DE102023106674A1 - Elevation system - Google Patents

Abstract

2.1. The invention relates to a support system for a functional unit (4), the support system having a floor-standing base (1) and a support structure (2) held on the base with a support frame (3) for the functional unit (4).2.2. According to the invention, the base has a column-shaped hollow base body (5) that can be filled with a filling material, and/or the support structure has a support structure (6) to which the support frame is pivotally articulated about a horizontal pivot axis (S) and which is about a Vertical axis of rotation (D) is rotatably held on the hollow base body2.3. Use, for example, as a mounting system for a photovoltaic module.

Description

The invention relates to an elevation system for a functional unit, in particular a photovoltaic module, with a floor-standing base and a support structure held on the base with a support frame for the functional unit.

The functional unit carried by the elevation system is, for example, a photovoltaic module or a solar thermal module. In this case, the elevation system is designed as a photovoltaic or solar thermal system. Alternatively, the stand system can be set up to stand other objects, e.g. a sign, a billboard, a screen, a picture or another art object. Depending on the requirements, the functional unit is held on the elevation system in a corresponding manner, so that the desired visibility or alignment is achieved.

Such elevation systems are set up on open spaces as well as on building roofs, such as house and garage roofs, or attached to building walls. The elevation systems can be designed to be rigid or rotatable. A rotatable mounting system, for example as a sun tracking system, enables single-axis or two-axis tracking of the photovoltaic module depending on the position of the sun. In the design as a two-axis tracked support, rotational mobility around a vertical and a horizontal axis is usually provided. The photovoltaic mounting system is typically oriented towards the south in its neutral position with respect to the vertical axis of rotation, so that it can rotate equally in both directions, i.e. in the direction of east and west, for example by 90° in each case.

The support frame of the elevation system is designed to carry the functional unit and for this purpose forms a substantially flat frame, which typically consists of interconnected rods or supports and with which the functional unit can be detachably connected. This means that assembly and in particular disassembly, e.g. if the functional unit is to be replaced, can be made very simple in terms of the effort and tools required.

The support structure of the elevation system establishes the connection between the floor-standing base and the functional unit and, if necessary, provides a desired rotational and/or pivoting mobility of the functional unit relative to the base. Conventional support structures often have the form of a framework that is designed in such a way that, on the one hand, it has a low weight in order to enable any rotational or pivoting mobility that may be required without great energy expenditure, and on the other hand, any that may occur on the functional unit and/or the support structure acting forces can be transferred to the base.

From the patent specification EP 1 075 629 B1 a mounting system in the form of a support post for supporting a solar collector is known. The solar collector is held on the support post so that it can pivot about a horizontal pivot axis within a limited pivot range. In a similar way is from the patent specification DE 42 08 255 C2 a mounting system is known that includes a post anchored in the ground on which a solar panel is held. The solar collector is held on the post so that it can rotate about a vertical axis of rotation and can move about a horizontal pivot axis.

The company RIB RÖSER Ingenieurbeton offers the factory encasing of photovoltaic brackets in concrete foundations on the market. The concrete foundations with the brackets embedded in concrete are then transported to the desired location and set up in order to then attach photovoltaic modules to the brackets.

The invention is based on the technical problem of providing a support system of the type mentioned at the beginning, which can be set up in a particularly simple manner and can also be dismantled if necessary and which ensures safe, stable support of the functional unit in the assembled state.

The invention solves this problem by providing a mounting system with the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims, the wording of which is hereby incorporated by reference into the description. This includes in particular all embodiments of the invention that result from the combinations of features that are defined by the references in the subclaims.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the base has a columnar hollow base body that can be filled with a filling material. The combined weight of the base hollow body and the filling material can ensure sufficient stability of the elevation system, including the functional unit supported with it, against environmental forces, such as those that can be caused by wind influences or snow loads, without necessarily anchoring the elevation system or the base in the floor is required, which in turn requires that the floor can or may be penetrated by associated anchoring elements. The still unfilled hollow base body itself has a significantly lower weight than a solid base body or the filled hollow base body and can therefore be transported and set up comparatively easily to a designated location. After setting up the hollow base body, it can then be filled with the filling material, whereby the filling material can be transported separately from the hollow base body to the installation location. The elevation system can therefore be transported to the location and installed there with relatively little effort. In addition, this also makes it easier to dismantle or dismantle the support system in the same way, in that the filling material is removed from the hollow base body and the filling material and the hollow base body can be transported away separately in the unfilled state.

The columnar base hollow body can have any suitable cross-sectional shape, for example a rotationally symmetrical or prismatic shape. For filling with the filling material, the hollow base body expediently has an opening through which a cavity of the hollow base body is accessible from the outside. The opening can be located, for example, on an upper side or a lateral side of the hollow base body. For example, the entire top of the hollow base body can be designed to be open and form the opening overall. Furthermore, the opening can be covered by a separate cover or, when the elevation system is fully assembled, by other components of the same or alternatively remain open. On an underside, the base hollow body can optionally have a base base, so that filling material filled into the base hollow body does not come into contact with the ground or does not sink into the ground.

Optionally, an additional anchoring of the elevation system in the ground can be provided to further increase stability if necessary. For example, piles driven into the ground or foundations sunk into the ground can be used for anchoring. This is of course not applicable in cases where the ground is too hard or impenetrable or where damage to the ground surface is not an option.

