A snap-fit connector for a photovoltaic module
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522267335.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-18
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-10-27
AI Technical Summary
[0003]本实用新型提供一种光伏组件用卡扣式连接件,旨在解决目前使用的光伏组件用卡扣式连接件不具有快速安装和双重锁定更稳固的问题
[0013] 1. The quick-installation mechanism utilizes the inclined guide edge and slot to achieve blind insertion and alignment. Combined with the single-handed operation locking handle of the latch mechanism, the photovoltaic panels can be initially installed and finally fixed without tools, greatly improving construction efficiency.
Smart Images

Figure CN224774842U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fixing buckle technology, specifically a buckle-type connector for photovoltaic modules. Background Technology
[0002] With the increasing global demand for renewable energy, photovoltaic (PV) power generation systems have been widely applied and popularized. As the core component of the system, the ease of installation, efficiency, and long-term operational reliability of PV modules are crucial. Currently, the technical drawbacks in the installation and fixing of PV modules are as follows: generally, the frame or mounting holes of the PV modules are directly locked to the support rails using multiple bolts. Although this method provides a secure connection, it suffers from drawbacks such as cumbersome installation steps, high requirements for hole precision, and reliance on specialized tools, resulting in low on-site construction efficiency. Furthermore, some snap-fit connectors exist on the market. These snap-fit structures are often relatively simple, typically only possessing a single snap-fit or locking function. In long-term harsh outdoor environments, a single locking mechanism is prone to fatigue and loosening, leading to unreliable connections and the risk of module displacement or even detachment. This fails to provide sufficient stability and safety for the PV array. In view of these issues, this case study was conducted to address the above problems. Utility Model Content
[0003] This utility model provides a snap-fit connector for photovoltaic modules, aiming to solve the problem that currently used snap-fit connectors for photovoltaic modules do not have the functions of quick installation and double locking for greater stability.
[0004] This utility model is implemented as follows: a snap-fit connector for photovoltaic modules includes: a U-shaped groove mounting bracket; a photovoltaic panel body mounted above the U-shaped groove mounting bracket, with a positioning block bolted to the lower part of the photovoltaic panel body; a quick-connect mechanism connected below the positioning block, the quick-connect mechanism being used for quick connection between the photovoltaic panel body and the U-shaped groove mounting bracket; and latching mechanisms mounted on both sides above the U-shaped groove mounting bracket, the latching mechanisms being used for double locking to enhance stability.
[0005] Preferably, the latching mechanism includes: mounting bracket bodies installed on both sides above the U-shaped groove mounting bracket, with locking handles movably mounted on the inner side of each mounting bracket body via a pivot, and a fixing rod installed on the inner wall of one end of each locking handle, with a connecting rod installed on the outer wall of each fixing rod via a movable ring, and a hanging ring connected to one end of each connecting rod, and hooks that cooperate with the hanging rings connected to the outer walls of both sides of the positioning block.
[0006] Preferably, a pressure block is installed above one side of the locking handle, and an anti-slip pad is installed below the pressure block.
[0007] Preferably, all connecting plates are connected to one side of the pressure block, and the inner wall of the U-shaped groove mounting bracket below the connecting plate is equipped with a damper, and the outer wall of one end of the damper is equipped with a return spring.
[0008] Preferably, the quick-installation mechanism includes: a locking block connected below the positioning block, the top of the U-shaped groove mounting bracket is provided with a locking groove that cooperates with the locking block, and the inner wall above the locking groove is provided with a locking groove.
[0009] Preferably, the front view of the two sides below the card block is set as an inclined edge, and the diameter of the inclined edge below the card block gradually increases from bottom to top.
[0010] Preferably, the spring plates are evenly installed on the outer wall above the card block, and each spring plate cooperates with the locking groove. The spring plates are symmetrical about each other with respect to the center point of the card block.
[0011] Compared with related technologies, the snap-fit connector for photovoltaic modules provided by this utility model has the following advantages:
[0012] Beneficial effects:
[0013] 1. The quick-installation mechanism utilizes the inclined guide edge and slot to achieve blind insertion and alignment. Combined with the single-handed operation locking handle of the latch mechanism, the photovoltaic panels can be initially installed and finally fixed without tools, greatly improving construction efficiency.
