A splined outer cylinder, a screw drive assembly, and a photovoltaic tracking bracket

Abstract

This utility model first proposes a splined outer cylinder, comprising a sleeve, the inner circumferential surface of which is provided with a first spline for cooperating with the splined inner cylinder, the first spline being a helical spline; and a mounting portion for fixed connection with an external component, the mounting portion being disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the sleeve. This utility model secondly proposes a helical drive assembly, including the aforementioned splined outer cylinder. This utility model also proposes a photovoltaic tracking bracket, including the aforementioned helical drive assembly. The beneficial effects of this utility model are: greater convenience in use, reduced use and maintenance costs, improved application flexibility and versatility, and increased space utilization.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of photovoltaic tracking, and in particular to a splined outer cylinder, a spiral drive assembly, and a photovoltaic tracking bracket. Background Technology

[0002] Splined components are typically used to connect external parts or facilitate transmission. In common spline structures, the inner spline component (e.g., the outer spline cylinder) is usually fixed, while the mating inner spline cylinder is responsible for movement. For example, in photovoltaic tracking bracket applications, the outer spline cylinder is fixed to the bracket, while the inner spline cylinder is fixed to the photovoltaic panel. Sun tracking is achieved through the mating of the inner and outer spline cylinders.

[0003] However, because the splined inner cylinder is inserted inside the splined outer cylinder, it only connects to the external load at both ends. This end-connection method limits the flexibility of the connection points, resulting in low space utilization efficiency. In certain applications, these limitations can lead to insufficient performance, especially in systems with higher requirements for space efficiency and connection flexibility. Therefore, improving the connection method between the splined outer cylinder and external loads (such as photovoltaic panels) to enhance structural flexibility and space utilization efficiency has become an urgent problem to be solved. Utility Model Content

[0004] This utility model first proposes a splined outer cylinder to solve the problems of inflexible mounting position and low space utilization in existing splined components and their applications. Secondly, this utility model proposes a screw drive assembly. This utility model also proposes a photovoltaic tracking bracket. To achieve the above objectives, the main contents of this application are as follows:

[0005] As a first aspect of this application, a splined outer cylinder includes...

[0006] A sleeve, wherein the inner circumferential surface of the sleeve is provided with a first spline for cooperating with the splined inner cylinder, the first spline being a helical spline;

[0007] It also includes a mounting part for fixed connection with external components, the mounting part being disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve.

[0008] Preferably, the sleeve includes an upper section, a middle section, and a lower section along the axial direction, and the mounting portion is disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the middle section of the sleeve.

[0009] Preferably, the helix angle of the first spline is set to be greater than 0 degrees and less than 45 degrees.

[0010] Preferably, the sleeve and the mounting part are connected by welding.

[0011] Preferably, the mounting portion includes a sleeve position, and the mounting portion is sleeved onto the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve through the sleeve position, wherein:

[0012] The outer circumferential surface of the sleeve is provided with a second spline, and the socket is provided with a third spline that mates with the second spline;

[0013] And / or, the outer circumferential surface of the sleeve is provided with a first keyway, the socket is provided with a second keyway, and a connecting key is also included.

[0014] And / or, the axial cross-section of the sleeve is polygonal.

[0015] Preferably, the mounting part is further provided with a positioning part, which is used to determine the position of the external component connected to the mounting part.

[0016] Preferably, the splined outer cylinder proposed in this utility model further includes a reinforcing rib, which extends from the mounting portion along the circumferential and / or axial direction of the sleeve, and the reinforcing rib is fixedly connected to the sleeve.

[0017] As a second aspect of this application, a helical transmission assembly includes the aforementioned splined outer cylinder and a splined inner cylinder. The outer circumferential surface of the splined inner cylinder is provided with a fourth spline that is adapted to the first spline. The splined outer cylinder is sleeved on the splined inner cylinder, and a transmission connection is formed by the cooperation of the first spline and the fourth spline.

[0018] Preferably, at least one of the first spline, the second spline, the third spline, and the fourth spline is an involute spline.

[0019] As a third aspect of this application, a photovoltaic tracking bracket includes the aforementioned screw drive assembly, and further includes a column, a prime mover, a fixed shaft, and a photovoltaic panel. The column and the fixed shaft are fixedly connected, the screw drive assembly is sleeved on the fixed shaft, the output end of the prime mover is connected to the spline inner cylinder, the fixed shaft is fixedly connected to the column, and the photovoltaic panel is fixedly connected to the mounting part.

