Connection system for transfer bar of solar tracker

By adopting a connection system with polygonal cross-sectional transmission rod and universal joint, the difficulties and vibration problems existing in the assembly process of the existing solar tracker transmission rod connecting system are solved, and simpler assembly and longer equipment service life are achieved.

CN222602339UActive Publication Date: 2025-03-11TRINA SOLAR CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202323038452.2
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2022-11-11
Filing Date
2023-11-10
Publication Date
2025-03-11
Estimated Expiration
2033-11-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The transmission rod connecting systems of existing solar trackers are difficult during assembly, and the use of screws increases vibration and maintenance difficulties.

Method used

Using a connecting system of a transmission rod and a universal joint with a polygonal cross-section, torque transmission is achieved through the connection output of the polygonal cross-section and the universal joint, reducing the use of screws, and assembling and tightening are achieved through longitudinal sliding connections and through screws.

Benefits of technology

Simplifies the assembly process, reduces the use of screws, reduces vibration and maintenance difficulties, and extends the service life of the equipment.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to a connecting system for a transmission rod of a solar tracker, which is characterized in that the transmission rod of the solar tracker connects a main rotating shaft of a motorized first rotating module to a driven shaft of a second rotating module without a motor, and is connected to the first rotating module and the second rotating module by virtue of a first universal joint and a second universal joint; the first universal joint and the second universal joint are respectively fastened to respective connecting output parts of the first rotating module and the second rotating module, and each universal joint is provided with a connecting end corresponding to the connecting output part; the other end of the first universal joint and the other end of the second universal joint are respectively provided with a tubular connecting output part which is used for being connected with a transmission rod and is provided with a polygonal cross section, the transmission rod is correspondingly provided with a polygonal structure, and the first end can be longitudinally and slidably connected to the connecting output part of the first universal joint; and a connection output in which the second end is fixedly connectable to the second universal joint.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the industry of solar trackers specifically for photovoltaic solar panels, and more particularly to a connection system of a transmission rod of a solar tracker with at least two rows of solar panels. Background Art

[0002] In order to achieve an efficient transmission of movement and better adaptability to the different terrains on which the solar trackers can be installed, solutions are known that use motorized rotating modules to drive the rotation axes of the solar trackers, which are connected to the other rows by means of transmission rods that transmit the movement of the motorized rotating modules to the driven axes of the adjacent solar trackers. The rotation of all solar panels is thus synchronized and they adapt more easily to the terrain.

[0003] An example of this type of solution is found in utility model document ES1271451, which relates to a solar tracker with a transmission rod connecting two rows of solar trackers, connected to the corresponding rotating module of each row of solar trackers by a universal joint. The rod is a rod with a circular cross section, which consists of at least two rods joined by an intermediate joint that allows the distance to be adjusted by means of slots in the transmission rod assembly.

[0004] However, the problem is that there are difficulties during assembly due to the need to combine a universal connection between the different parts of the rod for fastening it to the rotating module and due to the numerous screws used for fastening between the parties.

[0005] In view of the described shortcomings or limitations of currently existing solutions, there is a need for a solution that allows for easier assembly while providing safe and efficient transmission of motion. Utility Model Content

[0006] In order to meet this purpose and solve the technical problems discussed so far, in addition to providing additional advantages that can be obtained later, the utility model provides a connection system for a transmission rod of a solar tracker having at least two rows of solar panels, wherein the transmission rod connects a main rotation shaft having a first rotation module with a motor to a driven shaft having a second rotation module without a motor, the transmission rod can be connected to the first rotation module by means of a first universal joint fastened to a connection output portion of the first rotation module, and can be connected to the second rotation module by means of a second universal joint fastened to a connection output portion of the second rotation module, characterized in that the first universal joint has a connection with the first rotation module at one end The first universal joint has a connection portion corresponding to the connection output portion of the second rotation module, and the other end of the first universal joint has a tubular connection output portion with a polygonal cross-section for connecting to the transmission rod, the second universal joint has a connection portion corresponding to the connection output portion of the second rotation module at one end, and has a connection portion corresponding to the tubular connection output portion with a polygonal cross-section at the other end of the second universal joint for connecting to the transmission rod, the transmission rod has a corresponding polygonal structure, and the first end of the transmission rod can be longitudinally slidably connected to the tubular connection output portion with a polygonal cross-section of the first universal joint, and the second end of the transmission rod can be fixedly connected to the tubular connection output portion with a polygonal cross-section of the second universal joint.

[0007] Thanks to this construction, the assembly process is facilitated since fewer parts are used compared to known solutions with tube joints. Instead of torsional stresses being absorbed by a threaded joint or a threaded fastener of the rod to the universal joint, as in the prior art, they are absorbed by the polygonal cross section of the rod and the connection output of the universal joint, the torque transmission being made possible by eliminating the binding screws. The joint is provided with a longitudinal sliding connection between the rod and the universal joint connection output, the length of the rod being fastened with a fixed joint at the other end of the rod once connected to another universal joint. In this way, a single rod is required instead of multiple sections, the rod with a polygonal cross section also having better mechanical properties than a rod with a circular cross section.

