DE102004021569A1 - Device to extend and support flexible thin layer solar modules or awnings in transport and fixing in space technology has two winding cords with drive unit and roller - Google Patents

Abstract

A device (3) to extend and/or support flexible, especially thin layer, modules (1) for solar generation or awnings in space comprises two wound bandlike segmental cords (4,6) that can be put together, with an end having an element to fix to a solar module. A drive unit (9) pushes on the roll winding mechanism (2). Independent claims are also included for the following: (A) thin wall hollow rods for the above;and (B) a process for the above.

Description

The The invention relates to an apparatus and method for extension and / or bracing flexible solar cell modules during transport to and during fixing in working position, in particular of thin-film solar cell modules for use as a solar generator or awning in space, wherein the solar cell modules at least one side a support and Extension unit for a thin-walled hollow profile strand feature.

The The invention further relates to a thin-walled hollow profile rod for extension and support a solar cell module, in particular a flexible thin-film solar cell module for use as a solar generator or awning in space, consisting from at least two assembled, band-shaped and preformed segment strands.

flexible Solar cell modules for use in space technology are already known. At the same time, rigid solar cells become flexible Carrier surface applied, that the solar cell module on a roll predetermined cross section can be wound up and thus transported locally and can be extended there as an awning or solar generator.

Especially when used in space technology, the use of weight is reduced and space-saving devices inevitable, as a result, high costs can be saved. Rigid solar cells, which are formed aufwickelbar and on a are arranged flexibly trained carrier material, while wearing to reduce space, but weight reductions are thereby achieved only to a limited extent.

It Solar cell modules have already become known from a flexible carrier material exist on the also flexible trained solar cells, for example by gluing, are attached. These solar cell modules have a much lower weight and volume and therefore can be used cost and space saving. In addition, the handling of this Solar cell modules much easier.

To the Support and attaching the solar cell module thereby serve metallic telescopic linkage, the also be transported in the retracted state to save space.

Also the use of extendable hollow profiles as support and fastening elements for the solar cell modules is already known.

hollow sections are produced, for example, according to the so-called STEM technology. These made of elastic Materials, mostly metal materials, semi-profiles produced be on drums in at least partially flattened state wound up and transported on site. When unwinding the jump profile belts in their original one C profile shape back.

adversely At this technology is that in particular with great lengths of the open hollow profiles the achievable torsional and bending stiffness is low.

to To mitigate this drawback, "BI-STEM" profiles have been developed shaped C-profile strips are aligned simultaneously and with the open side to each other, unwound from the drums. The stability and rigidity of these hollow profile strands is although improved, but is always for many applications not yet sufficient, since both profile halves do not connect with each other are. Furthermore doubles the space requirement.

Known Furthermore, the CTM principle, which also C-shaped half-profiles be prepared preformed. These are linked together over their total length connected, for example glued together at the edge and then during the Winding process on the winding roll in its cross section flattened. Due to the intended use of material also get these profile strands after the unwinding their original Shape back.

adversely is, however, that the stresses generated due to the deformation lead in the wound state to cracking in the material. This particular then when the winding operations executed several times become. The enlargement of the Winding diameter reduces this disadvantage, thereby increasing however, that needed Transport volume. Furthermore is a long-term storage of the flattened hollow profile strands too when using fiber reinforced Hardly possible plastics, because relaxation and creep processes occur.

In front everything for Space applications are made much more difficult by testing because during the winding and unwinding processes predamages can enter.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a device for extending and / or supporting flexible solar cell modules, which has a structurally simple structure and low weight, compared to large Temperaturschwankun gene is insensitive and allows high reliability and stability, the extension of the flexible solar cell module.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a method with solar cell arrangements in a technologically simple way. and transported weight-saving and durable and stable in the predetermined working position can be extended.

A Another object is to provide a hollow profile strand for fastening and stabilizing the flexible solar cell module such that it can also be transported space and weight saving and the required properties in terms of stability and service life Fulfills.