Any conventional filling material can be used as the filling material, in particular suitable filling material that is available on site. It is also possible for accessories that are used in connection with the operation of the functional unit, such as control devices or power converters, to be housed in the hollow base body and to function as filling material. In particular, different materials or components can be accommodated together in the hollow base body and serve as filling material. After filling the hollow base body with the filling material, it is largely protected from environmental influences by the hollow base body. The filling material can fill the hollow base body completely or only partially. The amount of filling material with which the hollow base body is filled can be selected depending on the material used as filling material and the weight required for stability. The same applies to the shape and dimensioning of the hollow base body. The base hollow body preferably consists of concrete, alternatively stone, a plastic or another suitable material.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the support structure has a support structure. The support frame is hinged to the support structure so that it can pivot about a horizontal pivot axis and the support structure is held on the hollow base body so that it can rotate about a vertical axis of rotation. The rotational mobility and the pivoting mobility enable a two-axis alignment of the support frame and thus a functional unit held on it. In the event that the functional unit is a photovoltaic module or a solar thermal module, summarized below under the term solar module, this enables two-axis sun tracking and thus an optimal yield of solar radiation. Furthermore, the rotation and pivoting mobility enables a suitable alignment of the support frame for purposes such as cleaning the functional unit held thereon, assembling or dismantling the functional unit, clearing snow that has accumulated on the functional unit or to rotate the functional unit out of the wind and thereby protect it from to relieve high wind load. In addition, the support frame can be aligned in such a way that convenient access to the base and the area of the support structure near the floor is possible without obstruction by the support frame or a functional unit held thereon.

The support structure supports the support frame and thus a functional unit carried thereon and accordingly transmits forces and moments acting on the support frame and/or the functional unit to other components of the elevation system, in particular the base. Forces and moments that occur can be caused, for example, by wind acting on the functional unit or a snow load lying on the functional unit. Preferably, the support structure comprises a plurality of supports, struts and/or suitably shaped support components, which are connected to one another to form a framework.

Rotating the support structure relative to the base causes a rotation of the entire support structure around the vertical axis, i.e. the support structure, the support frame and possibly other components as well as a functional unit carried by the support frame. The pivoting of the support frame relative to the support structure simultaneously causes a functional unit held on the support frame to pivot, while the support structure remains stationary with respect to the pivoting.

In a further development of the invention, the support structure is freely rotatable relative to the hollow base body or is held so that it can rotate to a limited extent over a rotation angle range of at least 180°. What is meant by freely rotatable is that the support structure can be rotated unhindered relative to the hollow base body in both directions of rotation, i.e. by 360° or more. If the functional unit is a solar module, this enables optimal sun tracking at any time of day and year in terms of alignment around the vertical axis. Furthermore, in cases where the elevation stands on an agriculturally used ground area, the free rotation about the vertical axis can enable the functional unit to be rotated into a position that ensures good use or accessibility of the ground area for agricultural equipment or Commercial vehicles allowed. The free rotation of the support structure also enables a view of a front of the functional unit to be provided from any direction, which may be desirable, for example, if the functional unit is an object that is being displayed. In addition, it is not necessary to pay attention to its alignment when setting up or assembling the elevation, as the correct alignment can take place after it has been set up, which makes it easier to set up. At least some of these advantages can be achieved in appropriate cases even if there is only limited rotational mobility, for example from 0° to 180° or more or from 0° to at least 90° or more.

Furthermore, the free or sufficiently large rotation allows access to the base or its foot from any direction without the functional unit hindering access. This can be helpful, for example, when mowing or other agricultural work on the ground area on which the support is set up, as you can drive directly to the base. If several elevations face each other, for example in several rows, the elevations of two adjacent rows can be turned away from each other so that an alley is formed between them, which essentially reaches up to the bases of the elevations. In this case, this allows for a maximum lane width, which can make it easier for a vehicle, such as a tractor with or without a trailer, to pass through. In alternative embodiments, the support structure is kept rotatable relative to the hollow base body to a limited extent of less than 180°, if this is sufficient for corresponding applications.

In a further development of the invention, the support structure is held on the hollow base body by a rotary bearing that extends in a ring around the vertical axis of rotation. Such a rotary bearing requires relatively little effort to provide, is easy to assemble and is able to transfer the forces acting on the support structure to the hollow base body. The rotary bearing can have a closed ring shape or alternatively an open partial ring shape.

In one embodiment of the invention, the rotary bearing comprises a first, annular rotary bearing unit and a second, annular rotary bearing unit. The first pivot bearing unit is arranged on an upper end face of the hollow base body and the second pivot bearing unit is supported on the outside of the column jacket of the hollow base body. The use of two pivot bearing units enables loads to be distributed between the pivot bearing units or a safety-increasing redundancy for the pivot bearing function. If necessary, this also enables the two pivot bearing units to be designed to suit different requirements. For example, the first pivot bearing unit can preferably be designed to absorb axial forces, while the second pivot bearing unit can easily absorb lateral forces and the torques caused by them about a horizontal axis due to its support on the base surface. Alternatively, the pivot bearing unit only has a single pivot bearing unit that absorbs all forces and moments that occur, or it has more than two pivot bearing units if this is appropriate for certain applications.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first and second pivot bearing units are arranged coaxially to one another and axially spaced apart from one another. As a result, the support structure can be supported on the base at points that are axially spaced apart from one another. Accordingly, force loads can be transferred to the base at several axially spaced locations. Alternatively, for example, the second pivot bearing unit is arranged without an axial distance from the first pivot bearing unit in an area of the base surface that borders the upper end face of the base hollow body.

In one embodiment of the invention, the elevation system has a rotary drive Rotating the support structure around the vertical axis of rotation. This is coupled to the first and/or the second pivot bearing unit. The rotary drive enables a powered and, if necessary, automatic, ie automatic, rotation or alignment of the support structure in relation to the base. Alternatively, the rotary drive is not coupled to one of the rotary bearing units, but directly to a component of the support structure, or the elevation system has no rotary drive at all and the support structure is manually rotated between different orientations.

