Thermal cycling test fixture

Abstract

The application relates to the photovoltaic technical field and discloses a thermal cycle test tool, which comprises a clamping piece, a pressing plate and an elastic piece. The clamping piece is provided with a clamping cavity formed by an opening, and the clamping cavity is used for clamping a terminal box. The pressing plate is arranged in the clamping cavity. The elastic piece is located between the pressing plate and the inner wall of the clamping cavity, the elastic piece drives the pressing plate to abut against the terminal box, so that the pressing plate and the clamping piece clamp the terminal box. The total weight of the thermal cycle test tool is a rated standard weight. The terminal box is clamped by the clamping piece, the elastic piece and the pressing plate, the total weight of the thermal cycle test tool is the rated standard weight, that is, the terminal box is provided with the weight defined in the test standard, and the application is more simple and stable in installation compared with a metal hanging weight.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of photovoltaic technology, and in particular to a thermal cycling test fixture. Background Technology

[0002] Before being put on the market, photovoltaic (PV) modules need to undergo a series of tests to prove their reliability or obtain relevant certifications. Thermal cycling testing is a crucial part of PV module reliability testing, aiming to determine whether the module can withstand thermal mismatch, fatigue, and other stresses caused by repeated temperature changes. According to the IEC 61215-2:2021 testing standard, a weight of 5N should be applied vertically to the electrical terminals of the PV module, and at the start of the test, the terminals should be at least 5 cm above the ground or the module frame.

[0003] In the existing technology, the method of suspending weights with metal wires is commonly used to meet the above test requirements. However, the installation of weights suspended with metal wires is difficult, and the weights are prone to falling off during the test.

[0004] The information disclosed in the background section is only for enhancing the understanding of the background of the present invention, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0005] Based on this, a thermal cycling test fixture is provided, which clamps the junction box through a clamping component, an elastic component, and a pressure plate, and provides the junction box with the weight specified in the test standard. Compared with metal suspension weights, the installation is simpler and more stable.

[0006] Therefore, this application provides a thermal cycling test fixture, including: A clamping member, wherein the clamping member has an opening forming a clamping cavity, the clamping cavity being used to clamp a junction box; A pressure plate, wherein the pressure plate is disposed within the clamping cavity; An elastic element is located between the pressure plate and the inner wall of the clamping cavity. The elastic element drives the pressure plate to abut against the junction box, so that the pressure plate and the clamping member clamp the junction box. The total weight of the thermal cycling test fixture is the rated standard weight.

[0007] In one embodiment, the pressure plate is a flexible plate.

[0008] In one embodiment, the thermal cycling test fixture further includes an adjustment member, the clamping member is provided with an adjustment hole, one end of the adjustment member passes through the adjustment hole and is connected to the pressure plate.

[0009] In one embodiment, the outer wall of the adjusting member is provided with a first thread, the inner wall of the adjusting hole is provided with a second thread, the adjusting member and the adjusting hole are threadedly connected by the first thread and the second thread, and the adjusting member is rotatably connected to the pressure plate.

[0010] In one embodiment, the adjusting member has a protrusion on its peripheral side away from the pressure plate, and the outer diameter of the protrusion is larger than the diameter of the adjusting hole.

[0011] In one embodiment, a twisting block protrudes from the end of the protrusion away from the pressure plate, and the twisting block is arranged in an elongated shape.

[0012] In one embodiment, the clamping member is further provided with a weight adjustment cavity for placing adjustment weights.

[0013] In one embodiment, multiple adjustment weights are provided, and the weights of the multiple adjustment weights are different.

[0014] In one embodiment, the weight adjustment cavity is located at the end of the clamping member away from the pressure plate.

[0015] In one embodiment, the weight adjustment cavity is provided with a surrounding edge to prevent the adjustment weight from falling off.

