ES2739673B2 - Slewing set for solar tracker - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

Slewing set for solar tracker

TECHNICAL SECTOR

The present invention relates to turning assemblies, preferably for solar trackers.

PRIOR STATE OF THE ART

Turning assemblies for solar panels are known. Solar panels, individually or in pairs, are usually arranged one after the other in rows. In the state of the art, each row is also called a solar tracker, which in the case of independent rows actuated by independent drive means are usually known as single-row solar trackers. Solar panels are normally mounted on a frame that is attached to a torsion bar so that rotating said torsion bar also rotates the frame and consequently the solar panels. The rows or solar trackers of the solar panels are arranged according to the orientation from North to South and the solar panels are rotated from East to West so that the plates adopt the best possible inclination so that they are oriented in the most appropriate way to the changing position of the sun at each moment.

Each torsion bar is arranged on pillars, which are normally anchored to the ground, through a plurality of pivot assemblies that are attached to a respective pillar. The rotation assemblies allow the rotation of the torsion bar when the torsion bar is actuated in a controlled manner.

In this sense, ES1084355U discloses a turning assembly for a solar tracker that comprises an outer support and an inner sleeve housed inside said support. The bushing is made up of two pieces, a lower bushing and an upper bushing, which once joined together form a polygonal interior housing to house the torsion bar of the solar tracker and a cylindrical outer surface. The support in turn is also made up of two pieces, a lower support and an upper support, which once joined together form a cylindrical inner surface, destined to receive the upper and lower bushings between them.

ES2587409 A1 discloses a turning assembly for a solar tracker comprising an outer support and an inner sleeve housed inside said support. The outer support is divided into two parts, a lower base and an upper part arched so that once the inner bushing has been inserted into the hole formed by both parts, they are fixed together with screws. The bushing has a spherical outer surface so that in use the bushing is allowed to rotate with respect to the gap formed by the lower base and the arched upper part of the outer bracket.

EXHIBITION OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to provide a turning assembly for a solar tracker, as defined in the claims.

The turning assembly of the invention comprises an outer support with an inner housing, and an inner sleeve housed in said inner housing of the support, the sleeve being configured to rotate in the inner housing along an axial axis.

The outer support comprises a base comprising means for being able to be fixed to an external fixed element, preferably a post or a pillar, and an outer surface arched in the shape of an inverted U and extending from said base.

The bushing in turn comprises a toroidal outer surface that cooperates with a toroidal surface of the inner housing, said toroidal surfaces comprising an axis of revolution that coincides with the axial axis, so that in use said bushing can rotate with respect to the support. along the axial axis, both the support and the bushing being made up of a single piece. In the context of the invention, a toroidal surface is a surface that forms part of a toroid generated by a closed plane curve that rotates around an axis of revolution.

The turning assembly of the invention also comprises a reinforcement comprising a shape inverted U, a circular cross section and threaded ends.

The arched outer surface of the support comprises at least one seat comprising a groove, the reinforcement being arranged on the outer support supported in said groove such that said reinforcement surrounds the arched outer surface.

Both the support and the bushing are made up of a single piece, therefore, with the turning assembly of the invention, it is avoided that during the rotation of the bushing with respect to the support, friction and collisions between both pieces occur that can damage over time. one or both pieces of the turning assembly. The inner housing of the support comprises two diametrically opposed areas with a diameter greater than the rest of the inner housing so that it is possible to insert the bushing into the support in a position perpendicular to the working position of the bushing, and the subsequent rotation of the bushing. to house it in said working position.

The ends of the reinforcement are threaded, said threaded ends passing through respective housings of the base that make it possible to join the base of the turning assembly to an external element, each threaded end of the reinforcement being fixed with a washer, a nut and a lock nut.

In the support, and in the bushing, of the state of the art there may be a small gap in the joint area between the lower support and the upper support, and at the junction of the inner and upper bush. Said jump causes a small collision between the bracket and the bush during the rotation of the bush which can damage both the bracket and the bush over time.

These and other advantages and characteristics of the invention will become apparent in view of the figures and the detailed description of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the turning assembly according to the invention.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the outer support of the turning assembly of the Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the inner bushing of the turning assembly of Figure 1.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the turning assembly of Figure 1, the bushing being in the intermediate mounting position.

Figure 5 shows another perspective view of the turning assembly of the invention.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the turning assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the reinforcement of the turning assembly of Figure 6.

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the turning assembly of Figure 1 mounted on an intermediate element.

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the turning assembly of Figure 6 mounted on an intermediate element.

