Pivot-Fit Connection Apparatus and System for Photovoltaic Arrays

• US 20120234378A1
• Filed: 12/09/2011
• Published: 09/20/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 07/02/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: SolarCity Corporation (Tesla Inc.)
• Original Assignee: SolarCity Corporation (Tesla Inc.)
• Inventors: West, John Raymond, Atchley, Brian, Hudson, Tyrus Hawkes, Johansen, Emil
• Granted Patent: US 9,816,731 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 136/251
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 2025/6008 by using toothed elements
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 25/20 Peripheral frames for modules
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 25/61 for fixing to the ground or to building structures
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 25/613 in the form of bent strips or assemblies of strips; Hook-like connectors; Connectors to be mounted between building-covering elements
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 25/632 Side connectors; Base connectors
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 25/636 clamping by screw-threaded elements
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 25/67 for coupling adjacent modules or their peripheral frames for fixing modules or their peripheral frames to supporting elements F24S25/63
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 25/70 with means for adjusting the final position or orientation of supporting elements in relation to each other or to a mounting surface; with means for compensating mounting tolerances
• CPC Class Codes: H02S 20/23 specially adapted for roof structures
• CPC Class Codes: H02S 20/24 specially adapted for flat roofs
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 10/10 Photovoltaic [PV]
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/47 Mountings or tracking
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/50 Photovoltaic [PV] energy

Abstract

An apparatus and system for quickly and easily assembling PV modules into a PV array in a sturdy and durable manner. In some embodiments, the PV modules may have a grooved frame where the groove is angled into the frame with respect to the planar surface of the modules. Various components may engage within the angled groove to assemble the PV modules into the PV array using what may be referred to as a pivot-fit connection between the components and angled groove. Other embodiments may operate with PV modules having frames without angled grooves as by use of wraparound brackets.

Claims

1. A coupling for connecting four PV modules together, said PV modules each comprising a frame, said coupling comprising:

a body;

a first engaging portion adapted for engagement with a first and second PV modules of said four PV modules; and

a second engaging portion adapted for engagement with a third and fourth PV modules of said four PV modules;

wherein said first engaging portion comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, said upper portion movable relative to said lower portion to disengage said first engaging portion from said third PV module.

2. The coupling of claim 1 wherein said upper portion slides relative to said lower portion.

3. The coupling of claim 1 wherein said upper portion is adapted for vertical height adjustment relative to said lower portion.

4. A coupling for connecting four PV modules together, said PV modules each comprising a frame, said coupling comprising:

a body adapted to height adjustably connect to a foot;

a first engaging portion adapted for engagement with a first and second PV modules of said four PV modules; and

a second engaging portion adapted for engagement with a third and fourth PV modules of said four PV modules;

wherein said foot is adapted to connect to a support surface.

5. A coupling for connecting four PV modules together, said PV modules each comprising a frame, said coupling comprising:

a body adapted to connect to a foot;

a first engaging portion adapted for engagement with a first and second PV modules of said four PV modules; and

a second engaging portion adapted for engagement with a third and fourth PV modules of said four PV modules;

wherein said coupling is removable when said foot is attached to a support structure.