[0016] The thermal cycling test fixture provided according to the embodiments of this application includes a clamping member, a pressure plate, and an elastic member. The clamping member has an opening forming a clamping cavity for clamping a junction box. The pressure plate is disposed within the clamping cavity. The elastic member is located between the pressure plate and the inner wall of the clamping cavity, and the elastic member drives the pressure plate to abut against the junction box, so that the pressure plate and the clamping member clamp the junction box. The total weight of the thermal cycling test fixture is the rated standard weight. This application clamps the junction box using the clamping member, the elastic member, and the pressure plate, and the total weight of the thermal cycling test fixture is the rated standard weight, that is, it provides the weight specified in the test standard for the junction box. Compared with metal suspension weights, this application is simpler to install and more stable. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This illustration shows a structural schematic diagram of a thermal cycling test fixture and a photovoltaic module provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This diagram illustrates the structure of a thermal cycling test fixture provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 This image shows a top view of a thermal cycling test fixture provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This image shows a side view of a thermal cycling test fixture provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0018] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Clamping component; 11. Clamping cavity; 12. Adjustment hole; 13. Weight adjustment cavity; 2. Pressure plate; 3. Elastic component; 4. Junction box; 5. Adjustment component; 51. Protrusion; 52. Tightening block. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0020] It should be noted that the illustrations provided in this embodiment are only schematic representations of the basic concept of this utility model. Therefore, the drawings only show the components related to this utility model and are not drawn according to the actual number, shape and size of the components. In actual implementation, the form, quantity and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed, and the layout of the components may also be more complex.

[0021] The orientations or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "middle," "longitudinal," "lateral," "horizontal," "inner," "outer," "radial," and "circumferential" used in this specification are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the purpose of simplifying the description. They 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 limiting the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0022] Currently, the thermal cycling test method uses weights suspended by metal wires. However, the installation of weights suspended by metal wires is difficult, and the weights are prone to falling off during the test. Furthermore, the weights may impact and damage the back of the components during the disassembly and assembly process, which is not conducive to the judgment of thermal cycling test results.

[0023] To solve the above problems, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of a thermal cycling test fixture and a photovoltaic module provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This diagram illustrates the structure of a thermal cycling test fixture provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0024] This application provides a thermal cycling test fixture, which includes a clamping member 1, a pressure plate 2, and an elastic member 3. The clamping member 1 has an opening forming a clamping cavity 11, which is used to clamp a junction box 4. The pressure plate 2 is disposed inside the clamping cavity 11. The elastic member 3 is located between the pressure plate 2 and the inner wall of the clamping cavity 11. The elastic member 3 drives the pressure plate 2 to abut against the junction box 4, so that the pressure plate 2 and the clamping member 1 clamp the junction box 4. The total weight of the thermal cycling test fixture is the rated standard weight.

[0025] It should be understood that the thermal cycling test fixture includes a clamping component 1, which is a long strip made of lightweight plastic or aluminum alloy, etc., and is non-deformable with a load-bearing capacity of 50N or more. The clamping component 1 has an opening that forms a clamping cavity 11, which is located in the middle of the clamping component 1 to facilitate clamping the junction box 4. That is, the clamping component 1 includes an upper top wall, a middle side wall, and a lower bottom wall.

[0026] The thermal cycling test fixture also includes a pressure plate 2 and an elastic element 3. Both the pressure plate 2 and the elastic element 3 are located in the clamping cavity 11. The pressure plate 2 and the elastic element 3 can be located at one end of the clamping cavity 11. The pressure plate 2 can be located at the upper top wall or the lower bottom wall of the clamping member 1, and the pressure plate 2 is arranged parallel to the upper top wall and the lower bottom wall. In one example, the pressure plate 2 is located at one end of the upper top wall. The elastic element 3 is located between the pressure plate 2 and the upper top wall. One end of the elastic element 3 along its length is connected to the pressure plate 2, and the other end of the elastic element 3 is connected to the inner wall of the clamping cavity 11. The connection method can be bonding, welding, or other connection methods, which are not limited in this application. The arrangement of the elastic element 3 and the pressure plate 2 can adjust the height of the clamping cavity 11 to facilitate clamping of the clamping member 1 and the junction box 4, thereby improving the tightness and stability of the connection between the thermal cycling test fixture and the junction box 4. The elastic element 3 can be a spring, disc spring, or other elastic element, which is not limited in this application. The material of the elastic element 3 is high carbon steel or nickel alloy, which is resistant to high temperature corrosion.

[0027] Furthermore, the total weight of the thermal cycling test fixture is the rated standard weight. According to the IEC 61215-2:2021 test standard, the rated standard weight is 5N. That is, when the thermal cycling test fixture is connected to the junction box 4, a weight of 5N can be applied to the junction box 4 to facilitate the testing of the photovoltaic modules. When the test standard is subsequently modified, the rated standard weight will change accordingly.

