Fastener and fixing kit

Abstract

The present invention provides a fastener (102) and a fastening assembly (100) comprising the fastener. The fastener is used to attach a first element (10) to a second element (20). The fastener is adapted to pass through a first opening (16) in the first element and a second opening (24) in the second element in an insertion direction to reach a fastening position. The fastener includes at least one retaining arm (106, 206, 306, 406, 506) comprising a first retaining portion and a second retaining portion. The retaining arm is configured such that when the fastener is in the fastening position, the first retaining portion is able to engage with the first element and the second retaining portion is able to engage with the second element to elastically hold the first and second elements together.The fastening element and the fastening assembly according to the present invention allow for the rapid fastening of the first element and the second element. Abbreviated figure: Fig. 3.

Description

Title of the invention: FASTENER AND FIXING ASSEMBLY Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the technical field of fasteners, and more particularly to a fastener and a fixing assembly for fixing a photovoltaic panel to a support structure. Previous technique

[0002] In recent years, in order to combat climate change, new energy sectors such as the photovoltaic industry have developed rapidly.

[0003] Currently, photovoltaic panels are usually attached to support structures by means of bolts. In some prior art solutions, for example, such as that shown in [Fig. 1], it is possible to mount a photovoltaic panel onto a photovoltaic panel retaining device 1. More specifically, an edge of the photovoltaic panel can be held in a receiving channel 3 of the photovoltaic panel retaining device 1, and the photovoltaic panel retaining device 1 can be attached to a support structure 2 by means of bolts, thus ensuring the installation of the photovoltaic panel. In another solution, as disclosed by CN 104967398 A, a photovoltaic panel can be attached to a rafter supported by a support structure by means of a bearing block and by means of bolts, thus ensuring the attachment and installation.

[0004] In practical application, it is often necessary to fix and install many photovoltaic panels, and there are several fixing points for each photovoltaic panel, so that the installation time by means of bolt connections is long and the productivity is low. Description of the invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to remedy the aforementioned problems of the prior art, and to provide an improved fastener and fixing assembly for attaching a photovoltaic panel to a support structure.

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention provides a fastener for attaching a first element to a second element, wherein the fastener is adapted to pass through a first opening in the first element and a second opening in the second element in an insertion direction to reach a fastening position, and the fastener comprises at least one retaining arm including a first retaining part and a second retaining part and configured such that when the fastener is in the fastening position, the first retaining part is able to move by engaging with the first element and the second retaining part, it is able to engage with the second element to elastically hold the first element and the second element together.

[0007] The fastener according to the present invention allows the first element and the second element to be fixed by a simple insertion action and is easy to implement, which can improve productivity during fixing.

[0008] The present invention may further include any one or more of the following embodiments:

[0009] In certain embodiments, the first retaining part includes a stop portion capable of preventing the first element and the second element from separating from each other when the fastener is in the fixing position.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the retaining arm further includes a transition part, the first retaining part is connected to the second retaining part via the transition part, and the transition part is adapted to be positioned at least partially in the first and second openings when the fastener is in the fixing position.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the stop portion of the first retaining part is adjacent to the transition portion, and the stop portion is arc-shaped. The stop portion is designed to have an arc shape, which could prevent stress concentration and allow the stop portion to withstand a higher force without breaking.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first retaining part includes a barb capable of engaging with the first element when the fastener is in the fixing position.

[0013] In some embodiments, the barb has a sharp apex, and the apex itself is at an angle of 30° to 90°, and preferably of about 40° or 60°.

[0014] The presence of a barb allows a stable mechanical and / or electrical connection to be established between the attachment and the first element.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the first retaining portion further includes an elasticity-enhancing portion to increase the elasticity of the first retaining portion. On the one hand, it is possible to avoid the tendency of the transition portions to move closer together or even to cause the fastener to unlock unexpectedly due to excessive rigidity of the first retaining portion once the fastener has been inserted to reach the fastening position; and on the other hand, it is possible to clamp a wider range of thicknesses with the fastener for both the first and second elements.

[0016] In some embodiments, the portion for improving elasticity is in the form of a cavity.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the attachment comprises at least two retaining arms adapted to come elastically into contact with the periphery of the first opening and / or the second opening, each retaining arm comprising a connecting part, the ends of the connecting parts of the retaining arms being connected together, and the other ends of the connecting parts of the retaining arms being connected to corresponding second retaining parts.

[0018] In certain embodiments, each of the retaining arms further includes a release portion adapted to engage with a tool, so that the retaining arms are close to each other and are clear of the periphery of the first opening and / or the second opening.

[0019] In some embodiments, the attachment comprises two symmetrically arranged support arms.

[0020] In some embodiments, the fastener is formed in one piece from a sheet material.

[0021] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a fastening assembly is proposed, in which the fastening assembly comprises a fastener according to the first aspect of the present invention, the fastener comprising at least two retaining arms connected together and adapted to come elastically against the periphery of the first opening and / or the second opening, and each of the retaining arms comprising a transition portion adapted to be at least partially positioned in the first and second openings when the fastener is in the fastening position, and a spreader configured to allow its insertion and retention between the at least two retaining arms in the insertion direction to prevent the transition portions from coming together.

[0022] The presence of the spacer prevents the transition parts positioned in the first and second openings from coming together, which in turn prevents the relative offset of the first and second elements along a contact surface between them.

[0023] The present invention may further include any one or more of the following alternatives:

[0024] In certain embodiments, the spreader includes a spreading portion, the spreading portion being interposed between the transition parts of at least two retaining arms when the spreader is put in place.

[0025] In certain embodiments, the spreader includes a stop tab configured to be elastically deformable to allow the spreader to be inserted between the retaining arms and to recover from deformation following displacement through the transition portion to position the spreader, so as to prevent the spreader from moving away from the attachment in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion.

[0026] In some embodiments, the spreader includes a stop arm configured to prevent the spreader from moving in the insertion direction when the spreader is put in place.

[0027] In some embodiments, the fastener includes a slot, the spacer includes a limiting protrusion, and the spacer is adapted to be put in place through the slot and prevents the spacer from moving away from the fastener in the opposite direction to the direction of insertion by the limiting protrusion.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the spacer further includes a limiting projection, the limiting projection being provided to prevent the spacer from moving in the insertion direction when the spacer is put in place.