The inventive task is device-side solved by the support and Take-out unit at least two wound, preformed, ribbon-like segment strands has and is designed such that the segment strands on site can be joined together to form a hollow profile strand, that the hollow profile strand end with a fastening element for fastening the solar cell module is connected and that a drive unit for the execution of simultaneous Feed movements of the on a roll-like winding mechanism wound flexible solar cell module and the at least one Hollow profile strand is arranged.

The inventive device allows the transport of the flexible solar cell module and the support and Extension unit with relatively low transport volume and weight, because the parts of large volume, like the one in working position relatively long trained and in his Cross section also a big one area claiming hollow profile strand and the solar cell module also greater Area, through their flexible training during of the transport can be rolled up to a volume of small area. First directly at the place of use, for example in space for energy supply of the space module, the assembly of the awning and the unrolling takes place and stabilizing the device.

By Use of flexible thin-film solar cell modules The weight is reduced by a multiple compared to usual Solar cell modules, also the winding radius can be significantly reduced become.

To a preferred and advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention each is a support and extension unit arranged on both sides of the solar cell module. It leads the drive unit, the feed movement of both support and Drive units by means of gear-rack-like arranged on both sides Arrangements synchronized.

So is guaranteed that the solar generator or the awning in prescribed exact Position without wrinkling or unwanted change of direction is extended. The use of only one drive motor for all rotary or Feed movements leads also for mass reduction.

To another structurally simple design, the role-like Winding mechanism a tubular Storage role on which arranged between two support and Ausfahreinheiten is, in the interior of a resilient with the storage roll and the gear-rack-like Drives connected connecting shaft is arranged, wherein the storage roller the inclusion of the wound solar cell assembly during the Transport on site serves.

In order to ensures that the feed movements of the two drives be executed simultaneously and at the same speed.

The Connecting shaft has on both sides each a preloaded torsion spring on, which is supported on the storage roll and each with a gear-rack-like Arrangement of the drive unit is connected.

The Preload of the torsion springs causes the compensation of the path difference by decreasing storage volume diameter of the storage roll due the handling of the solar cell module.

From Another advantage is when the solar cell array for unwinding the storage roll over her entire width with the fastener, which is a bar-like Form, is connected, wherein the fastening element on both sides is attached to auszufahrenden hollow profile strand.

Of the Hollow profile strand has to the auszufahrenden to end means on which ensure that the preformed segment strands maintain their hollow profile shape that the fastener releasably with the hollow profile strands is connected and that such stability is achieved that damage the hollow profile cross section can be avoided.

The Attachment of the solar cell module to the fastener happens by means of simple loops of a plastic material, the distance are arranged and at least partially a predetermined different Have length.

This can reduce wrinkling within the Solar cell surface largely avoided and a large-scale, flat extension of the flexible solar cell module can be achieved.

If the device essentially of carbon fiber materials, light metals or plastics, contributes to weight reduction with sufficient flexibility and stability.

To the Compensation or compensation of different thermal expansion coefficients between the existing of carbon fiber storage roll and the solar cell array, the storage roll is in addition to two thin-walled Half shells made of glass fiber reinforced Provided plastic on which the solar cell module is attached.

The Semi-shell-like design causes the storage role their Retains cross section of equal size.

The inventive task is further characterized by a thin-walled Hollow profile strand solved, in which the long sides at least one segment strand provided with an adhesive layer are the ones before the joining process covered by a masking tape. The hollow profile strand also has fastening means for attaching and carrying the masking tapes the detachment from the adhesive layer and means for attaching the solar cell module on.

These technologically simple and cost-effective production of the hollow profile strand allows one adapted to the conditions of the space atmosphere and safe extension on site and permanent fixing and supporting the Solar cell module.

The Installation on site allows the space-saving transport of the hollow profile strands. The Segmentstänge are preformed, that is, after unwinding from the bobbins and when assembling the at least two segment bars in their peripheral areas, the segment strands get their original profile-like shape, so that the forming hollow profile strand over a size Length sufficiently stable is formed and has the necessary strength.

For economic reasons and technological point of view, it is advantageous if the long sides the segment strands a rack-like Have perforation.

