Support system for rotating shaft and solar tracker

Abstract

The utility model relates to a support system for a rotating shaft, the rotating shaft can be arranged to be inclined relative to each other, the system comprises a support pillar (2.1), a first rotating shaft (3.1) supported on the support pillar (2.1) through a first bearing assembly (5.1), and a second rotating shaft (3.2) supported on the support pillar (2.1) through a second bearing assembly (5.2), the first bearing assembly (5.1) and / or the second bearing assembly (5.2) comprises a spherical bearing (5.4) which can be freely rotated about a respective axis of rotation and out of a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The utility model also relates to a solar tracker.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a support system for a rotating shaft, in particular to a support system for a rotating shaft suitable for a solar tracker and relates to a solar tracker. Background Art

[0002] Today, solar trackers are known for use in solar installations, wherein the solar trackers are configured to automatically orient photovoltaic panels by rotating the axis of rotation to which they are fixed according to the position of the sun at any given moment, thereby increasing sunlight incidence on these panels throughout the day and thereby increasing electricity generation.

[0003] When a solar tracker is to be installed on uneven or irregular terrain, the problem of orienting the rotation axis of the solar tracker usually arises, wherein a single rotation axis is used to support and rotate a group of photovoltaic panels belonging to the same row of the solar tracker. In this case, the photovoltaic panels occupy a large longitudinal space, so that a long time is required to correctly orient the rotation axis of the solar tracker, which in turn increases the cost of assembling the solar tracker.

[0004] To this end, solar trackers are known, for example, the solar tracker disclosed in PCT application with publication number WO2016094864A1, wherein, instead of each row of solar trackers comprising a single rotation axis, it comprises multiple rotation axes connected to each other by articulated joints, which transfer rotation from one rotation axis to the next rotation axis, and wherein the articulated joints are supported on pillars, thereby allowing different rotation axes in this row of solar trackers to be tilted relative to the pillars and other rotation axes, which reduces the cost of assembling these solar trackers.

[0005] However, since the rotation axis is at a different inclination, the photovoltaic panel is fixed to the rotation axis, so it is also longitudinally inclined relative to the other photovoltaic panels. This leads to the disadvantage of reduced power generation, because the photovoltaic panel with a different longitudinal inclination than the other photovoltaic panels must be rotated at a different angle than the other photovoltaic panels to maximize power generation.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a support system for rotating shafts that allows for greater inclination of the rotating shafts relative to the support posts on which they are supported, while at the same time allowing for independent rotation of each rotating shaft. Utility Model Content

[0007] In order to achieve this object and solve the technical problems discussed so far, the present invention provides, in addition to providing other advantages that can be derived from the following, a support system for rotating shafts that can be arranged tiltably relative to each other, comprising:

[0008] - at least one supporting pillar,

[0009] - a first rotating shaft supported on a supporting strut by means of a first bearing assembly, and

[0010] - a second rotational axis, which is supported on the support strut by means of a second bearing assembly,

[0011] It is characterized in that the first bearing assembly and / or the second bearing assembly comprises a spherical bearing which can freely rotate around the corresponding rotation axis and can freely rotate out of a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis.

[0012] With this support system, the rotation axis successfully overcomes the unevenness and irregularities of the terrain by allowing at least one rotation axis to tilt relative to the pillars and at least another rotation axis to tilt independently, which, in addition to preventing corresponding cost overruns due to earthworks carried out to reduce or eliminate irregularities in the terrain, allows reducing the installation costs of the structure since it is not necessary to custom-manufacture each element of the structure (pillars, rotation axis, etc.).

[0013] Preferably, the first rotational axis and the second rotational axis can be actuated independently relative to each other, so that the present support system allows rotational movement of each rotational axis independent of each other, which in the case of a solar tracker maximizes power generation by allowing photovoltaic panels fixed to each rotational axis to rotate at specific angles that maximize power generation.

[0014] It is pointed out that the fact that the rotation axes can be actuated independently of one another is understood to mean that a rotational movement can be generated independently on each rotation axis.

[0015] Preferably, the first bearing assembly and / or the second bearing assembly comprises a tiltable support which can be removably fixed to the support strut in different tilting positions corresponding to different inclinations of the corresponding rotating axis supported on the support strut, in this way, by the combination of the spherical bearing and the tiltable support, the tilting ability of the rotating axis relative to the support strut is enhanced, thereby increasing the terrain unevenness that can be overcome and facilitating the assembly of the structure.