[0029] The fastening assembly according to the present invention makes it possible to ensure the rapid fastening of the first element and the second element and it is possible to avoid the relative displacement of the first element and the second element along the contact surface between them when the first element and the second element are arranged obliquely with respect to the horizontal direction. Brief description of the figures

[0030] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following optional embodiments described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals identify identical or similar elements, and in which:

[0031] Fig. 1 shows the attachment of a photovoltaic panel retaining device to a prior art support structure;

[0032] Figures 2A and 2B show respectively a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a fixing assembly for fixing a photovoltaic panel retaining device to a support structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a fastener of the fastening assembly of Fig. 2A used alone to fix the photovoltaic panel retaining device to the support structure;

[0034] Figures 4A and 4B respectively show perspective views at different positions when the fastener of the mounting assembly of [Fig. 2A] is used alone to fix the photovoltaic panel retaining device to the support structure.

[0035] Figures 5A and 5B show respectively a front view and a cross-sectional view of the attachment of the fastening assembly of [Fig. 2A] used alone to secure the device for securing a photovoltaic panel to the support structure;

[0036] Figures 6A and 6B show respectively a perspective view and a side view of the photovoltaic panel retaining device and the support structure of [Fig.2A] in contact with each other;

[0037] Figures 6C and 6D show respectively perspective views of the photovoltaic panel holding device and the support structure of [Fig.2A];

[0038] Figures 7A and 7B respectively show perspective views of the attachment of the fastening assembly of [Fig.2A] seen from different angles;

[0039] Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of a spacer of the fastening assembly of Fig. 2A;

[0040] Figures 9A and 9B respectively show perspective views of a fastening assembly in use to fix a photovoltaic panel retaining device to a support structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention seen from different angles;

[0041] Figures 10A and 10B respectively show cross-sectional views, taken in different directions, of the fixing assembly of [Fig.9A] in use to fix the photovoltaic panel retaining device to the support structure;

[0042] Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of a fastener of the fastening assembly of Fig. 9A used alone to fix the photovoltaic panel retaining device to the support structure;

[0043] Figures 12A and 12B respectively show perspective views of the attachment of the fastening assembly of [Fig.9A] seen from different angles;

[0044] Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of a spacer of the fastening assembly of Fig. 9A;

[0045] Figures 14A and 14B show respectively a perspective view and a front view of a fixing assembly for fixing a photovoltaic panel retaining device to a support structure according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Fig. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the fixing assembly of Fig. 14A for fixing the photovoltaic panel retaining device to the support structure;

[0047] Figures 16A and 16B show respectively a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of the attachment of the fixing assembly of [Fig.14A] used alone to fix the photovoltaic panel retaining device to the support structure;

[0048] Figures 17A and 17B respectively show perspective views of the attachment of the fastening assembly of the [Fig.14A] seen from different angles;

[0049] Fig. 18 shows a perspective view of a spacer of the fastening assembly of Fig. 14A;

[0050] Figure 19 shows a comparative front view of the attachment of Figure 17A and of the attachment of the [Fig.l2A];

[0051] Figures 20A and 20B show respectively a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a fixing assembly for fixing a photovoltaic panel retaining device to a support structure according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figures 21A and 21B show respectively a perspective view and a front view of the attachment of the fixing assembly of [Fig.20A] used alone to fix the photovoltaic panel retaining device to the support structure;

[0053] Figures 22A and 22B respectively show perspective views of the attachment of the fastening assembly of [Fig.20A] seen from different angles;

[0054] Figures 23A and 23B show respectively a perspective view and a front view of a fixing assembly for fixing a photovoltaic panel retaining device to a support structure according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Fig. 24 shows a cross-sectional view of the fixing assembly of Fig. 23A for fixing the photovoltaic panel retaining device to the support structure;

[0056] Figures 25A and 25B show respectively a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of the attachment of the fixing assembly of [Fig.23A] used alone to fix the photovoltaic panel retaining device to the support structure;

[0057] Figures 26A and 26B respectively show perspective views of the attachment of the fastening assembly of [Fig. 23A] seen from different angles; and

[0058] Fig. 27 shows a perspective view of a spacer of the fastening assembly of Fig. 23A. Description of the implementation methods

[0059] The implementation and application of the embodiments will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that the specific embodiments described are only illustrations of specific ways of implementing and using the present invention and do not limit the scope of the present invention. In the description, orientation expressions such as up, down, high, low, etc., which are used to specify the structural position of each element, are not absolute but relative. The orientation expressions are appropriate when the various elements are arranged as shown in the figures but must change accordingly when the positions of the various elements in the figures are modified. In the present invention, the inside of a fastener refers to an internal space enclosed by a retaining arm of the fastener, and the outside is the opposite of its inside.

[0060] Figures 2A to 8 show a fixing assembly 100 and its elements according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] With reference to Figures 2A to 3, the fastening assembly 100 of the present invention is used to fasten a first element to a second element. The fastening assembly 100 comprises a fastener 102 and a spacer 104. The fastening assembly 100 can be used in combination to fasten the first element to the second element, and the fastener 102 of the fastening assembly 100 can also be used alone to fasten the first element to the second element, which will be described in detail below.

[0062] The fastening assembly 100 according to the present invention will be described below, taking as an example the first element as a holding device for a photovoltaic panel 10 and the second element as a support structure 20 for supporting a photovoltaic panel. It should be understood that the fastening assembly according to the present invention can be used to fasten other elements, for example, to fasten any two plates, to fasten a plate and a hollow tube, or the like. Furthermore, the fastening assembly according to the present invention is not limited to the photovoltaic field and can be used in other fields of application requiring the rapid fastening of elements.

