Tracking device

Abstract

Tracking device (10) for solar and / or photovoltaic modules (12), comprising at least two posts (14), a central tube (22) extending at least partially between the posts (14) and rotatably mounted on the posts (14), a curved segment (24) connected to the central tube (22) in a rotationally fixed manner and having a plurality of laterally arranged recesses (30), and a gear transmission (32) with teeth, wherein the gear transmission (32) is designed to engage with the teeth in the recesses (30).

Description

The invention relates to a tracking device for solar and / or photovoltaic modules, comprising at least two posts and an arc segment with a plurality of perforations arranged laterally, and a gear drive with teeth, wherein the gear drive is configured to engage with the teeth in the perforations.EP 3 966 930 B1 discloses a corresponding tracking device. The content of EP 3 966 930 B1 is incorporated in its entirety into this application, in particular with regard to the feasibility and possible embodiments of the invention.A disadvantage of EP 3 966 930 B1 is that a cross member with supports for the solar modules is present. The ends of the arc segment are attached to the cross member. As a result, the construction and the assembly are comparatively complicated and complex.It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a tracking device which enables simple assembly.This object is achieved by the subject matters of the independent claims.According to the invention, the tracking device is designed for tracking solar and / or photovoltaic modules and / or can be used for this purpose.Tracking can be effected, for example, on the basis of the position of the sun. Thus, it can always be ensured that the sunlight impinges on the solar and / or photovoltaic modules at an optimum angle.Furthermore, a tracking can be carried out in order to adjust the solar and / or photovoltaic modules into a protective position, for example in the event of a storm, strong winds, hagel and / or a weather.A follow-up for cleaning purposes is also conceivable. For example, the solar and / or photovoltaic modules can be adjusted to a desired position in the event of rain.Finally, a tracking can be carried out in order to set up the solar and / or photovoltaic modules, e.g. at least substantially vertically. In this way, space is created between the rows in order to be able to treat the soil, for example with agricultural utility vehicles.The tracking can preferably take place with the aid of a control device. For example, these sensors can have. Tracking by means of a timer is also conceivable.The tracking device has at least two posts.The posts can be driven into the soil, for example.The tracking device has a central tube extending between the posts and rotatably mounted on the posts.Preferably, each post may have a support base for the central tube at its upper end.The central tube can move, preferably pivot, relative to the post.The tracking device has an arc segment connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the central tube.Preferably, the curved segment is positively fastened to the central tube. For example, the curved segment can be screwed and / or welded to the central tube. Furthermore, the curved segment and the central tube can also be manufactured in one piece.The use of a central tube provides a simple construction and facilitates assembly. The assembly effort is thus reduced. Furthermore, the load distribution of the modules is improved. Thus, a plurality of modules may be attached to a single center tube.A plurality of laterally arranged recesses are provided on the curved segment.Preferably, the recesses are arranged on a curved section of the arc segment. For example, the recesses can be placed equidistantly next to one another.The recesses are arranged laterally, i.e. they do not point downwards on the end face.A lateral arrangement of the recesses is advantageous compared to an end-face arrangement. Thus, occurring forces can be compensated better. For example, there is some backlash when the tracker bursts over time, for example.The recesses can preferably be holes which completely penetrate the arc segment. Alternatively, indentations are also conceivable.The tracking device comprises a toothed gear.Preferably, the gear drive can be driven by motor, e.g. electrically. For example, the gear drive can be connected to the control device.The term teeth is to be understood broadly here. For example, these may be at least substantially triangular, rectangular and / or pin-shaped.For example, the toothed gear mechanism can be a preferably standardized sprocket.The gear drive is configured to engage with the teeth in the recesses.When the gear drive is rotated, the arc segment and consequently the central tube connected thereto are thus pivoted in order to track the solar and / or photovoltaic modules.It was surprising that the combination of a central tube and a drive via laterally arranged recesses of the arc segment enables a reliable and also trouble-free tracking of solar and / or photovoltaic modules over a longer period of time despite the fundamentally weaker leverage effect.Thus, the central tube does bear the entire load. Due to the laterally arranged recesses, any sagging that may occur can be compensated for automatically.In contrast to a tracking device without a central tube, the assembly is also significantly simpler.Further developments of the invention can also be taken from the dependent claims, the description and the accompanying drawings.According to one embodiment, the recesses are formed as perforations, preferably elongated holes.The perforations may preferably be sized larger than the teeth. Thus, a certain amount of play may be present in order to be able to compensate for a possible sagging.The slots can be formed, for example, as rectangular slots.According to a further embodiment, the gear mechanism is preferably attached to the post in a height-adjustable manner.Because the central tube and the gear drive are fastened to the post, sagging does not lead to any disturbances, since these components are lowered together in this case.Preferably, a separate gear drive is provided for each post. The gear drives can preferably be coupled to one another via a common shaft.The optional height adjustability simplifies the assembly and enables adaptation to the terrain. For example, the gear drive can be mounted, e.g. screwed, at a desired height on the post.According to a further embodiment, the distance between a holding plane of the solar and / or photovoltaic modules and two upper terminations of the arc segment arranged on opposite sides of the central tube increases outwards from the central tube.The holding plane here defines a plane in which the solar and / or photovoltaic modules are arranged and / or held.The upper terminations may preferably be upper edges of the arc segment.The upper terminations are preferably angled with respect to the holding plane. For example, the two upper terminations can be arranged in a V-shape.The distance prevents contact to the solar and / or photovoltaic modules, thereby minimizing the risk of possible damage.According to a further embodiment, the arc segment has two end spokes arranged on opposite sides of the central tube.Preferably, the end spokes form the upper terminations of the arc segment.For example, the end spokes can each be arranged at the outer end of the bent section of the arc segment or at end regions of the arc segment.The end spokes can be oriented, for example, straight and / or parallel to one another. Alternatively, these can also be angled and / or bent.Alternatively, the arc segment can be formed over the full surface. The end spokes have the advantage, however, that material can be saved. Furthermore, the curved segment is thus permeable to wind.According to a further embodiment, the end spokes are designed to be axially symmetrical.This increases the stability, for example.Furthermore, the assembly can be facilitated, since the orientation of the curved segment plays no part in the assembly.According to a further embodiment, at least one support spoke is provided between the end spokes.As a result, for example, the stability can be further increased.According to a further embodiment, the central tube has an angular, preferably rectangular, cross-sectional area.For example, the cross-sectional area can be square.The torque can thus be transmitted from the arc segment in a simple manner to the central pipe.According to a further embodiment, the post has a ram profile and a bearing device.Preferably, the ram profile and the bearing device can be fastened, preferably screwed, to one another, for example in a height-adjustable manner. For height adjustment, a plurality of holes can be provided, for example.This allows simple assembly.For example, the pile profile can first be driven into the soil. Depending on the terrain, the pile profile can project from the soil for example between 1.5 m and 2 m. The fine adjustment of the height can then be effected via the positioning of the bearing device.The bearing device can have a bearing base, for example. The central tube can be rotatably fastened to the bearing base, for example.Finally, the invention relates to a system having a tracking device according to the invention and a plurality of solar and / or photovoltaic modules.For example, the system may include a plurality of posts and / or gear drives.All aspects, embodiments and features of the invention described here can be combined with one another, preferably also separately from the specific configuration in the context of which they are mentioned. Preferably, all the subjects of the dependent claims can be combined with each other and with each subject of the independent claims.It is generally noted that terms such as "a" or "an" do not necessarily mean "exactly one" or "exactly one", this being likewise possible. The terms "a" and "an" can therefore be understood as "at least or exactly one" or "at least or exactly one". The use of the singular preferably includes the presence of the plural components and vice versa.It is noted that "preferably" and "preferably" may be translated as "preferably" to English. A feature introduced by "preferably" or "preferably" is purely optional, may be omitted and does not represent a limitation, for example of the claims.The invention is described below by way of example with reference to the drawings. The following are shown: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a system according to the invention, FIG. 2 is a side view of the system of FIG. 2; and FIG. 3 is a front view of the system of FIG. 2.First, it should be noted that the illustrated embodiments are merely exemplary in nature. Thus, individual features can be realized not only in the combination shown, but also alone or in other technically meaningful combinations. For example, the features of one embodiment can be combined with features of another embodiment as desired. The number of posts, tracking devices and solar and / or photovoltaic modules is arbitrary in principle.If a figure contains a reference sign which is not explained in the directly associated text of the description, reference is made to the corresponding preceding or following explanations in the description of the figures. Thus, the same reference numerals are used for identical or comparable components in the figures and these are not explained again.FIGS. 1 to 3 show a system with a tracking device 10 and a plurality of solar and / or photovoltaic modules 12.The tracker 10 includes two posts 14.The posts 14 have a ram profile 16 and a bearing device 18 with a bearing base 20.On the bearing base 20, a central tube 22 is rotatably mounted.The center tube 22 extends between the posts 14.An arc segment 24 is connected to the central tube 22 in a rotationally fixed manner.The distance between the two end spokes 26 and the solar and / or photovoltaic modules 12 increases from the central tube 22 to the outside.Between the end spokes 26 a support spoke 27 is provided.A bent section 28 of the curved segment 24 has a plurality of laterally arranged recesses 30.Teeth of a gear drive 32 can engage in these recesses 30.The gear drive 32 is fastened to the post 14 in a height-adjustable manner.A plurality of gear drives 32 may be connected via a common shaft 34.List of reference characters10 Tracking device 12 Solar and / or photovoltaic module 14 Posts 16 Ram profile 18 Bearing device 20 Bearing base 22 Central tube 24 Curved segment 26 End spoke, upper termination 27 Support spoke 28 Curved section 30 Cutout 32 Toothed gearing 34 ShaftReferences included in the specificationThis list of documents cited by the applicant has been produced in an automated manner and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent application or utility model application. The DPMA does not take any adhesion for any faults or omissions.Patent Literature citedEP 3 966 930 B1 [0002, 0003]

