Foldable panel support mechanism, chain for a foldable panel support mechanism and panel support

Abstract

Foldable panel support mechanism (1), comprising a chain 82) of a plurality of panel supports (3) placed in a row that extends in a longitudinal direction (L) from a beginning (5) of the chain that is held to a base (7) to a free end (6) of the chain, the panel supports being arranged to hinge relative to each other about a hinge axis (10) that extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the chain. The panel supports are provided with elongate runners (11) that extend transversely to the longitudinal direction of the chain, such that by running the runners over the ground, the chain can be switched between an extended state (e) in which the panel supports are supported directly on the ground via the runners to cover an area of the ground adjacent the base, and a retracted state (R) in which the panel supports leave the area of the ground adjacent the base free.

Description

[0001] Title: Foldable panel support mechanism, chain for a foldable panel support mechanism and panel support

[0002] The invention generally relates to panel supports, in particular for panel supports for solar panels.

[0003] Solar panels, in particular photovoltaic (PV) panels, are popular means for harvesting solar energy. Solar panels are typically placed in groups, and are efficiently arranged to face the sun via panel supports that are placed on planar surfaces. Level ground surfaces are relatively cost effective to place panel supports on, However, to harvest significant amounts of solar energy, a relatively large surface area is needed for placement of the panels. In populated areas large level ground surfaces are not always available. Ground surfaces are often built up or in use for purposes that prevent placement of solar panels. Unused elevated and / or inclined planar surfaces such as rooftops are typically used as alternative to ground surfaces, but also those types of surfaces are relatively scarce. As alternative, elevated panel support structures are provided to support panels at interspace above, but such elevated panel support structures are relatively expensive. As further alternative, foldable panel support structures have been provided to temporarily support panels on ground surface areas that have intermittent use, e.g. car parking areas at arenas that are used for parking during events at the arena only, and that remain unused at other times. Such foldable panel support structures can be switched between an extended state in which the panel supports cover an area of the surface, and a retracted state in which the panel supports leave that area fee. A disadvantage of known foldable panel supports is that they need permanent provisions on the area of the ground to be covered, e.g, rails on which they are supported, and / or put significant constraints on the constitution of the surface, e.g, with respect to rigidity and wear resistance, so that the surface needs to be tarmac or concrete. This renders them relatively costly, and stands in the way of use on e.g, sports fields as these cannot be provided with permanent provisions, and have a relatively delicate surface constitution, e.g, grass or astro turf, that does not meet the constraints on rigidity and wear resistance. This is in particular disadvantageous, as sports clubs see intensive use of the sports fields paired 5 with a large energy demand for e.g. hot showers during the weekend only, which energy demand can potentially he met by harvesting solar energy with foldable panel supports on the sports fields during the week when the fields are not in use.

[0004] The invention aims to mitigate the above disadvantages, and in Id particular aims to provide a foldable panel, support structure that is more cost effective and / or more versatile in use. Specifically, the invention aims to provide a foldable support structure that does not require permanent provisions on the surface area to be covered, and that that puts less constraints on the constitution of the surface.

[0005] 15 Thereto the invention provides for a foldable panel support mechanism, comprising a chain of a plurality of panel supports placed in a row that extends in a longitudinal direction from a beginning of the chain that is held to a base to a free end of the chain, the panel supports being arranged to hinge relative to each other about a hinge axis that extends 20 transversely to the longitudinal direction of the chain, the panel supports being provided with elongate runners that extend transversely to the longitudinal direction of the chain, such that by running the runners over the ground, the chain can be switched between an extended state in which the panel supports are supported directly on the ground via the runners to 25 cover an area of the ground adjacent the base, and a retracted state in which the panel supports leave the area of the ground adjacent the base free. By providing the panel supports in a collapsible chain with elongate transverse runners that are direct!}7supported on the ground, a foldable support structure is provided that does not require permanent provisions on 30 the surface area of the ground to be covered due to a relatively large transverse support surface provided by the elongate runners, and that that puts so little constraints on the constitution of the surface that it can be used to slide over grass or astroturf to cover an aera of a sports field when extended without leaving track marks, while leaving the area of the sports field fit for use when retracted.

