing ribs increase the moment of inertia of the support portion's cross-section, improving its bending resistance and preventing deformation under significant pressure. This ensures stable support for the photovoltaic panel and extends the service life of the fasteners.

[0012] In other embodiments, both of the aforementioned support portions protrude towards opposite sides and form recesses. The height of the recesses is less than the height of the photovoltaic panel. By forming these recesses, the strength of the support portions can be increased, preventing them from bending under the pressure of the photovoltaic panel. Simultaneously, this design reduces the weight of the fasteners to some extent, lowering material costs, without affecting their support and fastening functions for the photovoltaic panel, thus improving the product's cost-effectiveness.

[0013] In other embodiments, the locking part includes a first buckle and a second buckle that are progressively farther away from the pressing part. The distance from the first buckle to the support part is d, and the distance from the second buckle to the support part is d', where d' ≤ d. This double-buckle design provides double protection and improves the reliability of the locking mechanism. In actual use, a single buckle may loosen or be damaged for various reasons, leading to locking failure. The double-buckle design increases the redundancy of the locking mechanism; even if one buckle malfunctions, the other buckle can still perform the locking function, ensuring the normal use of the fastener. Furthermore, the double-buckle design allows for adjustment of the locking tightness according to actual needs, improving the flexibility of use and meeting the requirements of different working conditions.

[0014] In other embodiments, the projection of one end of the side plate along the thickness direction of the base plate is arc-shaped, and the arc-shaped parts of the two side plates are diagonally distributed. This design facilitates the space for the clamp to rotate, allowing the clamp to be adjusted more flexibly in position and angle during installation, making it easier to accurately connect with components such as crossbeams, improving the convenience and efficiency of installation, and reducing operational difficulties and errors caused by space limitations during installation.

[0015] The second aspect of this utility model provides a photovoltaic module, comprising the fasteners described in any of the above claims, and further comprising: a crossbeam with a U-shaped cross-section, which is snapped into and fixed to the side plate of a clamping component; and a photovoltaic panel snapped into the clamping part between the clamping part and the crossbeam. By employing the above fasteners, the photovoltaic module achieves a compact structure, convenient installation, and stable connection. The snap-fit ​​fixing method between the U-shaped crossbeam and the clamping component is quick and stable, improving installation efficiency and providing a certain degree of seismic resistance. The photovoltaic panel, snapped into the clamping part between the clamping part and the crossbeam, receives stable support and protection, preventing displacement or damage caused by external factors, and ensuring the long-term stable operation and power generation efficiency of the photovoltaic module.

[0016] In other embodiments, a snap-fit ​​portion that bends towards the horizontal section of the crossbeam is provided at the opening of the vertical section of the crossbeam, and the side plate snaps into the snap-fit ​​portion. The design of the snap-fit ​​portion further enhances the connection stability between the crossbeam and the snap-fit ​​component. When the side plate is snapped into the snap-fit ​​portion, due to the curved shape of the snap-fit ​​portion, the side plate is subjected to a certain compressive force, thereby fitting more tightly against the crossbeam and effectively preventing connection failures caused by loosening or vibration. This design also facilitates quick disassembly and reassembly when maintenance or replacement of components is required, improving the maintainability of the photovoltaic module.

[0017] In other embodiments, the distance between the two vertical segments of the crossbeam is D, the distance between the two curved portions of the side plates is D', and the length of the long side of the clip is L, where D' < L < D. This design provides a flexible installation method, allowing the installation direction of the clip to be selected according to actual needs. When greater connection strength is required, the long side of the clip can be positioned between the crossbeams; when space is limited or the connection angle needs adjustment, the short side of the clip can be rotated to be positioned between the crossbeams. This flexibility not only improves the applicability of photovoltaic modules but also facilitates fine-tuning during installation to achieve the best installation effect. Furthermore, this design also considers the potential loosening or displacement of photovoltaic modules during long-term use. By providing multiple installation methods, these adverse effects can be mitigated to some extent, thereby extending the service life of the photovoltaic modules. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure in Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of section NN in the middle.

[0020] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the connection structure between the pressure block, the clamping element, and the crossbeam in this utility model.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the pressure block in this utility model.

[0022] Figure 5 This is the front view of the pressure block in this utility model.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the pressure block in this utility model.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the card and the crossbeam in this utility model.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a top view of the card component in this utility model.

[0026] in:

[0027] 100. Pressing block; 200. Fastener; 300. Crossbeam; 400. Photovoltaic panel;

[0028] 110. Pressing part; 120. Support part; 130. Locking part;

[0029] 121. Reinforcing rib; 122. Recessed portion; 131. First clip; 132. Second clip;

[0030] 201. Base plate; 202. Side plate; 203. Clip hole;

[0031] 301. Connecting part. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The specific embodiments of this utility model are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Example 1

[0034] As shown in the figure - Figure 3 As shown, this embodiment discloses a fastener, including a pressure block 100 and a clamping element 200, which together enable rapid pressing of the photovoltaic panel 400.