[0063] With reference to Figures 6A to 6D, in the illustrated embodiments, the photovoltaic panel retaining device 10 may have a support wall 12 and a retaining wall 14 perpendicular to each other. The support wall 12 may have a first opening 16. The retaining wall 14 may include a receiving channel 18 for receiving and retaining an edge of the photovoltaic panel. When the edge of the photovoltaic panel is retained in the receiving channel 18, the surface of the photovoltaic panel is substantially parallel to the support wall 12. The support structure 20 is used to support the photovoltaic panel retaining device 10 and the photovoltaic panel. The support structure 20 includes a support plate 22 in which a second opening 24 is provided.The support structure 20 can be fixed to the ground, a roof, or similar surfaces by other elements or structures to provide stable support for the photovoltaic panel. With reference to Figures 2A and 2B, only the photovoltaic panel mounting device 10 and the support structure 20 are shown on one side of the photovoltaic panel, but the photovoltaic panel mounting device 10 and the support structure 20 can also be arranged on the other sides of the photovoltaic panel. Furthermore, the photovoltaic panel mounting device and the support structure for which the fixing assemblies are used in the second through fourth embodiments described below have the same configuration and will not be described in detail again.

[0064] With reference to Figures 3 to 6D, the fastener 102 can pass through the first opening 16 The photovoltaic panel retaining device 10 and the second opening 24 of the support structure 20 are inserted in a direction D to reach a fixing position. The fastener 102 includes at least one retaining arm 106, the retaining arm 106 includes a first retaining portion 108 and a second retaining portion 110, and the retaining arm 106 is configured so that the first retaining portion 108 can engage with the photovoltaic panel retaining device 10 and the second retaining portion 110 can engage with the support structure 20 when the fastener 102 is in the fixing position in order to elastically hold / clamp together the photovoltaic panel retaining device 10 and the support structure 20.

[0065] In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the fastener 102 can pass through the first opening 16 in the support wall 12 and the second opening 24 in the support plate 22 in the insertion direction D to reach the fastening position. The support wall 12 and the support plate 22 can be substantially connected to each other, and the insertion direction D is substantially perpendicular to the support wall 12 and the support plate 22.

[0066] With reference to Figures 7A and 7B, the fastener 102 comprises at least two retaining arms 106 connected to each other so as to be adapted to elastically abut against a periphery of the first opening 16 and / or the second opening 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener 102 comprises two retaining arms 106 arranged symmetrically around its longitudinal axis L (which is parallel to the insertion direction D) and connected to each other. It should be understood that the fastener 102 may also comprise more than two retaining arms 106 arranged around its longitudinal axis L in order to improve the fastening force of the fastener 102. Furthermore, each retaining arm 106 may have an identical or different configuration. Optionally, the fastener 102 can be formed from a single piece of sheet material, for example, formed from a single piece of metal sheet by stamping, bending and other processes.

[0067] In the embodiment shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the retaining arm 106 can successively comprise a first retaining portion 108, a transition portion 112, a second retaining portion 110, and a connecting portion 114 extending from a free end 118. In the illustrated embodiments, the ends of the connecting portions 114 of the retaining arms 106 are connected to each other, and the other ends of the connecting portions 114 of the retaining arms 106 are connected to the corresponding second retaining portions 110 to form an elastic attachment 102. In combination with Figures 5A and 5B, the first retaining portion 108, the transition portion 112, and the second retaining portion 110 together form a generally C-shaped to hold / clamp together the support wall 12 and the support plate 22. Thus, when the fastener 102 is inserted into the first opening 16 and the second opening 24 in the insertion direction D, the retaining arm 106 comes against the periphery of the first opening 16 and / or the second opening 24 and deforms elastically, so that the second retaining parts 110 of the retaining arms 106 are close to each other, thus allowing the second retaining parts 110 to pass through the support wall 12 and the support plate 22 by way of the first opening 16 and the second opening 24.Subsequently, the retaining arm 106 recovers from the deformation, the second retaining part 110 of the retaining arm 106 engages with the support plate 22, and the first retaining part 108 of the retaining arm 106 engages with the support wall 12, thus elastically clamping the support wall 12 and the support plate 22 together; in this case, the fastener 102 is in a fixed position.

[0068] With reference to figures 4A, 4B, 7A and 7B, in the illustrated embodiment, the first retaining part 108 of the retaining arm 106 may include a barb 116. The barb 116 may be disposed at one end (namely the free end 118) of the first retaining part 108. The barb 116 may extend from the free end 118 of the first retaining part 108 towards the inside of the attachment 102 at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis L.

[0069] The barb 116 can engage with an upper surface of the support wall 12 of the photovoltaic panel retaining device 10 when the fastener 102 is in the fixed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the barb 116 may have a sharp point 117. The point 117 of the barb 116 can penetrate the upper surface of the support wall 12 when the fastener 102 is in the fixed position.Thus, on the one hand, a stable mechanical link between the fastener 102 and the photovoltaic panel retaining device 10 can be established in order to prevent relative displacement of the first retaining part 108 of the support wall 12, and, on the other hand, for example, a low conductivity anti-rust coating on the surface of the photovoltaic panel retaining device 10 can also be drilled in order to establish a stable electrical connection between the fastener 102 and the photovoltaic panel retaining device 10, which in turn facilitates the grounding of the photovoltaic panel.

[0070] The first retaining portion 108 may further include a stop portion 120, and the stop portion 120 may prevent the support wall 12 and the support plate 22 from separating from each other when the fastener 102 is in the fixed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop portion 120 may be located at the other end of the first retaining portion 108 and adjacent to the transition portion 112.

[0071] When the fastener 102 is in the fixed position, the support wall 12 of the photovoltaic panel retainer 10 can be essentially fixed to the support plate 22 of the support structure 20 with the photovoltaic panel retainer 10, which is not subjected to an external force. At this stage, the stop portion 120 may not come into contact with the support wall 12 of the photovoltaic panel retainer 10, and the first retaining part 108 can engage with the support wall 12 via the barb 116, cooperating with the second retaining part 110 in order to hold the support wall 12 and the support plate 22 together.When the photovoltaic panel retaining device 10 is subjected to an external force and therefore tends to separate from the support plate 22 (for example, the photovoltaic panel held on the photovoltaic panel retaining device 10 is subjected to an upward wind force which lifts the photovoltaic panel and thus causes the photovoltaic panel retaining device 10 to move upwards), the support wall 12 will move in a direction opposite to the insertion direction D relative to the support plate 22. At this point, the stop portion 120 will come into contact with the support wall 12 by cooperating with the second retaining part 110, preventing the separation of the support wall 12 and the support plate 22 from each other.