In one embodiment of the invention, the second pivot bearing unit comprises a plurality of pivot bearing rollers fixed to the outside of the column shell and a pivot bearing ring arranged on an underside of the support structure, which is supported on the pivot bearing rollers. Preferably, the pivot bearing rollers have radial pivot bearing rolling axes in relation to the axis of rotation of the support structure and the pivot bearing ring of the support structure runs with its underside as a running surface on the pivot bearing rollers, so that the pivot bearing rollers can absorb forces in the vertical direction. The several, for example eight, pivot bearing rollers can be arranged, preferably at equidistant intervals, in the circumferential direction around the column surface, so that the support structure can be well supported on the base in all directions.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the second rotary bearing unit comprises a plurality of rotary bearing rollers which are fixed to an annular underside of the support structure and point radially inwards and which are supported radially on the outside of the column jacket. Here, the pivot bearing rollers preferably each have vertical pivot bearing roll axes. In an alternative embodiment, the pivot bearing unit is slidably supported on the outer surface of the column jacket.

In a further development of the invention, the support structure comprises a support frame and a support structure. The support frame is pivotally connected to the support frame about the horizontal pivot axis. The support frame is connected to the support frame on one top side and is supported on the underside on the outside of the column shell of the hollow base body. The support frame and the support structure can be firmly connected to one another and/or made from different materials. Just like the support frame, the support frame can be designed as a substantially flat frame, which consists of several rods or supports that are firmly connected to one another. Preferably, the support frame is rotatably connected to the base hollow body via the first pivot bearing unit and the support frame via the second pivot bearing unit.

In one embodiment of the invention, the support frame has a plurality of support struts which end with a corner profile on the top side of the support frame and with a circular arc profile on the underside of the support frame. As a result, the support frame can form a ring on its underside of the support frame, which is optimally adapted to the shape of the second pivot bearing unit and the base hollow body, provided that this is shaped as a rotating body, without the need for an additional ring component. This enables uniform support on the hollow base body and an aesthetic appearance with a quasi-flowing transition between a possibly more angular shape of the support frame and a more round shape of the hollow base body through the support struts. In addition, the corner profile allows for convenient attachment to the support frame.

In one embodiment of the invention, the support frame has a flat frame structure and the support frame is articulated by a pivot bearing on an edge side of the frame structure of the support frame. As a result, the support frame and the support frame protrude only slightly in the vertical direction above the base, so that the moments caused by forces acting on the support frame or the functional unit held thereon are comparatively small in relation to the base. Due to the edge-side articulation of the support frame on the support frame, the support frame does not hinder pivoting of the support frame despite its flat expansion. The support frame preferably has a rectangular shape and consists of several struts or supports connected to one another at right angles. The support frame is preferably pivotally connected to the support frame via a plurality of hinges, with at least two hinges being arranged at a distance from one another, for example at opposite ends of the edge side of the frame structure of the support frame.

In a further development of the invention, the elevation system has a pivot drive for pivoting the support frame about the horizontal pivot axis. The swivel drive is a linear drive with a rod guide as a first drive element and a drive rod that moves linearly relative to the rod guide as a second drive element. One drive element is held on the support structure and the other drive element is held on the support frame. The swivel drive enables powered and, if necessary, automatic swiveling of the support frame around the horizontal axis of rotation. The elevation system preferably has several swivel drives so that the load is distributed across the swivel drives. The zero position of the pivoting movement, ie the position at one A swivel angle of 0° can be defined, for example, by the completely swung-in state of the support frame, in which a surface or plane defined by the support frame or the functional unit held thereon runs horizontally. The pivotability from this zero position can be limited to a maximum pivot angle as required, for example a maximum pivot angle between 50° and 60°, in particular approximately 55°.

In a further development of the invention, the base hollow body tapers upwards in the vertical direction. In particular, the base hollow body tapers continuously or in two or more stages. This means that the base has a slim, attractive design despite its required size. In addition, the base hollow body, which expands downwards in the vertical direction, offers a relatively wide support surface, which increases the stability of the elevation system. Due to the comparatively narrow top side, the base hollow body does not significantly hinder the rotational movement of the support structure and the pivoting movement of the support frame, including the functional unit held on it, and thus enables, on the one hand, a large pivoting range and, on the other hand, unhindered rotation of the support structure when the support frame is pivoted.

In a further development of the invention, the hollow base body is formed from a concrete or stone material. As a result, the base is very robust against environmental influences and can safely support the weight of the supporting structure resting on it, including the functional unit held on the supporting frame. In addition, production from concrete is very flexible and cost-effective in terms of the shape and size of the hollow base body.

In a further development of the invention, the base hollow body is filled with a bulk material and/or a filling liquid and/or an energy storage unit as filling material, partially filled or completely filled as required. Rubble, rubble, gravel and sand are suitable bulk materials because they are inexpensive, typically readily available and can be easily filled into the base hollow body. The use of materials such as concrete, clinker or ceramic is also conceivable. The filling liquid can be filled directly into the hollow base body or into a separate container, which in turn is placed in the hollow base body. Possible filling liquids include, for example, operating fluids such as coolant or hydraulic fluid required for the operation of the elevation system, i.e. the rotation of the support structure or the pivoting of the support frame. An energy storage device can be, for example, a rechargeable battery or accumulator or a flywheel that stores energy generated by the functional unit or required to operate the functional unit. In addition to the filling material, electrical and/or electronic devices which are required for the operation of the elevation system and/or the functional unit, e.g. inverter units for solar modules, can be accommodated in the hollow base body.

In a further development of the invention, the base hollow body comprises a plurality of columnar base parts arranged one on top of the other in the vertical direction, and an uppermost base part is connected to a lowermost base part by tensile force-absorbing connectors. The several base parts can be transported individually and assembled together on site, which further simplifies transport and assembly. In addition, the base parts can be gradually filled with the filling material if necessary.

If necessary, further base parts arranged between the bottom and top base parts can have openings in both their upper and lower end faces, so that all base parts form a common cavity. In particular, the entire upper and lower end faces of each additional base part can form an opening. The lowest base part can optionally have a closable or coverable opening through which the filling material can be removed from the hollow base body when the support system is dismantled.