In order to gear-rack drives can be realized in a weight-saving manner, the for the Extending the hollow profile strands and their positioning in space functionally reliable and reliable are.

constructive Furthermore, it is simple if the hollow profile strand is a positioning element having the joining process and interrupts the feed after reaching the predetermined length.

In order to is guaranteed that the ends of the segment strands in the support and Ausfahrvorrichtung remain, be held there and thus simultaneously Fixing and holding function for the hollow profile strand and with it for take over the solar cell module.

In addition, will the task of the invention procedurally solved by the fact that on site at least a thin-walled one Hollow profile strand of preformed band-like segment strands positive or cohesive Connecting the edge areas made to a closed profile and aligned is extended and that at the same time with the Extending the joined Hollow profile strand of the solar cell module, with the hollow profile strand is connected, unwound from a roll-like winding mechanism and moved to its working position.

With the method according to the invention is the safe, automatic and positionally accurate extension of the Solar generators or the solar awning in space as well as the space and allows weight-saving transport of the device on site.

to Formation of the bracket and support of the Solar cell module serving hollow profile strand are the segment strands simple way connected to each other by means of band-like adhesive surfaces, attached or applied in the edge regions of the segment strands are and roller-like pressing devices run through.

The pressers serve the leadership the hollow profile strand during its production and the fast Connection of the subareas with each other and permanent adhesion to each other.

The Feed movement or the extension of the shaped hollow profile strand happens by means of a gear rack-like arrangement, the Rack acting as a perforation in at least one of the edge areas the segment strands is introduced, with at least one gear of the drive unit is in active connection.

Technologically, it is advantageous if the adhesive surfaces of the segment strands are provided in the wound state with masking tapes, attached to the detachment at Hohlprofilstrangende and during the extension of the hollow profile strand with this be carried.

To the removal of the adhesive surface the fastening of the withdrawn end of the cover strip takes place in be extended end of the hollow profile strand, so that more Means for receiving or winding the cover strip omitted can. The cover tape has such a low weight that no negative influences on the extension function or the later work function of the sun generator or - awning to fear are.

The Invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment. The associated Drawing shows in

1 the top view of the device according to the invention in a schematic representation,

2 a perspective view of the support and extension unit with fastening element for the solar cell array and

3 a sectional view of the roll-like winding mechanism for the solar cell assembly.

To 1 If the device for extending and / or supporting flexible solar cell modules 1 from the roll-like winding mechanism 2 and on both sides of the winding mechanism 2 arranged support and Ausfahreinheiten 3 for producing and extending the existing of a carbon fiber material hollow profile strand 4 , The hollow profile strands 4 serve for fixing, extending and stabilizing the solar cell module 1 ,

Out 2 it can be seen that the support and extension units 3 each of two bobbins 5 exist on which a preformed band-like segment strand 6 wound up in flattened form. After unwinding from the bobbins 5 take their original shape as C-shaped hollow profile strands again. At least one of the two segment strands 6 has tape-like adhesive surfaces or layers over both longitudinal sides in the edge regions 7 on, which are provided in the wound state with a cover strip (not shown in the drawing). When unwinding the masking tapes are from the adhesive surfaces 7 solved, on the hollow profile strand 4 attached and carried along with it. This eliminates further winders for winding the cover.

The two segment strands 6 be unwinding from the bobbins 5 by a pressure roller unit 8th passed through and the edges of both segment strands 6 are glued together. During this phase, the segment strands are obtained 6 their original shape, leaving a hollow profile strand 4 elliptical shape results. The extension of the segment strands 6 and the hollow profile strand 4 happens by means of a motor drive unit 9 , each with a gear rack arrangement 10 . 11 is in active connection. The rack 11 is here as a rack-like perforation 11 (shown schematically in the drawing) directly into the carbon fiber material over a longitudinal side of the segment strands 6 incorporated. This is done with sufficiently high accuracy by means of water jet cutting. This also saves weight, as more drive parts omitted. The structural design of the device is simplified.

