Patent Application
20140034588
1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to frames and, particularly, to a frame including a connection member for connecting two adjacent flanges of the frame.
2. Description of Related Art
A photovoltaic module frame always includes four flanges connected end to end. Every two adjacent flanges are connected to each other through an L-shaped connection member. The connection member is always connected to the flanges through screwing or riveting, which is inconvenient.
Many aspects of the present embodiments can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, the emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present embodiments. Moreover, in the drawings, all the views are schematic, and like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
The disclosure, including the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements, is illustrated by way of examples and not by way of limitation. It should be noted that references to “an” or “one” embodiment in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment, and such references mean at least one.
Referring to
Each flange 10 includes an outer plate 11, an inner plate 13 parallel to the outer plate 11, a first sidewall 111 connected between first sides of the outer plate 11 and the inner plate 13, a second sidewall 112 connected between second sides of the outer plate 11 and the inner plate 13, and a third sidewall 113 extending from an edge of the outer plate 11 adjacent to the second side of the outer plate 11 and parallel to the second sidewall 112. The outer plate 11, the inner plate 13, the first sidewall 111, and the second sidewall 112 together bound a receiving space 15. The second sidewall 112, the third sidewall 113, and the outer plate 11 together bound a channel for receiving a side of the photovoltaic module. An elongated raised portion 115 extends into the receiving space 15 from an inner surface of each of the first sidewall 111 and the second sidewall 112. Four blocks 132 extend into the receiving space 15 from an inner surface of the inner plate 13, as shown in
The connection member 20 is substantially L shaped, and includes a first connecting plate 21 and a second connecting plate 22 perpendicularly extending from an end of the first connecting plate 21. A junction 23 is formed between the first connecting plate 21 and the second connecting plate 22. The first connecting plate 21 and the second connecting plate 22 each define a plurality of substantially V-shaped grooves 211 parallel to the junction 23. Each groove 211 of each of the first and second connecting plates 21 and 22 includes a first wall 2111 facing the junction 23 and substantially parallel to the other one of the first and second connecting plates 21 and 22, and a slanting second wall 2112 opposite to the junction 23 and acutely connected to the first wall 2112. In the embodiment, the connection member 20 is made of aluminum.
Referring to
When the first connecting plate 21 is being put into the receiving space 15, the blocks 132 notch the first connecting plate 21 along a direction perpendicular to the grooves 211.
In the embodiment, the blocks 132 are formed by stamping before the first and second connecting plates 21 and 22 are received in the receiving spaces 15. In an alternative embodiment, the blocks 132 can be formed by stamping after the first and second connecting plates 21 and 22 are received in the receiving spaces 15. The blocks 132 may be arranged in another shape, such as rectangle. The blocks 132 can be formed to be different heights to supply different connection forces between the flanges 10.
In order to test the connection forces between the flanges 10 of the frame, an universal material testing machine is employed under 23±5° C. ambient temperature, and the blocks 132 being formed by stamping after the first and second connecting plates 21 and 22 are received in the receiving spaces 15. The test results are shown in the below table:
According to the above test results, the connection member 20 can supply enough connection force to meet the need. When the arrangement of the blocks 132 is isosceles trapezoid, the connection member 20 can supply more connection force than the rectangle arrangement of the blocks 132. The connection member 10 can supply more connection force when the height of the blocks 132 becomes greater.
It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the embodiments have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the embodiments, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in the matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts within the principles of the disclosure to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012102701153 | Aug 2012 | CN | national |
