Photovoltaic tracking frame opening and closing type spherical bearing seat
By designing an openable spherical bearing seat for the photovoltaic tracking frame, and using integral bending of sheet metal and a spherical mating structure, the problems of complex and unstable installation of existing bearing seats are solved, achieving convenient installation and high stability, thereby improving photovoltaic power generation efficiency and economic benefits.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TBEA GRP (TIANJIN) NEW ENERGY TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-14
AI Technical Summary
The existing photovoltaic tracking bracket bearing housing is cumbersome to install, poses a risk of working at height, and the connection method is prone to wear and instability, making it difficult to meet the requirements of high precision and structural stability.
A spherical bearing housing for photovoltaic tracking frames is designed. It is formed by integral bending of sheet metal and achieves a detachable hinged connection between the upper and lower outer rings through connecting components. The spherical mating structure automatically compensates for coaxiality errors, reducing installation difficulty and improving stability.
It enables convenient installation by a single person, reduces installation time and labor costs, improves the operational stability and power generation efficiency of the photovoltaic tracking frame, adapts to complex terrain, and reduces the number of parts and installation costs.
Smart Images

Figure CN224497136U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of bearing housing technology, and in particular to a spherical bearing housing for photovoltaic tracking frames that can be opened and closed. Background Technology
[0002] In the solar photovoltaic industry, photovoltaic tracking brackets, by adjusting the angle of photovoltaic modules in real time to maximize the reception of solar radiation, have become key equipment for improving power generation efficiency. The bearing housing, as the core connecting component between the tracking bracket's main shaft and the column, directly affects the bracket's stability, installation efficiency, and service life. Currently, common photovoltaic tracking bracket bearing housings on the market are mainly divided into two types: integrated and split. Integrated bearing housings need to be pre-fitted before main shaft assembly, requiring multiple people or hoisting equipment for installation. Especially in large ground-mounted power plants, the installation process of long main shafts is cumbersome, posing risks of working at heights and resulting in low installation efficiency. While split bearing housings avoid the need for complete disassembly and assembly of the main shaft, they often use a flat flange splicing structure. This structure has significant drawbacks: firstly, the bearings are prone to seizing during the connection, making it difficult for the main shaft to rotate and accelerating wear; secondly, the existing connection methods between the bearing housing and the support also have shortcomings. Therefore, developing a bearing housing that combines ease of installation, high-precision fit, and structural stability has become an urgent problem to be solved in the field of photovoltaic tracking brackets. Utility Model Content
[0003] In view of the above-mentioned defects or deficiencies in the prior art, it is desirable to provide a spherical bearing seat for photovoltaic tracking frames that is easy to install, has high fitting precision, and stable structure, thus ensuring the stability of photovoltaic tracking frame operation.
[0004] This utility model provides a photovoltaic tracking frame opening and closing spherical bearing seat, including a support seat, which is integrally bent from a sheet metal; both sides of the sheet metal are bent upward at 90 degrees to form a support part, and an arc-shaped support groove is provided on the support part; both ends of the sheet metal are bent downward at more than 90 degrees to form a diagonal brace, and the bottom end of the diagonal brace is bent downward to form a vertical mounting part.
[0005] A semi-circular lower outer ring is welded to the support groove, and a semi-circular upper outer ring is separately disposed above the lower outer ring. The inner ring surfaces of the lower outer ring and the upper outer ring are located on the same spherical surface. The two ends of the upper outer ring are respectively detachably and lockably hinged to the support part through connecting components.
[0006] Furthermore, the support base is formed by bending a sheet metal piece with a thickness of 1.5-5mm.
[0007] Furthermore, both ends of the plate are bent downwards at 125-145 degrees to form diagonal bracing sections.
[0008] Furthermore, the mounting part is provided with several mounting holes.
[0009] Furthermore, the connecting assembly includes a connector, bolts, and a pin. The two ends of the upper outer ring are integrally provided with ear plates. The top end of the connector is fixedly connected to the ear plates by the bolts, and the bottom end is hinged to the support by the pin.
[0010] Furthermore, the connector is rectangular or U-shaped with the opening facing downwards.
[0011] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0012] (1) The bearing seat of this utility model adopts an open hinge design. The upper outer ring and the lower outer ring are detachably hinged through the connecting components. During installation, there is no need to disassemble the main shaft of the photovoltaic tracking frame. It can be operated by a single person. The installation time of the bearing seat is shortened by more than 60%. The installation is convenient and efficient, which significantly improves the construction efficiency of photovoltaic power stations and reduces labor costs and high-altitude operation risks.
[0013] (2) The upper outer ring and the lower outer ring adopt a spherical fit structure. By utilizing the self-aligning characteristics of the spherical surface, the coaxiality error during the main shaft installation process can be automatically compensated, effectively reducing the tracking error caused by shaking, improving the stability and reliability of the photovoltaic tracking frame operation, and improving the power generation efficiency of the photovoltaic module.
[0014] Its spherical fit and hinged design make it less demanding on the installation environment, highly adaptable and versatile, suitable for photovoltaic power station projects with complex terrain and limited construction conditions, and has broad application prospects.
[0015] (3) The lower outer ring is welded to the integrated bent support base, which has high structural rigidity, is sturdy and durable, and can effectively resist external loads such as strong winds and vibrations.
[0016] (4) The integrated bending and forming design of the support reduces the number of parts and processing steps, lowers the installation cost, and improves the economic benefits of photovoltaic projects.