[0020] The driving force of the prime mover causes the inner spline cylinder to reciprocate linearly along a fixed axis, thereby driving the outer spline cylinder to rotate around its axis, thus realizing the tracking motion of the photovoltaic panel.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this application are:

[0022] 1. By using the pre-installed mounting part to connect external components to the splined outer cylinder proposed in this application, the ease of use is improved, especially making it more suitable for outdoor use.

[0023] 2. By setting reinforcing ribs, the force exerted on the sleeve by external components is dispersed, preventing deformation, damage, or even destruction of the spline outer sleeve and improving its load-bearing capacity. It also effectively reduces the risk of failure of the screw drive system. As is well known, in screw drive systems with high requirements for transmission accuracy, even slight deformation of the spline outer sleeve can affect the transmission effect between it and the spline inner sleeve. Reinforcing ribs can effectively prevent deformation of the sleeve.

[0024] 3. By setting up a positioning part, it is easier to quickly and accurately install external parts into the predetermined position during use, further improving the convenience of use.

[0025] 4. Since the mounting part is pre-set on the outer circumference of the sleeve, the transmission accuracy of the sleeve is ensured when the sleeve is used in the transmission assembly. That is, the pre-set mounting part can eliminate the deformation (such as welding heat deformation) that may be caused by the post-set mounting part, avoid possible secondary processing, and reduce costs.

[0026] 5. By using splines, keyways, polygonal shapes, etc., the mounting part is fitted onto the outer circumference of the sleeve, which not only makes assembly simple, but also, after long-term use, if either the mounting part or the sleeve is damaged or even destroyed, only the corresponding part needs to be replaced, which reduces both the cost of processing and the cost of maintenance.

[0027] 6. By setting at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth splines as an involute spline, automatic centering is achieved using the tooth profile of the involute spline. This ensures that all the key teeth between the first and fourth splines, and between the second and third splines, can make contact. This ensures that the force exerted by the external components on the sleeve is evenly distributed across the entire circumference of the sleeve, and / or that the force between the outer spline cylinder and the inner spline cylinder is evenly distributed across the outer circumference of the inner spline cylinder. This increases the load capacity of the helical drive assembly composed of the outer spline cylinder proposed in this application; it also improves the smoothness of the helical drive assembly during transmission, thereby ensuring stable and efficient power transmission; and it further improves the operating efficiency of the photovoltaic tracking bracket using the helical drive assembly proposed in this application and extends the service life of the photovoltaic tracking bracket. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the splined outer cylinder in this example.

[0029] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the screw drive assembly in this embodiment.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the splined outer cylinder in this example.

[0031] in:

[0032] 1. Sleeve; 11. First spline; 12. Second spline; 13. End flange;

[0033] 2. Mounting section; 21. Mounting surface; 22. Third spline; 23. Reinforcing rib;

[0034] 3. Spline inner cylinder; 31. Fourth spline. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a splined outer sleeve includes a sleeve 1, which has a cylindrical structure and a first spline 11 on its inner circumferential surface. The first spline 11 is a helical spline. The first spline 11 is used to mate with an external part (such as a splined inner sleeve 3) with a corresponding mating spline. The outer circumferential surface of the sleeve 1 is provided with a mounting part 2 for fixed connection with the external part.

[0037] In some preferred embodiments, the mounting part 2 includes a mounting surface 21 for fixed connection with an external moving part, the mounting surface 21 being parallel to the axis of the sleeve 1. The external moving part can be fixedly connected via threaded holes or other means provided on the mounting surface 21. This method simplifies the assembly and docking process because the orientation of the mounting surface 21 is easy to identify and align, making the connection with the external moving part more direct and efficient. In other embodiments, when the mounting surface 21 is not axially parallel to the sleeve 1, the external moving part also needs to be adjusted to a shape or position to mate with it for fixed connection.

[0038] In some embodiments, the sleeve 1 is divided axially into an upper section, a middle section, and a lower section, with the mounting part 2 disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the middle section of the sleeve 1. This configuration makes the force distribution on the mounting part 2 more balanced and stable after connection with the external load, thereby improving the load-bearing capacity and durability of the overall structure. This arrangement is suitable for applications requiring high balance and stability. It should be noted that the upper, middle, and lower sections are generally equally divided, but may be offset by a certain distance from the upper or lower section depending on the specific implementation scenario.

[0039] In some preferred embodiments, the helix angle of the first spline is set to be no less than 0 degrees and greater than 45 degrees. Experiments have shown that the above-mentioned range of helix angle settings facilitates transmission. Furthermore, when the helix angle is set between 0 and 15 degrees, the overall motion performance is even better.