[0006] Within the context of this disclosure, the term ‘elongate runner’ is meant to express that the lengt h of the runner, i.e. the dimension extending along a longitudinal axis of the runner, is at least twice its diameter, i.e. the dimension transverse to the longitudinal axis of the runner. This way, the support surface provided by the runner can be relatively large, so that the surface pressure and impact of the runners can be relatively small.

[0007] Preferably, the axial length of the runner and thus the length of its support surface is greater than three or four times its diameter. More preferably, the support surface extends continuously along the length of the runner.

[0008] When the runners extend across a width of the panel supports transverse to the longitudinal direction, the surface pressure and impact of the runners can be reduced. The runners may extend along at least half the width of the panel supports, but preferably extend along the full width of the panel supports. The runners may in transverse direction be built up in one piece, but may also be built up of a plurality of pieces. The runners may extend discontinuously, e.g. interspaced along the width of the panel support, but preferably extend continuously.

[0009] When the runners comprise elongate support rolls, their impact on the ground surface may be reduced further. The elongate support rolls have a length greater than twice their diameter. As an alternative, the runners may be embodied as elongate skids.

[0010] When the support rolls are rotatably carried on shafts that extend transversely to the longitudinal direction across the width of the panel supports, their impact on the ground surface may be reduced further through rolling. Preferably the support rolls are freely rotatably carried on the shafts. The shafts may double as hinge pins for hinged connection of the panel supports. The support rolls may be provided with a dedicated mantle surface material, e.g, a relatively soft, deformable material to increase the contact area and / or to conform to the ground, so as to further prevent damage and wear of the material of the ground, e.g, the artificial grass, The support rolls may also be provided with a dedicated profile, e.g, aimed at preventing damage to the surface of the ground.

[0011] The panel supports may include first edges that face toward the beginning of the chain and second edges that face toward the end of the chain, Elongate runners are preferably provided at the first and second edges of the panel supports, The panel supports may further have a first part that extends from the first edge of the panel support along a panel support plane of the panel support, and a second part that extends away from the panel support plane to the second edge of the panel support. The panel support may thus be angled in configuration, and may e.g. be triangular in side view, with a long side or the triangle that extends between the first and second edges facing the ground. Such angled configuration allows nesting of the panel supports in retracted state of the chain, and can facilitate hinging of the panels relative to each other when the chain is operated to move between the retracted and extended state. Various angles can be chosen, e.g, to optimize aiming the surface of a panel supported on the panel support at the sun. Elegantly, the fist and second part are adjustable relative to each other to allow the angle to be set at a desired angular value.

[0012] When the panel supports include a set of substantially L shaped profiles extending along longitudinal sides of the panel support plane along the edge of the row, the panel supports can be made particularly light weight yet stiff and strong. The profiles may extend at opposite longitudinal side edges of the panel supports. The body of the L may form, the first part, and the foot of L may form the second part of the panel support. The panel support mechanism, and the panel supports may be sold without panels, e.g. as an assembly. The panels may then be provided via another source, and may be mounted to the panel supports alter (partial). Assembly. In assembled condition and ready for use, the panel supports include panels, in particular PV panels, supported at the panel support plane. The panels are typically substantially rectangular. The panels may form the core of the panel support, and may e.g. be held between the L~ s ha ped pro ti l es.

[0013] The chain may comprise a plurality of connecters, with panel supports and connectors being alternatingly placed in the row. Connectors may be provided in between panel supports, and / or at the beginning and / or end of the chain. The connectors can help to longitudinally interspace the panel supports in extended state of the chain, while allowing the panel supports to be more closely spaced to each other in re tra cted state of the chain. The connectors can also help to space the first panel support further away from the base in extended state, e.g. by placing a sat of hingedly connected connectors in series at the base at the beginning of the chain before including the first panel support in the row. The panel supports may, preferably at their first and second edges, be hingedly connected to the connectors about an hinge axis that extends transverse to the longitudinal direction of the chain. The hinge axis maybe a physical axis, e.g. a hinge pin or shaft.

