Photovoltaic carport beam and purlin connecting structure

Abstract

This utility model discloses a photovoltaic carport beam and purlin connection structure, belonging to the field of photovoltaic carport technology. The structure includes a U-shaped steel plate, channel steel, purlin support plate, connecting steel plate, purlins, M-shaped water channels, and photovoltaic modules. The U-shaped steel plate is fastened and fixed to the upper part of the beam, with the beam located within its channel. The channel steel is vertically welded to one or both sides of the U-shaped steel plate. The purlins are fixed to the beam via the channel steel and bolts, with their top surfaces flush with the beam. The purlin support plate is welded to the top of the beam and fixed to the top of the U-shaped steel plate via connecting steel plates and bolts. M-shaped water channels and photovoltaic modules are mounted on the purlins, which are spaced apart along the beam. This structure optimizes the thickness from the beam to the finished surface of the photovoltaic modules to approximately 30 cm, improving the carport's aesthetics and clearance. Furthermore, the bolted connection during construction ensures safety and convenience, making it suitable for high-end photovoltaic carports.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of photovoltaic carport technology and relates to a connection structure between the crossbeam and purlin of a photovoltaic carport. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of renewable energy, photovoltaic (PV) power generation technology has become an important part of the global energy transition. The widespread adoption of distributed PV systems has expanded PV installations from traditional centralized power plants to various scenarios in daily life. While building rooftop PV systems are relatively mature, PV carports in open-air parking spaces have become an emerging application hotspot. PV carports not only provide shade for parking but also generate electricity and connect to the grid, achieving energy self-sufficiency. According to data from the International Energy Agency (IEA), since 2020, the global installed capacity of distributed PV has grown at an average annual rate of over 20%, with PV carports, as a multi-functional structure, playing a significant role in the urbanization process. Especially in China, with the advancement of "dual-carbon" goals, PV carport projects are rapidly increasing in parking lots, industrial parks, and commercial areas. The design of PV carports has shifted from simply considering power generation efficiency to comprehensively considering aesthetics, durability, and ease of installation. Early PV carports mostly used welded connections, but with rising safety standards and diversified on-site construction needs, bolted connections have gradually become the dominant method in the market. This shift stems from the flexibility and reliability of bolted connections, especially in areas where open flames are prohibited, such as near gas stations or chemical industrial parks, where bolted connections avoid fire hazards and reduce construction difficulty.

[0003] In existing photovoltaic carport support systems, the connection between the crossbeams and purlins is a core component. Current solutions typically use steel columns to support the crossbeams, with the purlins placed directly on top and secured by purlin brackets. Subsequently, an M-shaped drainage trough is installed above the purlins for drainage and to secure the photovoltaic modules, which are then fixed onto the trough. This connection method relies on standard profiles, such as C-shaped or H-shaped steel, for the crossbeams and purlins, and the connectors are mostly bolts and washers. The advantages of this existing technology are its simple structure, low cost, and suitability for large-scale deployment. For example, in some commercial photovoltaic carport projects, this solution has achieved standardized production and rapid assembly.

[0004] However, existing technologies have significant shortcomings. First, regarding thickness control, the current bolted connections result in an excessively large overall thickness from the bottom of the crossbeam to the finished surface of the photovoltaic modules. Specifically, this thickness includes the height of the crossbeam, purlins, M-shaped drainage channels, and photovoltaic modules, typically totaling around 50 centimeters. This excessive thickness makes the photovoltaic carport appear bulky, affecting the overall visual appeal, especially in high-end commercial areas or scenic parking lots, where the carport's aesthetics directly impact architectural harmony and user experience. Second, during installation, the existing connection method places the purlins on top of the crossbeams, easily leading to excessive structural layering, increasing material consumption and weight burden. Simultaneously, the layered design increases drainage and maintenance difficulties, and the M-shaped drainage channels are prone to water accumulation, affecting the long-term stability of the photovoltaic modules. Furthermore, while the existing purlin support plate fixing method is reliable in bolted connections, it cannot effectively optimize height, resulting in insufficient net height of the carport and limiting parking space for large vehicles. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, the purpose of this utility model is to solve the above problems and provide a connection structure between the crossbeam and purlin of a photovoltaic carport.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: A photovoltaic carport crossbeam and purlin connection structure includes a U-shaped steel plate and a channel steel, wherein the U-shaped steel plate is fastened and fixed to the upper part of the crossbeam, so that the crossbeam is located in the channel of the U-shaped steel plate; The channel steel is fixedly connected to one side of the U-shaped steel plate. The purlin on one side of the crossbeam is fixedly connected to the crossbeam by the channel steel and bolts. The top surface of the purlin after installation is flush with the top surface of the crossbeam. An M-shaped water tank is fixedly installed on the purlin, and the photovoltaic module is installed on the M-shaped water tank.

[0007] Furthermore, the channel steel is vertically welded and fixed to the side of the U-shaped steel plate.

[0008] Furthermore, the U-shaped steel plate is provided with channel steel on both sides, and the purlins on both sides of the crossbeam are fixedly connected to the crossbeam through the channel steel on the corresponding side.