[0035] Specifically, such as Figures 4-6 As shown, the pressure block 100 in this embodiment has a π-shaped structure, including an integral pressing part 110, two support parts 120 extending from the pressing part 110 along the thickness direction, and a locking part 130 disposed on the side of the support part 120 away from the pressing part 110. By designing it into a π-shaped structure, that is, by setting two support parts 120, the photovoltaic panels on the left and right sides can be pressed at the same time, while ensuring that the force on both ends is more even. At the same time, it also allows the locking part 130 to cooperate with the snap-fit ​​part 301 on the crossbeam 300.

[0036] In this embodiment, the clamping part 110 is the part that directly contacts the photovoltaic panel 400, and its upper end is flat to avoid protrusion.

[0037] The two support parts 120 provide stable support for the clamping part 110, ensuring that it will not deform when subjected to large pressure, while pressing as much of the photovoltaic module as possible.

[0038] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the support portion 120 has reinforcing ribs 121 on its sidewall. The reinforcing ribs 121 are strip-shaped and evenly distributed along the length of the support portion 120 (the distribution of the reinforcing ribs 121 is designed according to mechanical principles; even distribution ensures that the support portion 120 is effectively reinforced in all parts). The reinforcing ribs 121 increase the moment of inertia of the support portion 120 section, thereby improving the bending resistance of the support portion 120.

[0039] like Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, both support portions 120 protrude towards the opposite side and form recesses 122. In this embodiment, the height of the recesses 122 is less than the height of the photovoltaic panel 400. By forming the recesses 122, the strength can be improved and bending can be avoided after being squeezed by the photovoltaic panel 400.

[0040] The locking part 130 is the key component for connecting with the clip 200. Its shape and size match the clip hole 203 on the clip 200 to ensure a tight fit. The locking part 130 and the clip hole 203 are interference-fitted, which generates sufficient friction after engagement to prevent loosening. Furthermore, the edges of the locking part 130 are chamfered to facilitate alignment and insertion with the clip hole 203, improving installation efficiency.

[0041] The fastener 200 includes a U-shaped structure formed by a base plate 201 and two side plates 202. The opening design of the U-shaped structure facilitates connection and installation with the snap-fit ​​part 301 on the crossbeam 300. The base plate 201 has two snap-fit ​​holes 203 that engage with the locking part 130. The position and size of the snap-fit ​​holes 203 are precisely measured and correspond perfectly to the locking part 130.

[0042] The clamping part 110, supporting part 120, and locking part 130 are formed by bending the same plate-like structure. This integrated design reduces the number of parts and improves production efficiency. Traditional designs may require manufacturing the clamping part 110, supporting part 120, and locking part 130 separately before assembly, which not only increases production steps and costs but also increases the risk of errors during assembly. The integrated design, however, can be formed by a single stamping or bending process, greatly simplifying the production process and improving production efficiency and product quality consistency. Simultaneously, the integrated structure enhances the overall strength of the fastener, preventing fastening failure due to loose connections. In the integrated structure, there are no gaps between the parts, eliminating stress concentration points caused by loose connections, thus improving the overall strength and stability of the fastener. When subjected to significant external forces, the integrated structure works together more effectively to resist the forces and ensure a secure fastening effect.

[0043] In this embodiment, as shown Figure 5As shown, the two end sidewalls of the pressing part 110, which are parallel to the supporting part 120, are bent toward the supporting part 120. This bent part can hold a portion of the photovoltaic panel 400. Especially when the photovoltaic panel 400 has a built-in buckle, the bending design of the pressing part 110 can work with the buckle to press and fix the photovoltaic panel 400 again. It can tightly hook the photovoltaic panel 400, increase its horizontal resistance, effectively prevent displacement, and improve the reliability of the fastening.

[0044] In this embodiment, the locking part 130 includes a first latch 131 and a second latch 132 that are progressively farther away from the pressing part 110. The distance from the first latch 131 to the support part 120 is d, and the distance from the second latch 132 to the support part 120 is d', where d' ≤ d. This double-latch design provides double protection and improves the reliability of the latching. In actual use, a single latch may loosen or be damaged for various reasons, leading to latching failure. The double-latch design increases the redundancy of the latching; even if one latch malfunctions, the other latch can still perform the latching function, ensuring the normal use of the fastener. Meanwhile, the double-clamp design allows for adjustment of the clamping tightness according to actual needs, improving the flexibility of use. When a tighter clamping is required, the clamp 200 can be engaged with the first clamp 131; when a looser clamping or easier disassembly is needed, the clamp 200 can be engaged with the second clamp 132. This adjustable clamping method provides users with more options and can meet the needs of different working conditions. For example, in situations requiring frequent disassembly and installation, engaging with the second clamp 132 facilitates operation and improves work efficiency; while in situations requiring high tightness, engaging with the first clamp 131 ensures reliable fastening.

[0045] Example 2

[0046] like Figures 1-3 As shown, this embodiment discloses a photovoltaic module, which includes the fasteners in Embodiment 1, as well as a crossbeam 300 and a photovoltaic panel 400.