[0014] The connectors may include pairs of connecting arms that extend in parallel between first and second edges of consecutive panel supports along longitudinal side edges of the chain, with the first and second edges of panel supports being bracketed in the interspace in between the connecting arms. The connecting arms may efficiently be embodied as rigid straight beams. In retracted state of the chain, the panel supports may be held between the connecting arms so as to allow the panel supports to be nested into each other. The foldable panel support mechanism may be operated manually to be switched from the retracted state to the extended state and vice versa, e.g, by respectively pulling and pushing at the end of the chain, and -if needed- manually assisting the hinging of subsequent panel supports to respectively unfold and fold the chain. For such manual operation, a handle may be provided on the free end of chain.

[0015] To facilitate operation of the chain to switch between the retracted and expanded state, both the panel supports and connectors are preferably relatively stiff to as to be able to transmi t both pull and push force.

[0016] To facilitate return of the chain to the retracted state, the foldable panel support mechanism may further comprise at least one cable, the cable extending in longitudinal direction along the chain between the beginning and the end of the chain. The cable may be flexible relative to panel supports and connectors, and may be arranged to transmit pull force, but not push force. The cable may be axially slidably retained in guide elements provided at the panel supports, preferably at the first edges of the panel supports. Guide elements may advantageously be provided at each longitudinal side of the panel supports, each guiding a strand of cable.

[0017] The cable may elegantly be arranged to extend downward from a high point at the beginning of the chain to assist with both folding and unfolding of the panel supports while operating the chain to move between the retracted and the expanded state. The high point is preferably fixed in place, and is chosen e.g. at a height relative to the ground that corresponds to the length of the panel support so as to be able hang the panel from the cable in upright position. The downwardly extending section of the cable may in particular help exert a. lift force on the panel supports on the ground area to be covered near the base to assist the folding process, without need for a lifting structure to be supported on the area to be covered and without need to exert force on the area to be covered. To assist with operating the chain to switch between the retracted, and the expanded state, in particular to move from the expanded state to the retracted state, the foldable support mechanism may be provided with a winder for winding up the cable. To assist with switching the chain between the retracted arid the expanded state, in particular to move from the retracted state to the expanded state, the foldable support mechanism may be provided with least one traction roller for driving the chain over the ground. Traction rollers may be provided as a driven roll included in the free end of the row and / or as a runner that is embodied as a driven support roll. The traction roller preferably has a length greater than twice the diameter, and preferably extends continuously across a width of the panel supports transverse to the longitudinal direction. The traction roller may be provided with a profiled and / or high friction mantle surface to provide traction, and to prevent damage to the ground surface.

[0018] The chain, cable and winder discussed above are preferably being arranged such that while unwinding the cable and guiding the panel supports along the cable while running the runners over the ground, the chain can be extended from a retracted state in which the panel supports are supported on the runners at the second edges only, and are nested into each other, to an extended state in which the row of supports are interspaced by the connectors and supported on the ground via the runners at the first and second edges. Extension of the chain may be assisted by a traction roller to drive the chain over the ground. Preferably, the cable is unwound to match the speed of the traction roller. By winding the cable up and guiding the panel supports along the cable while running the runners over the ground, the chain can subsequently be retracted from the extended state to the retracted state. The traction roller can also be used to drive or assist during retraction of the chain.

[0019] The base may e.g. be stationed adjacent an edge of a sports Held, in particular at a location adjacent the area of the sports field to be covered and may include side, rear, top and / or bottom panels to cover the chain in the retracted state. The free end of the row may in the retracted state of the chain form a front panel of the base.