Figure 10 shows schematically the turning assembly of Figure 1 mounted for use on one of the pillars of a solar tracker, with the torsion bar housed in said turning assembly.

DETAILED EXHIBITION OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the turning assembly 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein said turning assembly 1 comprises an outer support 2 comprising an inner housing 4 with a toroidal surface, and an inner bushing 3 housed in said inner housing 4 of the support 2. The bushing 3 comprises a toroidal outer surface 3 'that cooperates with the toroidal surface of the inner housing 4 so that in use said bushing 3 is allowed to rotate with respect to the support 2 along an axis axial A.

Both the support 2 and the bushing 3 are made up of a single piece, therefore, with the turning assembly 1 of the invention, it is avoided that during the rotation of the bushing 3 with respect to the support 2, friction and collisions occur between both pieces 2 and 3 that over time can damage one or both parts of the turning assembly 1.

In the support, and in the bushing, of the state of the art, there is a small gap in the joint area between the lower support and the upper support, and at the junction of the inner and upper bush. Said jump causes a small collision between the bracket and the bush during the rotation of the bush which can damage both the bracket and the bush over time.

Neither in the inner housing 4 of the support 2 nor in the outer surface 3 'of the sleeve 3 of the invention there is any jump, a jump being understood as an interruption in the corresponding surface that gives rise to a non-continuous surface, and therefore it is possible extend the useful life of the turning assembly 1 of the invention.

The outer surface 3 'of the bush 3 and the surface of the inner housing 4 are toroidal. In the context of the invention, a toroidal surface is a surface that is part of a toroid generated by a closed plane curve that rotates around an axis of revolution, which axis of revolution coincides with the axis of revolution in the rotation assembly of the invention. axial A. In a preferred embodiment, the toroidal surfaces are generated by an ellipse, that is, the closed planar curve from which the toroid is generated is an ellipse.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the minor diameter of the ellipse from which the toroidal outer surface 3 'of the cap 3 is generated is slightly smaller than the minor diameter of the ellipse from which the toroidal surface is generated. of the inner housing 4 of the support 2. In this way, the rolling strip between the bushing 3 and the inner housing 4 is minimized and consequently, the friction between both components 3 and 4 during use is minimized.

Alternatively, the toroidal surfaces 3 'and 4 of the bushing 3 and of the inner housing 4 could also be generated from a circle, in this case also being the diameter of the circle from which the toroidal outer surface 3' of the bushing is generated 3 preferably slightly smaller than the diameter of the circle from which the toroidal surface of the inner housing 4 of the bracket 2.

The inner housing 4 of the support 2, according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, comprises two diametrically opposed zones 5 with a diameter greater than the rest of the inner housing 4, as shown in figure 2. Said enlarged zones 5 allow the insertion of the bushing 3 to the inner housing 4 of the support 2 in a position perpendicular to the working position of the bushing 3, as shown in figure 4.

In the non-limiting example of figure 2, the diametrically opposite zones 5 of the inner housing 4 of the support 2 of greater diameter are arranged on the sides of said housing 4 in such a way as to allow the insertion of the bushing 3 in a direction substantially parallel to the axial direction A of the turning assembly 1, said bushing 3 being lying or semi-lying. However, other locations of said zones 5 are also possible, for example in the upper and lower zone of the inner housing 4.

The widened areas 5 are arranged in such a way that during the insertion of the bush 3 into the inner housing 4, in an initial stage of the assembly only the outer surface 3 'of the bush 3 and said widened areas 5 cooperate. When more or less half of the bush 3 has been inserted, said bush 3 is rotated, preferably manually, to move to the final working position where the outer surface 3 'of the bush 3 is coupled with the rest of the surface of the housing 4 inside of the support 2, as can be seen for example in figure 1. In this final assembly position, the outside diameter of the bushing 3 adjusts to the dimensions of the interior housing 4, therefore the bushing 3 is axially retained in said final position, allowing a small play, less than 1 millimeter, to allow the bushing 3 to rotate with respect to the support 2 during its operation, which will be detailed later.

The bushing 3 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a polygonal interior housing 6 capable of housing and retaining an element 7, preferably a longitudinal axis such as a torsion bar of a solar tracker, with the same polygonal shape. In the non-limiting example of the drawings, said polygonal shape comprises a square cross section, although it could also be circular or even pentagonal, hexagonal or octagonal. An example of the turning assembly 1 of the invention mounted for use on a pillar 17 of a solar tracker is shown in Figure 10. As shown in said figure, the torsion bar 7 of the solar tracker passes through the rotation assembly 1 of the invention so that it is housed in the housing 6 of the bushing 3.

