DE102008030747A1 - Tracking device for e.g. solar collector, has housing arranged on base and rotatably mounted around longitudinal axis of drive shaft, where common drive is assigned to support shaft and drive shaft - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has housing (6) arranged on a base (1). A unit e.g. solar collector, is fixed at a support shaft (26) that is rotatably mounted around a longitudinal axis and designed for operative connection with a rotatably mounted drive shaft (8) by a drive, where the drive includes two bevel gears (22, 24). The drive shaft is arranged perpendicular to the support shaft. The housing is rotatably mounted around a longitudinal axis of the drive shaft, where a common drive is assigned to the support shaft and the drive shaft.

Description

The The invention relates to tracking devices, in particular for Solar collectors according to the preamble of the claim 1.

such Facilities pursue the goal of solar panels at all times optimally aligned to the sun of the day. For flat solar collectors, z. B. photovoltaic panels, this means that their lighted Surfaces must be aligned perpendicular to the sun. On this way will the energy density on the solar panels and thus optimizing the efficiency of the system.

There to walk the sun from east to west during the day seems (azimuth) and on the other hand from bottom to top and again To move down (elevation) seems to have a tracking device for solar panels two swiveling or rotating directions Have the solar panels at any time perpendicular to the radiation to align with the sun.

Out the prior art are various approaches to tracking known.

In the publication DE 29 52 950 A1 a tracking device for solar collectors is shown, which has only the azimuth adjustment. On the sides of the collectors are arranged weights whose distance to the collector changes due to the direction of the sun's rays. This change in leverage forces the collectors to track the sun in their east-west direction.

adversely At this approach is that the elevation of the sun during the day and is not taken into account during the year and thereby the sunbeams are not optimally caught.

In the publication DE 35 25 065 A1 is a stand with a tracking device for solar panels disclosed, which takes into account "dual" both directions (azimuth and elevation). As drive an electric motor with worm gear is proposed per direction.

The publication DE 100 22 236 A1 shows a tower and a tracking device for solar panels, the tracking device also works "dual" in both directions. As a drive for the azimuth adjustment, a linearly moving rack is used, which is acted upon at its two piston-like ends of hydraulic fluid. The elevation adjustment is carried out with a hydraulic cylinder with extendable piston rod, which is articulated at a point on the rear collector surface.

adversely In such Nachführvorrichtungen is that for both adjustment separate drives and mechanisms provided are, whose production and maintenance is significant.

In contrast, lies the present invention tracking device the task is based on a "dual" tracking with low drive engineering effort to enable.

These Task is solved by a tracking device according to claim 1.

The Tracking device according to the invention suitable, a unit (eg solar collector) in one direction, which is defined in three-dimensional space, align and with set two setting variables ("dual"). Furthermore, it is able, the unit z. B. track an object, wherein the unit is fixed to a support shaft, the order its longitudinal axis rotatably mounted in a housing is. The carrier shaft is supported by a gear a likewise rotatably mounted in the housing drive shaft in active connection. The drive shaft and the carrier shaft stand perpendicular to each other and have a common drive. The housing is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft stored on a stationary base. The common drive for both directions of rotation are less complicated and more compact designed as two separate drives.

Preferably can the carrier shaft to the housing or alternatively the housing with the stationary surface non-positive or positive and rotatably connected. This ensures that by the one drive either one or the other setting variable (Direction of rotation) is adjustable and fixable.

In In a preferred development, the non-positive Compounds each made by disc brakes, wherein a housing brake the rotation of the housing relative to the stationary ground and by a shaft brake the rotation of the Carrier shaft can be prevented in the housing. This technique allows a stepless determination of the respective parts set by rotation.

In a first variant of the tracking device according to the invention, the carrier shaft is horizontal and the drive shaft arranged vertically, wherein the housing is arranged on a base which is connected to the stationary ground. Upon rotation of the housing on the base and simultaneous braked carrier wave a left-right rotation of the device (azimuth of a solar collector) is performed. If, however, the rotation of the housing is braked, can Rotation of the carrier wave, an upward-downward rotation of the unit (elevation of a solar collector) can be adjusted.