[0020] The invention further relates to a chain for a foldable panel support mechanism, in particular for a foldable panel support mechanism as discussed above, comprising a plurality of panel supports that are placed in a row that extends in a longitudinal direction from a beginning of the chain that is to be held to a base to a free end of the ch ain, the panel supports being connected about an hinge axis that extends transverse to the longitudinal direction of the chain, the panel supports being provided with elongate runners that extend transversely to the longitudinal direction of the chain, such that by running the runners over the ground, the chain can be switched between an extended state in which the panel supports are supported directly on the ground via the runners to cover an area of the ground adjacent the base, and a retracted state in which the panel supports leave the area of the ground adjacent the base free. Preferably, the chain further comprises a plurality of connectors, the panel supports and connectors being alterna tingly placed in the row.

[0021] The invention still further relates to a panel support, in particular a panel support for a foldable panel support mechanism or chain according to any of the preceding cl aims, comprising a first part that extends from a first edge of the panel support along a panel support plane of the panel support, and a second part that extends away from the panel support plane to a second edge of the panel support, wherein elongate runners, in particular rollers, are provided at the first and second edges of the panel supports, the runners extending across a width of the panel supports.

[0022] Preferably, the panel support includes a set of substantially L shaped profiles extending along longitudinal sides of the panel support plane along the edge of the row. The skilled person is herewith advised that the above aspects of the invention individually alleviate disadvantages of foldable panel support structures, and in combination alleviate disadvantages further. The aspects of the invention together form an invention, but may each individually also be seen as inventions on their own and / or as inventive further elaborations of the same invention.

[0023] The invention will further be elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment which is represented in the drawings. The exemplary embodiment is given by way of nou-limitative illustration of the invention.

[0024] In the drawings:

[0025] Fig, 1 shows a perspective view of a foldable panel support mechanism in the expanded state.

[0026] Fig, 2a through 2d show a perspective view a foldable panel support mechanism of Fig. 1 in consecuti ve steps of retraction; Fig. 3 shows a perspective a foldable panel support mechanism of Fig. 1 in retracted state, and

[0027] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a detail of a panel support in the chain of the panel support mechanism of Fig. 1.

[0028] It is noted that the figures are only schema tie representations that are given by way of a non-limiting example. In the figures, the same or corresponding parts are designated with the same reference numerals.

[0029] Referring to Figs 1-4 an exemplary embodiment of a foldable panel support mechanism is shown. As shall be discussed more in detail below, the foldable panel support mechanism is provided with panel supports in a collapsible chain with elongate transverse runners that are directly supported on the ground of a sports field. The structure does not make use of any permanent provisions on the surface area of the ground of the sports field to be covered due to a relatively large support surface provided by elongate runners embodied as support rollers that extend across the width of the panel supports at first and second edges of the panel supports. The structure puts so little constraints on the constitution of the surface that, it can be used to slide over artificial grass to cover an aera of a the ground of the sports field adjacent the base of the panel mechanism when extended, while leaving the area of the ground of the sports field fit for use when retracted.

[0030] The foldable panel support mechanism 1 includes a chain 2. The chain 2 comprises a plurality of panel supports 3 and connectors 4. The supports 3 and connectors 4 are alternatingly placed in a row that extends in a longitudinal direction L from a beginning 5 of the chain 2 to a free end 6 Of the chain 2. The beginning 5 is held to a base 7. Referring specifically to Fig, 5, the panel supports 3 include first edges 8 that face toward the beginning 5 of the chain 2 and second edges 9 that face toward the free end 6 of the chain 2, The panel supports 3 are at their first and second edges 8,9 hingedly connected to the connectors 4 about an hinge axis 10. The hinge axis 10 extends transverse to the longitudinal direction L of the chain 2. The panel supportsBare at their first and second edges 8,9 provided with elongate runners 11, The elongate runners 11 extend transversely to the longitudinal direction L of the chain 2, The panel supports 3 further have a first part 12 that extends from the first edge 8 of the panel support 3 along a panel support plane 13 of the panel support 3, and a second part 14 that extends away from the panel support plane 13 to the second edge 9 of the panel support 3. The foldable panel support mechanism 1 further comprises two cables 15 that are formed by parallel strands of the same cable, and that each extend in longitudinal L direction along the chain 2 between the beginning 5 of the chain 2 and the free end 6 of the chain 2, The cables 15 are axially slidably retained in guide elements 16 provided at the first edges 8 of the panel supports 2, at opposite longitudinal sides 17 of the panel supports 2. The cable 2 extends downward from a high point 18 at the beginning of the chain 2, where it is fastened to the base 7, The foldable panel support mechanism 1 further comprises a winder 19 for winding up the cables 15.