[0072] Optionally, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the stop portion 120 can be in the form of an arc. Such a shape of the stop portion 120 makes it possible to avoid a concentration of stresses when the stop portion 120 comes against the support wall 12 of the photovoltaic panel retaining device 10 and is subjected to stress, which in turn allows the stop portion 120 to withstand a higher force without breaking, in other words, allowing the photovoltaic panel to withstand a stronger wind force without being separated from the support structure 20.

[0073] With reference to Figures 7A and 7B, the first retaining portion 108 further includes an elasticity-enhancing portion 122 to increase the elasticity of the first retaining portion 108, thereby reducing its rigidity. By providing the elasticity-enhancing portion 122, it is possible, on the one hand, to prevent the transition portions 112 from moving closer together or even causing the fastener 102 to unlock unexpectedly, since the rigidity of the first retaining portion 108 is too great for it to be elastically deformed when the fastener 102 is inserted into the fastening position through the first opening 16 and the second opening 24. On the other hand, the thickness range of the support wall 12 and the support plate 22 that the fastener 102 is able to clamp is greater, for example, when the support wall 12 and the The support plate 22 is relatively thick; the support wall 12 and the support plate 22 can be clamped together by means of the elastic deformation of the first retaining portion 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the elasticity-enhancing portion 122 is in the form of a generally U-shaped cavity. It can be understood that it is possible to design the elasticity-enhancing portion 122 as a relatively thin portion or a wave-shaped portion on the first retaining portion 108, which can also serve to increase elasticity.

[0074] The first retaining part 108 can be connected to the second retaining part 110 via a transition part 112. In combination with [Fig. 5B], the transition part 112 is adapted to be positioned at least partially within the first opening 16 and the second opening 24 when the fastener 102 is in the fixed position. The transition part 112 can abut against the periphery of the first opening 16 and / or the second opening 24 to provide a support point for the retaining arm 106 when the fastener 102 is in the fixed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the transition part 112 abuts against the periphery of the second opening 24 when the fastener 102 is in the fixed position.

[0075] With reference to Figures 7A and 7B, in the illustrated embodiment, one end of the second retaining portion 110 is connected to the transition portion 112. The second retaining portion 110 can extend from one end of the transition portion 112 outwards from the fastener 102 at an angle to the longitudinal axis L. The other end of the second retaining portion 110 is connected to the connecting portion 114. The second retaining portion 110 is formed as a shoulder between the transition portion 112 and the connecting portion 114. When the fastener 102 is in the fixed position, the second retaining portion 110 of the retaining arm 106 engages with the support plate 22 of the support structure 20.

[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, the spacing between the two connecting parts 114 of the fastener 102 gradually decreases in the insertion direction D. The two connecting parts 114 are joined together at one end to form a generally trapezoidal lower portion of the fastener 102. It should be understood that the lower portion of the fastener 102 can have other suitable shapes such as a generally V-shaped shape.

[0077] With further reference to Figures 7A and 7B, the retaining arm 106 may further include a release portion 124, and the release portion 124 is adapted to engage with a tool, so that the retaining arms 106 are close to each other and clear of the periphery of the first opening 16 and / or the second opening 24. More specifically, the second retaining parts 110 of the retaining arms 106 are then close to each other, thus allowing the second retaining part 110 to pass through the support plate 22 and the support wall 12 via the first opening 16 and the second opening 24 in a direction opposite to the insertion direction D. This in turn removes the fastener 102 from the first opening 16 and the second opening 24 to unlock the support plate 22 and the support wall 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the unlocking portion 124 can be positioned at the level of the first retaining part 108, so that the tool can conveniently access and engage with the unlocking portion 124.More specifically, the unlocking portion 124 can be disposed on a suspension tab 126 of the first retaining portion 108 adjacent to the elasticity-enhancing portion 122. The suspension tab 126 can be formed by providing an elasticity-enhancing portion 122 in the form of a cavity in the first retaining portion 108. Optionally, the unlocking portion 124 can be in the form of a through hole to engage with a tool such as pliers.

[0078] As described above, the fastener 102 can be used alone to secure together the photovoltaic panel retaining device 10 and the support structure 20. In this configuration, with reference to [Fig. 3], if the photovoltaic panel is positioned obliquely with respect to a horizontal direction, the photovoltaic panel tends to slide downwards relative to the support structure 20 under the effect of gravity. This can cause the support wall 12 of the photovoltaic panel retaining device 10 to shift relative to the support plate 22 of the support structure 20 along a contact surface between them (in other words, in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction D).This will cause misalignment of a plurality of photovoltaic panels relative to each other when a plurality of fasteners 102 are used to fix the photovoltaic panels simultaneously, leading to an undesired appearance. Furthermore, the displacement of the support wall 12 relative to the support plate 22 can also cause the periphery of the first opening 16 and / or the second opening 24 to push the transition portions 112 of the fasteners 102 located in the first opening 16 and / or the second opening so that they move closer together, and could even cause the fasteners 102 to unintentionally unlock when the relative misalignment is too great. To prevent this relative misalignment, the fastener 102 can be used in combination with the spacer 104 as shown in [Fig. 8]. The spacer 104 will be described in detail below.

[0079] With reference to Figures 2A, 2B and 8, the spacer 104 is configured so that it can be inserted and held between two retaining arms 106 of the fastener 102 in the insertion direction D to prevent the transition parts 112 from coming together. The spacer 104 can be made of plastic.

[0080] The spacer 104 includes a spacer portion 128. The spacer portion 128 can be interposed between the transition parts 112 of the two retaining arms 106 when the spacer 104 is put in place, in order to prevent the transition parts 112 positioned in the first opening 16 and the second opening 24 from coming together, which in turn prevents the relative displacement of the support wall 12 and the support plate 22 along the contact surface between them.