[0014] 2. The quick-installation mechanism forms the first mechanical interlock through the spring plate and the locking groove, and the latching mechanism achieves the second lever locking through the hanging ring and the hook. Combined with the continuous downward pressure of the pressure block, a coordinated locking system is formed, which effectively resists wind vibration and thermal expansion and contraction deformation, and ensures that the photovoltaic system maintains structural stability in harsh environments for a long time. Attached Figure Description
[0015] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the U-shaped groove mounting bracket of this utility model;
[0016] Figure 2 This is a top view of the spring sheet structure of this utility model;
[0017] Figure 3 This is a top view of the buckle mechanism of this utility model;
[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the pressing block structure of this utility model.
[0019] In the diagram: 1. Photovoltaic panel body; 2. Positioning block; 3. Buckle mechanism; 301. Mounting bracket body; 302. Locking handle; 303. Fixing rod; 304. Hanging ring; 305. Hook; 306. Connecting rod; 4. Damper; 5. U-shaped groove mounting bracket; 6. Slot; 7. Return spring; 8. Quick-installation mechanism; 801. Locking block; 802. Spring plate; 803. Locking groove; 804. Inclined edge; 9. Pressure block; 10. Connecting plate; 11. Anti-slip pad. Detailed Implementation
[0020] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs; the terminology used herein in the specification of the application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application; the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and foregoing drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, or foregoing drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a particular order.
[0021] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.
[0022] Example 1
[0023] A preferred embodiment of the snap-fit connector for photovoltaic modules provided by this utility model is as follows: Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown: A snap-fit connector for photovoltaic modules includes: a U-shaped groove mounting bracket 5; a photovoltaic panel body 1 mounted above the U-shaped groove mounting bracket 5, with a positioning block 2 bolted to the bottom of the photovoltaic panel body 1; a quick-connect mechanism 8 connected below the positioning block 2, which is used for quick connection between the photovoltaic panel body 1 and the U-shaped groove mounting bracket 5; and latching mechanisms 3 mounted on both sides above the U-shaped groove mounting bracket 5, which are used to achieve double locking and enhance stability.
[0024] It should be noted that the existing snap-fit connector technology for photovoltaic modules has several drawbacks. It typically uses multiple bolts to directly lock the frame or mounting holes of the photovoltaic module onto the support rail. While this method provides a secure connection, it suffers from cumbersome installation steps, high precision requirements for the holes, and reliance on specialized tools, resulting in low on-site construction efficiency. Furthermore, some snap-fit connectors on the market often have relatively simple snap-fit structures, typically only possessing a single snap-fit or locking function. In harsh outdoor environments over long periods, this single locking mechanism is prone to fatigue and loosening, leading to unreliable connections and the risk of module displacement or even detachment. This fails to provide sufficient stability and safety for the photovoltaic array.
[0025] In this embodiment, the photovoltaic panel body 1 is aligned with the U-shaped groove mounting bracket 5 via the positioning block 2 and quick-installation mechanism 8 at its bottom. The locking block 801 is smoothly guided into the slot 6 under the guidance of the inclined edge 804. The spring plate 802 is compressed and contracted. When the locking block 801 is fully inserted, the spring plate 802 springs open and locks into the locking groove 803, forming a preliminary mechanical lock. Then, by rotating the locking handle 302 of the latching mechanism 3 on both sides, the hanging ring 304 is driven to fasten onto the hook 305 on the side of the positioning block 2 through the fixing rod 303 and the connecting rod 306. Finally, the locking handle 302 is pressed down to lock it. The locking is achieved by pressing the pressure block 9 onto the locking handle 302. The anti-slip pad 11 increases the friction and achieves anti-unlocking.
