A photovoltaic tracking bracket drive device and a photovoltaic tracking bracket

Abstract

This invention discloses a photovoltaic tracking bracket drive device and a photovoltaic tracking bracket. The photovoltaic tracking bracket drive device includes a column, a main shaft movably connected to the column, a first geared disc connected to the main shaft, a second geared disc connected to the column, a roller chain connected to the column, a gearbox assembly connected to the roller chain, and a motor connected to the gearbox assembly. The roller chain is disposed between the first and second geared discs, and a connecting rod connects the first and second geared discs. The roller chain meshes with both the first and second geared discs. This invention employs a opposed-type drive design to ensure stable meshing of the drive device during operation, distributing the load torque on both sides of the first and second geared discs, ensuring long-term stable operation of the photovoltaic tracking bracket drive device; at the same time, it can reduce the external size of the geared discs, making the structure more compact and reducing production and transportation costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of photovoltaic tracking technology, specifically to a photovoltaic tracking bracket drive device and a photovoltaic tracking bracket. Background Technology

[0002] To maximize the power output of photovoltaic (PV) modules, they must be installed in a specific orientation, taking into account the geographical, climatic, and solar energy resource conditions of the construction site. This ensures that the PV module surface receives the most sunlight. PV tracking brackets are the power source for adjusting the angle of the PV modules to keep them facing the sun during normal tracking. Using PV tracking brackets can significantly increase the power generation of PV modules. Furthermore, under severe weather conditions, the tracking brackets can adjust their angle according to the system's response control strategy, protecting the PV modules and improving their safety in adverse weather environments.

[0003] As attached Figure 1 As shown, in existing photovoltaic tracking brackets, the photovoltaic panels, their supporting components, and the geared disc 2' are all fixed on the main shaft 1'. The main shaft is connected to the column 5' via bearings and bearing seats 7'. Simultaneously, the gearbox 4' is also mounted on the column 5'. The electric motor 6' drives the roller chain 3' to rotate via the gearbox 4', thereby driving the single-sided geared disc 2' to rotate, which in turn drives the main shaft 1' to rotate, thus achieving the tracking function of the photovoltaic panel. The photovoltaic tracking bracket drive device with the above structure has the following drawbacks: 1. The geared disc requires processing a large sheet metal, resulting in material waste and high processing and material costs; 2. The geared disc requires welding reinforcing parts, which easily causes deformation of the disc, and the workload and cost are high; 3. The existing structure has a large external dimension, resulting in large gaps during transportation and packing, leading to high transportation costs; 4. The existing structure requires on-site assembly, and due to significant differences in construction quality at the project site, it is difficult to unify the assembly and installation quality. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To solve the above problems, the technical solution provided by the present invention is as follows:

[0005] A photovoltaic tracking bracket drive device includes a column, a main shaft movably connected to the column, a first geared disc connected to the main shaft, a second geared disc connected to the column, a roller chain connected to the column, a gearbox assembly connected to the roller chain, and a motor connected to the gearbox assembly. The roller chain is disposed between the first geared disc and the second geared disc, and a connecting rod is connected between the first geared disc and the second geared disc. The roller chain meshes with the first geared disc and the second geared disc respectively.

[0006] The present invention is further configured such that the first toothed disc includes a first rotating part and a first external toothed part, the second toothed disc includes a second rotating part and a second external toothed part, the roller chain is provided with circumferentially distributed rollers, the first external toothed part and the second external toothed part respectively mesh with the rollers, the first rotating part is connected to the main shaft, and the second rotating part is connected to the column.

[0007] The present invention is further configured such that connecting rod hinge shafts are respectively provided at both ends of the first gear disk and at both ends of the second gear disk, and the two ends of the connecting rod are respectively connected to the connecting rod hinge shaft on the same side of the first gear disk and the second gear disk.

[0008] The present invention is further configured such that the connecting rod is provided at both ends of the front side and both ends of the back side of the first toothed disk and the second toothed disk.

[0009] The present invention is further configured such that a first flange is provided at the end of the main shaft near the first rotating part, the first flange is connected to the first rotating part, a first bearing seat is provided on the column, a first bearing is provided on the first bearing seat, and the main shaft is connected to the first bearing.

[0010] The present invention is further configured such that second flanges are connected to both sides of the second rotating part, and a second bearing is provided on the column, with the second flanges connected to the second bearing.