[0008] Furthermore, the reduction in screws and the better mechanical properties prevent or reduce vibrations in the transmission of motion between rotating axes, reducing maintenance and extending the service life of the equipment.

[0009] Preferably, the transmission rod with a polygonal cross-section will be square, which facilitates manufacturing and provides good mechanical properties.

[0010] According to a feature of the invention, the tubular connection output of the polygonal cross section of the first universal joint is adjustable by a snap fit of the transmission rod. This snap fit facilitates assembly by adjusting the insertion of the transmission rod into the tubular connection output of the polygonal cross section of the first universal joint to the desired length, without movement during assembly. It is also conceivable that the adjusted length of the transmission rod at the outlet of the first universal joint can be fastened by mechanical means according to a predetermined position.

[0011] Likewise, it is intended that the fastening of the connection outlet of the second universal joint is achieved by means of a through-screw passing through the through hole of the connection outlet of the second universal joint coinciding with the through hole of the second end of the transmission rod. This means that once the transmission rod is positioned using its sliding adjustment, the transmission rod can be easily fastened to prevent its longitudinal movement by simply positioning the through-screw.

[0012] According to another aspect of the invention, the first universal joint is fastened to the connection outlet of the first rotation module by means of a grub screw. This configuration provides a simple rod disconnection system that allows the adjustable first universal joint to be released by removing the grub screw, thereby allowing a simple disconnection for easy maintenance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 A perspective view of a double-row solar tracker having the transmission system object of the present invention is shown.

[0014] Figure 2 A front view of a transmission rod used in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention for connecting a first rotation module of a motorized rotation shaft to a second rotation module of a driven rotation shaft is shown.

[0015] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 A top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 4 An exploded front view of one end of a transmission rod coupled to a first rotation module by means of a first universal joint is shown.

[0017] Figure 5 Shown with Figure 4 Views similar to those in the assembled position.

[0018] Figure 6 An exploded front view is shown of the other end of the transmission rod coupled to the second rotation module by means of a second universal joint.

[0019] Figure 7 Shown with Figure 6 Views similar to those in the assembled position.

[0020] Figure 8 A detailed view of a first universal joint coupled to a connection output of a first rotation module is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] With reference to the above-mentioned drawings, and according to the numbers adopted, a preferred non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention can be seen therein, comprising the parts and elements indicated and described in detail below.

[0022] As in Figure 1 In the perspective view of the overall installation of the solar panels, it can be seen that due to the topography of the position of the solar panel 2 of the solar tracker and the synchronization of the rotation, the rotating shafts 3, 3' supported on the ground by the pillars 7 transmit the movement to the solar panel 2 itself; for the actual example of a double-row tracker, a transmission rod 1 is used, which transmits the rotational movement of the main rotating shaft 3 driven by the motorized first rotating module 4 to the driven shaft 3' without a motor through the second rotating module 4'.

[0023] To transmit motion smoothly and without vibration, e.g. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in , the connection system of the transmission rod 1 comprises a first universal joint 5 for joining one end of the rod 1 to a motorized first rotation module 4, and a second end of the rod 1 can be fastened to a second rotation module 4' of the driven shaft 3' by means of a second universal joint 5'.

[0024] The transmission rod 1 is peculiar in its polygonal cross-sectional configuration, specifically in the practical example shown in the figures, a square cross-section.

[0025] Therefore, from Figure 4 As can be seen in the figure, the first universal joint 5 comprises a connection end 5.1 having a circular cross section corresponding to the connection output 4.1 of the motorized first rotation module 4. This connection output 4.1 preferably has a cylindrical configuration with grooves, which facilitates the connection of the first universal joint 5, thereby generating a correct transmission of the rotational movement.

[0026] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, at the other end of the first universal joint 5, it comprises a connection output 5.2 having a square cross-sectional configuration corresponding to the square configuration of the transmission rod 1. The first end 1.1 of the transmission rod 1 thereby slides longitudinally (in the longitudinal direction of the rod) onto the connection outlet 5.2 of the first universal joint 5. The connection between the transmission rod 1 and the connection output 5.2 of the first universal joint 5 will preferably be adjustable by pressure to facilitate the assembly work, so that a pre-tensioning is achieved, which prevents the rod 1 from easily coming out of the connection output 5.2.