Out 2 is also apparent that at the beginning of the hollow profile strand 4 medium 12 for fixing the solar cell module 1 are arranged, which are made of a metal and are formed such that they receive and attach the beam-like fastening element 13 serve, with which by means of loops 14 the solar cell module 1 is connected and so simultaneously with the extension of the hollow profile strands 4 can be spread. The bar-like fastening element 13 extends over the entire module width and is with both hollow profile strands 4 equally connected. The loops 14 are spaced apart and to avoid wrinkling of the solar cell module 1 designed differently long.

The winding mechanism 2 for the solar cell module 1 is in 3 shown in more detail, its constructive structure is also based on 1 recognizable.

It consists of the storage roll 15 , which is made of a carbon fiber material and tubular. Inside is a connecting shaft, projecting in the middle over the length 16 arranged on both sides with the gear rack arrangements 10 . 11 the drive unit 9 are connected. This is also the unwinding of the solar cell module 1 via the drive unit 9 executed, whereby further drive arrangements can be saved and it is possible at the same time, the unwinding of the hollow sections 4 and the solar cell module 1 synchronized to perform.

The connecting shaft 16 inside the storage roll 15 has a torsion spring on both sides 17 on that on the connecting shaft 16 is stored and against the inner wall of the storage role 15 is biased. Outward is the connecting shaft 16 with the drive unit 9 connected. Thus, the compensation of the path difference due to the decrease the storage roll diameter during unwinding of the solar cell module 1 created, with the bias of the torsion springs 17 with change of the diameter of the storage roll 15 changes and adapts to it and after completion of the settlement a predetermined residual voltage is present. This will be the natural frequency of the solar cell module 1 maintained in the extended state, secured and supported its stability.

For fixing the solar cell module 1 on the storage roll 15 and to compensate for material expansions, in particular of the flexible solar cell module 1 due to high temperature differences, is the storage role 15 of two profile-like thin half-shells 18 surrounded by a glass fiber reinforced plastic. In one half is the solar cell module 1 attached by an adhesive connection. The other half serves to balance the circumference of the storage roll 15 , Further, end-mounted parts are as bearing elements 19 for the rotating parts 15 and 16 educated.

The unwinding is after reaching the predetermined length of the hollow profile strands 4 and the solar cell module 1 stopped by the segment strands 6 a positioning element (not shown in the drawing), in the form of a simple notch, and on the pressure roller unit 7 a clamping device, the clamping jaws are then closed when a guide element on which during the advancing movement of the hollow profile strand 4 is passed in pre-specified position, snaps into the notch. This will be the motor drive unit 9 braked and the grippers of the clamping device are moved in clamping position. The hollow profile strand 4 is fixed in position and clamped. The solar cell module 1 has also reached its working position and can be used for the production of solar energy in space.

1

solar cell module

2

roll-like winding mechanism

3

Support and support extractable

4

Hollow profile strand

5

reel

6

segment strand

7

Adhesive surface or -layer

8th

Andrückrolleneinheit

9

drive unit

10

gear

11

rack

12

medium for fixing the solar cell module

13

beam-like fastener

14

loop

15

storage roll

16

connecting shaft

17

torsion spring

18

half shell

19

bearing elements

Claims (15)

