Solar module mounting support

Abstract

The invention relates to a solar module mounting support (10a; 10b), having: a solar module mounting unit (24a; 24b) for attaching at least one solar module (12a; 12b); at least one rotatable mounting axis (22a; 22b), to which at least one solar module mounting unit (24a; 24b) is attached; at least one further solar module mounting unit (36a; 36b) and a further rotatable mounting axis (34a; 34b) to which at least one further solar module mounting unit (24a, 36a, 116a; 24b, 36b) is attached; and at least one connecting module (50a; 50b) which non-rotationally couples the one mounting axis (22a; 22b) and the further mounting axis (34a; 34b) to one other. According to the invention the connecting module (50a; 50b) has a universal joint (52a; 52b) having two connecting units (54a, 56a; 54b, 56b), which non-rotationally connects the two mounting axes (22a, 34a; 22b, 34b) to one another .

Description

[0001] Solar module mounting device

[0002] State of the art

[0003] The invention relates to a solar module mounting device according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

[0004] A solar module mounting device has already been proposed, comprising a solar module fastening unit for connecting at least one solar module, comprising at least one rotatable fastening axis to which at least one solar module fastening unit is connected, comprising at least one further solar module fastening unit and a further rotatable fastening axis to which the at least one further solar module fastening unit is connected, comprising at least one connecting module which couples the one fastening axis to the further fastening axis in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0005] The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a generic device with improved properties regarding installation on uneven terrain. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of patent claim 1, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims.

[0006] Advantages of the invention

[0007] The invention is based on a solar module mounting device, with a solar module fastening unit for connecting at least one solar module, with at least one rotatable fastening axis to which at least one solar module fastening unit is connected, with at least one further solar module fastening unit and a further rotatable fastening axis to which the at least one further solar module fastening unit is connected, with at least one connecting module which couples the one fastening axis to the further fastening axis in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0008] It is proposed that the connection module has a universal joint with two connecting units that connects the two fastening axes in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0009] A “solar module mounting device” should preferably be understood to mean a device by means of which solar modules can be installed on a substrate. The solar system mounting device forms a supporting structure by means of which the solar modules are attached to the substrate. The solar system mounting device transfers the weight of the solar modules and other forces acting on the solar modules, such as wind forces, into the substrate via the solar system mounting device. The solar module mounting device is intended to pivotally connect the solar modules. The solar modules can be installed on a substrate in accordance with the position of the sun via the solar module mounting device. The solar modules can each be pivoted about a rotation axis via the solar module mounting device. The solar modules are each connected to the solar module mounting device via solar module fastening units.

[0010] A "solar module fastening unit" is to be understood as a unit by means of which at least one solar module can be mounted on the solar module mounting device. The solar module fastening unit is designed in particular as a coupling unit between the fastening axis generating a rotation and the solar modules assigned to the fastening axis, which coupling unit is preferably intended, on the one hand, to transmit a movement of the fastening axis to the solar module and, on the other hand, to ensure that the solar module is fastened to the fastening axis. The solar module fastening unit preferably has two holding elements on which a solar module can be mounted. Preferably, one holding element is provided to form a mounting surface for two adjacent solar modules. A solar module is preferably connected in each case in a side region to a holding element of the solar module fastening unit.In principle, it is also conceivable for the solar module fastening unit to be designed differently and to have additional holding elements or fastening components. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the solar module fastening unit to have a frame to which one or more solar modules are connected. In principle, the solar module fastening unit could also have fastening elements, for example fastening rails, via which several solar modules are connected to the solar module mounting device next to one another in a transverse direction. The transverse direction is aligned orthogonal to the axis of rotation to which the solar module fastening unit and the solar modules attached to it are pivotally mounted. A “solar module” should be understood in particular to mean a module which is intended to generate electricity from sunlight. The solar module is preferably designed as a photovoltaic module.

[0011] A "rotatable fastening axis" should preferably be understood to mean an axis that is designed as a rod, a bar, a spar, or the like. The fastening axis preferably has a length of at least 5 m, particularly preferably at least 10 m, and in advantageous embodiments can also be between 20 m and 50 m. The length of a fastening axis depends on the terrain on which the solar module mounting device is erected. Depending on the length, the fastening axis is formed from at least one one-piece tubular element. A tubular element for forming the fastening axis is preferably between 5 and 15 meters, preferably between 8 and 12 meters, and particularly preferably 10 meters long. In principle, it would also be conceivable that, in the case of very short fastening axes, only one tubular element shorter than 5 meters, for example 3 or 4 meters, is provided for forming the fastening axis.The individual tubular elements for forming the fastening axis preferably have a tapered connecting region on one axial side, with which they are inserted into an axial side of the other tubular element for connection to an adjacent tubular element. The interconnected tubular elements which form a fastening axis are preferably connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner via connecting means, in particular screws. A fastening axis formed from one or more tubular elements is always described below only as a fastening axis. In particular, the fastening axis is connected to a motor which generates rotation and which is preferably provided for adjusting a rotational position of the fastening axis depending on the position of the sun. A “further fastening axis” is to be understood as a further fastening axis which is formed separately from the one fastening axis.The further fastening axis preferably has the same cross-section as the first fastening axis. The further fastening axis can preferably have a different length than the other fastening axis. The further fastening axis can preferably be constructed from a different number of tubular elements or tubular elements with a different length. The further fastening axis has one axial end facing one axial end of the first fastening axis. The fastening axes are preferably arranged at a distance from one another in an assembled state. The mutually facing axial ends of the adjacent fastening axes have a distance from one another that is preferably greater than 5 cm. The distance between the mutually facing axial ends of the adjacent fastening axes is particularly preferably greater than 10 cm, in particular between 10 cm and 30 cm.At their axial ends, the adjacent fastening axes are connected to each other in a rotationally fixed manner via the connecting module.

[0012] The solar module mounting device preferably has at least two mounting posts for each mounting axis, which are connected to a substrate. The mounting posts are preferably designed as driven posts that are inserted into a substrate. In principle, it is also conceivable for the mounting posts to be designed as stands that are connected to a foundation, for example, via screw connections. The mounting posts preferably have a bearing module at their upper end, via which the mounting axis can be rotatably connected to the mounting post. Depending on the length of a rotatable mounting axis, it can be attached to a substrate via two or more mounting posts. The mounting axis can preferably be connected to the substrate via mounting posts of different thicknesses.

[0013] A "connecting module" is preferably understood to mean a module that connects two adjacent mounting axes in a rotationally fixed manner at their mutually facing axial ends. A torque can be transmitted between the two connected mounting axes via the connecting module. A rotational movement of a driven mounting axe can be transmitted to the other mounting axe via the connecting module.

[0014] A “cardan joint” is understood to be a universal joint via which an angularly movable coupling can be achieved between two axes, in particular between the two fastening axes. The cardan joint is for a rotationally fixed coupling of the two fastening axes, which are aligned at an angle other than 0 degrees to one another. In principle, a coupling of two axially arranged axes via a cardan joint is also possible. By means of the cardan joint, the fastening axes connected to one another via the cardan joint can be aligned at an angle a of 180 degrees to at least 175 degrees, preferably from 180 degrees to at least 170 degrees, and particularly preferably at an angle a of 0 to 160 degrees. The cardan joint is intended for the rotationally fixed coupling of two fastening axes arranged at an angle to one another. The fastening axes are fixed at a fixed angle to one another in an assembled state.The cardan joint bridges the angular arrangement of the two fastening axes to be connected to each other. The connecting modules, in particular the cardan joints for connecting two fastening axes, can be connected to the fastening axes independently of the fastening posts by means of which the fastening axes are elevated on a substructure. In particular, the connecting modules, i.e. the cardan joints, do not have to be arranged at a specific distance from a fastening post. The connecting modules, i.e. the cardan elements, can be connected to the fastening axes at different distances from the fastening posts and, in particular, do not have to be connected to the fastening axes in the immediate vicinity of the fastening posts. "Provided" should be understood to mean specially designed and / or equipped.The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should be understood in particular to mean that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state. An embodiment according to the invention advantageously enables a particularly simple and advantageous connection of two fastening axes which are at an angle to one another. This makes it particularly easy to adapt a solar module mounting device to uneven terrain. This makes it possible, in particular, to reduce costs when implementing solar modules arranged in series that track the position of the sun, in particular entire solar parks, on uneven, hilly terrain, since the terrain does not have to be flattened.