The connectors preferably run along the inside of the hollow base body and are anchored there in or on the base parts. Alternatively, the connectors run along the outside of the hollow base body. The connectors are expediently arranged at a distance from one another in the circumferential direction of the base, preferably at equidistant intervals, and in this way absorb tensile forces occurring from all directions evenly. Depending on requirements, the connectors can only be designed to be rigid in tension, e.g. as ropes or cables, such as steel cables, or also to be rigid in compression, e.g. as rigid, elongated connecting struts.

In an alternative development of the invention, the base hollow body comprises a plurality of columnar, concentrically arranged base parts, with an inner base part protruding upwards in the vertical direction over an outer base part. As previously described, the multiple base parts can be transported individually and set up on site, which simplifies transport and assembly. Furthermore, the base hollow body can thereby gradually taper upwards in the vertical direction and thus has a wider, floor-standing underside, which ensures a stable stand of the elevation system, and a In contrast, it has a narrower top side, which does not hinder pivoting of the support frame and rotation of the support structure.

The base parts have, for example, polygonal, in particular rectangular or square, and/or elliptical, in particular circular, cross-sectional areas whose centers of gravity lie on a vertical axis, whereby the cross-sectional areas of the base parts do not have to be similar to one another. In addition, all, only one or some of the base parts can have openings through which the hollow base body can be filled. The support structure is preferably supported on the outside of the column shell of the inner base part which projects upwards over the outer.

In a further alternative development of the invention, the base hollow body has a column part and a foot part, which protrudes radially outwards from the underside of the column part and on which at least one ballast element is arranged. Preferably, several ballast elements are arranged on the foot part. As already described above in connection with the base parts, the hollow base body and the ballast element(s) can be transported and set up separately from one another in a corresponding manner, which simplifies transport and assembly and, if necessary, the dismantling of the elevation system. The column part has a hollow body which can be filled with the filling material via an opening in its end face or the outside of the column jacket. The ballast element can contribute to the total weight of the base and thus to greater stability of the elevation system.

Preferably, the foot part protrudes in a ring from the column part and the ballast element surrounds the column part in a ring, so that the stability of the elevation system is ensured in all directions when forces and moments act on the support structure or the functional unit about a horizontal axis. For this purpose, the ballast element can be shaped as an annular ballast element or can be composed of several individual parts which, after being arranged on the foot part, extend together in a ring shape around the column part. Alternatively, the foot part protrudes from the column part in a partial ring shape and/or the ballast element surrounds the column part only partially or in sections. The ballast element can consist of the same material as the base hollow body or of another suitable material.

• 1 eine Perspektivansicht eines Aufständerungssystems mit Sockel, drehbeweglicher Tragstruktur und daran schwenkbeweglich gehaltener Funktionseinheit in maximal verschwenktem Zustand,
• 2 eine Seitenansicht des Aufständerungssystems in vollständig eingeschwenktem Zustand,
• 3 eine Explosionsansicht des Aufständerungssystems,
• 4 eine Perspektivansicht eines Tragrahmens der Tragstruktur,
• 5 eine Perspektivansicht eines Stützrahmens der Tragstruktur,
• 6 eine perspektivische Detailansicht eines unteren Bereichs des Sockels und eines Stützgerüsts der Tragstruktur mit einer Drehlagereinheit,
• 7 eine Perspektivansicht des Stützgerüsts mit aneinander montierten Stützstreben,
• 8 eine perspektivische Explosionsansicht der einzelnen Stützstreben,
• 9 eine perspektivische Detailansicht eines Schwenklagerbereichs von Stützrahmen und Tragrahmen,
• 10 eine Längsschnittansicht eines zweiteiligen Sockelhohlkörpers des Sockels mit Verbindern,
• 11 eine Perspektivansicht eines weiteren Aufständerungssystems mit modifiziertem Sockel und modifizierter Stützstruktur in vollständig eingeschwenktem Zustand,
• 12 eine geschnittene Explosionsansicht des Sockelhohlkörpers des Sockels von 11,
• 13 eine Längsschnittansicht eines weiteren Aufständerungssystems mit nochmals modifiziertem Sockel und der Stützstruktur von 11 in vollständig eingeschwenktem Zustand,
• 14 eine perspektivische Explosionsansicht des Sockels von 13,
• 15 eine Perspektivansicht mehrerer auf einer Freifläche in beabstandeten Reihen angeordneter Aufständerungssysteme nach Art der 1 bis 10 in vollständig eingeschwenktem Zustand,
• 16 die Ansicht von 15 mit den Aufständerungssystemen in maximal verschwenktem Zustand,
• 17 eine Seitenansicht von zwei benachbarten Aufständerungssystemen in voneinander weggedrehten Stellungen und
• 18 die Ansicht von 16 mit zwei benachbarten Reihen voneinander weggedrehter Aufständerungssysteme nach Art von 17 zwecks Gassenbildung.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. These and further embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below. Show here:

• 1 a perspective view of an elevation system with a base, a rotatable support structure and a functional unit pivotally held thereon in the maximum pivoted state,
• 2 a side view of the elevation system in the fully swiveled state,
• 3 an exploded view of the elevation system,
• 4 a perspective view of a support frame of the support structure,
• 5 a perspective view of a support frame of the support structure,
• 6 a perspective detailed view of a lower region of the base and a support frame of the support structure with a pivot bearing unit,
• 7 a perspective view of the support structure with support struts mounted together,
• 8th a perspective exploded view of the individual support struts,
• 9 a perspective detailed view of a pivot bearing area of the support frame and support frame,
• 10 a longitudinal sectional view of a two-part hollow base body of the base with connectors,
• 11 a perspective view of another elevation system with a modified base and modified support structure in the fully swung-in state,
• 12 a sectioned exploded view of the base hollow body of the base of 11 ,
• 13 a longitudinal section view of another elevation system with a further modified base and the support structure of 11 in a completely swung-in state,
• 14 an exploded perspective view of the base of 13 ,
• 15 a perspective view of several elevation systems arranged in spaced rows on an open space in the manner of 1 until 10 in a completely swung-in state,
• 16 the view of 15 with the elevation systems in the maximum pivoted state,
• 17 a side view of two adjacent elevation systems in positions rotated away from each other and
• 18 the view of 16 with two adjacent rows of elevation systems turned away from each other in the manner of 17 for the purpose of creating alleys.

