TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a bearing housing. In particular, this invention relates to a bearing housing for a solar panel mounting arrangement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, there is provided a bearing housing for a solar panel mounting arrangement including: - a base portion; and a retaining portion mountable on the base portion and which, together with the base portion, defines a receiving zone for receiving a bearing member displaceably and complementally therein; wherein the base portion and retaining portion are manufactured from a metallic material by an extrusion process.

The base portion may be of single- or double-wall form, preferably being of double-wall form. In particular, the base portion may have a first wall, a second wall and connecting members extending between and interconnecting the first and second walls.

The first wall may define part of the receiving zone. The first wall may have a generally arcuate shape when viewed in plan. In particular, the first wall may be generally circular in shape when viewed in plan. More particularly, the first wall may have a radius in the range of 75mm to 150mm, preferably having a radius in the region of 95mm. The first wall may have a thickness in the range of 2mm and 7mm, preferably having a thickness in the region of 3.5mm.

The second wall may include a base wall and side walls extending from opposing end regions of the base wall. The side walls may taper in thickness. In particular, the side walls may taper in thickness away from the base wall. The side walls may have a thickness in the range of 3mm to 12mm. The side walls may extend from the base wall at an angle. In particular, the side walls may extend from the base wall at an angle in the range of 100 degrees to 150 degrees relative to the base wall, preferably extending at an angle in the region of 108 degrees relative the base wall.

The base wall may have a thickness in the range of 8mm to 15mm, preferably having a thickness in the region of 12mm. The base wall may include mounting apertures defined therein for allowing the base portion to be mounted on a support. The support may be in the form of a support post. Preferably, the base wall may be mounted on a mounting bracket which may be fastened to the support post. It is to be appreciated that the mounting bracket is commonly known as a saddle housing. The mounting apertures may have a generally elongate shape for permitting a degree of pivotal displacement of the base portion about a longitudinal axis of the support post. More particularly, two or four mounting apertures may be defined in the base wall. The mounting apertures may be sized, shaped and/or configured to receive fasteners therethrough, the fasteners preferably being in the form of nut and bolt arrangements.

The connecting members may be in the form of web- or rib-like members for interconnecting the first and second walls and for improving a structural strength of the base portion. The connecting members may have a thickness in the range of 1 mm to 6mm, preferably having a thickness in the region of 4.5mm. In particular, the connecting members may be arranged symmetrically relative to each other about a substantially vertical axis.

The base portion may have a height in the range of 100mm to 250mm, preferably having a height in the region of 160mm. The base portion may have a width in the range of 45mm to 70mm, preferably having a width in the region of 62mm. The base portion may include mounting members for allowing the retaining portion to be mounted thereon. The mounting members may extend between and interconnect end regions of the first and second walls of the base portion. The mounting members may include apertures defined therein for receiving fasteners complementally therethrough. In particular, the mounting members each include two apertures defined therein. The fasteners may be in the form of any suitable convention fasteners, preferably being in the form of nut and bolt arrangements. The mounting members may be arranged at an angle relative a generally horizontal axis, preferably being arranged at angle in the range of 10 degrees to 30 degrees, preferably being arranged at an angle in the region of 18 degrees.

It is to be appreciated that the cavities formed in the base portion together with the connecting members which extend between the first and second walls thereof serve to reduce weight of the base portion while providing a sufficient degree of structural strength thereto.

The retaining portion may be of single- or double-wall form, preferably being of single-wall form. The retaining portion may include a retaining member and mounting formations extending from opposing end regions of the retaining member. The retaining member may have a generally arcuate shape. Preferably, the retaining member may have a generally circular shape when viewed in plan. More particularly, the retaining member may have a generally circular shape which corresponds in shape and size with the generally circular shape of the first wall of the base portion. The retaining member may have a thickness in the range of 3mm to 15mm. The retaining member may have a thickness which tapers, preferably tapering from opposing end regions thereof towards a generally central region thereof.

