Multiple devices in series, single power input, multi-azimuth tracking of the sun mechanical automation device

Abstract

This invention discloses a mechanically automated device that connects multiple devices in series, uses a single power input, and tracks sunlight from multiple directions. A single power source can power a series of devices to achieve multi-directional sunlight tracking through mechanical automation. In particular, it can adjust the maximum elevation angle of the panel according to different seasons to absorb as much sunlight as possible. Its structure is as follows: a power input shaft on the lower body provides power to an elevation angle swinging body, causing it to swing at an elevation angle. Simultaneously, power is transmitted to left and right swinging bodies, which are oscillated left and right by worm gears. When the elevation angle reaches its highest point and begins to decline, a clutch reversing mechanism reverses the transmission components of the left and right swinging bodies, achieved by a fork actuating a pull rod. Seasonal changes require individual adjustment of the device's maximum elevation angle. This involves moving the clutch reversing mechanism to neutral and holding it there, with a limit switch signaling a synchronous gripper to execute the adjustment. Two helical surfaces with opposite directions are used, and the fork's arc-shaped boss actuates the pull rod.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a device with only one power source that can mechanically and automatically track sunlight from multiple directions for a series of devices, especially one that can adjust the maximum elevation angle of the plate at any time according to different seasons to absorb as much sunlight as possible. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the most common types of solar trackers can be divided into two categories. The first type consists of a single power source connected to multiple devices, which can only swing at an elevation angle and cannot track in multiple directions. The second type consists of individual electrical controls that track in multiple directions. Of the two types, the former is of lower quality and has a poor effect on absorbing sunlight, while the latter is more expensive and difficult to popularize. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To overcome the limitations of conventional sunlight-tracking devices, which range from simple with poor performance to high cost for those with good performance, this invention provides a device with only one power input that can mechanically and automatically track sunlight from multiple directions for a series of devices. In particular, it can adjust the maximum elevation angle of the panel according to different seasons to absorb as much sunlight as possible. Compared to electrically automatic designs, the mechanical automatic design of this device offers lower cost, higher reliability, and especially better synchronization.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by the device of the present invention to solve its technical problem is as follows: The device consists of four mechanisms: 1. Power input and elevation swing mechanism, 2. Left and right swing and forward and reverse reversing shift fork clutch mechanism, 3. Shift fork power output mechanism, and 4. Forward and reverse movement engagement neutral position and holding mechanism.

[0005] Structure and Operation Process 1: This device is mainly composed of the lower body and the elevation swing body, forming a "power input and elevation swing mechanism". The power input shaft runs through the left and right sides of the lower body (the power comes from the same series input shaft). The shaft is equipped with a backlash-free gear assembly and a pair of support rollers. The backlash-free gear assembly transmits power to the incomplete gear on the elevation swing body, causing it to swing at an elevation angle. The pair of support rollers and the four (two pairs) curved rollers set on the lower body of the device force the elevation swing body to rotate around a point, achieving the effect of elevation swing.

[0006] Structure and Action Process Two: While oscillating at an elevation angle, power is simultaneously transmitted to the "left-right oscillation, forward / reverse reversing fork clutch mechanism." An incomplete internal gear on the left side of the lower body of this device transmits power to the forward / reverse coupling gear set within the mechanism. This mechanism has a hollow worm shaft passing through the left and right sides of the oscillating body. When the worm rotates, the incomplete worm wheel meshing with it rotates around the axis supporting the left and right oscillating bodies, thus achieving the left-right oscillation of the oscillating bodies. The prerequisite for the above action is that the forward / reverse moving coupling must be engaged. The forward / reverse moving coupling has three positions: forward, reverse, and neutral. This action is achieved by a pull rod in the hollow worm shaft hole, one end connected to the forward / reverse moving coupling, the other end connected to the pull rod mover, and then a fork actuating the pull rod.