A second variant of the tracking device according to the invention In contrast, it is tilted 90 degrees so that the housing is laterally is mounted on a pedestal, which is fixed to the ground connected is. The carrier shaft is vertical and the drive shaft arranged horizontally, so that by rotation of the housing at the same time braked carrier wave an up-down movement the unit is executable while on the other hand with braked housing by rotation of the carrier shaft a Left-right movement is feasible.

In a preferred embodiment are the drive and above In addition, receiving points for the unit to carrier shaft sections arranged outside the housing while the gearbox and the two disc brakes on carrier shaft sections are arranged within the housing.

at an embodiment of the invention the drive of the tracking device has at least one linearly driven rack on, with one with the drive shaft connected drive gear meshes.

at another embodiment of the invention the drive of the tracking device has a crank mechanism with a drive wheel, spaced at the outer edge of two Joint eyes are located. At the two joint eyes is one each Piston rod attached to a hydraulic cylinder, with their axes of action lie in one plane, but at an angle> 0 degrees to each other. Through a such crank mechanism is ensured that the drive wheel can be moved, even if one of the two hinge eyes at the dead center the crank mechanism has come to a standstill.

at a further embodiment of the invention the drive shaft is driven by an electric motor.

Preferably becomes the tracking device according to the invention for moving and adjusting solar collectors, telescopes, telescopes or snow cannons used.

in the The following will be with reference to the figures, various embodiments described in detail. Show it:

1 a first embodiment of the tracking device according to the invention in the lateral section; and

2 A second embodiment of the tracking device according to the invention in the lateral section.

This in 1 shown first embodiment of the tracking device according to the invention consists essentially of a base 1 , a housing 6 and one in 1 above arranged drive.

The essentially circular cylindrical base 1 is horizontal and firmly placed on a surface. The symmetry axis of the socket 1 runs exactly vertically. On a top surface has the base 1 a concentric, upward projection 2 , which is also circular cylindrical and whose axis of symmetry with that of the base 1 coincides. Furthermore, at an outer edge region of the surface of the base 1 an angular contact ball bearing 4 arranged over which a substantially circular cylindrical housing 6 is rotatably mounted about its axis of symmetry. The symmetry axis of the housing 6 coincides with those of the pedestal 1 and the projection 2 together.

In an upper housing cover 7 of the housing 6 is a drive shaft 8th stored in 1 vertically through the housing cover 7 of the housing 6 extends and its axis of rotation with the axis of rotation of the housing 6 falls together.

At one outside the case 6 lying end portion of the drive shaft 8th is a drive gear 10 fastened, which has an external toothing, in which at two opposite points (in 1 left and right) one rack each 12 . 14 intervenes. The racks 12 . 14 are arranged parallel to each other and extend into 1 perpendicular to the drawing plane.

The racks 12 . 14 are each from a hydraulic cylinder 16 . 18 driven in 1 behind the racks 12 . 14 lie and how they are aligned perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. The racks 12 . 14 opposite end portions of the hydraulic cylinder 16 . 18 are fixed and pivotally hinged (not shown).

The drive shaft 8th is in the housing cover 7 of the housing 6 stored, with in 1 symbolic only a ball bearing 20 is shown.

At one inside the case 6 arranged end portion of the drive shaft 8th is a bevel gear 22 attached, over an angle of 90 degrees with another bevel gear 24 combs.

The bevel gear 24 rotates about a horizontally arranged tilt axis and is on a support shaft 26 attached.

The carrier wave 26 is in an in 1 right area of the cylinder jacket surface of the housing 6 stored, the storage is greatly simplified and symbolic only by a ball bearing 28 is shown.

The carrier wave 26 intersperses the in 1 right side wall, being outside the case 6 in 1 to the right of this invention, a unit (eg, a solar collector) at an end portion of the carrier shaft 26 is attached, wherein the unit on the one hand about the horizontal tilt axis (elevation) and on the other hand about the vertical axis (azimuth) is rotatable.