[0011] The present invention is further configured such that the transmission assembly is disposed on the side of the column, the transmission assembly includes an input shaft, a transmission rod and an output shaft, the input shaft is connected to the motor, the output shaft is connected to the roller chain, the input shaft is provided with a first bevel tooth, one end of the transmission rod is provided with a second bevel tooth, the other end of the transmission rod is provided with a worm gear, and the output shaft is provided with a worm wheel, the first bevel tooth meshes with the second bevel tooth, and the worm gear is connected to the worm wheel.

[0012] The present invention is further configured such that the column includes a base and side plates located on both sides of the base, and the first toothed disc, the roller chain and the second toothed disc are located between the two side plates.

[0013] The present invention is further configured such that the first toothed disc and the second toothed disc are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the roller chain.

[0014] A photovoltaic tracking bracket is characterized in that it includes at least one set of the above-mentioned photovoltaic tracking bracket driving devices, and also includes a photovoltaic support and a photovoltaic panel, wherein the photovoltaic support is connected to the main shaft and the photovoltaic panel is connected to the photovoltaic support.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution provided by this invention has the following advantages:

[0016] This technical solution for the photovoltaic tracking bracket drive device adopts an opposed drive design, with the driven first and second toothed discs distributed vertically on both sides of the driving roller chain. The relative displacement of the first and second toothed discs is limited by a connecting rod, ensuring stable meshing of the drive device during operation. Moreover, the opposed drive design distributes the load torque on the first and second toothed discs on both sides, avoiding stress concentration on a single driven toothed disc. The distribution of load torque between the two driven toothed discs ensures long-term stable operation of the photovoltaic tracking bracket drive device. The opposed drive design can reduce the size of the toothed discs. To achieve the same driving torque, the two opposed toothed disc transmission structures can theoretically be half the size of a single toothed disc transmission structure, making the structure more compact and reducing production and transportation costs.

[0017] The connection between the components of the photovoltaic tracking bracket drive device in this technical solution, as well as the components themselves, do not involve any welding processes or welding points, which is beneficial to the stability of the device drive. At the same time, the modular assembly design makes the whole device compact and can be pre-assembled in the factory as an independent device, avoiding assembly quality problems caused by on-site assembly. Different components are assembled in the factory, which ensures better assembly quality control. On-site assembly is also possible, as it only requires connecting the equipment, foundation, and load device with bolts, resulting in higher installation efficiency on the construction site.

[0018] The photovoltaic tracking bracket drive device in this technical solution can be installed below the solar panel to avoid direct rain erosion and improve the lifespan of the entire drive device outdoors. The connecting rod not only limits the relative position between the first and second gear plates, but also plays a protective role, preventing large foreign objects (outdoor animals, wind-blown plants, operator body parts, etc.) from being caught in the gear meshing parts, which is conducive to safe operation and avoids potential injuries and accidents. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the existing photovoltaic tracking bracket drive structure.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the photovoltaic tracking bracket drive device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the photovoltaic tracking bracket drive device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the first toothed disc, the second toothed disc, and the roller chain in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the photovoltaic tracking bracket drive device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the transmission assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the photovoltaic tracking bracket drive device rotating counterclockwise according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the photovoltaic tracking bracket drive device in a horizontal position according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the clockwise rotation of the photovoltaic tracking bracket drive device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of a photovoltaic tracking bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To further understand the content of this invention, a detailed description of the invention will be provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0030] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0031] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation", "connection", and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, an integral connection, or a detachable connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection, or a connection within two components; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific circumstances.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] Combined with appendix Figure 1 To be continued Figure 9 The present invention provides a photovoltaic tracking bracket drive device, comprising a column 1, a main shaft 2 movably connected to the column 1, a first geared disc 3 connected to the main shaft 2, a second geared disc 4 connected to the column 1, a roller chain 5 connected to the column 1, a gearbox assembly 6 connected to the roller chain 5, and a motor 7 connected to the gearbox assembly 6. The roller chain 5 is disposed between the first geared disc 3 and the second geared disc 4, and a connecting rod 8 is connected between the first geared disc 3 and the second geared disc 4. The roller chain 5 meshes with the first geared disc 3 and the second geared disc 4 respectively.