[0007] Structure and Action Process 3: While swinging the elevation angle, the incomplete internal gear on the right side of the lower body of this device transmits power to the "shift fork power output mechanism". This mechanism is fixed on the right side of the elevation swing body. The incomplete internal gear transmits power to the idler gear loosely fitted on the worm shaft. The idler gear is connected to the input gear of the mechanism. There is a spring friction pair between the input gear and the power output component. When the elevation angle of the device swings to the preset maximum (the left and right swing bodies rotate to the middle, and the elevation angle faces due south), the power input shaft of this device must be reversed, and the elevation angle begins to move downward. At this time, the reversing shift fork works, the forward and reverse movement coupling moves, and engages with the gear coupling on the other side to reverse the direction, so as to achieve the purpose of reversing the direction of the power input shaft without reversing the direction of the left and right swing bodies, and continuing to swing to the right (west). The working principle of the mechanism is as follows: A limiting cylinder is installed on the outer circle of the power output component of the shift fork power output mechanism. The shift fork support frame, which is integral with the base plate of this mechanism, has an extension fixing component with a short groove. The limiting cylinder on the power output component extends into the short groove to limit the maximum rotation angle required for the shift fork to work. When the power output component rotates in a certain direction until the limiting cylinder is blocked in the groove, it indicates that the shift fork has reached the working position and the friction wheel is slipping. Therefore, the component has no power output and is in a ready-to-operate state. Power output is only generated when the power input shaft of this device is reversed and the power output component of the shift fork power output mechanism rotates in the opposite direction to make the shift fork work.

[0008] Structure and Operation Process 4: Seasonal changes in solar altitude necessitate changes in the maximum elevation angle of the device. Changing the maximum elevation angle requires moving the forward / reverse movement coupling to neutral. This necessitates the creation of a "forward / reverse movement coupling neutral position and holding mechanism." A limit switch stop block is installed on the worm shaft, and the corresponding limit switch is fixed to the elevation angle swing body. The contact point between the stop block and the switch contact is precisely when the worm shaft's left / right swing body rotates to the center, with the elevation angle facing due south. At this point, the signal received by the limit switch sends a command to the device's electronic control system, causing a pair of synchronously opening and closing grippers to move the limit switch in the shift fork power output mechanism. The cylinder is pushed to the middle position and held there. This power comes from a miniature geared motor. This allows the forward and reverse moving coupling to be in neutral, enabling independent adjustment of the elevation angle without any unrelated connections. Once the elevation angle is adjusted, the synchronously engaging and disengaging jaws separate, and the device begins normal operation. The forward and reverse moving coupling will automatically engage with the desired side, thus completing the adjustment. For the limit switch signal acquisition component, only one device in a series is needed; the signal from one device is used for the entire series.

[0009] Multiple units of this device are connected together by connecting rods to connect the input shafts of all the devices, and power is input at any one end.

[0010] The beneficial effect of this invention is that it can automatically track sunlight from multiple directions with only one power input, and in particular, it can adjust the maximum elevation angle of the panel at any time according to different seasons to absorb as much sunlight as possible. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The device will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the multiple series connections and required power inputs of this device.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a front view sectional view of the main structure of this device.

[0014] Figure 3 This is an unfolded diagram of the forward and reverse rotating gear set of this device.

[0015] Figure 4 This is the left view of the device.

[0016] Figure 5 This is the working diagram of the maximum elevation angle swing of this device.

[0017] Figure 6 This is the diagram showing the maximum left and right swing of this device.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the main structure of the shift fork power output mechanism of this device.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a right-side view of the shift fork power output of this device.

[0020] Figure 9 This device Figure 8 AA sectional view.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the working operation of the shift fork power output of this device.

[0022] Figure 11 This is a right view of the "shift fork power output mechanism" and the "forward and reverse movement coupling neutral position and holding mechanism" of this device.

[0023] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the initial working state of the synchronous opening and closing grippers of this device.

[0024] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the relationship between the limiting cylinder, the extension fixing component, and the driven friction wheel / power output component of this device.

[0025] Figure 14 This is an external view of the shift fork power output mechanism of this device.

[0026] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing the working endpoint of the synchronous opening and closing gripper of the forward and reverse movement combination of the device and the holding mechanism.

[0027] Figure 16 This device Figure 15 BB cross-section.

[0028] In the diagram: 1. Power required by the series power input shaft of this device; 2. This device; 3. Connecting rod between devices; 4. Power input shaft; 5. Lower body; 6. Backlash-free main gear; 7. Adjusting thin gear; 8. Support roller; 9. Curved roller; 10. Elevation oscillating body; 11. Incomplete gear; 12. Incomplete internal gear a; 13. Idler gear a; 14. Idler gear shaft; 15. Reverse gear coupling; 16. Forward gear coupling; 17. Forward and reverse moving coupling; 18. Tie rod connecting pin; 19. Empty. 20. Worm shaft, 21. Pull rod, 22. Pull rod mover, 23. Limit switch stop block, 24. Limit switch, 25. Left and right swing body, 26. Incomplete worm gear, 27. Left and right swing body support shaft, 28. Incomplete internal gear b, 29. Idler gear b, 30. Input gear of shift fork power output mechanism, 31. Driving friction wheel, 32. Driven friction wheel and power output component, 33. Compression spring, 34. Base and shift fork bracket, 35. Shift fork support shaft, 36. Shift fork arc surface boss, 37. Mandrel, 38. Extension fixing component, 39. Limiting small cylinder, 40. Synchronous gripper a, 41. Synchronous gripper b, 42. Gripper power input gear, 43. Follower support gear, 44. Guide rail and base, 45. Miniature geared motor, 46. Needle roller flat cage assembly, 47. Torsion spring, 48. Pressure plate. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The entire structure of this device is divided into four parts, which will be described separately.