In the 1 until 14 the elevation system according to the invention is illustrated by way of example in several embodiments, with a photovoltaic module being provided as the functional unit 4, for example. The elevation system comprises a floor-standing base 1 and a support structure 2 held on the base 1 with a support frame 3 for the functional unit 4. The base 1 has a columnar hollow base body 5, 5 ', 5 "that can be filled with a filling material. In the examples shown is the base 1 with an underside on a ground, for example a meadow, a field, an asphalt floor, a stone floor or another open space. The functional unit 4 can be held detachably, for example by screw connections or detachable snap connections, or permanently attached to the support frame 3, for example using welded connections or permanent snap connections.

In the 10 , 12 and 14 the base 1 or its unfilled hollow base body 5, 5', 5" is shown in three embodiments. In all embodiments, the hollow base body 5, 5', 5" has a rotationally symmetrical shape. The upper end face of the hollow base body 5, 5', 5" is designed as an opening 23, ₂₃₁ , through which the hollow base body 5, 5', 5" can be filled with the filling material.

Furthermore, the support structure 2 of the elevation system has a support structure 6, 6 ', which is held on the hollow base body 5, 5 ', 5" so that it can rotate about a vertical axis of rotation D. The support frame 3 can be pivoted on the support structure 6 about a horizontal pivot axis S, 6' hinged. 1 shows the elevation system with the support frame 3 pivoted to the maximum or completely 2 , 11 and 13 show the respective elevation system with the support frame 3 minimally pivoted or completely pivoted in.

In advantageous embodiments, the support structure 6, 6 ', in the 1 until 10 or in the 11 and 13 shown in two embodiments, held freely rotatable relative to the hollow base body 5, 5', 5". In alternative implementations, the rotational mobility of the support structure 6, 6' relative to the hollow base body 5, 5', 5" is limited, for example, to a certain rotation angle range, which is preferably at least 180° and, depending on the case, can have any value between 0° and 360°.

In the 15 until 18 a two-dimensional field of elevation systems according to the invention is shown, which are arranged in several rows spaced apart from one another with photovoltaic modules held thereon. Such a field can, for example, be located on an additional agriculturally used field or meadow.

In 15 The elevation systems are shown in a completely swung-in state, in which the front sides of the functional units 4 or photovoltaic modules are oriented vertically upwards. In 16 The elevation systems are shown in a maximally pivoted state, aligned synchronously, for example to the south. Due to the free rotation of the support structure 6, 6 'relative to the base hollow body 5, 5', 5", the photovoltaic module can be adjusted over the course of the day from the morning east orientation to the position of the sun to the evening west orientation and overnight over the south orientation or the north orientation can be returned to the morning east orientation.

17 shows two adjacent elevation systems with completely pivoted support frames 3, the support structures 6, 6 'of which are rotated by 180 ° relative to one another in such a way that the functional units 4 or photovoltaic modules held thereon point away from one another. As a result, a free path is formed between the two elevation systems, which reaches up to the two bases 1 and is not blocked in height by the support structures 2 and the functional units 4 held on them.

When setting up the elevation systems in several rows, as in the case of 15 and 16 , the elevation systems of adjacent rows can be used as above 17 described, turned away from each other, as in 18 shown for the two rightmost rows. As a result, the rotatability of the support structure 6, 6 'relative to the hollow base body 5, 5', 5" by at least 180 ° or the free rotatability enables the formation of a comparatively wide alley between two adjacent rows of elevation systems despite large photovoltaic modules held on the elevation systems .Vehicles for the care and maintenance of the mounting systems and functional units 4 or agricultural commercial vehicles when using the open space for agricultural purposes can then drive through these lanes between the rows largely unhindered by the mounting systems enables agricultural use of practically the entire floor area of the installation area of the elevation systems, with the exception of the area occupied by the bases 1 with their underside, which can be relatively small, for example only about one to a few percent of the total area.

In advantageous implementations, the support structure 6, 6', as in the examples shown, is held on the base hollow body 5, 5', 5" by a rotary bearing 7 which extends in a ring shape around the vertical axis of rotation D.

In advantageous embodiments, the rotary bearing 7, as in the examples shown, comprises a first, annular rotary bearing unit 8 ₁ and a second, annular rotary bearing unit 8 ₂ . The first pivot bearing unit 8 ₁ is arranged on the upper end face of the hollow base body 5, 5', 5", while the second pivot bearing unit 8 ₂ is supported on the outside of the column jacket of the hollow base body 5, 5', 5". Both pivot bearing units 8 ₁ , 8 ₂ together form the rotatable coupling between the base hollow body 5, 5', 5" and the support structure 6, 6'.

In advantageous embodiments, the first and second pivot bearing units 8 ₁ , 8 ₂ are arranged coaxially to one another and spaced apart from one another, as in the examples shown. The second pivot bearing unit 8 ₂ can be held at any suitable height on the outer column casing of the base hollow body 5, 5`, 5" or can be supported on it.

In advantageous implementations, the elevation system, as in the examples shown, has a rotary drive 9 for rotating the support structure 6 about the vertical axis of rotation D. The rotary drive 9 is in the example 1 until 10 the second pivot bearing unit 8 ₂ coupled, in the example 11 until 14 the first pivot bearing unit 8 ₁ in a manner not shown in detail.