[0081] The spreader 104 may include retaining tabs 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the spreader 104 has two retaining tabs 130 arranged symmetrically. The two retaining tabs 130 may be located on a lower portion of the spreader 104. Each retaining tab 130 may further include a retaining protrusion 132. Each retaining tab 130 is configured to be elastically deformable to allow the spreader 104 to be inserted between the retaining arms 106 and to recover from deformation following a movement through the transition portions 112 to put the spreader 104 into place (Fig. 2B shows a state in which the fastener 102 is in place). This prevents the spreader 104 from moving away from the fastener 102 in a direction opposite to the insertion direction D.

[0082] In particular, during the insertion of the spreader 104 between the retaining arms 106, the retaining tabs 130 first come against the retaining arms 106 and deform elastically, so that the two retaining tabs 130 are close to each other, thus allowing the retaining tabs 130 to pass through the transition portions 112 of the retaining arms 106. Subsequently, the retaining tabs 130 recover from the deformation following movement through the transition portions 112, and the retaining protrusions 132 of the retaining tabs 130 can engage with the retaining arms 106 to prevent the spreader 104 from moving away from the fastener 102 in the direction opposite to the insertion direction D. At this stage, the spreader 104 is in place, and the portion The spacer 128 of the spacer 104 is interposed between the transition parts 112 to prevent the transition parts 112 from coming together.

[0083] The spreader 104 may further include stop arms 134. In the illustrated embodiment, the spreader 104 has two symmetrically arranged stop arms 134. The two stop arms 134 are located at the top of the spreader 104, and the stop arms 134 are positioned transversely to the stop tabs 130 when viewed from above the spreader 104. Each of the stop arms 134 can abut against the support wall 12 when the spreader 104 is put in place to prevent the spreader 104 from moving in the insertion direction D.

[0084] Thus, the spreader 104 can be held stably between the retaining arms 106 of the fastener 102 to exert its spacing effect during its installation, in order to prevent the support wall 12 from moving relative to the support plate 22.

[0085] Figures 9A to 13 show a fastening assembly 200 and its components according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The fastening assembly 200 comprises a fastener 202 and a spacer 204. The fastener 202 of the fastening assembly 200 according to the second embodiment is similar in configuration to the fastener 102 of the fastening assembly 100 according to the first embodiment, and the main difference is that the fastener 202 according to the second embodiment includes a slot 236 (see [Fig. 12A]). Consequently, the spacer 204 (see [Fig. 13]) of the fastening assembly 200 according to the second embodiment has a different configuration from the spacer 104 of the fastening assembly 100 according to the first embodiment. The difference between the two embodiments will be explained in large part below, and the similarities between them will not be repeated.

[0086] With reference to Figures 6A to 6D and Figures 11 to 12B, the fastener 202 can pass through the first opening 16 of the support wall 12 of the photovoltaic panel retaining device 10 and the second opening 24 of the support plate 22 of the support structure 20 in the insertion direction D to reach the fastening position shown in [Fig. 11]. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener 202 comprises two retaining arms 206 connected to each other and arranged symmetrically so as to be adapted to come into elastic contact with the periphery of the first opening 16 and / or the second opening 24. Each of the retaining arms 206 may comprise a first retaining portion 208, a transition portion 212, a second retaining portion 210, and a connecting portion 214.When the fastener 202 is in the fixed position, the first retaining part 208 can engage with the support wall 12 and the second retaining part 210 can engage with the support plate 22 in order to elastically hold / clamp the support wall 12 and the support plate 22 together. The first retaining part 208 is connected to the second retaining part 210 via the transition part 212 to form an overall C-shaped retaining structure. The transition part 212 is adapted to be positioned at least partially in the first opening 16 and the second opening 24 when the fastener 202 is in the fixed position.The ends of the connecting parts 214 of the retaining arms 206 are connected to each other, and the other ends of the connecting parts 214 of the retaining arms 206 are connected to the corresponding second retaining parts 210 to form an elastic attachment 202.

[0087] The fastener 202 can be used alone to fix together the photovoltaic panel retaining device 10 and the support structure 20, or can be used in cooperation with the spacer 204 shown in [Fig. 13] to fix together the photovoltaic panel retaining device 10 and the support structure 20.

[0088] With reference to Figures 9A to 10B and [Fig. 13], the spacer 204 is configured to be inserted and held between two retaining arms 206 of the fastener 102 in the insertion direction D in order to prevent the transition portions 212 from moving together. The spacer 204 includes a gap portion 228. The gap portion 228 can be interposed between the transition portions 212 of the two retaining arms 206 when the spacer 204 is in place ([Fig. 9A] shows a state in which the spacer 204 is in place), in order to prevent the transition portions 212 positioned in the first opening 16 and the second opening 24 from moving together, which in turn prevents the relative displacement of the support wall 12 and the support plate 22 along the contact surface between them.

[0089] In combination with figures 12A and 12B, the fastener 202 may include the slot 236. The slot 236 is provided in the connecting part 214 of the retaining arm 206.

[0090] Accordingly, with reference to Figures 9A and 13, the spacer 204 may include a limiting protrusion 240. The spacer 204 can be inserted through the slot 236 and is prevented from moving away from the fastener 202 in the direction opposite to the insertion direction D by the limiting protrusion 240. In the illustrated embodiment, the spacer 204 is symmetrically provided with two limiting protrusions 240 on both sides. Each of the limiting protrusions 240 of the spacer 204 may be wedge-shaped, tapering in the insertion direction D, so that the spacer 204 can pass smoothly through the slot 236 of the fastener 202. When the spacer 204 tends to move in a direction opposite to the insertion direction D relative to the fastener 202, the limiting protrusion 240 can come against the bottom of the fastener 202, thus preventing the spacer 204 from moving away from the fastener 202.

[0091] In addition, the slot 236 of the fastener 202 can also increase the elasticity of the retaining arm 206 and reduce the insertion force for the fastener, which in turn facilitates the insertion of the fastener 202 into the first opening 16 and the second opening 24.

[0092] The spacer 204 may further include limiting projections 242. Each limiting projection 242 is arranged so as to prevent the spacer 204 from moving in the insertion direction D when the spacer 204 is put in place. In the illustrated embodiment, the spacer 204 is symmetrically provided with two limiting projections 242 on both sides.