[0028] During testing, the photovoltaic module is first placed vertically inside the environmental chamber. The position of the junction box 4 is confirmed, avoiding contact with the terminals. The elastic element 3 is compressed, and the pressure plate 2 moves towards the upper wall to increase the space of the clamping cavity 11, thus facilitating the placement of the junction box 4 into the clamping cavity 11 of the clamping element 1. Once the junction box 4 is in the clamping cavity 11, the elastic element 3 returns to its original position, driving the pressure plate 2 to abut against the junction box 4, thereby connecting the thermal cycling test fixture to the junction box 4. A weight of 5N is then applied to the junction box 4, completing the subsequent thermal cycling test.

[0029] This application applies a 5N weight to the junction box 4 using the clamping member 1, the pressure plate 2, and the elastic member 3. Compared with the existing method of using metal wire to suspend the weight, this application is easier and more stable to install.

[0030] In some optional embodiments, the pressure plate 2 is a flexible plate. The pressure plate 2 can be made of rubber, silicone, etc., and this application is not limited to any particular material. In one example, the pressure plate 2 is made of an aluminum alloy rubber composite pad. Compared to a rigid plate, when the pressure plate 2 is a flexible plate, the pressure plate 2 is more flexible in contact with the junction box 4, which can reduce damage to the junction box 4. At the same time, the flexible plate can deform, further improving the stability of the connection between the clamping member 1 and the pressure plate 2 and the junction box 4.

[0031] In some optional embodiments, the thermal cycling test fixture further includes an adjusting member 5. The clamping member 1 has an adjusting hole 12, and one end of the adjusting member 5 passes through the adjusting hole 12 and is rotatably connected to the pressure plate 2. The clamping member 1 has an adjusting hole 12 that communicates with the clamping cavity 11. The adjusting member 5 is elongated; in one example, it is cylindrical. One end of the adjusting member 5 extends into the adjusting hole 12 and is connected to the pressure plate 2. The connection method can be a fixed connection or a rotatable connection, which is not limited in this application. The other end of the adjusting member 5 is located outside the clamping cavity 11. The adjusting hole 12 can be a through hole, and the adjusting member 5 can be cylindrical or cuboid, etc., which is not limited in this application.

[0032] When it is necessary to increase the space of the clamping cavity 11, the operator can operate the end of the adjusting member 5 located outside the clamping cavity 11 to drive the adjusting member 5 to move away from the clamping cavity 11, thereby driving the pressure plate 2 to move toward the inner wall of the clamping cavity 11, and at the same time compressing the elastic member 3, so as to facilitate the placement of the junction box 4 into the clamping cavity 11, and also to facilitate the removal of the junction box 4 from the clamping cavity 11.

[0033] In some optional embodiments, the adjusting member 5 has a protrusion 51 protruding from the circumference of the end away from the pressure plate 2. The outer diameter of the protrusion 51 is larger than the diameter of the adjusting hole 12. The cross-section of the protrusion 51 may be circular. The protrusion 51 can prevent the adjusting member 5 from being completely inserted into the clamping cavity 11, and it is also convenient for the operator to pick it up. When compressing the elastic member 3, the operator can hold the protrusion 51 and drive the adjusting member 5 to move in a direction away from the clamping cavity 11, which can improve the convenience of the operator's operation.

[0034] In some optional embodiments, the outer wall of the adjusting member 5 is provided with a first thread, and the inner wall of the adjusting hole 12 is provided with a second thread. The adjusting member 5 and the adjusting hole 12 are threadedly connected through the first and second threads, and the adjusting member 5 is rotatably connected to the pressure plate 2. When the adjusting member 5 is threadedly connected to the adjusting hole 12, the adjusting member 5 can be rotated to control the length of the adjusting member 5 extending into the clamping cavity 11, and can also support the pressure plate 2, increasing the clamping force of the pressure plate 2 on the junction box 4, and at the same time improving the stability of the connection between the pressure plate 2 and the clamping member 1 on the junction box 4. Furthermore, the adjusting member 5 is rotatably connected to the pressure plate 2, that is, the adjusting member 5 can drive the pressure plate 2 to move in the clamping cavity 11, but when the adjusting member 5 rotates, the pressure plate 2 will not rotate.

[0035] Furthermore, to facilitate the turning of the adjusting member 5, anti-slip ridges may be provided on the periphery of the protrusion 51.