[0034] In the above embodiment, the motor 7 is the power source of the drive device. The motor 7 drives the roller chain 5 to rotate actively (counterclockwise or clockwise) through the gearbox assembly 6. The roller chain 5 drives the first toothed disc 3 and the second toothed disc 4 to rotate synchronously, thereby causing the main shaft 2 to deflect at an angle and realize the tracking of the photovoltaic panel.

[0035] In the above embodiments, the photovoltaic tracking bracket drive device adopts a opposed drive design, with the driven first toothed disc 3 and the second toothed disc 4 distributed vertically on both sides of the driving roller chain 5, and the relative displacement of the first toothed disc 3 and the second toothed disc 4 is limited by the connecting rod 8 to ensure stable meshing of the drive device during operation. Moreover, the opposed drive design distributes the load torque on the first toothed disc 3 and the second toothed disc 4 on both sides, avoiding stress concentration on a single driven toothed disc. The distribution of load torque between the two driven toothed discs ensures long-term stable operation of the photovoltaic tracking bracket drive device. The opposed drive design can reduce the size of the toothed discs. In order to achieve the same driving torque, the two opposed toothed disc transmission structures can theoretically be half the size of a single toothed disc transmission structure. That is, the toothed discs can be processed on smaller plates, making the structure more compact and reducing production and transportation costs.

[0036] In this embodiment, the first toothed disc 3 includes a first rotating part 31 and a first external toothed part 32, the second toothed disc 4 includes a second rotating part 41 and a second external toothed part 42, the roller chain 5 is provided with circumferentially distributed rollers 51, the first external toothed part 32 and the second external toothed part 42 respectively mesh with the rollers 51, the first rotating part 31 is connected to the main shaft 2, and the second rotating part 42 is connected to the column 1.

[0037] In this embodiment, the first gear disk 3 is provided with a first connecting rod hinge shaft 33 at both ends, and the second gear disk 4 is provided with a second connecting rod hinge shaft 43 at both ends. The two ends of the connecting rod 8 are respectively connected to the first connecting rod hinge shaft 33 and the second connecting rod hinge shaft 43 on the same side of the first gear disk 3 and the second gear disk 4.

[0038] In the above embodiments, the first connecting rod hinge shaft 33 and the second connecting rod hinge shaft 43 are respectively mounted on the first gear plate 3 and the second gear plate 4, and the first connecting rod hinge shaft 33 and the second connecting rod hinge shaft 43 can be fixing bolts.

[0039] In this embodiment, preferably, the connecting rods 8 are provided at both ends of the front and back sides of the first toothed disk 3 and the second toothed disk 4, that is, a pair of toothed disks are connected by 4 connecting rods 8. Under this structure, the relative position between the first toothed disk 3 and the second toothed disk 4 is the most stable. However, in another embodiment, the connecting rods 8 can also be provided in two or three ways. For those skilled in the art, simply reducing the number of connecting rods 8 does not depart from the spirit of this invention.

[0040] In this embodiment, the spindle 2 is provided with a first flange 21 at the end near the first rotating part 31. The first flange 21 is connected to the first rotating part 31 by bolts or other fasteners. The column 1 is provided with a first bearing seat 22, and the first bearing seat 22 is provided with a first bearing 23. The spindle 2 is connected to the first bearing 23. The first bearing 23 has an outer circle and an inner square structure. The main structure of the spindle 2 is adapted to the inner square structure of the first bearing 23.

[0041] In this embodiment, the second rotating part 41 is connected to the two sides of the second flange 11. The second flange 11 is connected to the second rotating part 41 by fasteners such as bolts. The column 1 is provided with a second bearing 12, and the second flange 11 is connected to the second bearing 12.

[0042] In the above embodiments, the connection between the components of the photovoltaic tracking bracket drive device and the components themselves do not have any welding processes or welding points, which is beneficial to the stability of the device drive. At the same time, the modular assembly design makes the whole device compact and can be pre-assembled in the factory as an independent device, avoiding assembly quality problems caused by on-site assembly. Different components are assembled in the factory, which ensures better assembly quality control. They can also be assembled on-site, which only requires connecting the equipment, foundation and load device with bolts, resulting in higher installation efficiency on the construction site.

[0043] In the above embodiment, the first bearing 23 is used for the first gear disk 3 to deflect relative to the column; the second bearing 12 is used for the second gear disk 4 to deflect relative to the column.