[0093] Thus, the spreader 204 can be held stably between the retaining arms 206 of the fastener 202 to exert its spacing effect during its installation, in order to prevent the support wall 12 from moving relative to the support plate 22.

[0094] Figures 14A to 18 show a fastening assembly 300 and its components according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The fastening assembly 300 comprises a fastener 302 and a spacer 304. The fastening assembly 300 according to the third embodiment is similar in its configuration to the fastening assembly 200 according to the second embodiment, and the main difference lies in the fact that the first retaining portion 308 of the fastener 302 of the fastening assembly 300 according to the third embodiment differs from the first retaining portion 208 of the fastener 202 according to the second embodiment in this configuration. The difference between the two embodiments will be explained in large part below, and the similarities between them will not be repeated.

[0095] With reference to Figures 16A to 17B, the fastener 302 can pass through the first opening 16 of a support wall 12 of a photovoltaic panel retaining device 10 and the second opening 24 of the support plate 22 of the support structure 20 in the insertion direction D to reach the fixing position shown in Figures 16A and 16B. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener 302 comprises two retaining arms 306 connected to each other and arranged symmetrically so as to be adapted to come into elastic contact with the periphery of the first opening 16 and / or the second opening 24. Each of the retaining arms 306 can comprise a first retaining portion 308, a transition portion 312, a second retaining portion 310, and a connecting portion 314.When the fastener 302 is in the fixed position, the first retaining part 308 can engage with the support wall 12 and the second retaining part 310 can engage with the support plate 22 in order to elastically hold / clamp the support wall 12 and the support plate 22 together. The first retaining part 308 is connected to the second retaining part 310 via the transition part 312 to form an overall C-shaped retaining structure. The transition part 312 is adapted to be positioned at least partially in the first opening 16 and the second opening 24 when the fastener 302 is in the fixed position.The ends of the connecting parts 314 of the retaining arms 306 are connected to each other, and the other ends of the connecting parts 314 of the retaining arms 306 are connected to the corresponding second retaining parts 310 to form an elastic attachment 302.

[0096] In the illustrated embodiment, the first retaining portion 308 of the retaining arm 306 may include a barb 316. The barb 316 may be disposed at one end (a free end 318) of the first retaining portion 308. The The barb 316 can extend outwards from the fastener 302 at an angle to the longitudinal axis L. In the illustrated embodiment, the barb 316 can be formed by directly bending a corner of the free end 318 of the first retaining portion 308. This can simplify the production process and improve production efficiency. The barb 316 can engage with an upper surface of the support wall 12 of the photovoltaic panel retainer 10 when the fastener 302 is in the fixed position.

[0097] The first retaining portion 308 may further include a stop portion 320. The stop portion 320 may prevent the support wall 12 and the support plate 22 from separating from each other when the fastener 302 is in the fixed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop portion 320 may be located at the other end of the first retaining portion 308, adjacent to the transition portion 312. Optionally, as shown in [Fig. 17A], the stop portion 320 may be in the form of an arc.

[0098] The first retaining portion 308 may further include a release portion 324. The release portion 324 is adapted to engage with a tool, so that the retaining arms 306 are close to each other and clear of the periphery of the first opening 16 and / or the second opening 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the release portion 324 may be in the form of a through hole so that a tool such as pliers can engage with it. Figure 19 shows a comparative front view of the fastener 302 according to the third embodiment and the fastener 202 according to the second embodiment. It can be seen in Figure 19 that the first retaining portion 308 of the fastener 302 according to the third embodiment is shorter than the first retaining portion 208 of the fastener 202 according to the second embodiment. Furthermore, as shown in [Fig.[l7A], the first retaining part 308 of the fastener 302 according to the third embodiment is not provided with an elasticity-enhancing portion to increase the elasticity of the first retaining part 308. This can save material from the fastener 302 and simplify the production process, thus reducing manufacturing costs and improving production efficiency.

[0099] Furthermore, the fastener 302 can be used alone to fix together the photovoltaic panel retaining device 10 and the support structure 20, or can be used in cooperation with the spacer 304 shown in [Fig. 18] to fix together the photovoltaic panel retaining device 10 and the support structure 20. As shown in Figures 14A, 17B and 18, the fastener 302 can be provided with a slot 336, and is used in cooperation with the spacer 304 shown in [Fig. 18], in which the spacer 304 shown in [Fig. 18] has the same configuration as the spacer 204 shown in [Fig. 13].

[0100] Figures 20A to 20B show a fastening assembly 400 and its components according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The fastening assembly 400 comprises a fastener 402 and a spacer 404. The fastener 402 of the fastening assembly 400 according to the fourth embodiment is substantially the same as the fastener 302 of the fastening assembly 300 according to the third embodiment in the configuration, and the main difference is that the fastener 402 according to the fourth embodiment does not have a slot. Consequently, the spacer 404 (see Figures 20A and 20B) of the fastening assembly 400 according to the fourth embodiment can have the same configuration as the spacer 104 of the fastening assembly 100 according to the first embodiment. The difference between the two embodiments will be explained in large part below, and the similarities between them will not be repeated.

[0101] With reference to Figures 20A to 21B, the fastener 402 can pass through the first opening 16 of a support wall 12 of a photovoltaic panel retaining device 10 and the second opening 24 of the support plate 22 of the support structure 20 in the insertion direction D to reach the fixing position shown in Figures 20A and 20B. In combination with figures 22A to 22B, in the illustrated embodiment, the fastener 402 comprises two retaining arms 406 connected to each other and arranged symmetrically so as to be adapted to come into elastic contact with the periphery of the first opening 16 and / or the second opening 24. Each of the retaining arms 406 may comprise a first retaining part 408, a transition part 412, a second retaining part 410, and a connecting part 414.When the fastener 402 is in the fixed position, the first retaining part 408 can engage with the support wall 12 and the second retaining part 410 can engage with the support plate 22 in order to elastically hold / clamp the support wall 12 and the support plate 22 together. The first retaining part 408 is connected to the second retaining part 410 via the transition part 412 to form an overall C-shaped retaining structure. The transition part 412 is adapted to be positioned at least partially in the first opening 16 and the second opening 24 when the fastener 402 is in the fixed position.The ends of the connecting parts 414 of the retaining arms 406 are connected to each other, and the other ends of the connecting parts 414 of the retaining arms 406 are connected to the corresponding second retaining parts 410 to form an elastic attachment 402.