[0026] In a further preferred embodiment of this utility model, the buckle mechanism 3 includes: a mounting frame body 301 installed on both sides above the U-shaped groove mounting bracket 5, a locking handle 302 movably mounted on the inner side of the mounting frame body 301 via a pivot, a fixing rod 303 installed on the inner wall of one end of the locking handle 302, a connecting rod 306 installed on the outer wall of the fixing rod 303 via a movable ring, and a hanging ring 304 connected to one end of the connecting rod 306, and hooks 305 that cooperate with the hanging rings 304 connected to the outer walls of both sides of the positioning block 2.
[0027] In this embodiment, the latching mechanism 3 drives the fixed rod 303 and the connecting rod 306 to move by rotating the locking handle 302, so that the hanging ring 304 and the hooks 305 on both sides of the positioning block 2 are engaged with each other, thereby realizing the quick locking and unlocking of the photovoltaic panel body 1. This structure is easy to operate, reliable in locking, effectively enhances the stability of the photovoltaic panel body 1 on the U-shaped groove mounting frame 5, and is quick and convenient to install.
[0028] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, a pressure block 9 is installed above one side of the locking handle 302, and an anti-slip pad 11 is installed below the pressure block 9.
[0029] In this embodiment, the pressure block 9 is located above one side of the locking handle 302, and the anti-slip pad 11 below it can be tightly pressed against the surface of the locking handle 302 in the locked state, effectively preventing the lock from loosening due to vibration or external factors, and further improving the stability of the overall structure.
[0030] In a further preferred embodiment of this utility model, a damper 4 is installed on the inner wall of the connecting plate 10 connected to one side of the pressure block 9, and a return spring 7 is installed on the outer wall of one end of the damper 4.
[0031] In this embodiment, by pulling the connecting plate 10 outward, the damper 4 and the return spring 7 are squeezed and deformed, and the pressure block 9 and the anti-slip pad 11 move outward at the same time, so that they can be removed from above the locking handle 302 for unlocking. After the connecting plate 10 is released, the damper 4 and the return spring 7 reset, causing the pressure block 9 and the anti-slip pad 11 to lock inward above the locking handle 302, which facilitates locking and unlocking.
[0032] Example 2
[0033] Based on Embodiment 1, a preferred embodiment of the snap-fit connector for photovoltaic modules provided by this utility model is as follows: Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown: The quick-installation mechanism 8 includes: a locking block 801 connected below the positioning block 2, and the top of the U-shaped groove mounting bracket 5 is provided with a locking groove 6 that cooperates with the locking block 801, and the inner wall above the locking groove 6 is provided with a locking groove 803.
[0034] In this embodiment, the quick-installation mechanism 8 uses the locking block 801 below the positioning block 2 to cooperate with the locking slot 6 on the U-shaped groove mounting bracket 5 to achieve the initial positioning and quick installation of the photovoltaic panel body 1. The spring plate 802 above the locking block 801 is deformed by pressure during the locking process and quickly springs open when it reaches the locking slot 803, forming a stable interlock with the locking slot 803, effectively preventing the locking block 801 from accidentally coming out of the locking slot 6, and significantly improving the installation efficiency and connection reliability.
[0035] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the front view of the two sides below the card block 801 is set as inclined edge 804, and the diameter of the inclined edge 804 below the card block 801 gradually increases from bottom to top.
[0036] In this embodiment, the two sides below the card block 801 are provided with inclined edges 804, and their diameter gradually increases from bottom to top. This inclined structure can play a guiding and centering role when the card block 801 is inserted into the card slot 6, making the installation process smoother and more accurate.
[0037] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, spring sheets 802 are uniformly installed on the outer wall above the locking block 801. The spring sheets 802 are all engaged with the locking groove 803, and the spring sheets 802 are symmetrical with respect to the center point of the locking block 801.
[0038] In this embodiment, multiple spring plates 802 are evenly arranged on the outer wall above the locking block 801. These spring plates 802 are symmetrically distributed in pairs with respect to the center point of the locking block 801. When the locking block 801 is inserted into the locking groove 6, the spring plates 802 are squeezed inward and contract. After the locking block 801 is in place, the spring plates 802 quickly spring open and lock into the locking groove 803, forming a stable multi-point symmetrical locking. This symmetrical structure ensures that the locking block 801 is subjected to uniform force, effectively preventing loosening or deflection on one side, and significantly improving the vibration resistance and long-term reliability of the connector.