In corresponding implementations, the rotary drive includes 9, as in the example 1 until 10 and in particular 6 can be seen, a rotary drive motor 17, which drives a gear 18, which engages in a complementary ring gear 19 of the second rotary bearing unit 8 ₂ . The rotary drive 9 is fixed in a stationary manner on the base hollow body 5, 5', 5" and rotates the gear ring 19, which is connected to the support structure 6 in a rotationally fixed manner, and thus the support structure 6. The rotary drive motor 9 can, for example, be fed directly with electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic module, so that the elevation system can be operated independently.

In advantageous embodiments, according to the embodiment of 1 until 10 , the second pivot bearing unit 8 ₂ comprises a plurality of pivot bearing rollers 10 fixed to the outside of the column shell and a pivot bearing ring 11 arranged on the underside of the support structure 6. The pivot bearing ring 11 is supported axially on the pivot bearing rollers 10 which point axially upwards. In the 1 until 3 In the embodiment there, three of the several pivot bearing rollers 10 can be seen, which are arranged in the circumferential direction at equal distances from one another on the outside of the column shell of the hollow base body 5, 5', 5". The pivot bearing rollers 10 can be on the outside of the column shell of the hollow base body 5, 5', 5" fastened mounting angle profiles or consoles 24 can be held, as in 6 to see. Using washers, the height of the pivot bearing rollers 10 can be adjusted as required and thereby coordinated with the pivot bearing ring 11.

In corresponding implementations, the rotational position rollers 10, as in the example 1 until 10 , in relation to the axis of rotation D of the support structure 6 radial pivot bearing roll axes 10D. The pivot bearing ring 11 runs horizontally on the pivot bearing rollers 10 with its underside as a running surface. The pivot bearing rollers 10 can therefore absorb forces in the vertical direction. The pivot bearing ring 11 can also be designed as a gear ring and take on the function of the gear ring 19.

In alternative realizations, such as the one in the 11 until 14 In the embodiment shown, the second pivot bearing unit 8 ₂ comprises a plurality of pivot bearing rollers fixed to an annular underside of the support structure 6' and pointing radially inwards, which are supported radially on the outside of the column jacket. The pivot bearing rollers do not need to be constantly in contact with the outside of the column shell of the base hollow body 5, 5', 5" and do not need to fulfill any carrying function, but in this case can simply be used as safeguards against excessive twisting of the support structure around a horizontal axis due to the effects of wind or snow load.

In advantageous embodiments, the support structure 6, 6', as in the examples shown, comprises a support frame 12 and a support frame 13, 13'. The support frame 3 is pivotably connected to the support frame 12 about the horizontal pivot axis S. The support frame 13, 13 'is connected to the support frame 12 on an upper side and is supported with an underside on the outside of the column jacket of the hollow base body 5, 5', 5".

As realized in the examples shown, the first pivot bearing unit 8 ₁ can be on an underside of the support frame 12 and the second pivot bearing unit 8 ₂ can be attached to an underside of the support frame 13, 13 '. In the embodiments shown, the support frame 13, 13' tapers downwards in the vertical direction and thereby forms an aesthetically pleasing and favorable transition for the desired support function between the wider support frame 12 or the wider functional unit 4 and the comparatively narrower hollow base body 5, 5' , 5". In addition, forces and moments acting on the functional unit 4 are well transmitted to the base hollow body 5, 5`, 5" by the support structure 6, 6 '.

In advantageous implementations, the support frame 13, as in the embodiment of 1 until 10 , several, in the examples shown four, support struts 14, which end on the top of the support frame with a corner profile, in this case specifically an L-profile, and on the underside of the support frame with a circular arc profile. The corner profile on the top of the support frame enables the support struts 14 to be advantageously attached to the rectangular support frame 12. In the example shown, the support struts 14 are made of profiled sheets, which continuously insert the circular arc profile on the underside of the support frame into the corner profile on the top of the support frame transfer. Like in particular 8th As can be seen, the support struts 14 end in a quarter-circle arch profile, so that when assembled, they are as shown in 7 can be seen, together forming a complete, continuous circular arc profile. In the examples shown, the support struts 14 are fastened to one another and to the pivot bearing ring 11, for example by means of screw or welded connections.

In the alternative embodiment the 11 until 14 The support struts 14' of the support frame 13' are designed as rods which extend from the corner points of the, in the example shown, rectangular support frame 12 to the outer surface of the column jacket of the base hollow body 5, 5', 5". The support struts 14 are on the underside of the support frame , 14 'connected to the pivot bearing ring 11.

It is understood that the support structure 6 according to the embodiment of 1 until 10 and the support structure 6 'according to the embodiment of 11 until 14 Can be freely combined or used interchangeably, for example the support structure 6 in a support system with the base hollow body 5 'according to the embodiment of 11 and 12 or the hollow base body 5" according to the embodiment of 13 and 14 and the support structure 6 'in a support system with the base hollow body 5 according to the embodiment of 1 until 10 .

In advantageous embodiments, the support frame 12, as in the examples shown, has a flat frame structure and the support frame 3 is articulated by a pivot bearing 20 on an edge side of the frame structure of the support frame 12. In the example of the 1 until 10 includes the pivot bearing 20, as in the 4 , 5 and 9 can be seen, two joints or hinges 26, which are formed by interlocking hinge tabs 25, which protrude from the support frame 3 and the support frame 12 and are connected, for example, by means of pins or screws. In the example shown, the support frame 3 has the hinge tabs 25 in a central region of the supports forming the support frame 3, as in particular in 4 to see. As a result, the torque required to pivot the support frame 3 and the functional unit 4 held on it is lower than with a more peripheral articulation.