[0102] The connecting portion 414 of the fastener 402 does not have a slot. The fastener 402 can be used in conjunction with the spacers 404 shown in Figures 20A and 20B. The spacers 404 shown in Figures 20A and 20B have the same configuration as the spreader 104 shown in [Fig.8].

[0103] Figures 23A to 27 show a fastening assembly 500 and its components according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The fastening assembly 500 comprises a fastener 502 and a spacer 504. The fastener 502 of the fastening assembly 500 according to the fifth embodiment is substantially the same as the fastener 402 of the fastening assembly 400 according to the fourth embodiment in this configuration, and the main difference lies in the fact that the barb 516 of the fastener 502 according to the fifth embodiment is different (see Figures 26A and 26B). Furthermore, the spacer 504 of the fastening assembly 500 according to the fifth embodiment may have a different configuration from the spacer 404 of the fastening assembly 400 according to the fourth embodiment. The difference between the two embodiments will be explained in large part below, and the similarities between them will not be repeated.

[0104] With reference to Figures 23A to 25B, the fastener 502 can pass through the first opening 16 of the support wall 12 of the photovoltaic panel retaining device 10 and the second opening 24 of the support plate 22 of the support structure 20 in the insertion direction D to reach the fastening position shown in [Fig. 25B]. In combination with Figures 26A to 26B, in the illustrated embodiment, the fastener 502 comprises two retaining arms 506 connected to each other and arranged symmetrically so as to be adapted to come into elastic contact with the periphery of the first opening 16 and / or the second opening 24. Each of the retaining arms 506 can comprise a first retaining portion 508, a transition portion 512, a second retaining portion 510, and a connecting portion 514.When the fastener 502 is in the fixed position, the first retaining part 508 can engage with the support wall 12 and the second retaining part 510 can engage with the support plate 22 in order to elastically hold / clamp the support wall 12 and the support plate 22 together. The first retaining part 508 is connected to the second retaining part 510 via the transition part 512 to form an overall C-shaped retaining structure. The transition part 512 is adapted to be positioned at least partially in the first opening 16 and the second opening 24 when the fastener 502 is in the fixed position.The ends of the connecting parts 514 of the retaining arms 506 are connected to each other, and the other ends of the connecting parts 514 of the retaining arms 506 are connected to the corresponding second retaining parts 510 to form an elastic fastener 502. In addition, the fastener 502 may include a slot 536 to increase the elasticity of the retaining arm 506 of the fastener, which in turn facilitates the smooth insertion of the fastener 502 into the first opening 16 and the second. opening 24. Slot 536 can be provided in the connecting part 514 of the retaining arm 506.

[0105] In the illustrated embodiment, the first retaining portion 508 of the retaining arm 506 may include a barb 516. The barb 516 may be suspended from one end (a free end 518) of the first retaining portion 508. The barb 516 may engage with an upper surface of the support wall 12 of the photovoltaic panel retaining device 10 when the fastener 502 is in the fixed position. In the illustrated embodiment, a barb 516 is provided on each side of the free end 518 of the first retaining portion 508. The barb 516 may extend outward from the fastener 302 at an angle to the longitudinal axis L of the fastener 502.

[0106] In the illustrated embodiment, the barb 516 may have a sharp point 517. The point 517 of the barb 516 may penetrate the upper surface of the support wall 12 when the fastener 502 is in the fixed position. Thus, on the one hand, a stable mechanical connection between the fastener 502 and the photovoltaic panel retaining device 10 can be established to prevent relative displacement of the first retaining part 508 and the support wall 12. On the other hand, for example, a low-conductivity anti-rust coating on the surface of the photovoltaic panel retaining device 10 can also be drilled to establish a stable electrical connection between the fastener 502 and the photovoltaic panel retaining device 10, which in turn facilitates grounding the photovoltaic panel.The apex 517 of the barb 516 may itself have an angle a of about 30° to 90°, preferably about 40° or 60°, so that the barb can easily pierce the rust-resistant coating on the surface of the photovoltaic panel retaining device 10 and ensure the required mechanical strength of the corner 517 of the barb 516.

[0107] The fastener 502 can be used in cooperation with the spacer 504 shown in [Fig. 27]. With reference to Figures 23B, 25B and 27, the spacer 504 is configured so that it can be inserted and held between two retaining arms 506 of the fastener 502 in the insertion direction D in order to prevent the transition parts 512 from coming together.

[0108] In particular, the spacer 504 includes a spacer portion 528. The spacer portion 528 can be interposed between the transition portions 512 of the two retaining arms 506 when the spacer 504 is in place, in order to prevent the transition portions 512 positioned in the first opening 16 and the second opening 24 from moving closer together. This prevents the relative misalignment of the support wall 12 and the support plate 22 along the contact surface between them.

[0109] The spreader 504 may include stop tabs 530. In the embodiment As illustrated, the 504 spacer has two symmetrically arranged stop tabs 530. Each of the retaining tabs 530 is configured to be elastically deformable to allow the spreader 504 to be inserted between the retaining arms 506 and to recover from deformation following movement through the transition portions 512 to position the spreader 504 (Fig. 23B shows a state in which the fastener 502 is in position) to prevent the spreader 504 from moving away from the fastener 502 in a direction opposite to the insertion direction D. The retaining tab 530 can be arranged at a lower portion of the spreader 504. The gap between the two retaining tabs 530 can gradually decrease along the insertion direction D, and this facilitates a reduction in the force required to insert the spreader 504 between the retaining arms 506. The retaining tab 530 may further include a stop end 533.