[0017] It should be understood that the description in this utility model description section is not intended to limit the key or essential features of the embodiments of this utility model, nor is it intended to restrict the scope of this utility model. Other features of this utility model will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description
[0018] Other features, objects, and advantages of this invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings:
[0019] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the main structure of the openable spherical bearing housing for a photovoltaic tracking frame;
[0020] Figure 2 This is a side view of the spherical bearing housing for a photovoltaic tracking frame.
[0021] The numbers in the diagram are: 1. Support seat; 2. Lower outer ring; 3. Upper outer ring; 4. Connecting assembly; 5. Ball bearing;
[0022] 11. Support section; 12. Support groove; 13. Diagonal brace; 14. Mounting section; 15. Mounting hole;
[0023] 31. Ear plate;
[0024] 41. Connecting parts; 42. Bolts; 43. Pins. Detailed Implementation
[0025] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the relevant invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings.
[0026] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other. The present utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.
[0027] Please refer to Figures 1-2 This utility model provides a photovoltaic tracking frame opening and closing spherical bearing seat, including a support seat 1, which is integrally bent from a sheet metal; both sides of the sheet metal are bent upward at 90 degrees to form a support part 11, and an arc-shaped support groove 12 is provided on the support part 11; both ends of the sheet metal are bent downward at more than 90 degrees to form a diagonal brace part 13, and the bottom end of the diagonal brace part 13 is bent downward to form a vertical mounting part 14;
[0028] A semi-circular lower outer ring 2 is welded to the support groove 12. A semi-circular upper outer ring 3 is separately provided above the lower outer ring 2. The inner ring surfaces of the lower outer ring 2 and the upper outer ring 3 are located on the same spherical surface. The two ends of the upper outer ring 3 are respectively detachably and lockably hinged to the support part 11 through the connecting component 4.
[0029] In this embodiment, when assembling the bearing housing, firstly, the connecting component 4 on one side is disassembled, and the upper outer ring 3 is rotated to the other side to open it; then, the ball bearing 5 is inserted into the lower outer ring 2, and the upper outer ring 3 is fastened onto the ball bearing 5. Then, the upper outer ring 3 and the lower outer ring 2 are reconnected and locked through the connecting component 4, and then the mounting part 14 of the support base 1 is fixedly connected to the column to complete the installation.
[0030] With the locking of the connecting component 4, the spherical design of the lower outer ring 2 and the upper outer ring 3, as well as the joint structure of the connecting component 4, automatically compensates for the coaxiality error during the main shaft installation process. The installation is convenient, the fit is highly accurate, the structure is stable, and the stability of the photovoltaic tracking frame operation is ensured.
[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the support base 1 is integrally bent from sheet metal with a thickness of 1.5-5mm, which has high structural strength and meets the support requirements.
[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the two ends of the plate are bent downwards at 125-145 degrees to form diagonal bracing 13, which provides good support.
[0033] In a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the mounting part 14 has several mounting holes 15 to facilitate the fixed connection between the mounting part 14 and the column.
[0034] In a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the connecting component 4 includes a connector 41, a bolt 42 and a pin 43. The two ends of the upper outer ring 3 are integrally provided with ear plates 31. The top end of the connector 41 is fixedly connected to the ear plate 31 by the bolt 42, and the bottom end is hinged to the support part 11 by the pin 43.
[0035] In this embodiment, the upper outer ring 3 is locked to the lower outer ring 2 by bolts 42 and connectors 41, and is hinged by connectors 41 and pins 43. The connection is stable, adaptable and versatile, ensuring the stability of the photovoltaic tracking frame operation.
[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the connector 41 is rectangular or U-shaped with the opening facing downwards, providing a stable connection and high structural strength, thus meeting the installation requirements of the upper outer ring 3.
[0037] In the description of this specification, the terms "connection," "installation," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be 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 application according to the specific circumstances.
[0038] In the description of this specification, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.
[0039] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.
Claims
1. A spherical bearing housing for a photovoltaic tracking frame, characterized in that, Includes a support base (1), which is integrally bent from a sheet metal; both sides of the sheet metal are bent upwards at 90 degrees to form a support part (11), and an arc-shaped support groove (12) is provided on the support part (11); both ends of the sheet metal are bent downwards at more than 90 degrees to form a diagonal brace part (13), and the bottom end of the diagonal brace part (13) is bent downwards to form a vertical mounting part (14); A semi-circular lower outer ring (2) is welded to the support groove (12), and a semi-circular upper outer ring (3) is separately provided above the lower outer ring (2). The inner ring surfaces of the lower outer ring (2) and the upper outer ring (3) are located on the same spherical surface. The two ends of the upper outer ring (3) are respectively detachably and lockably hinged to the support part (11) through the connecting component (4).
2. The photovoltaic tracking frame opening and closing spherical bearing seat according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support base (1) is formed by bending sheet metal with a thickness of 1.5-5mm.
3. The photovoltaic tracking frame opening and closing spherical bearing seat according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two ends of the plate are bent downwards at 125-145 degrees to form diagonal bracing (13).
4. The photovoltaic tracking frame opening and closing spherical bearing seat according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting part (14) has several mounting holes (15).
5. The photovoltaic tracking frame opening and closing spherical bearing seat according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting assembly (4) includes a connector (41), a bolt (42) and a pin (43). The two ends of the upper outer ring (3) are integrally provided with ear plates (31). The top end of the connector (41) is fixedly connected to the ear plate (31) by the bolt (42), and the bottom end is hinged to the support part (11) by the pin (43).
6. The photovoltaic tracking frame opening and closing spherical bearing seat according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connector (41) is rectangular or U-shaped with the opening facing downwards.