In addition, a balancing weight can optionally be held on the edge side of the support frame 3, which runs parallel to and closer to the pivot axis S. With a suitable choice of weight, the torque to be applied to pivot the support frame 3 and the functional unit 4 is very small or negligibly low. In addition, the support frame 3 can, for example, be provided with wind deflectors, e.g. spoilers with an airfoil profile, in order to facilitate or support pivoting in windy conditions.

The maximum possible pivoting range of the support frame 3 is limited on the one hand by the flat contact of the support frame 3 against the support frame 12, as in the 2 , 9 , 11 and 13 shown, and on the other hand by the contact of the support frame 3 or the functional unit 4 with the edge side, which tilts towards the floor when the support frame 3 is pivoted, against the support structure 6, 6' or the base hollow body 5, 5', 5".

In advantageous implementations, the elevation system has at least one, in the examples shown two, pivot drives 15 for pivoting the support frame 3 about the horizontal pivot axis S. In the examples shown, the swivel drive 15 is a linear drive with a rod guide 15F as a first drive element and a drive rod 15S, which moves linearly relative to the rod guide 15F, as a second drive element. One drive element is held on the support structure 6, 6 'and the other drive element is held on the support frame 3.

The drive rod 15S can, as in the examples shown, be designed as a toothed rack, in the teeth of which a gear driven by the rod guide 15F engages. This is the case Drive rod 15S is pivotally articulated on the support frame 3 and pivotally guided in the rod guide 15F. Preferably, the rod guide 15F is held on the side of the support frame 12, which lies opposite the hinges 26 forming the pivot bearing 20, as in particular in FIG 1 and 17 to see.

In advantageous embodiments, the base hollow body 5, 5', 5" tapers upwards in the vertical direction. The base hollow body 5, 5', 5" can taper continuously, in particular linearly, upwards, as in the 1 until 10 embodiment shown, or gradually, as in 12 and in the 13 and 14 two-stage embodiments shown.

In advantageous embodiments, the hollow base body 5, 5', 5" is formed from a concrete or stone material and/or filled with a bulk material and/or a filling liquid and/or an energy storage unit as filling material. The energy storage unit can be used, for example, to supply the rotary drive 9 and of the swivel drive 15 with electrical energy.

In advantageous implementations, the base hollow body 5, 5', as in the examples shown, comprises a plurality of columnar base parts 5 ₁ , 5 ₂ arranged one on top of the other in the vertical direction. In addition, such as the 1 until 10 shown, an uppermost base part 5 ₁ can be connected to a lowermost base part 5 ₂ by tensile force-absorbing connectors 16.

In the in the 1 until 10 In the embodiment shown, the base hollow body 5 has two base parts 5 ₁ , 5 ₂ , of which the lower base part 5 ₂ has a hollow cylindrical shape and the upper base part 5 ₁ has a hollow truncated cone shape. The upper base part 5 ₁ has an annular shoulder at its lower end and the lower base part 5 ₂ has a complementary annular shoulder at its upper end. When arranging the upper and lower base parts 5 ₁ , 5 _{2 one} on top of the other, the two base parts 5 ₁ , 5 ₂ can be aligned coaxially by means of the ring shoulders. In addition, the ring shoulders prevent the base parts 5 ₁ , 5 ₂ from slipping horizontally against one another.

In corresponding implementations, the connectors 16, as in the exemplary embodiment 1 until 10 shown, anchored at one end to an inside of the lower base part 5 ₂ and held at the other end to an upper side of the upper base part 5 ₁ . The connectors 16 prevent axial movement of the base parts 5 ₁ , 5 ₂ away from one another and also prevent them from tilting towards each other. Optionally, the length of the connectors 16 can be adjusted subsequently, ie in the state when they are mounted on the base parts 5 ₁ , 5 ₂ , and thus the base parts 5 ₁ , 5 ₂ can be moved towards one another by shortening the connectors 16, which function as tie rods subject to a tensile force. The connectors 16 can have, for example, ropes or rigid struts.

In alternative implementations, such as in the embodiment of 11 and 12 , the hollow base body 5' consists of two hollow cylindrical shaped base parts 5 ₁ , 5 ₂ , which are arranged on top of and inside each other without being additionally connected to one another by connectors. The lower base part 5 ₁ has a larger diameter than the upper base part 5 ₂ and a lower height. The upper base part 5 ₁ is coaxial with the lower base part 5 ₂ and its underside lies precisely in a circular recess 21 in the underside of the lower base part 5 ₂ . This prevents the upper base part 5 ₁ from slipping relative to the lower base part 5 ₂ .

As in the example shown, the upper end faces of both base parts 5 ₁ , 5 ₂ can be designed overall as openings 23 ₁ , 23 ₂ through which the hollow base body 5 'can be filled with the filling material. The two base parts 5 ₁ , 5 ₂ can have cavities that are separate from one another or connected to one another. Preferably, the opening 23 ₂ of the lower base part 5 ₂ can be covered with an annular base cover 22, with a recess in the middle of the base cover 22 allowing the upper base part 5 ₁ to pass through. For assembly, the upper base part 5 ₁ is passed through the recess in the base cover 22 and the base cover 22 is arranged to cover the upper end face of the lower base part 5 ₂ . The base cover 22 can additionally prevent the upper base part 5 ₁ from slipping or tilting relative to the lower base part 5 ₂ .

In further alternative implementations, such as in the embodiment of 13 and 14 , the base hollow body 5" consists of a hollow cylindrical column part 27 and, for example, a circular disk-shaped foot part 28, which protrudes radially outwards from the underside of the column part 27 and on which at least one ballast element 29 is arranged.