The mounting formations may extend from the retaining member at angle which may correspond to angled mounting members of the base portion. In particular, the mounting formations may extend symmetrically from the retaining member and angled in the range of 120 to 175 degrees relative to each other, preferably being angled in the region of 144 degrees relative to each other. The mounting formations may extend from the retaining member a length in the range of 20mm to 45mm, preferably extending a length in the region of 30mm. The mounting formations may include retaining apertures defined therein for allowing receipt of fasteners therethrough. The retaining apertures may be sized and/or shaped to correspond with the apertures defined in the mounting members of the base portion so as to permit complementary receipt of a suitable fastener therethrough. Preferably, two retaining apertures are defined in each of the mounting formations.

The retaining portion may have a height in the range of 70mm to 1 15mm, preferably having a height in the region of 86mm. The retaining portion may have a width which corresponds with a width of the base portion. Preferably, the retaining portion may have a width in the range of 45mm to 70mm, preferably having a width in the region of 62mm.

Abutting surfaces of the mounting members and mounting formations may include complementary engaging formations for aiding in the alignment of the apertures defined therein by inhibiting slipping of the surfaces relative to each other. The engaging formations may be in the form of a ridged or toothed surface.

A surface of the base portion and retaining portion may include a protective coating or surface treatment for improving resistance to wear, reducing friction and increasing a lifespan thereof. In particular, the surface of the base portion and retaining portion may be anodised.

The base portion and retaining portion may be manufactured from aluminium or an aluminium alloy.

A combined height of the base portion and retaining portion in a mounted condition may be in the range of 170mm to 365mm, preferably being in the region of 240mm. The receiving zone may be sized, shaped and/or configured to receive the bearing member displaceably and complementally therein. In particular, the receiving zone may have a diameter in the range of 150mm to 300m, preferably having a diameter in the region of 190mm.

The bearing member may be manufactured from any suitable synthetics, plastics or metallic material, preferably being manufactured from plastic. The bearing member may include two parts which together define a generally circular outer profile which may be sized to be received complementally by the receiving zone. The two parts may have inner profiles which define a secondary receiving zone for receiving an elongate solar panel support member therethrough. The solar panel support member may have an outer profile of any suitable geometric shape of the group including rectangular, square, round, octagonal, triangular, or any other suitable polygonal shape. The two parts of the bearing member may be identical in shape and size. It is to be appreciated that the elongate solar panel support member may be in the form of a square tube which is received by a plurality of bearing members received by a plurality of bearing housings which may be arranged in line with each other. It is to be appreciated further, that the elongate solar panel support member is used as a support on which solar panels are mounted. The bearing member may be configured to permit pivotal displacement of the elongate solar panel support member about its longitudinal axis so as to permit angle variation of the solar panels mounted thereon about the longitudinal axis of the support member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A bearing housing in accordance with the invention will now be described by way of the following, non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings: - Figure 1 is a three-dimensional schematic showing a bearing housing in accordance with the present invention;

Figures 2 and 3 are three-dimensional and plan views showing a retaining portion of the bearing housing shown in Figure 1 ;

Figures 4 and 5 are three-dimensional and plan views showing a base portion of the bearing housing shown in Figure 1 ; and

Figure 6 is a three-dimensional schematic showing the bearing housing mounted on a part of a support post.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, reference numeral 10 refers generally to a bearing housing for a solar panel mounting arrangement (not shown) in accordance with the present invention. The bearing housing 10 includes a base portion 12, and a retaining portion 14 mountable on the base portion 12 and which, together with the base portion 12, defines a receiving zone 16 for receiving a bearing member (not shown) displaceably and complementally therein, wherein the base portion 12 and retaining portion 14 are manufactured from a metallic material with an extrusion process.

The base portion 12 is of double-wall form. In particular, the base portion 12 has a first wall 18, a second wall 20 and connecting members 22 extending between and interconnecting the first and second walls 18 and 20.