[0015] It is further proposed that the universal joint have two connecting units, each connected to one of the fastening axes, and a universal element that directly connects the two connecting units. A “connecting unit” should preferably be understood to mean a part of the universal joint that is provided for a fixed connection to the fastening axis. The connecting unit is provided for a force-locking and / or form-locking connection to a fastening axis. Preferably, the connecting unit is provided for a direct connection to a fastening axis. In principle, however, it is also conceivable for an adapter element to be arranged between the connecting unit and the fastening axis. The connecting unit would then be rigidly connected to the fastening axis via the adapter element.The connecting unit preferably encompasses the fastening axis at least substantially, preferably completely, for connection thereto. The connecting unit is preferably rigidly connected to the fastening axis via at least one fastening element, preferably via a plurality of fastening elements. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the connecting unit to be firmly connected to the fastening axis via a material-to-material connection. For example, it would be conceivable for the connecting units to be connected to the fastening axis via a welded connection. A "fastening element" should preferably be understood to mean a screw, a bolt, or another connecting element.A "cardan element" should preferably be understood to mean a cross element that has two axes aligned at right angles to one another, preferably lying in one plane, which at their ends each have an axial extension provided for sliding support with the connecting units. Preferably, the cardan element is formed by two axes that are inserted into one another. Preferably, the two axes are each designed as cylinders, in particular as solid cylinders, with a first axis having a through-hole in the center through which the second axis is guided. The second axis is preferably mounted in the through-hole of the first axis via a clearance fit. In principle, a press fit would also be conceivable. This allows the cardan joint to be designed particularly simply and cost-effectively.

[0016] It is further proposed that the connecting units each comprise two half-shells and, in the assembled state, at least substantially enclose the corresponding fastening axis. "At least substantially enclose" should preferably be understood to mean that the half-shells, in the assembled state, enclose the fastening axis in the circumferential direction at least 90%, preferably 95%, and particularly preferably completely. This allows the connecting units to be designed particularly advantageously for easy assembly of the universal joint to the fastening axis.

[0017] It is further proposed that the connecting units each comprise two half-shells, each having an overlapping area in which the two half-shells overlap in an assembled state. This allows the two half-shells to form a connecting unit particularly simply and to be particularly advantageously configured for easy coupling to the fastening axes.

[0018] Furthermore, it is proposed that the connecting units each have two half-shells which, in their overlapping region, have at least one fastening hole via which the half-shells can be connected at least to one another. A “fastening hole” should preferably be understood to mean a hole which is provided for fastening and through which a fastening means, such as a screw, can be passed for fastening. Preferably, a fastening hole is designed as a simple through-hole. In principle, however, it is also conceivable for the fastening hole to be designed as a threaded hole. This allows the half-shells to be connected to one another and to the corresponding fastening axis particularly advantageously using screws, rivets or pins.

[0019] It is further proposed that the connecting units each have two half-shells, each forming half an octagon. A "half-octagon" should preferably be understood as a five-sided element, with sides, in particular side walls, being at an angle of 135 degrees to one another. This allows the half-shells to be designed particularly advantageously in order to form a particularly stable connecting unit. It is further proposed that the connecting units each have two half-shells that are identically designed. This advantageously makes it possible to provide a cost-effective connecting unit, since the use of identical parts can reduce manufacturing and assembly costs in particular.

[0020] Furthermore, it is proposed that the connecting units each have two half-shells, each forming an irregular half-octagon. A "irregular half-octagon" is preferably understood to mean a half-octagon that deviates from the shape of a uniform octagon. Preferably, one end of the half-octagon is offset outward by a defined distance, preferably exactly by the thickness of the wall of the half-shell, i.e., by one sheet thickness of the half-shell. This makes it particularly easy to form the half-shells identically.

[0021] It is also proposed that the connecting units each comprise two half-shells, with one of the two half-shells having a larger opening width and encompassing the other half-shell in an assembled state. An "opening width" should preferably be understood as a distance between two opposite, parallel, lateral sides of the half-shell. This allows the half-shells to be connected to one another particularly easily.

[0022] It is further proposed that the cardan element, in an assembled state, be connected to the connecting units in a self-locking manner and without fasteners. "Fastener-free" should preferably be understood as meaning without the use of additional fasteners, such as screws, pins, or the like, that additionally connect the cardan element to the connecting units. The cardan element is rotatably mounted in bearing receptacles of the connecting units via its axle extensions. This allows the cardan joint to be designed particularly simply and cost-effectively.

[0023] It is also proposed that the cardan element have two bearing axes located in one plane, which are aligned orthogonally to each other and are each rotatably connected to one of the connecting units. This allows the cardan joint to be designed particularly advantageously.

[0024] It is further proposed that the cardan element have an axial extension at each end of its bearing axes, which is provided for mounting in a bearing receptacle of the connecting units. This allows the cardan element to be connected to the connecting units in a particularly simple manner using a rotatable bearing.

[0025] It is further proposed that the cardan element be mounted via its axial extensions in the corresponding bearing receptacles of the connecting units in a sliding manner. This allows the cardan element to be connected to the connecting units in a particularly advantageous manner.

[0026] It is further proposed that the connecting modules have an adapter element for each connecting unit, via which the connecting units are connected to the fastening axis. This allows the cardan element of the connecting module to be advantageously connected to fastening axis that have a different cross-section and / or size than the connecting units of the universal joint.

[0027] Furthermore, it is proposed that the adapter elements have a first octagonal bearing receptacle for connecting the connecting units and a second bearing receptacle for connecting to the fastening axis, which are different from the first bearing receptacle. The bearing receptacles of the adapter element are preferably aligned with one another along one axis. This allows the adapter elements to be designed particularly simply. Furthermore, it is proposed that at least five, preferably at least nine, solar module fastening units are rigidly connected to each of the fastening axes. This allows the solar module mounting device to be designed particularly simply.

[0028] Furthermore, it is proposed that the solar module mounting device comprise additional solar module mounting units and an additional rotatable mounting axis to which the additional solar module mounting units are connected. The additional rotatable mounting axes can be connected via connecting modules that optionally have a universal joint or a rigid connection. This allows the solar module mounting device to be designed particularly simply.

[0029] The solar module mounting device according to the invention is not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the solar module mounting device according to the invention may have a number of individual elements, components, and units that differs from the number stated herein to fulfill a function described herein.

[0030] Drawings

[0031] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate two exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations.

[0032] They show:

[0033] Fig. 1 A schematic representation of a system comprising a solar module mounting device arranged in a row with several fastening axes, to each of which a plurality of solar modules is attached, on an uneven surface,

[0034] Fig. 2 is a schematic detailed view of the solar module mounting device, on which two adjacent fastening axes are connected to each other in a rotationally fixed manner via a connecting module,

[0035] Fig. 3 is a schematic detailed view of the connection module for connecting the fastening axes, which has a cardan joint,

[0036] Fig. 4 shows a further schematic detailed view of the cardan joint of the connection module,

[0037] Fig. 5 is a schematic view of a further connection module with a cardan joint for the rotationally fixed connection of two further fastening axes of the solar module mounting device,

[0038] Fig. 6 is a schematic detailed view of the connection module for connecting the fastening axes, which has a cardan joint, in a view from behind,

[0039] Fig. 7 a schematic detailed view of the cardan joint, with its connecting units formed from half shells,

[0040] Fig. 8 shows a further schematic detailed view of the cardan joint, with one of the half shells of one of the connecting units hidden,

[0041] Fig. 9 is a schematic detailed view of the cardan joint, with its connecting units formed from half shells and a cardan element,

[0042] Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of a part of a solar module mounting device in a second embodiment with two fastening axes and a connecting module having a cardan joint and two adapter elements for connecting the cardan joint to the fastening axes, Fig. 11 is a schematic detailed view of the connecting module with the cardan joint and the adapter elements,

[0043] Fig. 12 shows a further detailed view of the connection module with the cardan joint and the adapter elements, with a fastening axis partially hidden for better visibility,

[0044] Fig. 13 is a schematic representation of a part of a solar module mounting device in a third embodiment with two fastening axes and a connecting module having a cardan joint for connecting the fastening axes,

[0045] Fig. 14 is a schematic sectional view through the universal joint with its half shells, which form an asymmetric half octagonal shape,

[0046] Fig. 15 is a further schematic detailed view of the cardan joint, with one of the half shells of one of the connecting units hidden, and

[0047] Fig. 16 is a further schematic view of two interconnected half-shells of a connecting unit.