[0040] like Figure 1As shown, the mounting parts 2 are located on the outer circumferential surface of the sleeve 1, rather than at the two ends as in the traditional design. This design significantly increases the versatility of connection with external loads, and the connection method between the mounting surface 21 and the external environment can be achieved through... Figure 1 The flange connection shown can be used to achieve a fixed connection between the two, or it can be achieved through snap-fit ​​or other methods.

[0041] The sleeve 1 and the mounting part 2 can be either integrated or separate.

[0042] When sleeve 1 and mounting part 2 are integrally formed, they can be cast or welded. This integral design provides greater structural integrity and strength. Furthermore, it simplifies the assembly process, eliminating the need for additional assembly labor and thus reducing time and labor costs in production and assembly. Simultaneously, the integral design also means a reduction in the number of parts, further reducing the complexity of parts management and storage. For applications requiring sealing, the integral design offers better sealing performance due to the absence of mating surfaces.

[0043] When the sleeve 1 and mounting part 2 are separate components, the separation provides greater design flexibility, making it easier to adapt to different application requirements. A significant advantage of this design is ease of maintenance, allowing damaged parts to be replaced individually without replacing the entire assembly, thus significantly reducing maintenance costs. For large or complex components, separate production and transportation offer greater convenience and economy. Furthermore, the separate design enhances adaptability, allowing for optimized combinations of different materials or processing technologies, thereby improving the component's adaptability and functionality. Figure 2 As shown, the mounting part 2 includes a sleeve position, and the mounting part 2 is sleeved on the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve 1 through the sleeve position.

[0044] To ensure that the mounting part 2 does not rotate relative to the sleeve 1 around the axis of the sleeve 1, that is, after the mounting part 2 is sleeved on the sleeve 1, the positions of the two are relatively fixed, the connection between the two includes, but is not limited to, the following methods:

[0045] In the first embodiment, the outer circumferential surface of the sleeve 1 is provided with a second spline 12, and the socket is provided with a third spline 22 that mates with the second spline 12. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, although... Figure 2 The second spline 12 and the third spline 22 shown are both straight splines, but in some embodiments they can also be helical splines. In this case, in order to meet specific requirements, the helix angle (helix rise angle) and the equivalent friction angle need to be adjusted.

[0046] In the second embodiment, the outer circumferential surface of the sleeve is provided with a first keyway, the socket is provided with a second keyway, and a connecting key is also included, which is connected by the keyway.

[0047] In the third method, the axial cross-section of the sleeve 1 is polygonal, and the shape of the socket of the mounting part matches the polygonal shape, so that it cannot move in the circumferential direction after connection, which is actually similar to a spline.

[0048] It should be noted that the connection method between the mounting part 2 and the sleeve 1 can be implemented independently or in combination.

[0049] It should be understood that when the sleeve 1 and the mounting part 2 are set separately, the connection method of spline, keyway and / or specific shape not only simplifies the assembly process of the components, but also improves the interchangeability and standardization of the parts. That is, if any part of the sleeve 1 or the mounting part 2 is damaged, only the damaged part needs to be replaced. This greatly reduces the time for maintenance and repair, and lowers the cost of use and maintenance.

[0050] In some embodiments, the mounting portion 2 is further provided with a positioning portion, which is used to determine the position of the external component connected to the mounting portion 2. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the mounting surface 21 has multiple holes. Some of these holes are used to connect external components, allowing connectors such as bolts to pass through or to form a threaded connection with bolts, so that the external components are fastened to the mounting part 2. Some holes also have a positioning function, that is, the positioning part is a positioning hole. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the positioning part is described as a positioning hole. In reality, it could also be a positioning pin, or a combination of a positioning hole and a positioning pin.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown, in some preferred embodiments, reinforcing ribs 23 are provided between the sleeve 1 and the mounting portion 2. These reinforcing ribs 23 not only further secure the connection between the sleeve 1 and the mounting portion 2, but also significantly improve the overall structural strength. In this way, the reinforcing ribs 23 effectively increase the rigidity and durability of the component, making the entire structure more stable and reliable when subjected to external loads or stresses. In some embodiments, the reinforcing ribs 23 may be configured to surround the sleeve 1, further enhancing its overall strength.

[0052] In some embodiments, the reinforcing rib 23 extends toward the end of the sleeve 1, increasing the connection surface between the mounting part and the sleeve 1 and enhancing the structural strength and rigidity of the mounting part 2. Furthermore, the reinforcing rib 23 extends symmetrically toward both ends of the sleeve, further improving strength and rigidity on the basis described above.

[0053] In such Figure 3 In some of the embodiments shown, end flanges 13 may also be provided at both ends, which makes it easier to fix and connect to external fixed components.