[0044] In this embodiment, the gearbox assembly 6 is disposed on the outer side of the column 1. The gearbox assembly 6 includes an input shaft 61, a transmission rod 62, and an output shaft 63. The input shaft 61 is connected to the motor 7, and the output shaft 63 is connected to the roller chain 5. The input shaft 61 is provided with a first bevel tooth 611, one end of the transmission rod 62 is provided with a second bevel tooth 621, and the other end of the transmission rod 62 is provided with a worm gear 622. The output shaft 63 is provided with a worm wheel 631. The first bevel tooth 611 meshes with the second bevel tooth 621, and the worm gear 622 is connected to the worm wheel 631. In another embodiment, the gearbox assembly 6 may also employ other reduction structures.

[0045] In this embodiment, the first toothed disc 3 and the second toothed disc 4 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the roller chain 5. The symmetry here does not mean that the details of the first toothed disc 3 and the second toothed disc 4 are completely identical, but refers to the symmetrical arrangement of the external tooth structure. For example, the opening structure of the first rotating part 31 and the second rotating part 41 can be different.

[0046] In this embodiment, the column 1 includes a base 13 and side plates 14 located on both sides of the base 13. The first gear 3, the roller chain 5, and the second gear 4 are located between the two side plates 14. The structure of the column 1 can isolate the main drive mechanism from the external environment. The miniaturized gear structure makes a semi-enclosed column 1 possible. The connecting rod 8 on the drive mechanism is not only used to limit the relative position between the first gear 3 and the second gear 4, but also plays a protective role, preventing large foreign objects from being caught in the gear meshing part, which is conducive to safe operation and avoids potential injuries and accidents. The drive device can be installed as a whole under the solar panel to avoid direct rain erosion and improve the outdoor life of the entire drive device.

[0047] In this embodiment, as shown in the appendix Figure 7 As shown, when the external controller controls the motor 7 to rotate in the forward direction, the roller chain 5 rotates clockwise under the action of the gearbox assembly 6, and the first gear 3 and the second gear 4 rotate counterclockwise under the traction of the roller chain 5, resulting in a counterclockwise deflection angle for the first gear 3 and the second gear 4; as shown in the attached diagram. Figure 8 As shown, the photovoltaic tracking bracket drive device is in an intermediate state, with the deflection angle of the first toothed disk 3 and the second toothed disk 4 being 0; as shown in the attached diagram. Figure 9 As shown, when the external controller controls the motor 7 to rotate in the reverse direction, the roller chain 5 rotates counterclockwise under the action of the gearbox assembly 6, and the first toothed disc 3 and the second toothed disc 4 rotate clockwise under the traction of the roller chain 5, and the first toothed disc 3 and the second toothed disc 4 generate a clockwise deflection angle.

[0048] In this embodiment, when the roller chain 5 rotates and drives the first toothed disc 3 and the second toothed disc 4 to deflect, the following operating conditions exist:

[0049] 1. The roller chain 5 first meshes with the first toothed disc 3, causing the first toothed disc 3 to deflect. Under the action of the connecting rod 8, the first toothed disc 3 synchronously drives the second toothed disc 4 to deflect. The second toothed disc 4 also meshes with the roller chain 5 during the deflection process. In the subsequent transmission process, the first toothed disc 3 and the second toothed disc 4 deflect synchronously.

[0050] 2. The roller chain 5 first meshes with the second toothed disc 4, causing the second toothed disc 4 to deflect. Under the action of the connecting rod 8, the second toothed disc 4 synchronously drives the first toothed disc 3 to deflect. During the deflection process, the first toothed disc 3 also meshes with the roller chain 5. In the subsequent transmission process, the first toothed disc 3 and the second toothed disc 4 deflect synchronously.

[0051] 3. The roller chain 5 meshes with the first toothed disc 3 and the second toothed disc 4 at the same time, causing the first toothed disc 3 and the second toothed disc 4 to deflect synchronously.

[0052] The aforementioned operating conditions exist at the moment of startup, not during operation, and do not affect the distribution of load torque to the first gear 3 and the second gear 4 during subsequent drive processes. The specific first and second operating conditions are related to factors such as the fit accuracy between components and wear during long-term operation; the third operating condition is the operating condition under ideal fit conditions for the components.