[0036] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 , Figure 3 This diagram shows a top view of a thermal cycling test fixture provided in an embodiment of this application. In some optional embodiments, a rotating block 52 protrudes from the end of the protrusion 51 away from the pressure plate 2. The rotating block 52 is elongated and extends radially along the protrusion 51. When the operator wants to rotate the adjusting component 5, they can hold the rotating block 52, reducing the chance of slippage and improving the ease of operation.

[0037] Reference Figures 2-4 , Figure 4 This figure shows a side view of a thermal cycling test fixture provided in an embodiment of this application. In some optional embodiments, the clamping member 1 is further provided with a weight adjustment cavity 13, which is used to place adjustment weights (not shown in the figure). The weight adjustment cavity 13 can be located at any of the upper top wall, middle side wall, and lower bottom wall; this application does not impose any limitation. When subsequent standards become more stringent or change, weights can be added or removed from the weight adjustment cavity 13 to adjust the weight of the thermal cycling test fixture, thereby facilitating further testing.

[0038] In some optional embodiments, multiple adjustment weights are provided, each with a different weight. The weights of the multiple adjustment weights can be 1N, 2N, 3N, etc., allowing the operator to select the appropriate weight when needed. The different weight settings of the multiple adjustment weights facilitate selection by the operator and improve operational convenience.

[0039] In some alternative embodiments, the weight adjustment cavity 13 is located at the end of the clamping member 1 away from the pressure plate 2, which can avoid affecting the use of the adjusting member 5, the pressure plate 2, etc.

[0040] In some optional embodiments, a retaining edge (not shown in the figure) is provided around the weight adjustment cavity 13. The retaining edge can be integrally formed with the clamping member 1. The retaining edge can prevent the adjustment weight from slipping and reduce the probability of the adjustment weight falling off.

[0041] Alternatively, the weight adjustment cavity 13 can be sealed with a sealing block such as a rubber stopper to prevent the adjustment weight from falling out of the weight adjustment cavity 13. The weight of the rubber stopper is negligible.

[0042] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0043] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A thermal cycling test fixture, characterized in that, include: A clamping member (1) has an opening forming a clamping cavity (11), which is used to clamp the junction box (4). Pressure plate (2), the pressure plate (2) is disposed in the clamping cavity (11); The elastic element (3) is located between the pressure plate (2) and the inner wall of the clamping cavity (11). The elastic element (3) drives the pressure plate (2) to abut against the junction box (4) so ​​that the pressure plate (2) and the clamping member (1) clamp the junction box (4). The total weight of the thermal cycling test fixture is the rated standard weight.

2. The thermal cycling test fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure plate (2) is a flexible plate.

3. The thermal cycling test fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thermal cycling test fixture also includes an adjustment component (5), the clamping component (1) is provided with an adjustment hole (12), one end of the adjustment component (5) passes through the adjustment hole (12) and is connected to the pressure plate (2).

4. The thermal cycling test fixture according to claim 3, characterized in that, The outer wall of the adjusting member (5) is provided with a first thread, and the inner wall of the adjusting hole (12) is provided with a second thread. The adjusting member (5) and the adjusting hole (12) are threadedly connected by the first thread and the second thread. The adjusting member (5) is rotatably connected to the pressure plate (2).

5. The thermal cycling test fixture according to claim 3, characterized in that, The adjusting member (5) has a protrusion (51) on its periphery at one end away from the pressure plate (2), and the outer diameter of the protrusion (51) is larger than the diameter of the adjusting hole (12).

6. The thermal cycling test fixture according to claim 5, characterized in that, The protrusion (51) has a twisting block (52) protruding from one end away from the pressure plate (2), and the twisting block (52) is arranged in a long strip shape.

7. The thermal cycling test fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping member (1) is also provided with a weight adjustment cavity (13), which is used to place adjustment weights.

8. The thermal cycling test fixture according to claim 7, characterized in that, The adjustment weights are provided in multiple quantities, and the weights of the multiple adjustment weights are different.

9. The thermal cycling test fixture according to claim 7, characterized in that, The weight adjustment cavity (13) is located at the end of the clamping member (1) away from the pressure plate (2).

10. The thermal cycling test fixture according to claim 7, characterized in that, The weight adjustment cavity (13) is provided with a surrounding edge to prevent the adjustment weight from falling off.

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