[0054] In addition to the inner spline sleeve, this utility model also includes a helical transmission assembly. The helical transmission assembly includes the aforementioned spline outer cylinder and a spline inner cylinder 3, the outer circumferential surface of which is provided with an outer fourth spline 31; the spline inner cylinder 3 is installed inside the spline outer cylinder and is connected to it through the corresponding helical splines of the two.

[0055] In some preferred embodiments, the first spline 11, the second spline 12, the third spline 22, and the fourth spline 31 are involute splines. Involute splines, with their uniform force distribution, high load capacity, and improved motion smoothness, provide stable and efficient transmission while significantly extending the service life of components. Furthermore, in addition to effectively transmitting torque, involute splines also possess a certain degree of self-alignment capability. The geometric characteristics of the involute ensure a good contact surface between the inner and outer splines under axial loading, thereby achieving self-alignment to a certain extent. This self-alignment effect is highly beneficial for improving operating efficiency and extending equipment lifespan.

[0056] It should be noted that the involute spline is not limited to the helical or straight splines found in the aforementioned parts. The type of spline can be determined according to requirements; in some embodiments, the spline is a rectangular spline. Rectangular splines have a simple structure, low manufacturing cost, stable connection, and are easy to assemble and disassemble, making them particularly suitable for applications that bear axial loads and achieve precise positioning. Generally, involute splines are used when rotary transmission is considered. Rectangular splines are used when two parts are to be fixedly connected.

[0057] In addition to a screw drive assembly, this utility model also includes a photovoltaic tracking bracket. The photovoltaic tracking bracket includes the aforementioned screw drive assembly, as well as a column, a prime mover, and a fixed shaft. The column and the fixed shaft are fixedly connected. The screw drive assembly is sleeved on the fixed shaft. The output end of the prime mover is connected to the splined inner cylinder 3. The fixed shaft is fixedly connected to the column, and the photovoltaic panel is fixedly connected through the mounting part 2.

[0058] The driving force of the prime mover causes the inner spline cylinder 3 to reciprocate linearly along the fixed axis, thereby driving the outer spline cylinder to rotate around its axis and realizing the tracking motion of the photovoltaic panel.

[0059] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this application. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following drawings denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it need not be further discussed in subsequent drawings.

[0060] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is usually based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this application; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0061] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "equipped with," "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0062] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model. All equivalent changes and modifications made within the scope of the patent application of the present utility model shall be covered by the present utility model.

Claims

1. A spline outer tube characterized by: include, A sleeve, wherein the inner circumferential surface of the sleeve is provided with a first spline for cooperating with the spline inner cylinder, the first spline being a helical spline; It also includes a mounting part for fixed connection with external components, the mounting part being disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve.

2. The spline outer tube according to claim 1, wherein: The sleeve includes an upper section, a middle section and a lower section along the axial direction, and the mounting part is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the middle section of the sleeve.

3. The spline outer tube according to claim 1, wherein: The helix angle of the first spline is set to be greater than 0 degrees and less than 45 degrees.

4. The spline outer tube according to claim 1, characterized by: The sleeve and the mounting part are connected by welding.

5. The spline outer tube as set forth in claim 1, characterized by: The mounting part includes a sleeve, and the mounting part is sleeved onto the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve through the sleeve, wherein: The outer circumferential surface of the sleeve is provided with a second spline, and the socket is provided with a third spline that mates with the second spline; And / or, the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve is provided with a first keyway, the socket is provided with a second keyway, and a connecting key is also included; And / or, the axial cross-section of the sleeve is polygonal.

6. The spline outer tube as set forth in claim 1, characterized by: The mounting part is also provided with a positioning part, which is used to determine the position of the external component connected to the mounting part.

7. The spline outer tube according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by: It also includes reinforcing ribs that extend from the mounting portion along the circumferential and / or axial direction of the sleeve, and the reinforcing ribs are fixedly connected to the sleeve.

8. A screw drive assembly characterized by: The splined outer cylinder includes any one of claims 1 to 7, and further includes a splined inner cylinder, wherein the outer circumferential surface of the splined inner cylinder is provided with a fourth spline adapted to the first spline; the splined outer cylinder is sleeved on the splined inner cylinder, and a transmission connection is formed by the cooperation of the first spline and the fourth spline.

9. A screw drive assembly as described in claim 8, characterized in that: At least one of the first spline, the second spline, the third spline, and the fourth spline is an involute spline.

10. A photovoltaic tracking support, characterized by: Includes the screw drive assembly as described in any one of claims 8 to 9.

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