At one inside the case 6 arranged portion of the carrier shaft 26 between the bevel gear 24 and the ball bearing 28 is a rotating disc 30 on the carrier shaft 26 attached. In 1 under the carrier wave 26 is a wave brake pliers 32 arranged, which is a partial section of the brake disc 30 on both sides. The wave brake pliers 32 is via a fastening bridge 34 on the inside of the cylinder jacket surface of the housing 6 attached.

At a lower portion of the inside of the cylinder jacket surface of the housing 6 opposite the projection 2 of the pedestal 1 is a circumferential annular housing brake disc 36 attached, at the inner peripheral portion of a housing brace 38 can attack. The housing brace 38 is fixed to the projection 2 of the pedestal 1 attached.

in the The following will be the function of the first embodiment the tracking device according to the invention describe.

In an initial state, the unit is fixed relative to the stationary ground because the shaft brake pliers 32 and the housing brace 38 are engaged and thus all the essential parts of the tracking device according to the invention to each other and over the base 1 are fixed to the stationary ground.

When the on the carrier shaft 26 attached unit is to be tilted, only the shaft brake pliers 32 solved so that the carrier wave 26 with the shaft brake disc attached thereto 30 and the over the gear 22 . 24 connected drive shaft 8th are rotatable. Then the racks become 12 . 14 through the respective associated hydraulic cylinder 16 . 18 moved in opposite directions, causing the shaft 8th over the drive gear 10 is turned. About the transmission 22 . 24 thus becomes the carrier wave 26 rotated, thereby changing the inclination of the unit.

Alternatively, if the left-right or east-west orientation of the unit is to be changed, the shaft brake pliers remain 32 closed, causing a rotation of the carrier shaft 26 with the unit opposite the housing 6 is prevented. The housing brace 38 however, it will open, leaving the case 6 together with the carrier shaft 26 and the unit over the stationary pedestal 1 can be turned. This rotation takes place about the vertical axis, which at the same time the axis of symmetry of the drive gear 10 , the drive shaft 8th , the bevel gear 22 and the substantially rotationally symmetrical housing 6 represents. The required torque is - as with the adjustment of the inclination - through the two racks 12 . 14 from the hydraulic cylinders 16 . 18 on the drive gear 10 transfer.

Thus, the "dual" adjustment of the unit (eg a solar collector) about the horizontal tilt axis (elevation) on the one hand and the vertical axis (azimuth) on the other hand according to the invention with only one driven drive shaft 8th be achieved by appropriate engagement and release of the two brakes.

2 shows a second embodiment of the tracking device according to the invention, which essentially consists of a base 1 , a housing 6 and one in 2 arranged above drive exists.

In the second embodiment is a carrier wave 126 and the drive is executed differently from the first embodiment.

The carrier wave 126 of the second embodiment is at two opposite points of the cylinder jacket surface of the housing 6 stored and thus extends through the housing 6 through and beyond both sides of the housing 6 out. At two opposite end portions of the carrier shaft 126 the attachment points of the unit are arranged (not shown).

In this embodiment, ball bearings 128 . 129 be designed smaller than in the first embodiment, since the forces of the carrier shaft 126 are less than that of the carrier wave 26 , The bearing points of the ball bearings 128 . 129 are shown only symbolically.

The other essential difference of the second embodiment over the first embodiment is the drive, with which the drive shaft 8th is turned. The drive according to the second embodiment of the present invention consists of a crank mechanism. It consists of one with the drive shaft 8th connected drive wheel 100 Being at the in 2 upper end of the drive wave 8th is attached. On a in 2 upper surface of the drive wheel 100 are at the outer edge two spaced bolts 40 . 42 attached, which is parallel to the axis of rotation of the drive wheel 100 extend. Bolts 40 . 42 are each of a rotatable about the bolt 40 . 42 mounted socket or a joint eye 44 . 46 encompassed.