[0048] Description of the embodiments

[0049] Figures 1 to 9 show a first embodiment of a solar module mounting device 10a according to the invention. The solar module mounting device 10a is intended for mounting a plurality of solar modules 12a, 14a, 16a, 18a on a base 20a. The solar module mounting device 10a is intended for mounting the solar modules 12a, 14a, 16a, 18a on an uneven, for example, hilly, base. The solar module mounting device 10a is intended for mounting the solar modules 12a, 14a, 16a, 18a in a manner that follows the position of the sun, in particular on a hilly base 20a, i.e., terrain with varying gradients. The solar module mounting device 10a forms a row in which the solar modules 12a, 14a, 16a, 18a are arranged. The solar module mounting device 10a is intended for mounting the solar modules 12a, 14a, 16a, 18a in a row.The solar module mounting device 10a is designed to mount the solar modules 12a, 14a, 16a, 18a on the ground 20a in a manner that follows the terrain. The solar module mounting device 10a is designed to mount the solar modules 12a, 14a, 16a, 18a on the ground 20a in a manner that follows the position of the sun. The solar module mounting device 10a is designed to pivotally mount the solar modules 12a, 14a, 16a, 18a. Figure 1 shows a system comprising a solar module mounting device 10a forming a row with the solar modules 12a, 14a, 16a, 18a attached to the solar module mounting device 10a. Figure 1 shows one solar module mounting device 10a only as an example. In principle, the solar module mounting device 10a can be extended, allowing more solar modules 12a, 14a, 16a, and 18a to be pivotably mounted. The length of the solar module mounting device 10a depends in particular on the available space.The system preferably comprises a plurality of adjacently arranged solar module mounting devices 10a with additional solar modules 12a, 14a, 16a, 18a, which are connected to form a solar park. The different solar module mounting devices 10a can have different lengths and configurations depending on the terrain. In the following, only one solar module mounting device 10a with the attached solar modules 12a, 14a, 16a, 18a will be described in more detail.

[0050] The solar module mounting device 10a has a first, rotatable fastening axis 22a. The fastening axis 22a is provided for connecting a plurality of solar modules 12a. The fastening axis 22a is designed as a continuous axis. The fastening axis 22a is preferably designed as a tube. The fastening axis 22a has an outer contour that is shaped as an octagon. The outer cross-section of the fastening axis is shaped as an octagon. The fastening axis 22a is preferably designed as an octagonal hollow cylinder. The fastening axis 22a is preferably formed from a metal. For example, the fastening axis 22a is formed from steel. In principle, it is also conceivable for the fastening axis 22a to be formed from a different material. The fastening axis 22a preferably has an outer diameter of approximately 13 cm.In principle, it is conceivable for the fastening axis to have an outer diameter that is preferably in a range of 10 cm to 20 cm. The fastening axis 22a is preferably formed from several interconnected tubular elements. The tubular elements each preferably have a length of 9 to 11 meters. The individual tubular elements that form the fastening axis 22a have a taper on one axial side, with which they can be inserted into an adjacent tubular element and connected to one another via a screw connection or rivet connection. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the fastening axis 22a to be formed from just a single tubular element, depending on the length.

[0051] The fastening axis 22a is intended for supporting multiple solar modules 12a. A plurality of solar modules 12a are mounted on the fastening axis 22a. In the embodiment shown, twenty-six solar modules 12a are connected to the fastening axis 22a as an example. In principle, it is also conceivable that, depending on the length of the fastening axis 22a, a different number of solar modules are connected to the fastening axis 22a. The solar modules 12a are rigidly connected to the fastening axis 22a. The solar modules 12a are mounted in a fixed position on the fastening axis 22a. The solar module mounting device 10a has a solar module mounting unit 24a for connecting a solar module 12a. The solar module mounting device 10a has a solar module mounting unit 24a for each solar module 12a. The solar module fastening unit 24a is provided for connecting one of the solar modules 12a to the rotatable fastening axis 22a.A solar module 12a can be rigidly and rotationally fixedly mounted to the mounting axis 22a via the solar module mounting unit 24a. In principle, it would also be conceivable for several solar modules 12a to be rigidly connected to the rotatable mounting axis 22a via a single solar module mounting unit 24a. The solar module mounting unit 24a preferably comprises two holding elements 26a, 28a. The holding elements 26a, 28a are each arranged in side regions of the solar module 12a. The solar module 12a preferably rests on the holding elements 26a, 28a in side regions and is mounted thereto. The solar module 12a is rigidly connected to the solar module mounting unit 24a, in particular to the holding elements 26a, 28a. The solar module mounting unit 24a, in particular to the holding elements 26a, 28a, are rotationally fixedly attached to the mounting axis 22a.The holding elements 26a, 28a each have a fastening unit, via which the holding elements 26a, 28a are mounted in a rotationally fixed manner to the fastening axis 22a. The fastening units for securing the holding elements 26a, 28a are designed, for example, as clamps. In principle, other connections are also conceivable.

[0052] The solar module mounting device 10a has a plurality of mounting posts 30a for mounting the mounting axis 22a on the base 20a. Depending on the length of the rotatable mounting axis 22a, the solar module mounting device 10a has a different number of mounting posts 30a. The solar module mounting device 10a has at least two mounting posts 30a per mounting axis 22a. The mounting posts 30a are designed, for example, as driven posts that are inserted into the base 20a. The mounting posts 30a are firmly connected to the base 20a at a lower end. The mounting axis 22a is rotatably mounted on an upper end of the mounting posts 30a. For this purpose, the mounting posts 30a have bearing points 44a (not described in detail) at their upper ends. The mounting axis 22a forms a rotation axis 32a.The rotation axis 32a is preferably designed as a central longitudinal axis of the mounting axis 22a. The rotation axis 32a is designed as an axis around which the mounting axis 22a rotates to pivot the solar modules 12a connected to it.

[0053] The solar module mounting device 10a has a second rotatable fastening axis 34a. The fastening axis 34a is intended for connecting multiple solar modules 14a. The fastening axis 34a is designed as a continuous axis. The fastening axis 34a has an outer contour shaped as an octagon. The fastening axis 34a is preferably designed as an octagonal hollow cylinder. The fastening axis 34a is preferably also formed by several interconnected tubular elements. The second fastening axis 34a preferably has the same shape, in particular the same cross-section, as the first fastening axis 22a. The second fastening axis 34a, for example, has a different length than the first fastening axis 22a. The fastening axes 22a, 34a can have different lengths or can be the same length depending on the terrain and the solar modules 12a, 14a to be attached.The mounting axis 34a is intended for supporting multiple solar modules 14a. A plurality of solar modules 14a are mounted on the mounting axis 34a. In the illustrated embodiment, thirteen solar modules 14a are connected to the mounting axis 34a as an example. It is also conceivable, depending on the length of the mounting axis 34a, that a different number of solar modules 14a are connected to the mounting axis 34a.

[0054] The solar modules 14a are mounted in a fixed position on the fastening axis 34a. The solar module mounting device 10a has a solar module fastening unit 36a for connecting a solar module 14a. The solar module mounting device 10a has a solar module fastening unit 36a for each solar module 14a. The solar module fastening unit 36a is designed identically to the solar module fastening unit 24a for connecting a solar module 12a to the first fastening axis 22a. The solar module fastening unit 36a preferably comprises two holding elements 38a, 40a.

[0055] The solar module mounting device 10a has a plurality of mounting posts 42a for mounting the mounting axis 34a on the base 20a. Depending on the length of the rotatable mounting axis 34a, the solar module mounting device 10a has a varying number of mounting posts 42a. The mounting axis 34a is rotatably mounted at an upper end of the mounting posts 42a. For this purpose, the mounting posts 42a have bearing points 46a (not described in detail) at their upper ends.

[0056] The mounting axis 34a forms a rotation axis 48a. The rotation axis 48a is preferably designed as a central longitudinal axis of the mounting axis 34a. The rotation axis 48a is designed as an axis about which the mounting axis 34a rotates to pivot the solar modules 14a connected to it.