The first wall 18 defines part of the receiving zone 16. The first wall 18 has a generally arcuate shape when viewed in plan. In particular, the first wall 18 is generally circular in shape when viewed in plan. More particularly, the first wall 18 has a radius in the range of 75mm to 150mm, typically having a radius in the region of 95mm. The first wall 18 has a thickness in the range of 2mm and 7mm, typically having a thickness in the region of 3.5mm. The second wall 20 includes a base wall 24 and side walls 26 extending from opposing end regions 28 of the base wall 24.

The side walls 26 taper in thickness away from the base wall 24. The side walls 26 have a thickness in the range of 3mm to 12mm. The side walls 26 extend from the base wall 24 at an angle. In particular, the side walls 26 extend from the base wall 24 at an angle in the range of 100 degrees to 150 degrees relative to the base wall, typically extending at an angle in the region of 108 degrees relative the base wall.

The base wall 24 has a thickness in the range of 8mm to 15mm, typically having a thickness in the region of 12mm. The base wall 24 includes mounting apertures 30 defined therein for allowing the base portion 12 to be mounted on a support post 32, typically via a mounting bracket (not shown) fastened to the support post 32. The mounting apertures 30 have a generally elongate shape for permitting a degree of pivotal displacement of the base portion 12 relative to the support post 32 about a longitudinal axis of the support post 32. More particularly, four mounting apertures 30 are defined in the base wall 24. The mounting apertures 30 are sized, shaped and configured to receive fasteners (not shown) therethrough, the fasteners (not shown) typically being in the form of nut and bolt arrangements (not shown).

The connecting members are in the form of web- or rib-like members for interconnecting the first and second walls 18 and 20 and for improving a structural strength of the base portion 12. The connecting members 22 have a thickness in the range of 1 mm to 6mm, typically having a thickness in the region of 4.5mm. In particular, the connecting members 22 are arranged symmetrically relative to each other about a substantially vertical axis.

The base portion 12 has a height in the range of 100mm to 250mm, typically having a height in the region of 160mm. The base portion 12 has a width in the range of 45mm to 70mm, typically having a width in the region of 62mm. The base portion 12 includes mounting members 34 for allowing the retaining portion 14 to be mounted thereon. The mounting members 34 extend between and interconnect end regions 36 of the first and second walls 18 and 20 of the base portion 12. The mounting members 34 include apertures 36 defined therein for receiving fasteners (not shown) complementally therethrough. In particular, the mounting members 34 each include two apertures 36 defined therein. The fasteners (not shown) are in the form of any suitable convention fasteners, typically being in the form of nut and bolt arrangements (not shown). The mounting members 34 are arranged at an angle relative a generally horizontal axis, typically being arranged at angle in the range of 10 degrees to 30 degrees, typically being arranged at an angle in the region of 18 degrees.

It is to be appreciated that the cavities 38 formed in the base portion 12 together with the connecting members 22 which extend between the first and second walls 18 and 20 thereof serve to reduce weight of the base portion 12 while providing a sufficient degree of structural strength thereto.

The retaining portion 14 is of single-wall form. The retaining portion 14 includes a retaining member 40 and mounting formations 42 extending from opposing end regions 44 of the retaining member 40. The retaining member 40 has a generally arcuate shape. Typically, the retaining member 40 has a generally circular shape when viewed in plan. More particularly, the retaining member 40 has a generally circular shape which corresponds in shape and size with the generally circular shape of the first wall 18 of the base portion 12. The retaining member 40 has a thickness in the range of 3mm to 15mm. The retaining member 40 has a thickness which tapers, typically tapering from opposing end regions 44 thereof towards a generally central region 46 thereof.

The mounting formations 42 extend from the retaining member 40 at angle which corresponds to the angled mounting members 34 of the base portion 12. In particular, the mounting formations 42 extend symmetrically from the retaining member and angled in the range of 120 to 175 degrees relative to each other, typically being angled in the region of 144 degrees relative to each other. The mounting formations 42 extend from the retaining member 40 a length in the range of 20mm to 45mm, typically extending a length in the region of 30mm. The mounting formations 42 include retaining apertures 48 defined therein for allowing receipt of fasteners (not shown) therethrough. The retaining apertures 48 are sized and shaped to correspond with the apertures 36 defined in the mounting members 34 of the base portion 12 so as to permit complementary receipt of a suitable fastener (not shown) therethrough. Typically, two retaining apertures 48 are defined in each of the mounting formations 42.