[0031] The chain 2, cables 15 and winder 19 are arranged such that, by winding the cables 15 up on the winder 19, and by guiding the panel supports 3 along the cables 15 while running the runners II over the ground 20, the chain 2 can be retracted from an extended state E shown in Fig. 1 to a retracted state R shown in Fig. 3. In the extended state E of Fig.

[0032] 1 the row of supports 3 are interspaced by the connectors 4, and are supported on the ground 20 via the runners 11 at the first and second edges 8,9. In the retracted state R of the chain 2 shown.in Fig. 3 the panel supports 3 are supported on the runners 11 at the second edges 9 only, and are nested into each other.

[0033] In this embodiment, the runners 11 are embodied as elongate support rolls 21 that have a length 1 greater than twice the diameter d, and that extend continuously across the width W of the panel supports 3 transverse to the longitudinal direction L of the chain 2. The support rolls 21 are freely rotatably carried on.shafts 22 that extend transversely to the longitudinal direction across the width W of the panel supports 3. The shafts 22 act as hinge pins for the panel supports 3 and the connectors 4.

[0034] The elongate support rollers 21 that extend across the width W of the panel supports 3 at first and second edges 8,9 of the panel supports 3 provide a large support surface, can be used to roll over the artificial grass to cover an aera of a the ground of the sports field adjacent the base of the panel mechanism when extended to harvest solar energy, without leaving marks or tracks so that the area of the ground of the sports field is left fit for use when retracted.

[0035] In this exemplary embodiment, the connectors 4 include a pair of connecting arms 23 formed by straight beams that extend in parallel between the first edges 8 and the second edges 9 of consecutive panel supports 4. The connecting arms 23 extend along opposite longitudinal side edges of the chain 2. The first and second edges 8, 9 of the panel supports 4 are bracketed in the interspace 24 in between the connecting arms 23. As can be best seen in Fig.l, the chain 2 includes a series of three sets of hingedly connecting arms 23 at the beginning of the chain to space the first panel support 3 away from the base 7 in expanded state E, As can be best-seen in Fig. 3, the panel supports 3 are held between the connecting arms 23 so they are nested into each other in the retracted state R of the chain 2.

[0036] The panel supports >3 and the connecting arms 23 are stiff, and are able to transmit both pull and push force. The cables 15 are flexible, and are able to transmit pull force, not push force.

[0037] The panel supports 3 include a set of substantially L shaped profiles 24 that extend along opposite longitudinal sides 17 of the panel support plane 13 along the longitudinal edges of the row 2. The body of the L shaped profile 24 extend along the first part 12 of the panel support. 3, and the foot- of L shaped profile 24 extends along the secund portion 14.

[0038] The panel supports 3 include substantially rectangular PV panels 25 that are supported at the panel support plane 13. In this embodiment, the panels 25 form a core of panel supports 3 that is held between the L- shaped profiles 24.

[0039] The foldable panel support mechanism further comprises a traction roller 26 in the free end of the chain 2. The traction, roller 26 is in this embodiment formed by an elongate driven roll that has a length greater than twice its diameter, and that extends continuously across the width W of the panel support 3 transverse to the longitudinal direction L of the chain 2.