Claims

Tracking device (10) for solar and / or photovoltaic modules (12), comprising at least two posts (14), a central tube (22) extending at least in sections between the posts (14) and rotatably mounted on the posts (14), an arc segment (24) connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the central tube (22) and having a plurality of laterally arranged recesses (30), and a gear drive (32) having teeth, wherein the gear drive (32) is configured to engage with the teeth in the recesses (30).Tracking device (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the cutouts (30) are designed as perforations, preferably slots.Tracking device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the gear drive (32) is fastened, preferably in a height-adjustable manner, to one of the posts (14).Tracking device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distance between a holding plane of the solar and / or photovoltaic modules (12) and two upper terminations (26), preferably upper edges, of the arc segment (24) arranged on opposite sides of the central tube (22) increases outwards from the central tube (22).Tracking device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arc segment (24) has two end spokes (26) which are arranged on opposite sides of the central tube (22) and preferably form the upper terminations of the arc segment (24).Tracking device (10) according to claim 5, characterised in that the end spokes (26) are designed to be axially symmetrical.Tracking device (10) according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that at least one support spoke (27) is provided between the end spokes (26).Tracking device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the central tube (22) has an angular, preferably rectangular, cross-sectional area.Tracking device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the post (14) has a ram profile (16) and a bearing device (18).System comprising a tracking device (10) according to one of the preceding claims and a plurality of solar and / or photovoltaic modules (12).

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