Device for extending and / or supporting flexible solar cell modules during transport to and during fixing in the working position, in particular of thin-film solar cell modules for use as a solar generator or awning in space, wherein the solar cell modules have at least one side a support and extension unit for a thin-walled hollow profile strand, characterized that the support and extension unit ( 3 ) at least two wound, preformed, ribbon-like segment strands ( 6 ) and is formed such that the segment strands ( 6 ) on site to a hollow profile strand ( 4 ) are zusammenfügbar that the Hohlprofilstrangende with a fastener ( 10 ) for fixing the solar cell module ( 1 ) and that a drive unit ( 9 ) is arranged, the simultaneous feed movement of the on a roll-like winding mechanism ( 2 ) wound flexible solar cell module ( 1 ) and the at least one hollow profile strand ( 4 ). Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that in each case a support and extension unit ( 3 ) on both sides, of the solar cell module ( 1 ) and that the drive unit ( 9 ) the advancing movements of both support and deployment units ( 3 ) by means of double-sided gear-rack-like arrangements ( 10 . 11 ) synchronizes. Apparatus according to claim 1 and 2, characterized in that the roll-like winding mechanism ( 2 ) a tubular storage roll ( 15 ) arranged between both support and deployment units ( 3 ), in which interior one resiliently with the storage roll ( 15 ) and the gear rack-like arrangements ( 10 . 11 ) connected connection wave ( 16 ), wherein the storage roll ( 15 ) the recording of the wound solar cell module ( 1 ) during transport on site. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the connecting shaft ( 16 ) on both sides each a preloaded spring ( 17 ) located on the storage roll ( 15 ) and each with a gear-rack-like arrangement ( 10 . 11 ) of the drive unit ( 9 ) connected is. Apparatus according to claim 1 and at least one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the solar cell module ( 1 ) for unwinding from the storage roll ( 15 ) over its entire width with the fastener ( 13 ), which has a bar-like shape, is connected, wherein the fastening element ( 13 ) on both sides of the outgoing hollow profile strands ( 4 ) is attached. Device according to claim 1 and one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the solar cell module ( 1 ) with the bar-like fastening element ( 13 ) by means of spaced loops ( 14 ), which at least partially have a predetermined different length. Apparatus according to claim 1 and at least one the claims 2 to 6, characterized in that they are made essentially of carbon fiber materials or light metals is made. Apparatus according to claim 1 to 7, characterized in that the storage roll ( 15 ) consists of a carbon fiber material and of two half shells ( 18 ) made of a glass fiber material. A thin-walled hollow profile rod for extending and supporting a solar cell module, in particular a flexible thin-film solar cell module for use as a solar awning in space, consisting of at least two joined, band-shaped and preformed segment strands, characterized in that the longitudinal sides of at least one segment strand ( 6 ) with an adhesive layer ( 7 ), which is covered by a masking tape before the joining process and that the hollow profile strand ( 4 ) Fastening means for fastening and carrying the cover tapes after detachment from the adhesive layer ( 7 ) and means for attaching the solar cell module ( 1 ) having. Thin-walled hollow profile strand according to claim 9, characterized in that the longitudinal sides of the segment strands ( 6 ) a rack-like perforation ( 11 ) exhibit. thin-walled Hollow profile strand according to claim 9 and 10, characterized in that it has a positioning element which controls the joining process and interrupts the feed after reaching the predetermined length. Method for extending and / or supporting flexible solar cell modules during transport to and during fixing in the working position, in particular of thin-film solar cell modules for use as a solar generator or awning in space, wherein the solar cell modules are connected at least on one side with a support and extension unit for a thin-walled hollow profile strand, characterized in that on site the at least one thin-walled hollow profile strand ( 4 ) of preformed band-like segment strands ( 6 ) is produced by their positive or cohesive bonding in their edge regions to a closed profile and extended aligned that simultaneously with the extension of the joined hollow profile strand ( 4 ) the solar cell module ( 1 ), which with the hollow profile strand ( 4 ) is connected by a roll-like winding mechanism ( 2 ) and moved into its working position. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the segment strands ( 6 ) with each other by means of band-like adhesive surfaces ( 7 ), which in the edge regions of the segment strands ( 6 ) are attached or applied and roll-like pressing devices ( 2 ) run through. A method according to claim 12 and 13, characterized in that the extension of the shaped hollow profile strand ( 4 ) by means of a gear-rack-like arrangement ( 10 . 11 ), wherein the rack ( 11 ), formed as a perforation, which in at least one of the edge regions of the segment strands ( 6 ) is introduced, with at least one gear ( 10 ) of the drive unit ( 9 ) is in operative connection. A method according to claim 12 to 14, characterized in that the adhesive surfaces ( 7 ) of segment strands ( 6 ) covered in the wound state covering tapes after detachment on Hohlprofilstrangende and during the extension of the hollow profile strand ( 4 ) are carried along with this.