[0057] The two fastening axes 22a, 34a are arranged in a row. The two fastening axes 22a, 34a are arranged next to one another. The fastening axes 22a, 34a are arranged directly next to one another. The fastening axes 22a, 34a face one another with one axial end. The first fastening axis 22a faces the first axial end of the second fastening axis 34a with a second axial end. The first fastening axis 22a is arranged at a distance from the second fastening axis 34a. In the assembled state, there is a distance between the first axial end of the second fastening axis 24a and the first axial end of the first fastening axis 22a. The first fastening axis 22a and the second fastening axis 34a do not directly touch one another. The distance between the mutually facing axial ends of the fastening axes 22a, 34a is more than 10 cm. The two fastening axes 22a, 34a are not aligned coaxially with each other.In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 1, it can be seen that the fastening axes 22a, 34a are each arranged in regions in which the substrate has a different gradient. The two fastening axes 22a, 34a are inclined to one another in a vertical plane. The fastening axes 22a, 34a are each arranged essentially parallel to the substrate arranged directly beneath them. The fastening axes 22a, 34a are preferably each at an essentially equal distance from the region of the substrate 20a arranged directly beneath them. In principle, it would also be conceivable for one of the two fastening axes 22a, 34a or even both to be arranged not parallel to the substrate 20a and therefore not coaxial with one another. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the two fastening axes 22a, 34a to be inclined to one another in a horizontal plane.In principle, it would also be conceivable for the mounting axes 22a, 34a to be inclined relative to each other both in a horizontal plane and in a vertical plane. The inclination of the mounting axes 22a, 34a relative to each other is preferably measured at their respective rotation axes 32a, 48a. The mounting axes 22a, 34a form a diffraction angle with each other. The mounting axes 22a, 34a have the diffraction angle between their rotation axes 32a, 48a. The diffraction angle that the two mounting axes 22a, 34a have with their rotation axes 32a, 48a is 170 degrees in the example shown.

[0058] The solar module mounting device 10a has a first connection module 50a. The first connection module 50a connects the first fastening axis 22a to the second fastening axis 34a in a rotationally fixed manner. A torque and a rotational movement can be transmitted via the connection module 50a. A rotational movement can be transmitted via the connection module 50a from a driven fastening axis 22a, 34a to the fastening axis 22a, 34a connected via the connection module 50a. The connection module 50a connects the two fastening axis 22a, 34a at their mutually facing axial ends. The connection module 50a is arranged between the first axial end of the second fastening axis 34a and the first axial end of the first fastening axis 22a. The connection module is connected to the second axial end of the first fastening axis 22a in a rotationally fixed manner. The connection module 50a is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the first axial end of the second fastening axis 34a.The connecting module 50a is provided to couple the two non-coaxial rotatable fastening axes 22a, 34a to one another in a rotationally fixed manner and to transmit a torque between the fastening axes 22a, 34a.

[0059] The connection module 50a has a universal joint 52a. The universal joint 52a is provided for the rotationally fixed connection of the two mounting axes 22a, 34a. The universal joint 52a connects the two mounting axes 22a, 34a to one another in a rotationally fixed manner. The universal joint 52a enables rotational movement from one mounting axis 22a, 34a to the other, non-coaxially aligned mounting axis 32a.

[0060] The universal joint 52a has a first connecting unit 54a. The first connecting unit 54a is provided for rotationally fixed coupling to a fastening axis 22a, 34a. The connecting unit 54a is provided for a positive and / or non-positive connection to a fastening axis 22a, 34a. The connecting unit 54a is provided for rigid coupling to an axial end of a fastening axis 22a, 34a. The connecting unit 54a is provided for connection to a fastening axis 22a, 34a to at least substantially enclose the fastening axis 22a, 34a. The connecting unit 54a is provided for connection to a fastening axis 22a, 34a to completely enclose the fastening axis 22a, 34a in a circumferential direction. In an assembled state, the connecting unit 54a forms an octagonal fastening receptacle.In an assembled state, the connecting unit 54a forms an octagonal inner side in cross-section. The connecting unit 54a is firmly connected to the corresponding fastening axis 22a, 34a via a plurality of fastening means, preferably screws. The connecting unit 54a can be detachably connected to the corresponding fastening axis 22a, 34a via the fastening means. The connecting unit 54a can be mounted on the corresponding fastening axis 22a, 34a via a plurality of fastening means designed as screws. The connecting unit 54a can be separated from the fastening axis 22a, 34a again by loosening the fastening means. The first connecting unit 54a is firmly connected to the first fastening axis 22a in an assembled state. In an assembled state, the first connecting unit 54a is rigidly mounted to the second axial end of the first fastening axis 22a.In the assembled state, the first connecting unit 54a completely encompasses the first fastening axis 22a in its second axial region.

[0061] The universal joint 52a has a second connection unit 56a. The second connection unit 56a is provided for rotationally fixed coupling to a fastening axis 22a, 34a. The second connection unit 56a is preferably designed identically to the first connection unit 54a. Therefore, the second connection unit 56a will not be described in the same detail as the first connection unit 54a. The second connection unit 56a is provided for a positive and / or non-positive connection to a fastening axis 22a, 34a. The second connection unit 56a is provided for a rigid coupling to an axial end of a fastening axis 22a, 34a. In an assembled state, the connection unit 56a forms an octagonal fastening receptacle. The connection unit 56a is provided for connection to a fastening axis 22a, 34a in such a way that it completely encloses the fastening axis 22a, 34a in a circumferential direction.The second connection unit 56a is firmly connected to the corresponding fastening axis 22a, 34a via a plurality of fastening means, preferably screws. In an assembled state, the second connection unit 56a is firmly connected to the second fastening axis 34a. In an assembled state, the second connection unit 56a is rigidly mounted to the first axial end of the second fastening axis 34a. In the assembled state, the second connection unit 56a completely encompasses the second fastening axis 34a in its second axial region.

[0062] The universal joint 52a has a universal joint element 58a. The two connecting units 54a, 56a are connected to each other via the universal joint element 58a. The connecting units 54a, 56a are directly connected to each other via the universal joint element 58a. The universal joint element 58a is pivotally connected to each of the two connecting units 54a, 56a. The universal joint element 58a is rotatable about a rotation axis relative to the connecting units 54a, 56a, which are aligned perpendicular to each other and lie in a plane.

[0063] The connecting units 54a, 56a each have two half-shells 60a, 62a, 64a, 66a and, in the assembled state, at least substantially enclose the corresponding fastening axis 22a, 34a. The first connecting unit 54a has the two half-shells 60a, 62a. The second connecting unit 56a has the two half-shells 64a, 66a. The two half-shells 60a, 62a forming the first connecting unit 54a are designed identically to the two half-shells 64a, 66a forming the second connecting unit 56a. Therefore, only the first connecting unit 54a and how the half-shells 60a, 62a form it will be described in more detail below. The following description can also be used to explain the second connecting unit 56a and its half-shells 64a, 66a.

[0064] The connecting unit 54a is formed by the two half-shells 60a, 62a. The half-shells 60a, 62a completely enclose the corresponding fastening axis 22a in the circumferential direction. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the two half-shells 60a, 62a not to completely enclose the corresponding fastening axis 22a. In an assembled state, the half-shells 60a, 62a are rotationally fixed to the corresponding fastening axis 22a. The half-shells 60a, 62a have a non-circular inner contour. The inner contour is designed to correspond to the element with which the half-shells 60a, 62a are connected. The inner contour of the half-shells 60a, 62a is designed to correspond to the outer contour of the corresponding fastening axis 22a. In an assembled state, the half-shells 60a, 62a preferably rest with their inner contour predominantly on the outer contour of the corresponding fastening axis 22a.In an assembled state, the half-shells 60a, 62a are connected in a form-fitting manner in the circumferential direction to the corresponding fastening axis 22a. Due to the form-fitting connection in the circumferential direction, a force, in particular a torque, can be transmitted particularly well between the fastening axis 22a and the half-shells 60a, 62a, which form the connecting unit 54a of the universal joint 52a.

[0065] The half-shells 60a, 62a of the connecting unit 54a each form half an octagon. The half-shells 60a, 62a each have five sides 68a, 70a, 72a, 74a, 76a, 78a, 80a, 82a, 84a, 86a. The walls of the half-shells 60a, 62a form the sides 68a, 70a, 72a, 74a, 76a, 78a, 80a, 82a, 84a, 86a. The sides 68a, 70a, 72a, 74a, 76a, 78a, 80a, 82a, 84a, 86a, i.e., the walls of a half-shell 60a, 62a, each form the corresponding half-shell 60a, 62a in one piece. Two adjacent sides 68a, 70a, 72a, 74a, 76a, 78a, 80a, 82a, 84a, 86a of the half-shells 60a, 62a each form an angle of 135 degrees with each other.