[0009] Furthermore, M-shaped water channels and photovoltaic modules are provided on the purlins on both sides of the crossbeam.

[0010] Furthermore, a purlin support plate is welded to the top surface of the crossbeam, and the top of the U-shaped steel plate is fixedly connected to the purlin support plate by bolts.

[0011] Furthermore, the purlin support plate is vertically welded to the top of the crossbeam, and a connecting steel plate is welded to the top of the U-shaped steel plate. The connecting steel plate and the purlin support plate are fixedly connected by bolts.

[0012] Furthermore, multiple purlins are arranged at intervals along the length of the crossbeam, and each purlin is connected to the crossbeam by a U-shaped steel plate and a channel steel.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: 1. This utility model utilizes a structural design that uses U-shaped steel plates to fasten the crossbeams and channel steel to laterally fix the purlins. The top surface of the purlins is flush with the top surface of the crossbeams, eliminating the influence of the purlin height on the overall thickness. Compared to the existing technology with a thickness of 50 cm, this structure optimizes the thickness to the crossbeam height + M-shaped water trough height + photovoltaic module height, totaling approximately 30 cm, significantly improving the overall aesthetics of the photovoltaic carport and meeting the aesthetic requirements of modern architecture.

[0014] 2. The main body of this utility model adopts bolt connection, which is simple, safe and reliable to construct, and suitable for sites where welding is prohibited, reducing installation difficulty and time costs. At the same time, the flush design improves the drainage performance of the M-shaped water trough, reduces the risk of water accumulation, and enhances the long-term stability of the photovoltaic modules. In practical applications, this structure can be widely used in high-end commercial parking lots and photovoltaic carports in industrial parks, increasing the net height of the carport, accommodating more vehicle types, and expanding application scenarios. Furthermore, multiple purlins are arranged at intervals along the length of the crossbeams, enhancing the modularity of the structure and facilitating expansion and maintenance.

[0015] Overall, this utility model solves the problem of excessive thickness in existing technologies, achieving comprehensive improvements in aesthetics, installation efficiency, and durability, and providing technical support for the popularization of distributed photovoltaic carports.

[0016] Other advantages, objectives, and features of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following examination and study, or may be learned from practice of this invention. The objectives and other advantages of this invention can be realized and obtained through the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the preferred embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is a front view of the purlin connection in this utility model.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a side view of the purlin connection in this utility model.

[0019] Reference numerals: 1-Crossbeam; 2-Purlin; 3-Channel steel; 4-U-shaped steel plate; 5-Purlin support plate; 6-M-shaped water tank; 7-Photovoltaic module; 8-Connecting steel plate. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this utility model from the content disclosed in this specification. This utility model can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of this utility model. It should be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic representations of the basic concept of this utility model. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0021] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are schematic diagrams, not actual pictures. They should not be construed as limiting the present invention. To better illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, some parts in the drawings may be omitted, enlarged, or reduced, and do not represent the actual product dimensions. It is understandable to those skilled in the art that some well-known structures and their descriptions may be omitted in the drawings.

[0022] In the accompanying drawings of this utility model, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," and "rear" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and 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. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this utility model. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0023] Example 1 like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides a photovoltaic carport beam and purlin connection structure, suitable for the support installation of distributed photovoltaic carports. It aims to reduce the thickness of the beam to the finished surface of the photovoltaic modules, improving the carport's aesthetics and installation efficiency. The structure includes a beam 1, purlins 2, channel steel 3, U-shaped steel plate 4, purlin support plate 5, M-shaped water trough 6, photovoltaic modules 7, and connecting steel plate 8.

[0024] The U-shaped steel plate 4 (6mm thick) is fastened and fixed to the upper part of the crossbeam 1, positioning the crossbeam 1 within the groove of the U-shaped steel plate 4. It is fixed by bolts or welding, providing primary support. Purlin support plates 5 are pre-welded vertically to the top of the crossbeam 1. Connecting steel plates 8 are pre-welded to the top of the U-shaped steel plate 4, and the connecting steel plates 8 are fixedly connected to the purlin support plates 5 by bolts, enhancing overall stability. Channel steel 3 (No. 10 channel steel) is vertically welded and fixed to one side of the U-shaped steel plate 4, forming the fixed position for the purlin 2. Purlin 2 is fixedly connected to the channel steel 3 by M12 bolts, ensuring that the top surface of the purlin 2 is flush with the top surface of the crossbeam 1 after installation. M-shaped water channels 6 are fixedly installed on the purlin 2 for drainage and support. Photovoltaic modules 7 are installed on the M-shaped water channels 6 using standard fasteners. Multiple purlins 2 are arranged at intervals along the length of the crossbeam 1 (for example, one every 1 meter). Each purlin 2 is connected to the crossbeam 1 by a U-shaped steel plate 4 and a channel steel 3 to ensure structural consistency.