[0039] In summary, by utilizing the guide engagement between the locking block 801 with the inclined edge 804 and the locking groove 6 in the quick-installation mechanism 8, and the elastic interlocking formed by the symmetrically arranged spring plates 802 and the locking groove 803, the photovoltaic panel body 1 can be quickly inserted and initially fixed. At the same time, the locking handle 302 in the latch mechanism 3 drives the hanging ring 304 to engage with the hook 305, and the pressure block 9 locks the locking handle 302 under the action of the damper 4 and the return spring 7, forming a double locking mechanism. The two mechanisms work together to ensure the ease of installation, connection stability and vibration resistance reliability.
[0040] It is worth noting that the circuits, electronic components, and modules involved in this utility model are all existing technologies, which can be fully implemented by those skilled in the art, and need not be elaborated upon. The content protected by this utility model does not involve any improvement to the software and methods.
[0041] It should be understood that the disclosed apparatus can be implemented in other ways, given the several embodiments provided in this application. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; the division of units described above is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or communication connections shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connections between devices or units may be telecommunications or other forms.
[0042] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on these embodiments, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can still combine, add, delete, or otherwise adjust the features of the various embodiments of this utility model according to the circumstances without conflict or creative effort, thereby obtaining different technical solutions that do not fundamentally depart from the concept of this utility model. These technical solutions are also within the scope of protection of this utility model.
Claims
1. A snap-fit connector for a photovoltaic module, characterized by, include: U-shaped groove mounting bracket (5); A photovoltaic panel body (1) is installed above the U-shaped groove mounting bracket (5), and a positioning block (2) is installed below the photovoltaic panel body (1) by bolts; The quick-installation mechanism (8) connected below the positioning block (2) is used for quick connection between the photovoltaic panel body (1) and the U-shaped groove mounting bracket (5); The latch mechanism (3) installed on both sides above the U-shaped groove mounting bracket (5) is used to achieve a double locking function and enhance stability.
2. A snap-fit connector for a photovoltaic module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fastening mechanism (3) includes: The mounting bracket body (301) is installed on both sides above the U-shaped groove mounting bracket (5). The inner side of the mounting bracket body (301) is movably mounted with a locking handle (302) through a rotating shaft. The inner wall of one end of the locking handle (302) is mounted with a fixing rod (303). The outer wall of the fixing rod (303) is mounted with a connecting rod (306) through a movable ring. One end of the connecting rod (306) is connected with a hanging ring (304). The outer walls of both sides of the positioning block (2) are connected with hooks (305) that cooperate with the hanging rings (304).
3. A snap-fit connector for a photovoltaic module according to claim 2, wherein A pressure block (9) is installed above one side of the locking handle (302), and an anti-slip pad (11) is installed below the pressure block (9).
4. A snap-fit connector for a photovoltaic module according to claim 3, wherein All are connected to the connecting plate (10) on one side of the pressure block (9). The inner wall of the U-shaped groove mounting bracket (5) below the connecting plate (10) is equipped with a damper (4), and the outer wall of one end of the damper (4) is equipped with a return spring (7).
5. A snap-fit connector for photovoltaic modules according to claim 1, characterized in that, The quick-assembly mechanism (8) includes: The top of the U-shaped groove mounting bracket (5) is provided with a slot (6) that cooperates with the slot (801) and a locking groove (803) is provided on the inner wall above the slot (6).
6. A snap-fit connector for a photovoltaic module according to claim 5, wherein The front view of the two sides below the card block (801) is set as an inclined edge (804), and the diameter of the inclined edge (804) below the card block (801) gradually increases from bottom to top.
7. A snap-fit connector for a photovoltaic module according to claim 5, wherein Spring pieces (802) are evenly installed on the outer wall above the card block (801). Each spring piece (802) cooperates with the locking groove (803). The spring pieces (802) are symmetrical about each other with respect to the center point of the card block (801).