[0066] The first half-shell 60a has five sides 68a, 70a, 72a, 74a, 76a. Sides 68a, 76a each form the lateral regions of half-shell 60a. Sides 68a, 76a form opposite sides of half-shell 60a. Sides 68a, 76a are aligned parallel to one another. Sides 68a, 70a define an opening width of half-shell 60a. A distance between the two sides 68a, 76a of half-shell 60a, which is formed as a half-octagon, forms the opening width of half-shell 60a. Side 72a is formed as a middle side of half-shell 60a. The middle side 72a is aligned orthogonally to the lateral sides 68a, 76a. The sides 70a, 74a are each configured as a connecting side arranged between one of the lateral sides 68a, 76a and the central side 72a. The side 70a connects the lateral side 68a to the central side 72a. The side 74a connects the lateral side 76a to the central side 72a.

[0067] The second half-shell 62a has sides 78a, 80a, 82a, 84a, 86a. Sides 78a, 86a each form the lateral regions of half-shell 62a. Sides 78a, 86a form opposite sides of half-shell 62a. Sides 78a, 86a are aligned parallel to one another. Sides 78a, 86a define an opening width of half-shell 62a. A distance between the two sides 78a, 86a of half-shell 62a, which is designed as a half-octagon, forms the opening width of half-shell 62a. Side 82a is designed as a middle side of half-shell 62a. The middle side 82a is aligned orthogonally to the lateral sides 78a, 86a. The sides 80a, 84a are each designed as connecting sides arranged between one of the lateral sides 78a, 86a and the central side 82a. The side 80a connects the lateral side 78a to the central side 82a. The side 84a connects the lateral side 86a to the central side 82a.

[0068] The opening width of the first half-shell 60a is greater than the opening width of the second half-shell 62a. In an assembled state, the first half-shell 60a partially encompasses the second half-shell 62a. The first half-shell 60a at least partially encompasses the lateral sides 78a, 86a of the second half-shell 62a with its lateral sides 68a, 76a. The first half-shell 60a at least largely encompasses the lateral sides 78a, 86a of the second half-shell 62a with its lateral sides 68a, 76a. The half-shells 60a, 62a have an overlap region 88a, 90a in which the half-shells 60a, 62a overlap. The overlapping regions 88a, 90a are each formed at least substantially by the respective lateral sides 68a, 76a, 78a, 86a of the half-shells 60a, 62a.

[0069] The half-shells 60a, 62a each have two fastening holes 108a, 110a in their overlapping areas 88a, 90a. The first half-shell 60a has two fastening holes 108a in its two lateral sides 68a, 76a. The fastening holes 108a are formed as through-holes in the lateral sides 68a, 76a of the first half-shell 60a. The second half-shell 62a has two fastening holes 110a in its two lateral sides 78a, 86a. The fastening holes 110a are formed as through-holes in the lateral sides 78a, 86a of the second half-shell 62a. In an assembled state, each of the through-holes 108a of one half-shell 60a is congruent with a corresponding through-hole 110a of the other half-shell 62a. The mounting holes 108a, 110a are preferably of equal size. The mounting holes 108a, 110a are preferably designed as simple through holes.In principle, it would also be conceivable for at least one of the fastening holes 108a, 110a to have an internal thread for fastening a screw element.

[0070] For coupling with the half-shells 60a, 62a, 64a, 66a of the respective connecting unit 54a, 56a, the fastening axes 22a, 34a each have correspondingly designed fastening holes. The fastening holes in the fastening axes 22a, 34a are designed as threaded holes. The half-shells 60a, 62a are screwed in a fixed position into the fastening holes of the respective fastening axes 22a, 23a using fastening elements, in particular screws, via their fastening holes 108a, 110a. The fastening elements, preferably designed as screws, secure the half-shells 60a, 62a, 64a, 66a of the connecting units 54a, 56a in the axial direction to the respective fastening axes 22a, 34a. Preferably, the half-shells 60a, 62a, 64a, 66a each have a further fastening hole 112a in each of their further sides 70a, 72a, 74a, 80a, 82a, 84a.The respective fastening axes 22a, 34a each have a corresponding fastening hole 112a in the half-shells 60a, 62a, 64a, 66a, which preferably has an internal thread. The half-shells 60a, 62a, 64a, 66a of the connecting units 54a, 56a are connected to the fastening axes 22a, 34a via the additional fastening holes 12a using connecting elements. The connecting elements are preferably designed as screws. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the connecting elements for connecting the half-shells 60a, 62a, 64a, 66a to the fastening axes 22a, 34a to be designed as pins, bolts, or other connectors.

[0071] In principle, it would also be conceivable for the two half-shells 60a, 62a and the half-shells 64a, 66a, each forming one of the connecting units 54a, 56a of the universal joint 52a, to be pivotally connected to one another on one side via a joint. For this purpose, the corresponding half-shells 60a, 62a and the half-shells 64a, 66a could be pivotally connected to one another, for example, in the form of a hinge, on one side via a bearing pin and bearing mounts. This could preferably facilitate assembly on the mounting axes 22a, 34a.

[0072] The cardan element 58a has two bearing axes 100a, 102a lying in one plane. The bearing axes 100a, 102a of the cardan element 58a are aligned orthogonally to one another. The bearing axes 100a, 102a are each rotatably connected to one of the connecting units 54a, 56a of the universal joint 52a. The cardan element 58a has an axle extension 104a, 106a at each end of its bearing axes 100a, 102a. The axle extension 104a, 106a is provided for rotatable mounting in a bearing receptacle 92a, 94a, 96a, 98a of the connecting units 54a, 56a. The bearing axes 100a, 102a of the cardan element 58a are preferably designed as solid cylinders. The bearing axle 102a has a larger diameter in its central region than the other bearing axle 100a. The bearing axle 102a has a through hole in its central region, in which the other bearing axle 100a is arranged. The bearing axle 100a is mounted in the through hole of the bearing axle 102a via a clearance fit.This allows for a particularly simple design of the cardan element 58a. The bearing receptacles 92a, 94a, 96a, 98a of the connecting units 54a, 56a are formed by the half-shells 60a, 62a, 64a, 66a. The bearing receptacles 92a, 94a, 96a, 98a are each arranged in the central sides 72a, 82a of the half-shells 60a, 62a, 64a, 66a. In the assembled state, the bearing receptacles 92a, 94a, 96a, 98a are arranged coaxially on the opposite sides 72a, 82a of the half-shells 60a, 62a, 64a, 66a. The bearing receptacles 92a, 94a, 96a, 98a are each arranged in a front region of the respective middle side 72a, 82a of the half-shells 60a, 62a, 64a, 66a. In an assembled state, the cardan element 58a is slidably mounted with its axial extensions 104a, 106a in the bearing receptacles 92a, 94a, 96a, 98a.

[0073] In the assembled state, the cardan element 58a is connected to the connecting units 56a, 58a in a self-locking manner and without the need for fasteners. In the assembled state, the cardan element 58a is secured to the half-shells 60a, 62a, 64a, 66a and thus to the connecting units 56a, 58a solely by the mounting of the axle extensions 104a, 106a in the bearing receptacles 92a, 94a, 96a, 98a. No further fasteners are required to connect the cardan element 58a to the half-shells 60a, 62a, 64a, 66a of the connecting units 56a, 58a.

[0074] The connecting module 50a, in particular the universal joint 52a, is intended to be connected to the mounting axes 22a, 34a, which are already correctly mounted on the support 20a by means of the mounting posts 30a, 118a. The universal joint 52a of the connecting module 50a can be connected to the correctly positioned and aligned mounting axes 22a, 34a. To do this, first, preferably, the smaller half-shell 62a, 66a of the connecting units 54a, 56a is placed on the corresponding mounting axes 22a, 34a, and the universal element 58a is inserted into the corresponding bearing receptacle 94a, 98a. The corresponding, larger half-shell 60a, 64a of the corresponding connecting unit 54a, 56a is pushed with its lateral sides 68a, 76a onto the other half-shell 62a, 64a, whereby the cardan element 58a is inserted into the corresponding bearing receptacle 92a, 96a.The half-shells 60a, 62a, 64a, 66a are attached to the mounting axes 22a, 34a using appropriate fasteners, particularly screws. This assembly of the universal joint 52a can be easily accomplished with the mounting axes already assembled and aligned, particularly by constructing the connecting units 54a, 56a from the half-shells 60a, 62a, 64a, 66a.