[0025] During installation, the U-shaped steel plate 4 is first fastened to the upper part of the crossbeam 1, ensuring that the crossbeam 1 is located within the groove of the U-shaped steel plate 4. The U-shaped steel plate 4 and the crossbeam 1 are then fixed together with bolts. A purlin support plate 5 is pre-welded to the top of the crossbeam 1, a channel steel 3 is pre-welded to one side of the U-shaped steel plate 4, and a connecting steel plate 8 is welded to the top of the U-shaped steel plate 4. The connecting steel plate 8 is then fixed to the purlin support plate 5 with bolts. Next, the purlin 2 is overlapped onto the channel steel 3 and tightened with M12 bolts, ensuring that the top surface of the purlin 2 is flush with the top surface of the crossbeam 1. Subsequently, an M-shaped water trough 6 is installed above the purlin 2, and the photovoltaic module 7 is fixed onto the M-shaped water trough 6. The entire installation process uses bolted connections, simplifying construction and making it suitable for sites where welding is prohibited, such as commercial parking lots or industrial parks. Tests show that this structure can optimize the thickness from the bottom of the crossbeam to the finished surface of the photovoltaic module to about 30 cm, which is about 40% less than the traditional 50 cm thickness, significantly improving the aesthetics of the carport, while increasing the net height by about 20% and adapting to more vehicle types.

[0026] Example 2 like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides a photovoltaic carport beam and purlin connection structure, which is suitable for high-end photovoltaic carport scenarios that require double-sided purlin arrangement. The structure is basically the same as that of Embodiment 1, including beam 1, purlin 2, channel steel 3, U-shaped steel plate 4, purlin support plate 5, M-shaped water trough 6, photovoltaic module 7 and connecting steel plate 8. The difference is that channel steel 3 and purlin 2 are provided on both sides of U-shaped steel plate 4 to support carports with larger spans.

[0027] Similar to Example 1, a U-shaped steel plate 4 (6mm thick) is fastened and fixed to the upper part of the crossbeam 1. The crossbeam 1 is located within the groove of the U-shaped steel plate 4 and is fixed with bolts. A purlin support plate 5 is vertically welded to the top of the crossbeam 1, and a connecting steel plate 8 is welded to the top of the U-shaped steel plate 4 and connected to the purlin support plate 5 with bolts. The difference is that channel steel 3 (No. 10 channel steel) is vertically welded to both sides of the U-shaped steel plate 4, and the purlins 2 on both sides of the crossbeam 1 are fixed to the crossbeam 1 through the corresponding channel steel 3. The top surface of the purlin 2 is flush with the top surface of the crossbeam 1. An M-shaped water tank 6 and a photovoltaic module 7 are fixed on each side of the purlin 2, forming a double-sided symmetrical photovoltaic module installation structure. Multiple purlins 2 are arranged at intervals along the length of the crossbeam 1 (e.g., one every 0.8 meters) to accommodate larger spans and higher load requirements.

[0028] The double-sided purlin arrangement increases the installation area of ​​photovoltaic modules, making it suitable for large commercial parking lots or industrial park carports. The entire process utilizes bolted connections, ensuring high construction efficiency and safety. The double-sided arrangement increases the installation capacity of photovoltaic modules by approximately 50%, while also improving drainage performance and reducing the risk of water accumulation, making it suitable for scenarios with high aesthetic and functional requirements.

[0029] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solution of this utility model without departing from the spirit and scope of this technical solution, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A photovoltaic carport crossbeam and purlin connection structure, characterized in that: It includes a U-shaped steel plate and a channel steel, wherein the U-shaped steel plate is fastened and fixed to the upper part of the crossbeam, so that the crossbeam is located in the channel of the U-shaped steel plate; The channel steel is fixedly connected to one side of the U-shaped steel plate. The purlin on one side of the crossbeam is fixedly connected to the crossbeam by the channel steel and bolts. The top surface of the purlin after installation is flush with the top surface of the crossbeam. An M-shaped water tank is fixedly installed on the purlin, and the photovoltaic module is installed on the M-shaped water tank.

2. The photovoltaic carport crossbeam and purlin connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The channel steel is vertically welded and fixed to the side of the U-shaped steel plate.

3. The photovoltaic carport crossbeam and purlin connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The U-shaped steel plate is provided with channel steel on both sides, and the purlins on both sides of the crossbeam are fixedly connected to the crossbeam through the channel steel on the corresponding side.

4. The photovoltaic carport crossbeam and purlin connection structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, M-shaped water channels and photovoltaic modules are installed on the purlins on both sides of the crossbeam.

5. The photovoltaic carport crossbeam and purlin connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, A purlin support plate is welded to the top surface of the crossbeam, and the top of the U-shaped steel plate is fixedly connected to the purlin support plate by bolts.

6. The photovoltaic carport crossbeam and purlin connection structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The purlin support plate is vertically welded to the top of the crossbeam, and a connecting steel plate is welded to the top of the U-shaped steel plate. The connecting steel plate and the purlin support plate are fixedly connected by bolts.

7. The photovoltaic carport crossbeam and purlin connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple purlins are arranged at intervals along the length of the crossbeam, and each purlin is connected to the crossbeam by a U-shaped steel plate and a channel steel.

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