[0030] I. Power Input and Elevation Oscillation Mechanism Figure 2 Combination Figure 4 , Figure 5The power input shaft (4) is installed on the lower body (5) and passes through the left and right wall panels. The shaft is equipped with a backlash-free gear assembly and a pair of support rollers (8). The backlash-free gear assembly transmits power to the incomplete gear (11) on the elevation swing body (10). The elevation swing body (10) has two symmetrical arc-shaped guide rails. The center of the arc of the arc-shaped guide rail and the center of the incomplete gear (11) are the same center. Four (two pairs) curved rollers (9) set on the lower body (5) of the device are tightly fastened to the two arc-shaped guide rails of the elevation swing body (10). A pair of support rollers (8) press against the elevation swing body (10). When the backlash-free gear assembly transmits power to the incomplete gear (11) on the elevation swing body (10), it forces the elevation swing body (10) to rotate around the same center point, thus achieving the effect of elevation swing. The backlash elimination gear set consists of a backlash elimination main tooth (8), an adjusting thin tooth (7), and a torsion spring (47). The adjusting thin tooth (7) is loosely fitted on the shaft, and the two legs of the torsion spring extend into the small holes on the two sides of the gear plane. The torque of the torsion spring (47) is used to eliminate the backlash of the gear during meshing.

[0031] II. Left-right swing, forward and reverse reversing shift fork clutch mechanism Figure 2 Combination Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 3 , Figure 6While the body is swinging at an elevation angle, the incomplete internal gear (12) mounted on the left plane of the lower body (5) transmits power to the "forward and reverse gear set". The center of the incomplete internal gear a (12) is the same as the center mentioned above. A hollow worm shaft (19) is mounted on the body (10) at an elevation angle and runs horizontally from left to right. The incomplete internal gear a (12) simultaneously meshes with the forward gear coupling (16) and the idler gear a (13) in the "forward and reverse gear set". The idler gear a (13) meshes with the reverse gear coupling (15). The idler gear a (13) has an idler shaft (14) and is positioned on the left plane of the body (10) at an elevation angle. The forward gear coupling (16) and the reverse gear coupling (15) are loosely fitted on the hollow worm shaft. On the hollow worm shaft (19), there is a pull rod (28) in the hole. One end is connected to the forward and reverse moving coupling (17), and the other end is connected to the pull rod mover (21). The hollow worm shaft has a through groove on the "moving section" of the forward and reverse moving coupling. A pull rod connecting pin (18) passes through the pull rod (28) and through the through groove to connect with the forward and reverse moving coupling (17). The forward and reverse moving coupling (17) has three positions: forward, reverse, and neutral. A shift fork (35) moves the pull rod mover (21) to achieve this. When the hollow worm shaft (19) rotates, the incomplete worm wheel (25) on the left and right swing body (24) that meshes with it rotates around the axis of the left and right swing body support shaft (26), thereby realizing the left and right swing of the left and right swing body. The two ends of the left and right swing body support shaft (26) are fixed to the left and right sides of the upper end of the elevation angle swing body (10). The above action is premised on the forward and reverse moving coupling (17) being closed.