[0075] The solar module support device 10a has a further, rotatable fastening axis 114a. The fastening axis 114a is provided for connecting a plurality of solar modules 16a. The fastening axis 114a is designed as a continuous axis. The fastening axis 114a has an outer contour shaped as an octagon. The fastening axis 114a is preferably designed as an octagonal hollow cylinder. The fastening axis 114a is preferably also formed from a plurality of interconnected tubular elements. The fastening axis 114a preferably has the same shape, in particular the same cross-section, as the other fastening axis 22a, 34a. The further fastening axis 114a has, for example, a different length than the first fastening axis 22a. The further fastening axis 114a is connected to the second fastening axis 34a.The additional mounting axis 114a is connected to the second mounting axis 34a on a side opposite the first mounting axis 22a. The mounting axis 114a is supported on the base 20a via mounting posts 118a.

[0076] The solar modules 16a are mounted in a fixed position on the fastening axis 114a. The solar module support device 10a has a solar module fastening unit 116a for connecting a solar module 14a. The solar module support device 10a has a solar module fastening unit 116a for each solar module 14a. The solar module fastening unit 116a is designed identically to the solar module fastening unit 24a for connecting a solar module 12a to the first fastening axis 22a. The solar module support device 10a has a drive unit 124a. The drive unit 124a is provided to transmit rotation to the fastening axis 114a. The drive unit 124a is mounted on the further fastening axis 114a. The drive unit 124a is preferably designed as a motor unit, in particular as an electric motor.In principle, it would also be conceivable for the drive unit 124a to be designed as a gear unit that transmits a rotary movement of a motor to the fastening axis 114a.

[0077] The fastening axes 22a, 34a, 114a are arranged in a row. The further fastening axis 114a is arranged adjacent to the second fastening axis 34a. The further fastening axis 114a is connected to the second fastening axis 34a in a rotationally fixed manner. For example, the further fastening axis 114a and the second fastening axis 34a are arranged essentially coaxially to one another. The solar module support device 10a has a further connection module 120a. The first connection module 120a connects the further fastening axis 114a to the second fastening axis 34a in a rotationally fixed manner. A torque and a rotational movement can be transmitted via the connection module 120a. A rotational movement can be transmitted from the driven fastening axis 114a to the fastening axis 34a connected via the connection module 120a via the connection module 120a. The connection module 120a has a universal joint 122a.The universal joint 122a is provided for the rotationally fixed connection of the two mounting axes 22a, 34a. The universal joint 122a connects the two.

[0078] Fastening axes 22a, 34a are connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner. The connecting module 120a, in particular the universal joint 122a, is designed identically to the previously described connecting module 50a and the universal joint 52a. A description of the further connecting module 120a with its universal joint 122a can be found in the corresponding description of the connecting module 50a. The solar module support device 10a has a further, rotatable fastening axis 126a. The fastening axis 126a is provided for connecting a plurality of solar modules 18a. Preferably, the fastening axis 126a has the same shape, in particular the same cross-section, as the other fastening axes 22a, 34a, 114a. The further fastening axis 126a is connected to the further fastening axis 114a. The further fastening axis 126a is connected to a side of the further fastening axis 114a opposite the second fastening axis 34a.The mounting axis 126a is supported on the base 20a by mounting posts 128a. The solar modules 18a are fixedly mounted on the mounting axis 126a.

[0079] The fastening axes 22a, 34a, 114a, 126a are arranged in a row. The further fastening axe 126a is arranged adjacent to the further fastening axe 114a. The further fastening axe 126a is connected to the further fastening axe 114a in a rotationally fixed manner. The solar module support device 10a has a further connection module 130a. The first connection module 130a connects the further fastening axe 126a to the further fastening axe 114a in a rotationally fixed manner. A torque and a rotational movement can be transmitted via the connection module 130a. The connection module 130a also has a universal joint. The connection module 130a, in particular the universal joint, is designed identically to the previously described connection module 50a and the universal joint 52a. A description of the further connection module 120a with its universal joint can be found in the corresponding description of the connection module 50a.

[0080] Two further exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in Figures 10 to 16. The following descriptions and the drawings are essentially limited to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, whereby with regard to components with the same designation, in particular with regard to components with the same reference numerals, reference can in principle also be made to the drawings and / or the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular to Figures 1 to 9. To distinguish the exemplary embodiments, the letter a is placed after the reference numerals of the exemplary embodiment in Figures 1 to 9. In the exemplary embodiments in Figures 10 to 15, the letter a is replaced by the letters b and c.

[0081] Figures 10 to 12 show a second embodiment of a solar module mounting device 10b according to the invention. Figures 10 to 12 show only a small section of the solar module mounting device 10b. The solar module mounting device 10b is intended for mounting a plurality of solar modules 12b, 14b on a substrate. The solar module mounting device 10b forms a row in which the solar modules 12b, 14b are arranged. The solar module mounting device 10b is intended for mounting the solar modules 12b, 14b in a manner that follows the terrain. The solar module mounting device 10b is intended for mounting the solar modules 12b, 14b on the substrate in a manner that follows the position of the sun.

[0082] The solar module mounting device 10b has a first, rotatable mounting axis 22b. The mounting axis 22b is provided for connecting multiple solar modules 12b. The mounting axis 22b is designed as a continuous axis. The solar module mounting device 10b has a second, rotatable mounting axis 34b. The mounting axis 34b is provided for connecting multiple solar modules 14b. The mounting axis 34b is designed as a continuous axis.

[0083] In contrast to the first embodiment, the fastening axes 22b, 34b have a different cross-section. The fastening axes 22b, 34b have a hexagonal cross-section. The fastening axes 22b, 34b have a cross-section that forms a hexagon. The fastening axes 22b, 34b are each designed as hexagonal tubes. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the fastening axes 22b, 34b to have a different cross-section. Preferably, the fastening axes 22b, 34b could have a different cross-section that differs from the octagonal cross-section of the first embodiment.

[0084] The solar module mounting device 10b has a first connection module 50b. The first connection module 50b connects the first fastening axis 22b to the second fastening axis 34b in a rotationally fixed manner. Torque and rotational movement can be transmitted via the connection module 50b. The connection module 50b connects the two fastening axis 22b, 34b at their mutually facing axial ends. The connection module 50b is arranged between the first axial end of the second fastening axis 34b and the first axial end of the first fastening axis 22b. The connection module 50b is provided for rotationally fixedly coupling the two non-coaxial, rotatable fastening axis 22b, 34b to one another and for transmitting torque between the fastening axis 22b, 34b.

[0085] The connection module 50b has a universal joint 52b. The universal joint 52b is provided for the rotationally fixed connection of the two fastening axes 22b, 34b. The universal joint 52b connects the two fastening axes 22b, 34b to one another in a rotationally fixed manner. The universal joint 52b has a first connection unit 54b. The first connection unit 54b is provided for rotationally fixed coupling to a fastening axis 22b, 34b. In an assembled state, the connection unit 54b forms an octagonal fastening receptacle. The universal joint 52b has a second connection unit 56b. The second connection unit 56b is provided for rotationally fixed coupling to a fastening axis 22b, 34b. The second connection unit 56b is preferably designed identically to the first connection unit 54b.

[0086] To connect the connecting units 54b, 56b with their octagonal mounting receptacles to the corresponding mounting axes 22b, 34b, the connecting module 50b has an adapter element 132b, 134b for each connecting unit 54b, 56b. The first connecting unit 54b is connected to the first mounting axis 22b via the first adapter element 132b. The second connecting unit 56b is firmly connected to the second mounting axis 34b via the second adapter element 134b. The adapter elements 132b, 134b each have a first octagonal bearing receptacle 138b for connecting the connecting units 54b, 56b and a second bearing receptacle 136b for connecting to the mounting axis 22b, 34b. The second bearing receptacle 136b differs from the first bearing receptacle 138b. The adapter elements 132b, 134b are essentially identical in design, which is why only one adapter element 132b will be described in more detail below.An explanation of the second adapter element 134b can be given based on the description of the one adapter element 132b.