[0040] By driving the traction roller 26 over the ground, and unwinding the cables 15 from the winder 19. and guiding the panel supports 3 along the cables 15 while running the runners 11 over the ground, the chain 2 can. be extended from the retracted state R shown in Fig. 4 to the extended state E in which the row of supports 3 are i nterspaced by the connectors 4 and supported on the ground via the runners 11 at the first and second edges 8,9.

[0041] Referring specifically to Figs. 2A-2D consecutive stops during retraction are shown. During retraction, he. folding in, the winder 19 winds up the cables 15, causing the chain 2 to be pushed toward the base 7 while being guided along the cables. Optionally or in addition, the traction roller 26 and / or manual push force at the free end 6 of the chain 2 can be used to push the chain 2 towards the bottom base panel27 of the base 7. The push force is transferred via the consecutive connectors 4 and panel supports 3 that extend over the area A to be covered onto the base 7. The push force causes the panel support 3 closest to the base 7 to be guided upward via the guide elements 16 at opposing longitudinal sides 17 at the first edge 8 of the panel support 3. As can be seen in Fig. 2B, the upward lifting force causes the panel support 3 and connector 4 closest to the base 7 to tent upward, with the stiff connecting arms 24 of the connector 4 hinging upward. This causes the support roll 21 to be lifted off from the ground 20 without need for any structure being supported on the ground 20 at the area A to be covered, and without exerting force onto the ground 20 at the area A to be covered. While the first edge 8 of the panel support 3 is guided upward into the base 7 along the cables 15 towards the high points 18, the second edge 9 of the panel support 3 with its support roll 21 is pushed into the base 7 by the connecting arms 24 of the adjacent connector 4, so that the support roll 21 at the second edge 9 rolls off the area A of the ground 21 to be covered, and on to the bo ttom base panel 27 of the base 7, As can be seen in Figs, 2C and 2D, the cables 15 and upward hinging of the connecting arms 24 cause the panel support 3 to fold and be nested in a substantially upright position with only the second edge 9 supported on the bottom base panel 27 of the base 7, the panel supports 3 being closely spaced together. During retraction, the re aining part of the chain 2 that extends ever the area A to be covered rolls over the ground 20 via the support rolls 21. When retraction is complete as shown in Fig, 3, the chain 2 is fully within the base 7, and the area A to be covered is completely fee.

[0042] The movement during extension, i.e. folding out, is apposite to folding in and can be seen by looking at Figs. 2A-D in reverse order, i.e. Figs. 2D through 2A. The movement may performed by exerting pull force on the chain 2 with the traction roller 26 and / or manual foil force at the free end 6 of the chain 2, to pull the free end 6 of the chain 2 away from the base 7 onto the area A of the ground to be covered. The winder 19 may be unwound to release lengths of cable 15. The portion of the cables 15 that slope downward from the high points 18 causes the support rollers at the first edges 8 of the panel supports 3 to be placed into contact with the area A of the ground 20 be covered gently, and during extension the chain 2 rolls outward over the area A via support rolls 21 until the extended state shown in Fig..1 is reached. The support rolls 21 distribute the weight, of the relatively lightly constructed chain 2 over a relatively large transverse area, so that no track marks or wear patterns are created.

[0043] The base 7 the base includes side, rear, top and / or bottom base panels 27 to cover the chain 2 with the row of panel supports 3 and connectors 4 in the retracted state S. In the retracted state S, the free end of the chain 2 may form a front panel of the base 17.

[0044] Electric wiring of the traction roller and the PV panels is not shown for clarity, but are provided in conventional manners well known by the person skilled in the art.

