JP2002252365A - Solar-light tracking device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a solar-light tracking device wherein a drive is small and or a low cost, tracking precision and reliability can be fully obtained, and moreover power consumption is low. SOLUTION: By a first pawl member 44 functioning as an intermittent drive and a rotary solenoid 46 which drives the first pawl member is the forward direction, driving is performed intermittently with a solar-light receiving device 12 is rotated at a prescribed angle around a perpendicular shaft center or a horizontal shaft center. Rotational resistance is always applied to the rotation around the perpendicular shaft center or to the horizontal shaft center of the solar light-receiving device 12 by a second pawl member 52 functioning as a brake device. Thereby, electric power for holding an attitude of the solar light-receiving device 12 whose attitude is changed by a wind pressure is made unnecessary, and power consumption is reduced remarkably. As compared with a case using a gearbox whose gear ratio is several hundred thousand, deterioration in tracking precision which is caused by a large backlash of a final stage gear is eliminated, and a large number of gears and a rotation shaft for rotatably supporting the gears become unnecessary.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a solar tracking device for constantly pointing a solar light receiving device toward the sun.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A solar light tracking device for facing a solar light receiving device such as a solar battery that generates electric power by receiving sunlight and a solar heat utilization device that heats a circulating medium by receiving sunlight toward the sun includes: For example, in many cases, an electric motor is driven via a speed reducer connected to a support shaft of the solar light receiving device so as to correct a deviation between a direction toward the solar light receiving device and a position of the sun.

[0003]

However, such a conventional solar tracking device as described above requires the use of a speed reducer that reduces the rotation of the output shaft of the electric motor by a factor of hundreds of thousands. Since the reduction gear becomes large, the driving device becomes large and expensive. Further, since the final gear of the speed reducer has relatively large backlash, tracking accuracy cannot be sufficiently obtained, and the performance of the solar light receiving device may be deteriorated, such as a decrease in power generation. Further, since the number of gears of the reduction gear and the number of rotating shafts rotatably supporting the gears are extremely large, shaft breakage, off-axis, abrasion of bearings, etc. are easily generated, and sufficient reliability cannot be obtained. . In addition, since the load on the drive motor is not constant due to the influence of wind pressure, a high-output electric motor and a drive circuit are required, and power consumption is inevitably increased.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to compare an electric motor and a speed reducer that reduces the output shaft thereof to hundreds of thousands of times. Another object of the present invention is to provide a solar tracking device that has a small and inexpensive driving device, has sufficient tracking accuracy, has sufficient reliability, and consumes less power.

[0005]

The gist of the present invention to achieve the above object is to provide a solar light receiving device,
The solar light receiving device is rotatably supported around at least one axis, and the solar light receiving device is rotated about at least one axis so that the solar light receiving device is maintained in a position facing the sun. A sun tracking device having a driving device for driving, the driving device comprising: (a) a brake device that constantly provides rotational resistance to rotation of the solar light receiving device around the one axis; An intermittent drive device for intermittently driving the solar light receiving device to rotate around the one axis by a predetermined angle is included.

[0006]

According to this structure, in the intermittent driving device, the driving for rotating the solar light receiving device around the one axis by a predetermined angle is performed intermittently, and the braking device is used to drive the solar light receiving device. Rotational resistance is always given to rotation around the axis. For this reason, electric power for maintaining the attitude of the solar light receiving device by the wind pressure is unnecessary, and power consumption is significantly reduced. Also, compared to the case where a speed reducer having a gear ratio of hundreds of thousands is used, there is no reduction in tracking accuracy due to a large backlash of the last stage gear, and a large number of gears and a rotation that rotatably supports the gears are supported. Since a shaft is not required, there is no occurrence of shaft breakage, off-axis, wear of the bearing, etc., sufficient reliability is obtained, and the device is small and inexpensive.

[0007]

According to another aspect of the present invention, preferably, the braking device has a smaller rotational resistance in a driving direction of the solar light receiving device by the intermittent driving device than in a direction opposite to the driving direction. Is to give. If you do this,
The drive energy of the intermittent drive device is reduced, and the size and power consumption are further reduced.

[0008] Preferably, the intermittent drive device includes an outer peripheral engagement tooth and rotates with the solar light receiving device, and is reciprocated along the outer peripheral tooth of the rotary member. A first claw member that engages with the outer teeth in a forward direction in which the solar light receiving device is rotated by a predetermined angle in a direction, and that relatively engages with the outer teeth in a backward direction; The electromagnetic actuator includes an electromagnetic actuator that drives the first claw member in one of the reciprocating directions, and a spring that biases the first claw member in the other direction of the reciprocating direction. If you do this,
The intermittent drive device is simple and compact.

Preferably, the brake device is provided so as to be engageable with the outer peripheral teeth of the rotating member, and when the rotating member is rotated in the forward direction of the first pawl member, the outer peripheral teeth are provided. And a second claw member which engages with the outer teeth thereof so as to be relatively immovable when the rotating member is rotated in the backward direction of the first claw member. In this way, the intermittent drive device is configured simply and compactly.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following examples, the dimensional ratios and the like of each part are not necessarily drawn accurately.