[0087] The adapter element 132b has two half-shells 140b, 142b. The half-shells 140b, 142b completely enclose the fastening axis 22b in the circumferential direction when assembled. The half-shells 140b, 142b can be connected to one another via screw connections. The half-shells 140b, 142b are preferably screwed to the fastening axis 22b via additional screw connections (not shown in detail). For this purpose, the half-shells 140b, 142b each have through holes, and the fastening axis 22b has corresponding threaded holes. The half-shells 140b, 142b are mounted to the fastening axis 22b via these through holes, preferably by means of screws. The two half-shells 140b, 142b form the second bearing receptacle 136b for connecting the adapter element 132b to the fastening axis 22b. The adapter element 132b has an octagonal element 146b. The octagonal element 146b is formed as an octagonal tube.The octagonal element 146b is designed to correspond to the connecting units 54b, 56b of the universal joint 52b. The connecting units 54b, 56b are provided for positive coupling with the octagonal element 146b. The octagonal element 146b can be connected to the assembled half-shells 140b, 142b via a connecting flange 144b.

[0088] By using the adapter elements 132b, 134b, the universal joint 52b with its connecting units 54b, 56b with their octagonal mounting receptacles can be easily connected to differently shaped mounting axes 22b, 34b. Only one shape of the half-shells 140b, 142b of the adapter elements 132b, 134b would need to be adapted.

[0089] Figures 13 to 16 show a third embodiment of a solar module mounting device 10c according to the invention. Figures 13 to 16 show only a small section of the solar module mounting device 10c. The solar module mounting device 10c is intended for mounting a plurality of solar modules (not shown in detail here) on a substrate. The solar module mounting device 10c forms a row in which the solar modules are arranged. The solar module mounting device 10c is intended for mounting the solar modules in a manner that follows the terrain.

[0090] The solar module mounting device 10c has a first, rotatable mounting axis 22c. The mounting axis 22c is designed for connecting multiple solar modules. The mounting axis 22c is designed as a continuous axis. The solar module mounting device 10c has a second, rotatable mounting axis 34c. The mounting axis 34c is designed for connecting multiple solar modules. The mounting axis 34c is designed as a continuous axis.

[0091] The solar module mounting device 10c has a first connecting module 50c. The first connecting module 50c connects the first fastening axis 22c to the second fastening axis 34c in a rotationally fixed manner. Torque and rotational movement can be transmitted via the connecting module 50c. The connecting module 50c connects the two fastening axis 22c, 34c at their mutually facing axial ends. The connecting module 50c is arranged between the first axial end of the second fastening axis 34c and the first axial end of the first fastening axis 22c. The connecting module 50c is provided for rotationally coupling the two non-coaxial, rotatable fastening axis 22c, 34c to one another and for transmitting torque between the fastening axis 22c, 34c.

[0092] The connection module 50c has a universal joint 52c. The universal joint 52c is provided for the rotationally fixed connection of the two fastening axes 22c, 34c. The universal joint 52c connects the two fastening axes 22c, 34c to one another in a rotationally fixed manner. The universal joint 52c has a first connection unit 54c. The first connection unit 54c is provided for rotationally fixed coupling to a fastening axis 22c, 34c. In an assembled state, the connection unit 54c forms an octagonal fastening receptacle. The universal joint 52c has a second connection unit 56c. The second connection unit 56c is provided for rotationally fixed coupling to a fastening axis 22c, 34c. The second connection unit 56c is preferably designed identically to the first connection unit 54c.

[0093] The universal joint 52c has a universal element 58c. The two connecting units 54c, 56c are connected to each other via the universal element 58c. The connecting units 54c, 56c are directly connected to each other via the universal element 58c. The universal element 58c is rotatable about a rotation axis relative to the connecting units 54c, 56c, which are aligned perpendicular to each other and lie in a plane.

[0094] The connecting units 54c, 56c each have two half-shells 60c, 62c, 64c, 66c and, when assembled, enclose the corresponding fastening axis 22c, 34c. The first connecting unit 54c has the two half-shells 60c, 62c. The second connecting unit 56c has the two half-shells 64c, 66c. The two half-shells 60c, 62c forming the first connecting unit 54c are designed identically to the two half-shells 64c, 66c forming the second connecting unit 56c. Therefore, only the first connecting unit 54c and how the half-shells 60c, 62c form it will be described in more detail below. The following description can also be used to explain the second connecting unit 56c and its half-shells 64c, 66c.

[0095] The connecting unit 54c is formed by the two half-shells 60c, 62c. The half-shells 60c, 62c completely enclose the corresponding fastening axis 22c in the circumferential direction. In an assembled state, the half-shells 60c, 62c are mounted in a rotationally fixed manner on the corresponding fastening axis 22c. The half-shells 60c, 62c have a non-circular inner contour. The inner contour is designed to correspond to the element with which the half-shells 60c, 62c are connected. The inner contour of the half-shells 60c, 62c is designed to correspond to the outer contour of the corresponding fastening axis 22c. In an assembled state, the half-shells 60c, 62c preferably rest with their inner contour predominantly on the outer contour of the corresponding fastening axis 22c. In an assembled state, the half-shells 60c, 62c are positively connected in the circumferential direction to the corresponding fastening axis 22c.Due to the positive connection in the circumferential direction, a force, in particular a torque, can be transmitted particularly well between the fastening axis 22c and the half-shells 60c, 62c, which form the connecting unit 54c of the cardan joint 52c.

[0096] In contrast to the first two embodiments, the half-shells 60c, 62c are of identical design. The two half-shells 60c, 62c are of identical design. The two half-shells 60c, 62c have the same basic shape. The half-shells 60, 62 are designed as identical parts. This advantageously saves production, storage, and assembly costs. The two half-shells 60c, 62c are designed to overlap on opposite sides when assembled. The connecting module has fastening screws 148c, 150c, 152c, 156c, via which the half-shells 60c, 62c can be connected to the corresponding fastening axis 22c. The overlap allows the fastening screws 148c, 150c, 152c, and 154c to pass through both half-shells 60c and 62c on each side and the corresponding fastening axis 22c. The fastening screws 148c, 150c, 152c, and 154c are preferably secured with a nut on one side.This allows a particularly advantageous compression to be created between the half-shells 60c, 62c themselves and the respective half-shells 60c, 62c and the outer surface of the fastening axis 22c. The half-shells 60c, 62c form a complete positive fit around the octagonal fastening axis 22c in the circumferential direction. The fastening screws 148c, 150c, 152c, 154c are essentially intended to securely fix the half-shells 60c, 62c in position due to the positive fit and the compression between the half-shells 60c, 62c and to prevent any shear forces between the fastening holes in the half-shells 60c, 62c and the fastening axis.Due to the positive fit around the fastening axis 22c and the compression between the half-shells 60c, 62c, the fastening screws 148c, 150c, 152c, 154c in the fastening holes are preferably not subjected to shear stress during normal operation, which can advantageously prevent damage, in particular tearing of the fastening holes, particularly in the fastening axis 22c. In the present exemplary embodiment, the half-shells 60c, 62c are mounted on the fastening axis 22 with four fastening screws 148c, 150c, 152c, 154c. In principle, however, a different number of fastening screws 148c, 150c, 152c, 154c would also be conceivable. Two fastening screws 148c, 154c are arranged in the area of ​​the overlapping sides 68c, 78c, 76c, 86c of the two half-shells 60c, 62c. A fastening screw 150c is arranged in the opposite sides 72c, 82c of the half-shells 60c, 62c.A fastening screw 152c is arranged in the opposite sides 70c, 84c of the half-shells 60c, 62c.

[0097] The half-shells 60c, 62c of the connecting unit 54c each form half an octagon. The half-shells 60c, 62c each have five sides 68c, 70c, 72c, 74c, 76c, 78c, 80c, 82c, 84c, 86c. The walls of the half-shells 60c, 62c form the sides 68c, 70c, 72c, 74c, 76c, 78c, 80c, 82c, 84c, 86c. The sides 68c, 70c, 72c, 74c, 76c, 78c, 80c, 82c, 84c, 86c, i.e., the walls of a half-shell 60c, 62c, each form the corresponding half-shell 60c, 62c in one piece. Two adjacent sides 68c, 70c, 72c, 74c, 76c, 78c, 80c, 82c, 84c, 86c of the half-shells 60c, 62c each form an angle of 135 degrees with each other.