At the joint eyes 44 . 46 in each case a piston rod is fixed, in 2 only the front piston rod 48 is shown. The one of the two connection points of the bolt 40 . 42 on the drive wheel 100 indicated angle is about 60 degrees. Also the two effective axes of the piston rods 48 intersect at an angle of about 60 degrees. The two piston rods 48 are each from a hydraulic cylinder 116 . 118 driven.

By this drive or crank mechanism is ensured that, even if z. B. the joint eye 46 comes to a standstill in the dead center of the crank mechanism, the drive by force of the second cylinder 118 in operative connection with the other joint eye 44 can be turned.

In the following developments of the tracking device according to the invention are described, which are not in the two embodiments according to 1 and 2 are shown.

Unlike in 1 can show the axes of action of the racks 12 . 14 or the cylinder 16 . 18 Have any angle, the two axes of action can therefore not run parallel.

Notwithstanding the in 1 shown embodiment, the drive of the drive gear 10 also be done with only one driven by a hydraulic cylinder rack.

Unlike in 2 can show the axes of action of the piston rods 48 or the corresponding cylinder 116 . 118 also at an angle not equal to 60 degrees (in particular, for example, 90 degrees) or even parallel to each other, in the latter case, the force directions of the two cylinders 116 . 118 preferably directed towards each other.

Furthermore, the bolts can 40 . 42 or the joint eyes 44 . 46 also at any other angles than 60 degrees at the outer edge of the drive wheel 100 be arranged.

The carrier wave 26 in 1 can be like the carrier wave 126 of the 2 be executed, and vice versa, the carrier wave 126 of the 2 also like the carrier wave 26 of the 1 be executed.

The substantially circular cylindrical housing 6 of the 1 and 2 can also be executed in a cuboid or cube form.

Notwithstanding the in the 1 and 2 also shown drives can be an electric motor with or without additional gear as a drive of the drive shaft 8th be provided.

By a lateral tilting in the 1 and 2 illustrated embodiments by 90 degrees (in the 1 and 2 to the left or right) result in principle inventive alternatives to the tracking device shown. The base 1 is then next to the housing 6 arranged and a rotation of the housing 6 would mean an elevation change while a rotation of the carrier wave 26 ; 126 a lateral adjustment (azimuth) of the unit (of the collector) would mean.

As further variants to those in the 1 and 2 the embodiments shown, the drive shaft 8th also in the top of the socket 1 or in its lead 2 be stored, wherein the bevel gear 22 at one in the housing 6 located (upper) end portion of the drive shaft 8th and the drive on one in the socket 1 located (lower) end portion of the drive shaft 8th is arranged. For this purpose, in particular the drive according to 1 more compact. The arrangement of the drive in the base 1 facilitates the stationary coupling of the cylinders 16 . 18 ; 116 . 118 because the corresponding cylinder ends are located directly inside the stationary housing 1 could be hinged or fastened.

Disclosed is a tracking device with the one unit (eg. Solar collector) in one direction, in three-dimensional space is defined, is alignable or adjustable. The tracking device is capable of uniting an object (eg celestial body) track, the unit on a carrier shaft is attached, which is rotatable about its longitudinal axis in one Housing is stored. The carrier wave is over a transmission with a likewise rotatably mounted in the housing Drive shaft in operative connection. The drive shaft and the carrier shaft are perpendicular to each other and have a common drive. The housing is about the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft rotatably mounted.

1

base

2

head Start

4

Angular contact ball bearings

6

casing

7

housing cover

8th

drive shaft

10

drive gear

12 14

rack

16 18; 116, 118

hydraulic cylinders

20

ball-bearing

22 24

bevel gear

26 126

carrier wave

28; 128, 129

ball-bearing

30

wave brake disc

32

Wave brake caliper

34

fastening web

36

housing disc

38

Housing caliper

40 42

bolt

44 46

joint eye

48

piston rod

100

drive wheel

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 2952950 A1 [0005]
• - DE 3525065 A1 [0007]
• - DE 10022236 A1 [0008]

Claims (16)