[0016] Preferably, the support element comprises a fixing hole for being screwed to the support strut, which can be aligned with a corresponding fixing hole of the support strut in different fixing positions corresponding to different inclinations of the corresponding rotation axis supported on the support strut.

[0017] Preferably, the support system comprises at least one actuating element fixed to the support strut and configured for rotating the first rotation axis or the second rotation axis, which facilitates assembly by mounting the actuating element with the support strut.

[0018] Likewise, since each rotation axis is rotated by an independent actuating element, the rotation of each rotation axis is also independent of each other.

[0019] Examples of independent actuating elements may be linear actuators and / or rotary modules connected to electric motors.

[0020] Preferably, the support system comprises a plurality of support struts on which corresponding first and second rotation axes are supported, which contributes to the system's ability to overcome terrain irregularities, since a greater number of rotation axes increases the support system's adaptability to terrain irregularities.

[0021] Preferably, the support system comprises two side pillars, and the corresponding first and second rotating shafts are supported on the two side pillars by a third bearing assembly at each end of the rotating shaft that is not supported on the supporting pillar. In this way, the two ends of the rotating shaft are supported by the bearing assembly, which allows the rotation of the above-mentioned rotating shaft.

[0022] Preferably, the third bearing assembly comprises a spherical bearing which is capable of freely rotating about a corresponding rotation axis and of freely rotating out of a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis, and / or a tiltable support which is capable of being removably fixed to the support strut in different tilt positions corresponding to different inclinations of the rotation axis supported on the support strut, thereby allowing each rotation axis to tilt relative to the support strut on which it is supported.

[0023] Preferably, the support system is used for solar trackers having photovoltaic panels that can be oriented by an axis of rotation, but its use is not excluded for other structures having multiple axes of rotation.

[0024] Finally, another object of the present invention relates to a solar tracker, which comprises the support system for a rotating axis of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 A perspective view of a solar tracker according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0026] Figure 2 Shown according to Figure 1 A perspective view of a support strut on which two rotation axes of an embodiment are supported.

[0027] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 Side view of the support strut.

[0028] Figure 4 Shown according to Figure 1 A perspective view of a side support of an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 5 A perspective view of a solar tracker according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0030] Figure 6 Shown according to Figure 5 A perspective view of a support strut with an actuating element of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 7 A perspective view of a solar tracker according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0032] Figure 8 Shown according to Figure 7 A perspective view of an intermediate support column with an actuating element of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Fig. 9 A perspective view of a support pillar according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0034] Fig.10 Shows Fig. 9 Side view of the support strut. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The utility model relates to a support system for multiple rotating shafts 3 of a structure such as a solar tracker 1 .

[0036] It is reiterated that although the present support system is described as being used in an embodiment of a solar tracker 1 , it is not excluded that it can be used in other structures including multiple rotation axes 3 .

[0037] Figure 1 An example of a solar tracker 1 can be seen, wherein a photovoltaic panel 4 is fixed to one of the two rotation axes 3 of the solar tracker 1 by means of fixing means.

[0038] The rotating shaft 3 is supported at each of its ends on a support column 2 , thereby raising the photovoltaic panel 4 off the ground, thereby preventing the photovoltaic panel 4 from hitting the ground during the rotation of the rotating shaft 3 .

[0039] The rotating shaft 3 is supported on each pillar 2 through a bearing assembly 5 , respectively, wherein the bearing assembly 5 allows the rotating shaft 3 to rotate.

[0040] In this embodiment, a solar tracker array 1 consists of a first rotating shaft 3.1 and a second rotating shaft 3.2, wherein one end of the first rotating shaft 3.1 is supported on the supporting pillar 2.1 through a first bearing assembly 5.1 and the other end is supported on the side pillar 2.2 through a third bearing assembly 5.3.

[0041] Likewise, one end of the second rotating shaft 3.2 is supported on the supporting pillar 2.1 through a second bearing assembly 5.2, while the other end of the second rotating shaft 3.2 is supported on a side pillar 2.2 different from the side pillar on which the first rotating shaft 3.1 is supported, thereby forming a column of solar trackers 1.

[0042] It should be noted that, although in the present embodiment, the support system comprises only two rotation axes 3, it does not exclude the existence of more rotation axes 3 and their corresponding support pillars 2.1.

[0043] Figure 2 and 3 You can see it in more detail Figure 1 The support pillar 2.1 in the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the first bearing assembly 5.1 includes a spherical bearing 5.4, which allows the first rotation axis 3.1 to tilt relative to the support pillar 2.1, thereby overcoming the unevenness and irregularities of the terrain and allowing the first rotation axis 3.1 to rotate.