[0045] Many variations will be apparent to the skilled person in the art. For example a chain an be made up with just panel supports, and the panel supports need not be nested in retracted state of the chain. Further, the chain can be provided with an electric drive for the winder, and the winder anchor traction roller may be powered via a battery that is charged with the solar energy harvested by the PV panels. Also, the panels may e.g. alternatively include water heater or reflective panels, and the area to be covered may e.g. be a parking area or a field. The panels supports may be arranged to carry one panel, but may e.g. also carry two, three of a another plurality of panels. The panels and the panel supports may be arranged in various length to width ratio’s, e.g. more wide than long. Further, the panel supports need not be bested in retracted state of the chain, and the nesting may be different than in the exemplary embodiment, e.g. reversed with the tip of the triangle facing into the base instead of out, and / or the tip of the triangle may be closer to the high point than to the bottom panel of the base instead of closer to the bottom panel as in the exemplary embodiment. The panel support mechanism may include a plurality of chains, each having its own base or having a joint base. The plurality of chains may be arranged in parallel, and may be coupled along their length and / or at their free ends. In particular, (only.) the free ends of the chains may be coupled, and may e.g. include a common tractinn roller device.

[0046] The panel support mechanism may be provided with a single cable, or e.g, with two separate cables that each extend along a longitudinal side of the chain. Furthermore, the cable may be embodied as a flat cable, e.g. a ribbon, and may in the retracted state be taken up on a reel that forms part of the winder. In particular, the reel may be provided with flanges, and the ribbon may be taken up in a slot between the flanges. In use, the reel may be positioned near the traction roller at the free and of the chain, but may alternatively e.g. be provided at the high point of the panel support mechanism. Such reel may be spring loaded and biassed to a take up position that corresponds with the retracted state of the foldable panel support mechanism. The traction mechanism and the winder may be provided, with a single motor, or e.g. be provided with separate motors that are synchronized to drive simultaneously. For example, a single drive motor for the traction mechanism and two separate motors for each take up reel of the winder. Such variations are understood to be comprised within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. List of reference signs

[0047] 1. Foldable panel support mechanism 2. Chain

[0048] 3. Panel support

[0049] 4. Connector

[0050] 5. Beginning

[0051] 6. End

[0052] 7. Base

[0053] 8. First edge

[0054] 9. Second edge

[0055] 10. Hinge axis

[0056] 11. Elongate runners

[0057] 12. First part panel support

[0058] 13. Panel support plane

[0059] 14. Second part panel support

[0060] 15. Cable

[0061] 16. Guide element

[0062] 17. Longitudinal side panel support.1.8. High point

[0063] 19. Winder

[0064] 20. Ground

[0065] 21. Support roll

[0066] 22. Shaft

[0067] 23. Connecting arms

[0068] 24. L-shaped profile

[0069] 25. PV panel

[0070] 26. Traction roller

[0071] 27. Base panel / Length support roll

[0072] d Diameter support roll

[0073] A Area of the ground

[0074] E Extended state chain

[0075] R Retracted state chain

[0076] L Longitudinal direction of chain

[0077] W Width panel support

[0078]

Claims

Claims1. A foldable panel support mechanism, coinprising:-a chain of a plurality of panel supports placed in a row that extends in a longitudinal direction from a beginning of the chain that is held to a base to a free end of the chain,-the panel supports being arranged to hinge relative to each other about a hinge axis that extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the chain,■ the panel supports being provided with elongate runners that extend transversely to the longitudinal direction of the chain,-such that by running the runners over the ground, the chain can be switched between an extended state in which the panel supports are supported directly on the ground via the runners to cover an area of the ground adjacent the base, and a retracted state in which the panel supports leave the area of the ground adjacent the base free,2. The foldable support mechanism of claim 1, wherein the runners extend across a width of the panel supports transverse to the longitudinal direction.

3. The foldable support mechanism of claim 1 or 2, wherein the runners comprise support rolls.4, The foldable support mechanism of claim 3, wherein the support rolls are rotatably carried on shafts that extend transversely to the longitudinal direction across the width of the panel supports,5. The foldable panel support mechanism of any of claims 1-4, wherein the panel supports include first edges that face toward the beginning of the chain and second edges that face toward the end of the chain.