[0032] III. Shift Fork Power Output Mechanism Figure 2 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 Combination Figure 9 , Figure 10While swinging at an elevation angle, the incomplete internal gear b (27) mounted on the right plane of the lower body (5) transmits power to the idler gear b (28) which is loosely fitted on the other shaft of the worm shaft. The idler gear b meshes with the input gear (29) of the shift fork power output mechanism. The active friction wheel (30) is fixed on the input gear (29) and forms a friction pair with the driven friction wheel and power output component (31). The combination of the compression spring (32), spindle (37), and pressure plate 48 provides pressure to the friction pair. The spindle (37) is fixed on the base plate of the base and shift fork bracket (33). The base and shift fork bracket (33) is mounted on the right plane of the elevation angle swing body (10). When the device swings to the preset maximum (the left and right swinging bodies rotate to the center and the elevation angle faces due south), the power input shaft (4) of this device must change direction, and the elevation angle begins to move downward. At this time, the reversing fork must work, and the forward and reverse moving coupling (17) needs to move to the gear rotating in the opposite direction on the other side to change direction, so as to achieve the purpose of the left and right swinging bodies (24) not changing direction when the power input shaft changes direction, and continuing to swing to the right (west). (Note: If the top tooth friction pair is encountered during the reversal, it will slip for a moment and the coupling will automatically engage when it is aligned). The working principle of the above reversing action is as follows: A limiting cylinder (39) is installed on the outer circle of the driven friction wheel and power output component (31). An extension fixing component (38) is fixed on the base and shift fork bracket (33) on the right plane of the elevation swing body (10). A short groove is opened on the extension fixing component. The limiting cylinder (39) on the outer circle of the driven friction wheel and power output component (31) extends into the short groove to limit the maximum rotation angle required for its shift fork to work. When the driven friction wheel and power output component... When component (31) rotates in a certain direction until the limiting cylinder (39) is blocked in the groove, it indicates that the shift fork has reached the working position and the friction pair is slipping. Therefore, there is no power output from this component, and the reversing mechanism is in a ready-to-work state. Only when the power input shaft (4) reverses direction and the driven friction wheel and power output component (31) of the shift fork power output mechanism rotates in the opposite direction, will the limiting cylinder (39) swing to the other end of the short groove, and there will be power output to make the shift fork work. Similarly, when the small cylinder is blocked, the friction pair slips and waits for the next work. The working principle of the driven friction wheel and power output component (31) rotating to move the shift fork is as follows: There is a pair of two spiral surfaces with opposite spiral directions on the outer end face of the power output component. The two spiral surfaces contact the upper and lower two arc surface bosses (36) on the shift fork (35) respectively. When the power output component rotates, the upper spiral surface pushes the arc surface boss outward, and the lower spiral surface moves backward in the same rhythm, so the shift fork (35) can swing. The same principle applies when the shift fork swings in the opposite direction. The shift fork (35) is supported by a shift fork support shaft (34) fixed on the base and shift fork bracket (33).

[0033] IV. Forward and reverse movement combined with neutral gear and holding mechanism Figure 15 , Figure 16 Combination Figure 11 , Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 As the sun's altitude changes with the seasons, the maximum operating elevation angle of this device needs to be changed accordingly. This means that the maximum elevation angle of the elevation swing body (10) needs to be changed separately. Therefore, the forward and reverse movement coupling (17) must be moved to the neutral position. A limit switch block (17) is installed on the hollow worm shaft (19), and the matching limit switch (27) is fixed on the left plane of the elevation swing body (10). The contact point between the block and the switch contact is exactly the left and right swing body (24) corresponding to the rotation angle of the hollow worm shaft (19) swinging to the middle, with the elevation angle facing due south. At this time, the signal received by the limit switch (27) sends a command to the device's electrical control, causing a pair of synchronously opening and closing grippers to push the limit cylinder (39) protruding in the short groove of the extension fixing part (38) to the middle position and hold it, so that the forward and reverse movement coupling (17) is moved to the neutral position. At this time, adjusting the elevation angle separately will not affect other unrelated actions. The working principle of the synchronous opening and closing gripper is as follows: There are two symmetrical guide rail grooves on the guide rail and base (44) fixed on the right plane of the elevation swing body (10), synchronous gripper a (40) and synchronous gripper b (41). In their grooves, there are machined racks on the inner side of the two grippers, and between the two racks is a gripper power input gear (42) and a follower support gear (43) meshing with it. The power of the input gear comes from the micro geared motor (45). The micro geared motor (45) is installed on the upper plane of the guide rail and base (44). Between the synchronous gripper and the guide rail groove, there is a roller flat retainer assembly (46) to reduce friction. When the micro geared motor (45) rotates, the two synchronous grippers open and close synchronously. After the elevation angle is adjusted, the synchronously opening and closing grippers separate, and the device continues to work normally. The forward and reverse moving connector will automatically engage the required side, thus completing the adjustment. Limit switch signal acquisition component: Only one device needs to be present in a series of devices, and the signal of one device is used for a series of devices.

[0034] Figure 1 Multiple devices are connected by connecting rods to connect the input shafts of all devices, and power is input at any end of the device, wherein: the power required by the power input shaft of the device is connected in series (1), the device (2), and the connecting rod between devices (3).