The retaining portion 14 has a height in the range of 70mm to 1 15mm, typically having a height in the region of 86mm. The retaining portion 14 has a width which corresponds with a width of the base portion 12. Typically, the retaining portion 14 has a width in the range of 45mm to 70mm, typically having a width in the region of 62mm.

Abutting surfaces 50 and 52 of the mounting members 34 and mounting formations 42 include complementary engaging formations in the form of ridges 54 for aiding in the alignment of the apertures 48 and 36 defined therein by inhibiting slipping of the surfaces relative to each other.

Surfaces of the base portion 12 and retaining portion 14 include a surface treatment for improving resistance to wear, reducing friction and increasing a lifespan thereof. In particular, surfaces of the base portion 12 and retaining portion 14 are anodised.

The base portion 12 and retaining portion 14 are manufactured from aluminium or an aluminium alloy. A combined height of the base portion 12 and retaining portion 14 in a mounted condition as shown in Figure 1 , is in the range of 170mm to 365mm, typically being in the region of 240mm.

The receiving zone 16 is sized, shaped and configured to receive the bearing member (not shown) displaceably and complementally therein. In particular, the receiving zone 16 has a diameter in the range of 150mm to 300m, typically having a diameter in the region of 190mm.

The bearing member (not shown) is manufactured from any suitable synthetics, plastics or metallic material, typically being manufactured from plastic. The bearing member (not shown) includes two parts (not shown) which together define a generally circular outer profile which is sized to be received complementally by the receiving zone 16. The two parts (not shown) have inner profiles which define a secondary receiving zone (not shown) for receiving an elongate solar panel support member (not shown) having a generally rectangular or square outer shape therethrough. Although not shown, it is to be appreciated that the solar panel support member (not shown) could have an outer profile of any suitable geometric shape of the group including rectangular, square, round, octagonal, triangular, or any other suitable polygonal shape. The two parts (not shown) of the bearing member (not shown) are identical in shape and size. It is to be appreciated that the elongate solar panel support member (not shown) is in the form of a square tube (not shown) which is received by a plurality of bearing members (not shown) received by a plurality of bearing housings 10 which are arranged in line with each other. It is to be appreciated further, that the elongate solar panel support member (not shown) is used as a support on which solar panels (not shown) are mounted. The bearing member (not shown) is configured to permit pivotal displacement of the elongate solar panel support member (not shown) about its longitudinal axis so as to permit angle variation of the solar panels mounted thereon about the longitudinal axis of the support member, typically as to follow the sun as it crosses the sky during the day. It is, of course, to be appreciated that the bearing housing in accordance with the invention is not limited to the precise constructional and functional details as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings and which may be varied as desired.

Although only certain embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it will be understood by any person skilled in the art that other modifications, variations, and possibilities of the invention are possible. Such modifications, variations and possibilities are therefore to be considered as falling within the spirit and scope of the invention and hence form part of the invention as herein described and/or exemplified. It is further to be understood that the examples are provided for illustrating the invention further and to assist a person skilled in the art with understanding the invention and is not meant to be construed as unduly limiting the reasonable scope of the invention.

The inventor believes that the bearing housing in accordance with the present invention is advantageous in that being made of two parts, namely, the base portion and retaining portion, provides easy assembly, installation and maintenance. Further, the anodised aluminium surface provides a particularly smooth friction surface for the bearing member. Yet further, the invention is believed to be advantageous in that the aluminium offers resistance to environmental effects such as corrosion. Yet even further, the inventor believes that manufacturing of the bearing housing utilising metal extrusion is advantageous in that it ensures consistent and precise dimensions, enhanced corrosion resistance, and provides a cost-effective solution tailored for enduring outdoor environmental conditions.