6. The foldable panel support mechanism of claim 5, wherein the panel supports further have a first part that extends from the first edge of the panel support along a panel support plane of the panel support, and asecond part that extends away from the panel support plane to the second edge of the panel support.

7. The foldable support mechanism of any of claims 1-6, wherein the panel supports include a set of substantially L shaped profiles extending along longitudinal sides of the panel support plane along the edge of the row.

8. The foldable support mechanism of any of claims 1-7. wherein the panel supports include preferably substantially rectangular panels, in particular PV panels, supported at the panel support plane.

9. The foldable panel support mechanism of claims 5-8, wherein elongate runners are provided at the first and second edges of the panel supports.

10. The foldable panel support mechanism of any of the preceding claims, wherein the chain comprises a plurality of connectors, panel supports and connectors being alternatingly placed in the row.

11. The foldable panel support mechanism of any of the preceding claims, wherein the panel supports are, preferably at their first and second edges, hingedly connected to the connectors about an hinge axis that extends transverse to the longitudinal direction of the chain.

12. The foldable support mechanism of claim 10 or 11, wherein the connectors include a pair of connecting arms that extend in parallel between first and second edges of consecutive panel supports along longitudinal side edges of the chain, with the first and second edges of panel supports being bracketed in the interspace in between the connecting arms.

13. The foldable support mechanism of any of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one cable, the cable extending in longitudinal direction along the chain between the beginning and the end of the chain.

14. The foldable support mechanism of claim 13, wherein the cable is axially slidably retained in guide elements provided at the panel supports, preferably at the first edges of the panel supports.

15. The foldable support mechanism of claim 13 or 14, wherein the cable extends downward from a high point at the beginning of the chain, 16. The foldable support mechanism of any one of claims 13 - 15, further comprising a winder for winding up the cable.

17. The foldable support mechanism of any one of claims 13 - 16, wherein the chain, cable and winder being arranged such that by winding the cable up and guiding the panel supports along the cable while running the runners over the ground, the chain can be retracted from the extended state to the retracted state.

18. The foldable support mechanism of any of claims 1-17, further comprising at least one traction roller, such that by driving the traction roller over the ground, the chain can be extended, from the retracted state to the extended state.

19. The foldable support mechanism of claim 18, wherein the at least one traction roller is provided as a driven roll included in the free end of the row and / or as a runner that is embodied as a driven support roll.

20. The foldable support mechanism of any of claims 1-19, wherein the base includes side, rear, top and / or bottom base panels to cover the row of panel supports in the retracted state.

21. The foldable support mechanism of any of claims 1-20, wherein the free end of the row in the retracted state of the row forms a front panel of the base.

22. A chain for a foldable panel support mechanism, in particular for a foldable panel support mechanism according to any of claims.1-21, comprising:-a plurality of panel supports that are placed in a row that extends in a longitudinal direction from a beginning of the chain that is to be held to a base to a free end of the chain,-the panel supports being connected about an hinge axis that extends transverse to the longitudinal direction of the chain,-the panel supports being provided with elongate runners that extend transversely to the longitudinal direction of the chain-such that by running the runners over the ground, the chain can be switched between an extended state in which the panel supports are supported directly on the ground via the runners to cover an area of the ground adjacent the base, and a retracted state in which the panel supports leave the area of the ground adjacent the base free,23. The chain of claim 22, further comprising a plurality of connectors, with panel supports and connectors being alternatingly placed in the row.

24. A panel support, in particular a panel support for a foldable panel support mechanism or chain according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a first part that extends from a first edge of the panel support along a panel support plane of the panel support, and a second part that extends away from the panel support plane to a second edge of the panel support, wherein elongate runners, in particular rollers, are provided at- the first and second edges of the panel supports, the runners extending across a width of the panel supports.

25. The panel support of claim 24, including a set of substantially L shaped profiles extending along longitudinal sides of the panel support plane.

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