[0044] Furthermore, the second bearing assembly 5.2 includes a spherical bearing 5.4 which allows the second rotational axis 3.2 to tilt relative to the support strut 2.1 and the first rotational axis 3.1, which improves the ability to overcome unevenness and irregularities in terrain while allowing the second rotational axis 3.2 to rotate independently relative to the first rotational axis 3.1.

[0045] Likewise, the first bearing assembly 5.1 and the second bearing assembly 5.2 both comprise support members 5.6 for fixing them to the support strut 2.1, for which purpose each support member 5.6 comprises a fixing hole 5.6.1 for fixing by screwing so that these support members 5.6 can be aligned with corresponding fixing holes 5.6.1 of the support strut 2.1.

[0046] Furthermore, the fixing holes 5.6.1 of the support 5.6 are elongated holes, thus allowing the first bearing assembly 5.1 and the second bearing assembly 5.2 to be mounted in different fixing positions corresponding to different inclinations of the rotating shaft 3 they support.

[0047] In this way, by the combination of the spherical bearing 5.4 and the tiltable support 5.6, the tilting capability of the rotation axis 3 relative to the support pillar 2.1 is increased, thereby increasing the terrain irregularities that can be overcome and facilitating assembly, which in turn reduces the cost of assembly.

[0048] like Figure 4 As shown, a single rotating shaft 3 is supported on each side pillar 2.2 by a bearing assembly 5, the bearing assembly 5 comprising a spherical bearing 5.4, which allows the corresponding rotating shaft 3 to tilt relative to the side pillar 2.2; and a support member 5.6, which is used to fix the bearing assembly 5 to the side pillar 2.2 through a fixing hole 5.6.1.

[0049] Figure 5 Another embodiment of the present invention can be seen, in which the support system comprises an actuating element 6 to transmit the rotational movement to each rotation axis 3, specifically, in this embodiment, the actuating element 6 is a linear actuator 6.1 fixed to the side strut 2.2 and the support strut 2.1 respectively.

[0050] Considering that each rotating shaft 3 is actuated by an independent linear actuator 6.1, an independent rotation of each rotating shaft 3 is achieved, allowing maximization by allowing the photovoltaic panel 4 fixed to each rotating shaft 3 to rotate at a specific angle that maximizes power generation.

[0051] like Figure 6 As shown, the linear actuator 6 . 1 is fixed at one end to a strut 2 , either the supporting strut 2 . 1 or one of the side struts 2 . 2 , and at the other end to one of the rotary shafts 3 so that it transmits a rotary movement to said rotary shaft 3 .

[0052] Likewise, since the linear actuator 6 . 1 is fixed to one of the existing pillars 2 in the support system, a simple construction and assembly is achieved by using the existing pillars 2 .

[0053] It should be noted that although in the present embodiment each linear actuator 6 . 1 is fixed to a different strut 2 , it is not excluded to fix two linear actuators 6 . 1 to a single strut 2 , wherein each linear actuator 6 . 1 will drive a different rotary axis 3 .

[0054] In another embodiment, the support system comprises an intermediate support column 2.3, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 It can be seen that the intermediate support is located between the supports 2 on which the ends of the rotating shaft 3 are supported.

[0055] Only one rotating shaft 3 is supported on each intermediate pillar 2.3 by means of a bearing assembly 5 comprising a spherical bearing 5.4 and a support 5.6 for fixing the bearing assembly 5 to the intermediate pillar 2.3.

[0056] The linear actuator 6 . 1 is fixed at one end to the intermediate strut 2 . 3 and at the other end to one of the rotary shafts 3 so that it transmits a rotary movement to said rotary shaft 3 .

[0057] Since the rotational movement is transmitted to each rotational axis 3 at a position close to the longitudinal center of the rotational axis 3, the load distribution is improved, thereby increasing the service life of the different elements of the support system.

[0058] Likewise, considering that each rotating shaft 3 is driven by an independent linear actuator 6.1, independent rotation of each rotating shaft 3 is achieved, thereby allowing maximization of power generation by allowing the photovoltaic panel 4 fixed to each rotating shaft 3 to rotate at a specific angle that maximizes power generation.

[0059] In another embodiment, if Fig. 9 and 10 As shown, only one bearing assembly 5 comprising a spherical bearing 5.4 is fixed to the support strut 2.1 on which the two rotating shafts 3 are supported.