[0027] In addition, according to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the connection system of the transmission rod 1 comprises a second universal joint 5' for fastening the second end 1.1' of the transmission rod 1 to the second rotation module 4' of the driven shaft 3'. Similar to the first universal joint 5, the second universal joint 5' comprises a connection end 5.1' having a cylindrical configuration corresponding to the connection output 4.1' of the second rotation module 4' of the driven rotation shaft 3'. The connection output 4.1' preferably has a cylindrical configuration with grooves, which facilitates the connection of the second universal joint 5' to the second rotation module 4'.

[0028] At the other end of the second universal joint 5', it comprises a connection output 5.2' having a square cross-sectional configuration corresponding to the square configuration of the transmission rod 1. The second end 1.1' of the transmission rod 1 is thereby inserted into the connection output 5.2' for fastening by means of a through screw 6 passing through the through hole 1.2' of the transmission rod 1 and the through hole 5.3' of the connection output 5.2'.

[0029] Thus, there is a connection system of a transmission rod 1 that facilitates assembly, such that, first, a first universal joint 5 is fastened to a motorized first rotary module 4 by inserting the connection end 5.1 into a slotted cylindrical connection output 4.1. Next, the first end 1.1 of the transmission rod 1 with a square cross section is slidably inserted into a connection output 5.2 with a square cross section, preferably with an adjustment length of about 125 mm. During this process, the transmission rod 1 is inserted so as to rest against the first universal joint 5 in an inclined position, then the rod 1 is arranged in a horizontal position and the rod slides until it is inserted into the second universal joint 5', which previously has been fastened to the connection output 4.1' of the second rotary module 4' of the driven rotary shaft 3'.

[0030] Once the second end 1.1' of the transmission rod 1 has been inserted into the connection output 5.2' of the second universal joint 5', it is fastened using the through screw 6 so that it prevents longitudinal movement of the rod 1 on the connection output 5.2. This configuration allows the use of a single transmission rod 1 and significantly reduces the screws necessary for assembly, making assembly easier and smooth transmission of movements without vibrations that may be generated by misalignment of the various screws used in the joints of known solutions.

[0031] In addition, from Figure 8As can be seen in the figure, the fastening between the connection end 5.1 of the first universal joint 5 and the connection output 4.1 of the motorized first rotation module 4 is done by a grub screw 8, thereby providing a good disconnection system for the transmission rod 1. For disconnection, firstly, the grub screw 8 is removed so that the adjustable first universal joint 5 can be released, leaving the through screw 6 of the second universal joint 5', thus disconnecting the transmission rod 1 by removing said through screw 6, so as to replace or maintain it.

Claims

1. A connection system for a transmission rod (1) of a solar tracker, the solar tracker having at least two rows of solar panels (2), the transmission rod (1) of the solar tracker connecting a main rotation axis (3) of a motorized first rotation module (4) to a driven axis (3') of a second rotation module (4') without a motor, the transmission rod (1) being connectable to the first rotation module (4) and the second rotation module (4') by means of a first universal joint (5) and a second universal joint (5'), the first universal joint (5) and the second universal joint (5') being fastened to a connection output portion (4.1) of the first rotation module (4) and a connection output portion (4.1') of the second rotation module (4'), respectively, characterized in that: The first universal joint (5) has a connection output portion (4.1) corresponding to the first rotation module (4) at one connection end (5.1), and the other end of the first universal joint (5) has a tubular connection output portion (5.2) with a polygonal cross section for connecting to the transmission rod (1), and the second universal joint (5') has a connection output portion (4.1') corresponding to the second rotation module (4') at one connection end (5.1'), and the other end of the second universal joint (5') has a tubular connection output portion (5.2') with a polygonal cross section for connecting to the transmission rod (1), the transmission rod (1) correspondingly having a polygonal structure, and wherein the first end (1.1) of the transmission rod (1) can be longitudinally slidably connected to the tubular connection output portion (5.2') with a polygonal cross section of the first universal joint (5), and wherein the second end (1.1') of the transmission rod (1) can be fixedly connected to the tubular connection output portion (5.2') with a polygonal cross section of the second universal joint (5').

2. The connection system for a transmission rod (1) for a solar tracker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transmission rod (1) is square.

3. A connection system for a transmission rod (1) for a solar tracker according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The tubular connection output part (5.2) of the first universal joint (5) with a polygonal cross section can be adjusted by snap-fitting of the transmission rod (1).

4. The connection system for a transmission rod (1) for a solar tracker according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The tubular connection output part (5.2') with a polygonal cross section of the second universal joint (5') is fastened by means of a through screw (6) passing through a through hole (5.3') of the tubular connection output part (5.2') with a polygonal cross section of the second universal joint (5') coinciding with the through hole (1.2') of the second end (1.1') of the transmission rod (1).

5. The connection system for a transmission rod (1) for a solar tracker according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first universal joint (5) is fastened to the connection output (4.1) of the first rotation module (4) by means of grub screws (8).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Solar tracker with orientable solar panels arranged in rows

    ES1271451U