Tracking device for a unit to be aligned in one direction or on an object or to be tracked to the object, the unit being mounted on a support shaft ( 26 ; 126 ) is mounted, which is rotatably mounted about its longitudinal axis and via a transmission ( 22 . 24 ) with a rotatably mounted drive shaft ( 8th ) is in operative connection, wherein the drive shaft ( 8th ) perpendicular to the carrier shaft ( 26 ; 126 ), with a housing ( 6 ), which is about the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft ( 8th ) is rotatably mounted, wherein the carrier shaft ( 26 ; 126 ) and the drive shaft ( 8th ) is assigned a common drive. Tracking device according to claim 1, wherein the carrier shaft ( 26 ; 126 ) with the housing ( 6 ) and the housing ( 6 ) are connected to a stationary base independently of one another non-positively or positively. Tracking device according to claim 2, wherein the two non-positive or positive connections are produced by a respective disc brake, wherein by a housing brake ( 36 . 38 ) a rotation of the housing ( 6 ) against the stationary ground, and by a shaft brake ( 30 . 32 ) a rotation of the carrier shaft ( 26 ; 126 ) in the housing ( 6 ) is preventable. Tracking device according to claim 3, wherein the carrier shaft ( 26 ; 126 ) horizontally and the drive shaft ( 8th ) are arranged vertically, so that when the housing is braked ( 6 ) by rotation of the carrier shaft ( 28 ; 126 ) the vertical orientation of the unit is adjustable and with braked carrier wave ( 26 ; 126 ) by rotation of the housing ( 6 ) the horizontal alignment of the unit is adjustable. Tracking device according to claim 4, wherein the housing ( 6 ) on a pedestal ( 1 ), which is connected to the stationary base, wherein the housing ( 6 ) on the pedestal ( 1 ) is rotatably mounted. Tracking device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the carrier shaft ( 26 ; 126 ) in a side wall or in two opposite side wall portions of the housing ( 6 ) is mounted, and the drive shaft ( 8th ) in an upper housing cover ( 7 ) of the housing ( 6 ) or in the base ( 1 ) is stored. Tracking device according to claim 3, wherein the carrier shaft ( 26 ; 126 ) vertically and the drive shaft ( 8th ) are arranged horizontally, so that when braked carrier wave ( 26 ; 126 ) by rotation of the housing ( 6 ) the vertical alignment of the unit is adjustable and with braked housing ( 6 ) by rotation of the carrier shaft ( 26 ; 126 ) the horizontal alignment of the unit is adjustable. Tracking device according to claim 7, wherein the housing ( 6 ) on the side of a pedestal ( 1 ), which is connected to the stationary base, wherein the housing ( 6 ) opposite the base ( 1 ) is rotatably mounted. Tracking device according to claim 8, wherein the carrier shaft ( 26 ; 126 ) in an upper and in a lower wall of the housing ( 6 ) is mounted, and the drive shaft ( 8th ) in a side wall of the housing ( 6 ) or in the base ( 1 ) is stored. Tracking device according to one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the drive and connection points between the carrier shaft ( 26 ; 126 ) and the unit outside the housing ( 6 ), and the transmission ( 22 . 24 ) and the two brakes ( 30 . 32 . 36 . 38 ) within the housing ( 6 ) are arranged. Tracking device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive at least one linearly driven rack ( 12 . 14 ), which has one with the drive shaft ( 8th ) connected drive gear ( 10 ) combs. Tracking device according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the drive from one to the drive shaft ( 8th ) connected crank mechanism is formed. Tracking device according to claim 12, wherein the crank drive is a drive wheel ( 100 ), on whose outer edge are two spaced joint eyes ( 44 . 46 ) are attached to each of which a piston rod ( 48 ) of a hydraulic cylinder ( 116 . 118 Is articulated, whose axes of action are offset from each other. Tracking device according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the drive from one to the drive shaft ( 8th ) connected electric motor is formed. Tracking device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmission comprises two bevel gears ( 22 . 24 ) Has. Tracking device according to one of the preceding Claims, wherein the unit of one or more solar collectors or a telescope or a telescope or formed by a snow cannon is.