[0060] exist Fig. 9 and Fig.10 In the specific case of, the second bearing assembly 5.2 comprises a spherical bearing 5.4, while the first bearing assembly 5.1 will be connected to an electric motor 6.2, which rotates the bearing of the first rotating assembly 5.1 via a worm, wherein the first rotating assembly 5.1 will be converted into an actuating element 6, which is therefore called a rotating module 5.5 considering that it transmits the rotational movement to the first rotating shaft 3.1 connected thereto.

[0061] The rotating module 5.5 comprises a module support 5.6.2 for fixing it to the corresponding pillar 2. To this end, the module support 5.6.2 comprises a fixing hole 5.6.1, and the module support 5.6.2 can be aligned with the corresponding fixing hole 5.6.1 of the pillar 2.

[0062] Likewise, the fixing holes 5.6.1 of the module supports 5.6.2 are elongated holes and are configured to allow the rotary module 5.5 to be assembled in different fixing positions corresponding to different inclinations of the rotary shaft 3 it supports.

[0063] This is important because fixing the module support 5.6.2 to the pillar 2 allows the rotation axis 3 to tilt relative to the pillar 2 due to the lack of spherical bearings 5.4 in the rotation module 5.5.

[0064] Furthermore, considering that the rotating module 5.5 must be properly fixed to the pillar 2, the module support 5.6.2 requires a larger surface of the pillar 2 for fixing, which hinders the ability to fix the second bearing assembly 5.2 to the aforementioned pillar 2.

[0065] To this end, the second bearing assembly 5.2 comprises a support 5.6 for fixing it to the support 5.6 of the rotation module 5.5 through corresponding fixing holes 5.6.1.

[0066] Likewise, the support 5.6 of the second bearing assembly 5.2 protrudes away from the ground so that the end of the second rotational axis 3.2 is in an elevated position relative to the end of the first rotational axis 3.1, thereby preventing the second rotational axis 3.2 from interfering with the rotational module 5.5 and / or the first rotational axis 3.1.

[0067] However, it is not excluded that the support 5.6 of the rotary module 5.5 protrudes in a direction away from the ground, so that the end of the first rotary axis 3.1 is in a raised position relative to the end of the second rotary axis 3.2.

Claims

1. A support system for rotating shafts, the rotating shafts being capable of being arranged to be tilted relative to each other, the support system comprising: - supporting pillars (2.1), - a first rotating shaft (3.1) supported on said support strut (2.1) by means of a first bearing assembly (5.1), and - a second rotating shaft (3.2) supported on said support strut (2.1) via a second bearing assembly (5.2), It is characterized in that the first bearing assembly (5.1) and / or the second bearing assembly (5.2) comprises a spherical bearing (5.4), which can rotate freely around the corresponding rotation axis and can rotate freely out of a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis.

2. The support system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first rotation axis (3.1) and the second rotation axis (3.2) can be actuated independently relative to each other.

3. The support system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that: The first bearing assembly (5.1) and / or the second bearing assembly (5.2) comprises a tiltable support (5.6) which can be removably fixed to the support strut (2.1) in different tilting positions corresponding to different inclinations of the corresponding rotation axis supported on the support strut (2.1).

4. The support system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The support member (5.6) comprises a fixing hole (5.6.1) for fixing to the support pillar (2.1) by screwing, and the fixing hole can be aligned with the corresponding fixing hole (5.6.1) of the support pillar (2.1) in different fixing positions corresponding to the different inclinations of the corresponding rotation axis supported on the support pillar (2.1).

5. The support system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that: The support system comprises at least one actuating element (6) fixed to the support strut (2.1) and configured to rotate the first rotation axis (3.1) or the second rotation axis (3.2).

6. The support system according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that: The support system comprises a plurality of support pillars (2.1), on which respective first rotation axes (3.1) and second rotation axes (3.2) are supported.

7. The support system according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that: The support system comprises two side pillars (2.2) on which respective first and second rotating shafts (3.1 and 3.2) are supported at each end of the rotating shafts not supported on the support pillars (2.1) by means of third bearing assemblies (5.3).

8. The support system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The third bearing assembly (5.3) comprises a spherical bearing (5.4) which is able to rotate freely around the corresponding rotation axis and is able to rotate freely out of the plane perpendicular to the rotation axis; and / or a tiltable support member (5.6) which is able to be removably fixed to the support pillar (2.1) in different tilt positions corresponding to different inclinations of the rotation axis supported on the support pillar (2.1).

9. The support system according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that: It is used for a solar tracker (1) having a photovoltaic panel plate (4) which can be oriented by rotating the rotation axis.

10. A solar tracker, characterized in that: It comprises a support system for a rotating shaft according to any one of claims 1-9.

Images