[0053] Example 2

[0054] Combined with appendix Figure 2 To be continued Figure 10 The present invention provides a photovoltaic tracking bracket, which includes at least one set of the above-mentioned photovoltaic tracking bracket driving devices, and also includes a photovoltaic support 9 and a photovoltaic panel 10. The photovoltaic support 9 is connected to the main shaft 2, and the photovoltaic panel 10 is connected to the photovoltaic support 9.

[0055] In this embodiment, the photovoltaic tracking bracket drive device is provided in three sets, and the three sets of photovoltaic tracking bracket drive devices share the same motor 7. The motor 7 is connected to the input shaft 61 of the first set of photovoltaic tracking bracket drive devices, and the input shaft 61 of the second set of photovoltaic tracking bracket drive devices is coaxially connected to the input shaft 61 of the first set of photovoltaic tracking bracket drive devices through a connecting shaft 64.

[0056] In another embodiment, the photovoltaic tracking bracket drive device may also be provided in one set, two sets or other quantities, which is related to the number of photovoltaic panels 10 provided on the photovoltaic tracking bracket.

[0057] In this embodiment, the photovoltaic tracking bracket drive device can be completely placed below the photovoltaic panel 10 to avoid direct rain erosion, improve the lifespan of the entire drive device outdoors, and enable the photovoltaic tracking bracket to be maintenance-free for many years.

[0058] The present invention and its embodiments have been described above illustratively. This description is not restrictive, and the figures shown are only one embodiment of the present invention; the actual structure is not limited thereto. Therefore, if those skilled in the art are inspired by this description and design similar structures and embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention, such designs should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A photovoltaic tracking support drive apparatus, characterized by, The application relates to a photovoltaic tracking support driving device, which comprises a stand, a main shaft movably connected to the stand, a first toothed disc connected to the main shaft, a second toothed disc connected to the stand, a roller chain connected to the stand, a transmission assembly connected to the roller chain, and a motor connected to the transmission assembly, wherein the roller chain is arranged between the first toothed disc and the second toothed disc, a connecting rod is arranged between the first toothed disc and the second toothed disc, and the roller chain is engaged with the first toothed disc and the second toothed disc respectively. The first toothed disc comprises a first rotating part and a first outer toothed part, the second toothed disc comprises a second rotating part and a second outer toothed part, rollers are circumferentially arranged on the roller chain, the first outer toothed part and the second outer toothed part are engaged with the rollers respectively, the first rotating part is connected to the main shaft, and the second rotating part is connected to the stand. Both ends of the first toothed disc and both ends of the second toothed disc are provided with connecting rod hinged shafts, and two ends of the connecting rod are connected to the connecting rod hinged shafts on the same side of the first toothed disc and the second toothed disc respectively.

2. A photovoltaic tracking support drive according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting rod is arranged on the front and back of the first toothed disc and the second toothed disc.

3. A photovoltaic tracking support drive according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end of the main shaft close to the first rotating part is provided with a first flange, the first flange is connected to the first rotating part, a first bearing seat is arranged on the stand, a first bearing is arranged on the first bearing seat, and the main shaft is connected to the first bearing.

4. A photovoltaic tracking support drive according to claim 1, characterized in that, Second flanges are arranged on the two sides of the second rotating part, a second bearing is arranged on the stand, and the second flanges are connected to the second bearing.

5. A photovoltaic tracking support drive according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The transmission assembly is arranged on the side of the stand, the transmission assembly comprises an input shaft, a transmission rod and an output shaft, the input shaft is connected to the motor, the output shaft is connected to the roller chain, a first bevel gear is arranged on the input shaft, a second bevel gear is arranged on one end of the transmission rod, a worm is arranged on the other end of the transmission rod, a worm wheel is arranged on the output shaft, the first bevel gear is engaged with the second bevel gear, and the worm is connected to the worm wheel in a matched mode.

6. A photovoltaic tracking support drive according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The stand comprises a base and side plates arranged on the two sides of the base, the first toothed disc, the roller chain and the second toothed disc are arranged between the two side plates.

7. A photovoltaic tracking support drive according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first toothed disc and the second toothed disc are symmetrically arranged on the two sides of the roller chain.

8. A photovoltaic tracking support, characterized in that, The application further relates to a photovoltaic tracking support driving device, which comprises at least one set of the photovoltaic tracking support driving device, a photovoltaic support and a photovoltaic panel, the photovoltaic support is connected to the main shaft, and the photovoltaic panel is connected to the photovoltaic support.

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