[0098] In contrast to the previous embodiments, the half-shells 60c, 62c each form an irregular half-octagon. The two half-shells 60c, 62c each form an asymmetric half-octagon. The sides 68c, 86c of the half-shells 60c, 62c each form part of a regular octagon and each abut the outer surface of the octagon-shaped fastening axis 22c. The sides 76c, 78c of the respective half-shells 60c, 62c opposite the sides 68c, 86c are drawn outward from a regular octagon shape by a sheet thickness of the half-shells 60c, 62c. This is achieved in particular by the fact that the side 74c, 80c adjacent to the respective outwardly drawn side 76c, 78c is extended, in contrast to a regular octagon shape. The side 74c, 80c adjacent to the respective outwardly drawn side 76c, 78c is extended in the transverse direction by the sheet thickness of the half-shells 60c, 62c.The side 74c, 80c adjacent to the respective outwardly drawn side 76c, 78c is longer than the side 70c, 84c adjacent to the side 68c, 86c forming part of a uniform octagon.

[0099] The half-shells 60c, 62c each encompass the other half-shell 60c, 62c on one side in their overlapping area, while on the opposite side they are encompassed by the other half-shell 60c, 62c in the corresponding overlapping area. The half-shells 60c, 62c each have a bearing receptacle 92c, 94c for supporting the cardan element 58c. The bearing receptacles 92c, 94c for supporting corresponding axle extensions 102c, 104c of the cardan element 58c are each inserted off-center between the two opposite sides 68c, 76c, 76c, 86c into the respective side 72c, 82c of the corresponding half-shell 60c, 62c. The bearing mounts 92c, 94c for supporting the corresponding axle extensions 102c, 104c of the cardan element 58c are arranged off-center by half the sheet thickness of the half-shells 60c, 62c. As a result, the bearing mounts 92c, 94c of the two interconnected half-shells 60c, 62c are aligned, i.e., coaxial, in an assembled state.This advantageously ensures that the half-shells 60c, 62c can only be mounted in one position during assembly, in particular when inserting the cardan element 58c.

[0100] Reference symbol

[0101] 10 Solar module mounting device

[0102] 12 solar modules

[0103] 14 solar modules

[0104] 16 solar modules

[0105] 18 solar modules

[0106] 20 Underground

[0107] 22 Mounting axis

[0108] 24 Solar module mounting unit

[0109] 26 Holding element

[0110] 28 Holding element

[0111] 30 fixing posts

[0112] 32 rotation axis

[0113] 34 Mounting axis

[0114] 36 Solar module mounting unit

[0115] 38 Holding element

[0116] 40 Holding element

[0117] 42 fixing posts

[0118] 44 storage location

[0119] 46 storage location

[0120] 48 Rotation axis

[0121] 50 connection module

[0122] 52 Cardan joint

[0123] 54 Connection unit

[0124] 56 Connection unit

[0125] 58 Cardan element

[0126] 60 half shell

[0127] 62 half shell

[0128] 64 Half shell Half shell

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[0139] Overlap area

[0140] Overlap area

[0141] Stock taking

[0142] Stock taking

[0143] Stock taking

[0144] Stock taking

[0145] bearing axis

[0146] Bearing axis Axle extension Axle extension Mounting hole

[0147] Mounting hole

[0148] Mounting hole Mounting axis Solar module mounting unit Mounting post

[0149] Connection module Cardan joint Drive unit Mounting axle Mounting post Connection module Adapter element Adapter element Bearing holder Bearing holder

[0150] Half shell Half shell

[0151] Connecting flange Octagon element Fixing screw Fixing screw Fixing screw Fixing screw

Claims

Claims 1. Solar module mounting device (10a; 10b), with a solar module fastening unit (24a; 24b) for connecting at least one solar module (12a; 12b), with at least one rotatable fastening axis (22a; 22b) to which at least one solar module fastening unit (24a; 24b) is connected, with at least one further solar module fastening unit (36a; 36b) and a further rotatable fastening axis (34a; 34b) to which the at least one further solar module fastening unit (24a, 36a, 116a; 24b, 36b) is connected, with at least one connecting module (50a; 50b) which connects the one fastening axis (22a; 22b) to the further fastening axis (34a; 34b) are coupled to one another in a rotationally fixed manner, characterized in that the connecting module (50a; 50b) has a universal joint (52a; 52b) with two connecting units (54a, 56a; 54b, 56b) which connects the two fastening axes (22a, 34a; 22b, 34b) to one another in a rotationally fixed manner.

2. Solar module support device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cardan joint (52a; 52b) has the two connecting units (54a, 56a; 54b, 56b), which are each connected to one of the fastening axes (22a, 34a; 22b, 34b), and a cardan element (58a; 58b) which directly connects the two connecting units (54a, 56a; 54b, 56b) to one another.

3. Solar module support device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connecting units (54a, 56a; 54b, 56b) each have two half-shells (60a, 62a, 64a, 66a) and, in the assembled state, at least substantially enclose the corresponding fastening axis (22a, 34a).

4. Solar module mounting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting units (54a, 56a; 54b, 56b) each have two half-shells (60a, 62a, 64a, 66a) which have an overlapping region (88a, 90a) in which the two half-shells (60a, 62a, 64a, 66a) overlap in an assembled state.

5. Solar module support device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting units (54a, 56a; 54b, 56b) each have two half-shells (60a, 62a, 64a, 66a) which have at least one fastening hole (108a) in their overlapping region (88a, 90a), via which the half-shells (60a, 62a, 64a, 66a) can be connected at least to one another.

6. Solar module mounting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting units (54a, 56a; 54b, 56b) each have two half-shells (60a, 62a, 64a, 66a), each forming half an octagon.

7. Solar module mounting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting units (54a, 56a; 54b, 56b) each have two half-shells (60a, 62a, 64a, 66a) which are of identical design.

8. Solar module mounting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting units (54a, 56a; 54b, 56b) each have two half-shells (60a, 62a, 64a, 66a), each forming an irregular half-octagon.

9. Solar module mounting device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the connecting units (54a, 56a; 54b, 56b) each have two half-shells (60a, 62a, 64a, 66a), wherein one of the two half-shells (60a, 64a) has a larger opening width and encompasses the other half-shell (62a, 66a) in an assembled state.

10. Solar module mounting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cardan element (58a; 58b) is connected to the connecting units (54a, 56a; 54b, 56b) in a mounted state in a self-locking manner and without the need for fastening means.

11. Solar module support device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gimbal element (58a; 58b) has two bearing axes (100a; 102a) lying in one plane, which are aligned orthogonally to one another and are each rotatably connected to one of the connecting units (54a, 56a; 54b, 56b).

12. Solar module support device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cardan element (58a; 58b) has at the ends of its bearing axes (100a, 102a) in each case an axle extension (104a, 106a) which is provided for mounting in a bearing receptacle (92a, 94a, 96a, 98a) of the connecting units (54a, 56a; 54b, 56b).

13. Solar module support device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cardan element (58a; 58b) is mounted via its axial extensions (104a, 106a) in a sliding manner in the corresponding bearing receptacles (92a, 94a, 96a, 98a) of the connecting units (54a, 56a; 54b, 56b).

14. Solar module support device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting modules (50b) have an adapter element (132b, 134b) for each connecting unit (54b, 56b), via which the connecting units (54b, 56b) are connected to the fastening axis (22b, 34b).

15. Solar module support device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adapter elements (132b, 134b) have a first octagonal bearing receptacle (138b) for connecting the connecting units (54b, 58b) and a second bearing receptacle (136b) for connecting to the fastening axis (22b, 384b), which are different from the first bearing receptacle (138b).

16. Solar module mounting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least five, preferably at least nine solar module mounting units (24a, 36a; 24b, 36b) are rigidly connected to the mounting axes (22a, 34a; 22b, 34b).

17. Solar module mounting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by further solar module fastening units (116a) and further rotatable fastening axes (114a, 126a) to which the further solar module fastening units (116a) are connected, wherein the further rotatable fastening axes (114a, 126a) can be connected via connecting modules (120a; 130a) which are optionally connected via a cardan joint (122a) or a rigid connection.

18. System comprising a solar module support device according to one of claims 1 - 17, which comprises a plurality of fastening axes (22a, 34a, 114a, 126a; 22b, 34b), which are each connected to one another via a connecting module (50a, 120a, 130a) with a cardan joint (52a, 122a), and with a plurality of solar modules (12a, 14a, 16a, 18a; 12b, 14b), which are each connected to the fastening axes (22a, 34a, 114a, 126a; 22b, 34b).

19. Connection module according to one of claims 1 to 17 for connecting two fastening axes (22a, 34a, 114a, 126a; 22b, 34b) of a solar module mounting device.

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