Claims

1. A mechanically automated device that uses multiple devices connected in series, with a single power input, and tracks sunlight from multiple directions, characterized by: The power input shaft is mounted on the lower body, and a backlash-free gear assembly and a pair of support rollers are mounted on the shaft. The backlash-free gear assembly transmits power to the incomplete gear on the tilting oscillator, causing it to tilt at an angle. The pair of support rollers and four (two pairs) of curved rollers on the lower body force the tilting oscillator to rotate around a point. An incomplete internal gear a on one side of the lower body is connected to a forward and reverse gear set. A hollow worm shaft is mounted on the tilting oscillator, and the worm and its meshing incomplete worm wheel rotate around the axis supporting the left and right oscillators, thus realizing the left and right oscillation of the oscillators. An incomplete internal gear b on the other side of the lower body transmits power to an idler gear a loosely fitted on the worm shaft. The idler gear is connected to a spring friction pair. The shift fork power output mechanism has a power output component that swings left and right, causing the shift fork to move a pull rod and a lever in the hollow worm shaft hole. The other end of the lever is connected to a forward / reverse movement coupling to achieve three positions: forward, reverse, and neutral. When adjusting the maximum elevation angle separately: a rotating limit switch stop block is installed on the worm shaft, and a matching limit switch is fixed on the elevation angle swing body. The contact point between the stop block and the switch contact is exactly when the worm shaft is rotated to the middle position and the elevation angle is due south. The signal received by the limit switch sends a command to the mechanism, causing a pair of synchronously opening and closing grippers to push the limit cylinder in the mechanism to the middle position and hold it there, so that the forward / reverse movement coupling moves to the neutral position. In the aforementioned mechanical automation device: (i) A pair of support rollers hold the tilting body in place, and four (two pairs) curved rollers are tightly fastened to the two arc-shaped guide rails of the tilting body. The backlash-free gear set consists of backlash-free main teeth, adjusting thin teeth, and torsion springs. (ii) The incomplete internal gear a simultaneously meshes with the forward gear coupling and idler a in the "forward and reverse gear coupling set". The idler a meshes with the reverse gear coupling. The idler a has an idler shaft positioned on the left plane of the elevation swing body. The forward gear coupling and the reverse gear coupling are loosely fitted on the hollow worm shaft. (iii) The hollow worm shaft has a through slot, through which a tie rod connecting pin passes horizontally and is connected to the forward and reverse movement coupling. (iv) The active friction wheel is fixed on the input gear and forms a friction pair with the driven friction wheel, which is also a power output component. The compression spring, spindle, and pressure plate provide pressure to the friction pair. The spindle is fixed on the base plate of the base, which is also the shift fork bracket. The base, which is also the shift fork bracket, is installed on the right plane of the elevation swing body. (v) When the power input shaft reverses direction, the left and right swinging bodies do not reverse direction. The operating principle is as follows: A limiting cylinder is installed on the outer circle of the driven friction wheel and power output component. An extension fixing component is fixed on the base and shift fork bracket on the right plane of the elevation swinging body. A short groove is opened on the extension fixing component. The limiting cylinder on the outer circle of the driven friction wheel and power output component extends into the short groove to limit the maximum rotation angle required for the shift fork to work. When the driven friction wheel and power output component rotates in a certain direction until the limiting cylinder is blocked in the groove and the friction pair slips, when the power input shaft reverses direction, the driven friction wheel and power output component of the shift fork power output mechanism rotates in the opposite direction. The limiting cylinder swings to the other end of the short groove and outputs power again, making the shift fork work. (vii) The working principle of the driven friction wheel and power output component rotating to move the shift fork is as follows: There is a pair of two spiral surfaces with opposite spiral directions on the outer end face of the power output component. The two spiral surfaces contact the upper and lower arc surface protrusions on the shift fork respectively. When the power output component rotates, the upper spiral surface pushes the arc surface protrusion outward, and the lower spiral surface moves backward in the same rhythm, so the shift fork can swing. The shift fork swings in the opposite direction in the same way. The shift fork is supported by a shift fork support shaft fixed on the base and shift fork bracket. (vii) The protruding part of the limiting small cylinder in the short groove of the extension fastener is used for a pair of synchronous opening and closing grippers; (ⅷ) The structural principle of the gripper part is as follows: There are two symmetrical guide rail grooves on the guide rail and base fixed on the right plane of the tilting body. Synchronous gripper a and synchronous gripper b are in their grooves. There are machined racks on the inner side of the two grippers. Between the two racks are gripper power input gears and follower support gears. The power of the input gear comes from a micro geared motor. The micro geared motor is installed on the upper plane of the guide rail and base. A needle roller flat cage assembly to reduce friction is placed between the synchronous gripper and the guide rail groove. The gripper opens and closes when the motor rotates.

2. The mechanical automation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Multiple devices are connected by connecting rods to link the input shafts of all devices together, allowing power to be input at any one end.

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