[0110] In particular, during the insertion of the spreader 504 between the retaining arms 506, the retaining tabs 530 first come into contact with the retaining arms 506 and deform elastically, so that the two retaining tabs 530 are close to each other, thus allowing the retaining tabs 530 to pass through the transition portions 512 of the retaining arms 506. Subsequently, the retaining tabs 530 recover from the deformation following movement through the transition portions 512, and the retaining ends 533 of the retaining tabs 530 can engage with the second retaining portions 510 of the retaining arms 506 to prevent the spreader 504 from moving away from the fastener 502 in the direction opposite to the insertion direction D. At this stage, the spreader 504 is in place, and the 528 portion of the spacer 504 can be interposed between the transition parts 512 to prevent the transition parts 512 from coming together.

[0111] In addition, an upper end portion 527 of the spreader 504 can be configured to have a greater width than the spreader 528, so that when the spreader 504 is put in place, the upper end portion 527 of the spreader 504 can be stopped by the retaining arm 506 in order to prevent the spreader 504 from moving further in the insertion direction.

[0112] Thus, the spacer 504 can be held stably between the retaining arms 506 of the fastener 502 to exert its spacing effect during its installation, in order to prevent the support wall 12 from moving relative to the support plate 22, which in turn prevents the photovoltaic panel from shifting.

[0113] It should be understood that the embodiments shown in Figures 2A to 27 merely illustrate the shapes, dimensions, and arrangements of various optional elements of the fastening assembly according to the present invention, but are not limiting, and other shapes, dimensions, and arrangements may be implemented without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, various features of the embodiments shown and described in References to any of the figures can be combined with features shown in one or more other figures to create other embodiments that are not explicitly shown or described.

[0114] The technical content and technical features of the present invention have been disclosed above. However, it should be understood that a person skilled in the art may make various modifications and improvements to the concept disclosed above within the scope of the creative idea of ​​the present invention, and that any variation and improvement falls within the scope of protection of the present invention. The description of embodiments above is illustrative and not limiting, and the scope of protection of the present invention is determined by the claims.

Claims

Demands

1. A fastener (102) for fixing a first element (10) to a second element (20), which is adapted to pass through a first opening (16) of the first element (10) and a second opening (24) of the second element (20) in an insertion direction to reach a fixing position; comprising at least one retaining arm (106, 206, 306, 406, 506) comprising a first retaining part (108, 208, 308, 408, 508) and a second retaining part (110, 210, 310, 410, 510), in which said retaining arm is configured so that when the fastener is in the fixed position, the first retaining part is able to engage with the first element (10) and the second retaining part is able to engage with the second element (20) to elastically hold together the first element (10) and the second element;characterized in that the first retaining part comprises a barb (116, 316, 516) capable of engaging with the first element (10) when the fastener is in the fixed position, preferably the barb has a sharp peak (117, 517), and the peak itself is at an angle of 30° to 90°, and preferably of about 40° or 60°.

2. The fastener (102) according to claim 1, wherein the first retaining part includes a stop portion capable of preventing the first element (10) and the second element (20) from separating from each other when the fastener is in the fixed position.

3. The fastener (102) according to claim 2, wherein the retaining arm (106, 206, 306, 406, 506) further comprises a transition part (112, 212, 312, 412, 512), the first retaining part is connected to the second retaining part via the transition part, and the transition part is adapted to be positioned at least partially in the first opening (16) and the second opening (24) when the fastener is in the fixed position.

4. The fastener (102) according to claim 3, wherein the stop portion (120, 320) of the first retaining part is close to the transition portion (112, 312), and the stop portion is in the shape of an arc.

5. The fastener (102) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first retaining part (108) further comprises a elasticity enhancement portion (122) to increase the elasticity of the first support portion, and preferably the elasticity enhancement portion is in the form of a cavity.

6. The fastener (102) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fastener comprises at least two retaining arms (106, 206, 306, 406, 506) to be elastically adapted to bear against the periphery of the first opening (16) and / or the second opening (24), each retaining arm comprising a connecting portion, the ends of the connecting portions of the retaining arms (106, 206, 306, 406, 506) being connected together, and the other ends of the connecting portions of the retaining arms being connected to corresponding second retaining portions (110, 210, 310, 410, 510); preferably, the fastener (102) comprises a slot (236, 336, 536) provided in the connecting portion of the retaining arm;Each of the preferably retaining arms further comprises a release portion (124, 324) adapted to engage with a tool, so that the retaining arms are close to each other and clear of the periphery of the first opening (16) and / or the second opening (24); and the preferably fastener (102) comprises two retaining arms arranged symmetrically.

7. The fastener (102) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fastener is formed in one piece from a sheet material.

8. A fastening assembly (100) wherein the fastening assembly comprises: a fastener (102) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the fastener comprising at least two retaining arms (106, 206, 306, 406, 506) connected to each other so as to be adapted to abut elastically against a periphery of the first opening (16) and / or the second opening (24), and each of the retaining arms comprising a transition portion (112, 212, 312, 412, 512) adapted to be positioned at least partially within the first opening (16) and the second opening (24) when the fastener is in the fastening position; and a spreader (104, 204, 304, 404, 504) configured to allow its insertion and retention between the at least two retaining arms in the insertion direction (D) to prevent the transition parts from getting closer to each other.

9. The fastening assembly (100) according to claim 8, wherein the spreader comprises a spreader portion (128, 228, 528), the spreader portion being interposed between the transition parts of at least two retaining arms when the spreader is put in place.

10. The fastening assembly (100) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the spreader includes a stop tab (130, 530) configured to be elastically deformable to allow the spreader to be inserted between the retaining arms and to be able to recover from deformation following movement through the transition portion to put the spreader in place, so as to prevent the spreader from moving away from the fastener (102) in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion; and the spreader preferably includes a stop arm (134) configured to prevent the spreader from moving in the direction of insertion when the spreader is put in place.

11. The fastening assembly (100) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the fastener (102) comprises a slot (236), the spacer comprises a limiting protrusion (240), and the spacer is adapted to be placed through the slot and prevents the spacer from moving away from the fastener (102) in the direction opposite to the insertion direction by the limiting protrusion, and the preferably spacer further comprises a limiting projection (242), the limiting projection being provided to prevent the spacer from moving in the insertion direction when the spacer is placed.

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