Once the element 7 has been inserted into the turning assembly 1 of the invention, it is not possible to reverse the process of assembling the bushing 3 on the support 2. That is, the element 7 prevents the bushing 3 from being turned back in reverse. to return to the initial assembly position, whereby the turning assembly 1 is locked in the final working position ready for use.

As shown in Figures 8, 9 and 10, the turning assembly 1 of the invention can be fixed to an external fixed element, such as a pillar 17 of a solar tracker, for which the support 2 of the invention it comprises a base 9 comprising means to be able to be fixed to said external fixed element 17.

The support 2 can be fixed directly on said external fixed element, for example the pillar 17 of a solar tracker, or through an intermediate element 16 that joins the turning assembly 1 of the invention and the external fixed element 17, as shown in Figure 10 and Figures 8 and 9.

Said base 9, as shown for example in figure 5, comprises a housing 20 on each side that allows a joining means to pass through that allows joining the intermediate element 16 or the external fixed element 17. In a non-limiting example, said joining means comprise a screw 12, a washer 13 and at least one nut 14 for each joint housing 20. As shown in figure 8, each screw 12 goes through the housing 20 of the support 2 and a portion of the element to which it is to be attached, the intermediate element 16 or the external fixed element 17, fixing said joint with a respective washer. 13 and a respective nut 14 that collaborate with the free end of screw 12.

The use of the intermediate element 16 makes it possible to efficiently and comfortably align the longitudinal element 7, for example the torsion bar of a solar tracker, which will be fastened through a plurality of turning assemblies 1, each one fixed to its respective pillar 17.

As described throughout the description, the turning assembly 1 of the invention is suitable to be used in a solar tracker. Said solar tracker comprises a plurality of solar panels, not shown in the drawings, which are arranged one behind the other forming different rows. Each row of solar panels comprises a torsion bar 7 suitable for rotating on its longitudinal axis actuated by actuating means 18, said torsion bar 7 being arranged on pillars 17, preferably anchored to the ground, through a plurality of rotation assemblies 1 according to the invention, distributed along the bar torque 7.

Once the different turning assemblies 1 have been assembled on the torsion bar 7, at least one connecting rod 19 is fixed to the torsion bar 7 at the height of one of the pillars 17, preferably the central pillar 17 of the corresponding row, in such a way that the connecting rod 19 and the torsion bar 7 move jointly. One end of the actuating means 18, for example a linear actuator, cooperates with the connecting rod 19 which is integral with the torsion bar 7 and the other end is fixed to the corresponding pillar 17, as can be seen in figure 10, so that by actuating said actuating means 18 they cause the torsion bar 7 to rotate.

The support 2, according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, comprises an arcuate outer surface 10, preferably in the shape of an inverted U, which extends from the base 9.

Optionally, the turning assembly 1 of the invention may comprise a reinforcement 8 which is arranged on the support 2 such that said reinforcement 8 surrounds the arcuate outer surface 10, as shown for example in figure 6.

The reinforcement 8, as shown in figure 7, also comprises an inverted U-shape, whereby it can easily follow the contour of the arcuate outer surface 10 of the support 2.

In a non-limiting example, the reinforcement 8 comprises a circular cross-section, preferably solid, although it is not ruled out that it may also be hollow.

When the turning assembly 1 of the invention is used for example in a solar tracker, it is subjected to forces perpendicular to the axial direction A due to the impact that the wind exerts against the lower surface of the solar panels that try to lift said solar panels. , that is to say it is subjected to tensile forces. The reinforcement 8 described reinforces the turning assembly 1 of the invention, preventing it from breaking due to traction due to the strong gusts of wind that hit the solar panels.

In a non-limiting example, the ends of said reinforcement 8 are threaded and can replace the screws 12 described above. In this case, the base 9 of the turning assembly 1 of the invention is attached to the intermediate element 16, as shown in figure 9, or directly to the external fixed element 17, for example the pillar of a solar tracker, to through the reinforcement 8, the threaded ends of which pass through the respective housings 20, each end being fixed with a washer 13, a nut 14 and a locknut 14 '.

As shown in figure 7, the reinforcement 8 may comprise a stop 15 arranged at a certain height from each end, for example a nut. This stop simulates the head of a screw and prevents the reinforcement 8 from penetrating further than necessary.