In corresponding implementations, such as the exemplary embodiment of 13 and 14 shown, the column part 27 is hollow cylindrical in shape and the foot part 28 protrudes in the shape of a circular ring from an underside of the column part 27. In addition, several quarter-circle-shaped ballast elements 29 are stacked on top of one another in several layers on the foot part 28, with four ballast elements 29 each forming the column part 27 surrounded in a ring. The ballast elements 29 are preferably connected to one another so that they cannot slip in their position or fall down from the stack of ballast elements 29 or the foot part 28. The upper end face of the column part 27 is designed as an opening 23 through which the hollow base body 5" can optionally be filled, and the support structure 6' is held on this end face.

The column part 27 projects, as in 13 shown, with an upper section adjacent to the end face in the vertical direction upwards beyond the stack of ballast elements 29 and the support structure 6 'is supported on the outside of the column jacket in the area of the protruding section on the hollow base body 5". This is due to the fact that the annular Ballast elements 29 arranged around the column part 27 have a larger diameter than the column part 27 and the upper section of the column part 27 protrudes beyond the ballast elements 29, in this case the base 1 tapers upwards in two steps in the vertical direction.

In alternative embodiments, the column part 27 has a prismatic, for example square, cross-sectional area and/or the ballast elements 29 are formed as closed ring parts, for example with a central, prismatic or circular recess, so that each ballast element 29 individually completely surrounds the column part 27 on the circumference.

As the exemplary embodiments shown and the other exemplary embodiments explained above make clear, the invention provides a support system for a functional unit that can be set up with particularly little effort and can also be dismantled if necessary and has a high level of stability, while at the same time being aesthetically pleasing is designed in an attractive manner. In addition, when used on agricultural land, the mounting system enables these usable areas to continue to be used for agricultural purposes to a large extent and without restrictions despite the mounting system(s) installed.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 1075629 B1 [0006]
• DE 4208255 C2 [0006]

Claims (13)

Elevation system for a functional unit, in particular a photovoltaic module - a floor-standing base (1) and - A support structure (2) held on the base with a support frame (3) for the functional unit (4), whereby - the base (1) has a column-shaped hollow base body (5, 5', 5") that can be filled with a filling material and/or - the support structure (2) has a support structure (6, 6`), to which the support frame (3) is pivotally articulated about a horizontal pivot axis (S) and which is rotatable about a vertical axis of rotation (D) on the hollow base body (5, 5` , 5"). Elevation system Claim 1 , wherein the support structure (6, 6') is held on the hollow base body (5, 5', 5") so that it can rotate freely relative to the hollow base body (5, 5', 5") or can rotate to a limited extent over a rotation angle range of at least 180°. Elevation system Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the support structure (6, 6`) is held on the hollow base body (5, 5`, 5") by a rotary bearing (7) which extends in a ring shape around the vertical axis of rotation (D). Elevation system Claim 3 , wherein the pivot bearing (7) comprises a first, annular pivot bearing unit (8 ₁ ), which is arranged on an upper end face of the base hollow body (5, 5 ', 5"), and a second, annular pivot bearing unit (8 ₂ ), which supported on the outside of the column shell of the hollow base body (5, 5`, 5"). Elevation system Claim 4 , wherein the first and second pivot bearing units (8 <sub>1</sub> , 8 <sub>2</sub> ) are arranged coaxially to one another and axially spaced apart from one another. Elevation system Claim 4 or 5 , with a rotary drive (9) for rotating the support structure (6, 6`) about the vertical axis of rotation (D), to which the first and / or the second rotary bearing unit (8 ₁ , 8 ₂ ) is coupled. Elevation system according to one of the Claims 4 until 6 , wherein - the second pivot bearing unit (8 ₂ ) comprises a plurality of pivot bearing rollers (10) fixed to the outside of the column jacket and pointing axially upwards and a pivot bearing ring (11) arranged on an underside of the support structure (6), which is located axially on the pivot bearing rollers (10). supported or - the second pivot bearing unit (8 ₂ ) comprises a plurality of pivot bearing rollers fixed to an annular underside of the support structure (6 '), pointing radially inwards, which are supported radially on the outside of the column jacket. Elevation system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure (6, 6`) comprises a support frame (12), to which the support frame (3) is pivotally articulated about the horizontal pivot axis (S), and a support frame (13, 13`). , which is connected to the support frame (12) on one side and is supported on the underside on the outside of the column jacket of the hollow base body (5, 5`, 5"). Elevation system Claim 8 , wherein the support frame (13) has a plurality of support struts (14) which end with a corner profile on the top of the support frame and with a circular arc profile on the underside of the support frame. Elevation system Claim 8 or 9 , wherein the support frame (12) has a flat frame structure and the support frame (3) is articulated by a pivot bearing (20) on an edge side of the frame structure of the support frame (12). Elevation system according to one of the preceding claims, with a pivot drive (15) for pivoting the support frame (3) about the horizontal pivot axis (S), the pivot drive (15) being a linear drive with a rod guide (15F) as a first drive element and one opposite the Rod guide linearly moving drive rod (15S) as a second drive element, one drive element being held on the support structure (6, 6`) and the other drive element on the support frame (3). Elevation system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the base hollow body (5, 5`, 5") tapers upwards in the vertical direction and/or - the hollow base body (5, 5', 5") is formed from a concrete or stone material and/or - Base hollow body (5, 5', 5") is filled with a bulk material and/or a filling liquid and/or an energy storage unit as filling material. Elevation system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the hollow base body (5) comprises a plurality of columnar base parts (5 ₁ , 5 ₂ ) arranged one on top of the other in the vertical direction and an uppermost base part (5 ₁ ) is connected to a lowermost base part (16) by tensile force-absorbing connectors (16). 5 ₂ ) is connected or - the base hollow body (5 ') has several columnar, concentrically arranged base parts (5 ₁ , 5 ₂ ) and an inner base part (5 ₁ ) protrudes vertically upwards over an outer base part (5 ₂ ) or - the base hollow body (5") has a column part (27) and a foot part (28) which is on the underside of the column part (27) projects radially outwards from this and on which at least one ballast element (29) is arranged.

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