[0047] The crossbeam 300 has a U-shaped cross section and is snapped together with the side plate 202 of the clip 200. The design of the U-shaped crossbeam 300 not only provides structural strength but also facilitates a stable connection with other components. Its opening faces upward, making it easy to install and disassemble. By snapping together, the clip 200 and the crossbeam 300 can be assembled together quickly and stably, improving installation efficiency. At the same time, the snap-fit ​​structure also has a certain degree of seismic resistance, which can resist the impact of external vibrations on the photovoltaic module to a certain extent.

[0048] The photovoltaic panel 400 is snapped between the clamping part 110 and the crossbeam 300; by snapping it between the clamping part 110 and the crossbeam 300, the photovoltaic panel 400 is stably supported and protected, avoiding displacement or damage caused by external factors (such as wind, rain, etc.), thereby ensuring the long-term stable operation and power generation efficiency of the photovoltaic module.

[0049] The opening of the vertical section of the crossbeam 300 is provided with a snap-fit ​​part 301 that bends towards the horizontal section of the crossbeam 300, and the design of the snap-fit ​​part 301, in which the side plate 202 snaps into the snap-fit ​​part 301, further enhances the connection stability between the crossbeam 300 and the clip 200. When the side plate 202 is snapped into the snap-fit ​​part 301, due to the curved shape of the snap-fit ​​part 301, the side plate 202 will be subjected to a certain compressive force, thereby fitting more tightly against the crossbeam 300, effectively preventing connection failure caused by loosening or vibration. This design also facilitates quick disassembly and reassembly when maintenance or replacement of parts is required.

[0050] The projection of one end of the side plate 202 along the thickness direction of the base plate 201 is arc-shaped, and the arc-shaped parts of the two side plates 202 are diagonally distributed to facilitate the space to be made when the clip 200 rotates.

[0051] The distance between the two vertical segments of the crossbeam 300 is D, the distance between the two arc-shaped portions of the side plates 202 is D', and the length of the long side of the clamp 200 is L, where D' < L < D. This allows for two installation methods for the clamp 200 within the crossbeam 300: one where the long side of the clamp 200 is positioned between the crossbeams 300, and another where the short side of the clamp 200 is positioned between the crossbeams 300 by rotation. This design provides a flexible installation method, allowing the installation direction of the clamp 200 to be selected according to actual needs. When greater connection strength is required, a different installation method can be chosen. The long side of the clip 200 is positioned between the crossbeams 300; when space is limited or the connection angle needs to be adjusted, the short side of the clip 200 can be rotated to be positioned between the crossbeams 300. This flexibility not only improves the applicability of photovoltaic modules but also facilitates fine-tuning during installation to achieve the best installation effect. In addition, this design also takes into account the loosening or displacement problems that may occur in photovoltaic modules during long-term use. By providing multiple installation methods, these adverse effects can be offset to a certain extent, thereby extending the service life of photovoltaic modules.

[0052] The above description is an explanation of the present utility model and not a limitation thereof. The scope of the present utility model is defined by the claims. Within the protection scope of the present utility model, any form of modification may be made.

Claims

1. A fastener, characterized by, include: The pressure block has a π-shaped structure, including an integral pressing part, two support parts extending from the pressing part along the thickness direction, and a locking part disposed on the side of the support part away from the pressing part; The locking element includes a U-shaped structure formed by a base plate and two side plates, wherein the base plate has two locking holes that engage with the locking part.

2. A fastener as claimed in claim 1 wherein: The pressing part, the supporting part, and the locking part are formed by bending the same plate-like structure.

3. A fastener as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The side walls at both ends of the clamping part, which are parallel to the supporting part, are bent toward the supporting part.

4. A fastener as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The sidewalls of the support are provided with reinforcing ribs.

5. A fastener as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Both of the support portions protrude toward opposite sides and form recesses.

6. A fastener as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The locking part includes a first buckle and a second buckle that are gradually moved away from the pressing part. The distance between the first buckle and the support part is d, and the distance between the second buckle and the support part is d', where d'≤d.

7. A fastener as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The projection of one end of the side plate along the thickness direction of the base plate is arc-shaped, and the arc-shaped portions of the two side plates are diagonally distributed.

8. A photovoltaic module, characterized in that: It includes the fastener described in any one of claims 1-7, and further includes: A crossbeam, the crossbeam having a U-shaped cross section, is snapped and fixed to the side plate of the clamp; The photovoltaic panel is snapped between the clamping part and the crossbeam.

9. The photovoltaic module as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The opening of the vertical section of the crossbeam is provided with a snap-fit ​​part that bends toward the horizontal section of the crossbeam, and the side plate snaps into the snap-fit ​​part.

10. The photovoltaic module as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The distance between the two vertical segments of the crossbeam is D, the distance between the two arc-shaped parts of the side plates is D', and the length of the long side of the fastener is L, and D' < L < D are satisfied.