The arched outer surface 10 of the support 2 of the invention comprises at least one seat 11 comprising a slot 11 ', preferably in a semi-circular, semi-elliptical or V shape, the reinforcement 8 being supported and guided in said slot 11'. This seat 11 can be arranged, for example, in the highest area of the support 2.

In a non-limiting example, the support 2 comprises five seats 11 distributed along the arched outer surface 10, as shown for example in figure 2. Three of these seats 11 are arranged in the upper area of the support 2 , distributed evenly and in such a way that the central seat 11 is arranged in the highest area of the support 2. On each side of the support 1 another seat 11 can be arranged. The reinforcement 8 is supported in the grooves 11 'of each seat 11 by Therefore, with this configuration it is achieved that the reinforcement 8 is better supported and guided on the support 2.

As can be seen in said figure 2, the described seats 11 project from the arcuate outer surface 10 of the support 2 in a radial direction.

The support 2 and the bushing 3 described are preferably made of plastic and the reinforcement 8 can be made of metal, preferably steel, or else made of plastic. Plastic can be a plastic capable of withstanding the elements (especially capable of withstanding changes due to humidity) and ultraviolet radiation.

Claims (10)

1. Turning assembly for a solar tracker, comprising an outer support (2) with an inner housing (4), and an inner bushing (3) housed in said inner housing (4) of the support (2), the support comprising (2) a base (9) comprising means to be able to be fixed to an external fixed element, preferably a post or a pillar (17), and an arcuate outer surface (10) with an inverted U-shape that extends from said base (9), and the bushing (3) being configured to rotate in the inner housing (4) along an axial axis (A), said bushing (3) comprising a toroidal outer surface (3 ') cooperating with a toroidal surface toroidal of the inner housing (4), said toroidal surfaces comprising an axis of revolution that coincides with the axial axis (A), so that in use said bushing (3) can rotate with respect to the support (2) along the axis axial (A), characterized in that both the support (2) and the bushing (3) are fo made by a single piece, the inner housing (4) of the support (2) comprising two diametrically opposed areas (5) with a diameter greater than the rest of the inner housing (4) so that the insertion of the bushing (3) is possible in the support (2) in a position perpendicular to the working position of the bush (3), and the subsequent rotation of the bush (3) to house it in said working position, and because the rotation assembly (1; 1 ') also comprises a reinforcement (8) comprising an inverted U shape, a circular cross section and threaded ends, the arcuate outer surface (10) of the support (2) comprising at least one seat (11) comprising a groove (11 '), the reinforcement (8) being arranged on the support (2) supported in said groove (11') so that said reinforcement (8) surrounds the arched outer surface (10), traversing the threaded ends of the reinforcement (8) respective housings (20) of the base (9) that make it possible to join the base (9) of the turning assembly (1) to an external element (16, 17), each threaded end of the reinforcement (8 ) secured with a washer (13), a nut (14) and a lock nut (14 '). 2. Turning assembly according to claim 1, wherein the toroidal outer surface (3 ') of the bushing (3) and the toroidal surface of the inner housing (4) are generated by an ellipse. 3. Turning assembly according to claim 2, wherein the minor diameter of the ellipse from which the toroidal outer surface (3 ') of the bushing (3) is generated is slightly smaller than the minor diameter of the ellipse from which the toroidal surface of the inner housing (4) of the support (2) is generated. Rotation assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bushing (3) comprises a polygonal interior housing (6) capable of housing and retaining an element (7), preferably a longitudinal axis, with the same shape. polygonal. Turning assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the groove (11 ') of the seat (11) comprises a semi-circular, semi-elliptical or V shape. Turning assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the arcuate outer surface (10) of the support (2) comprises a plurality of seats (11) arranged along said outer surface (10), the reinforcement ( 8) supported in the grooves (11 ') of each seat (11). Swivel assembly according to claim 6, wherein each seat (11) projects from the outer surface (10) of the support (2) in a radial direction. Turning assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support (2) and the bushing (3) are made of plastic and the reinforcement (8) is metallic, preferably steel, or plastic. 9. Solar tracker comprising a plurality of solar panels arranged in rows, each row of solar panels comprising a torsion bar (7) capable of rotating on its longitudinal axis actuated by drive means, characterized in that the torsion bar (7) ) is arranged on pillars (17), preferably anchored to the ground, through a plurality of turning assemblies (1) according to any of claims 1 to 8 that are fixed to a respective pillar (17) and that allow turning of the torsion bar (7) and consequently of the solar panels. 10. Solar tracker according to claim 9, wherein the drive means comprise a linear actuator (18) that cooperates with the torsion bar (7) causing it to rotate.