In FIG. 1, a solar light tracking device 10 supports a solar light receiving device 12 and the solar light receiving device 12 so as to be rotatable around a vertical axis and a horizontal axis. A vertical axis drive unit 14 and a horizontal axis drive unit 16 for driving the solar light receiving device 12 to rotate around the vertical axis and the horizontal axis so as to be maintained in a posture facing the sun are provided. Vertical axis drive 14
Is a vertical output shaft 18 protruding upward and rotatable about a vertical axis, and a U fixed to the output shaft 18 for supporting the solar light receiving device 12 rotatably about a horizontal axis.
And a U-shaped arm 20. The horizontal axis driving device 1
Reference numeral 6 denotes an output shaft 24 described later provided at one end of the U-shaped arm 20 and directly or indirectly connected to a horizontal shaft 22 supporting the solar light receiving device 12 through a simple reduction gear. It has.

As shown in FIG. 2, the solar light receiving device 1
Reference numeral 2 denotes a case 30 having a fan-shaped cross section and having an opening on the side of the partial cylindrical surface, a partially cylindrical non-imaging Fresnel lens 32 fitted in the opening of the case 30, and a non-imaging Fresnel lens 32 The secondary lens 34 and the solar cell 36 made of a semiconductor are superimposed on the bottom surface of the case 30 at the light condensing position, and as shown by a dashed line in FIG. When the light is collected through the secondary lens 34, the power generated from the solar cell 36 is output. In the solar light receiving device 12, by using the non-imaging Fresnel lens 32, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, a predetermined angle range with respect to the direction toward the sun, that is, −θ _{1 to} + θ.
Within the range of _1, the intensity of light collected by the non-imaging Fresnel lens 32 on the solar cell 36 can be made constant, and the solar light receiving device 12 can be controlled within a predetermined angle range. The intermittent driving for changing the deflection angle of the light is performed by an intermittent driving device described later. In FIG. 3, an alternate long and short dash line indicates a case where a conventional condenser lens is used.

The vertical axis driving device 14 and the horizontal axis driving device 16 always provide rotational resistance to rotation of the solar light receiving device 12 around the vertical axis and the horizontal axis, respectively, as described in detail below. The vehicle includes a brake device and an intermittent drive device that intermittently drives the solar light receiving device 12 to rotate by a predetermined angle around the vertical axis and the horizontal axis. FIG. 4 shows an example. Output shaft 18
Alternatively, a rotating member 42 having saw-toothed outer teeth 40 is fixed to 24. Then, it is reciprocated along the outer teeth 40 of the rotating member 42 and engages with the outer teeth 40 in the forward direction in which the solar light receiving device 12 is rotated by a predetermined angle in the reciprocating direction. A first claw member 44 which is relatively movably engaged with the outer peripheral teeth 40 in the backward direction and rotates by a predetermined angle; and a rotary solenoid which drives the first claw member 44 in one of the reciprocating directions. 46 and a spring (not shown) provided in the rotary solenoid 46 and for urging the first claw member 44 backward in the reciprocating direction. The first claw member 44 and the rotary solenoid 46 that drives the first claw member in the forward direction intermittently drive the solar light receiving device 12 by a predetermined angle, and thus function as an intermittent driving device.

The output shaft 48 of the rotary solenoid 46
At both ends of the arm 50 whose central part is fixed to the base, the base ends of the first claw member 44 and the second claw member 52 are provided rotatably, respectively.
The claw member 44 and the second claw member 52 are formed by a pair of springs 5.
The first claw member 44 and the second claw member 52 are constantly urged toward the rotating member 42 by 4 and 56, and are always brought into contact with the outer teeth 40, and along the outer teeth 40 with the operation of the rotary solenoid 46. To be alternately moved in opposite directions. For this reason, the second claw member 5
Numeral 2 is provided at a position where it can be engaged with the outer teeth 40 of the rotating member 42, and is relatively movable with respect to the outer teeth 40 when the rotating member 42 is rotated in the forward direction of the first claw member 44. In addition, the rotation of the rotating member 42 is allowed while giving relatively light rotational resistance. However, when the rotating member 42 is to be rotated in the backward direction of the first claw member 44, the second claw member 52 is engaged with the outer teeth 40 so as not to be relatively movable, so that an extremely large rotation resistance is obtained. And functions as a brake device that prevents the rotation member 42 from rotating in the backward direction of the first claw member 4. The second claw member 52 operates in a phase opposite to that of the first claw member 44, and engages with the outer peripheral teeth 40 when the rotary solenoid 46 is moved backward, similarly to the first claw member 44, and rotates. The member 42 is rotated by a predetermined angle.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a drive control circuit provided in the solar tracking device 10. In FIG.
Sun position sensor 60 fixed to solar light receiving device 12
Is provided with a pair of light receiving elements 64 and 66 for receiving sunlight L passing through the slit 62. Sun position sensor 60
, That is, the sun is positioned in the direction toward which the solar light receiving device 12 is directed, the pair of light receiving elements 64 and 66
Is received, the light receiving intensity of one of the pair of light receiving elements 64 and 66 increases and the other decreases when the direction of the solar light receiving device 12 and the position of the sun deviate from each other. The difference between the output signals of the light receiving elements 64 and 66 is obtained by the subtractor 68, and the sum of the output signals of the light receiving elements 64 and 66 is added to the sum 7
0, then the ratio of the difference value to the total value (= difference / total value) is determined in the divider 72,
When the ratio exceeds a predetermined value in the comparator 74,
One pulse is output from the one-shot multivibrator 76, and a pulse drive signal for moving the ratio in a direction to decrease the ratio is intermittently supplied from the driver 78 to the rotary solenoid 46.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the first claw member 44 functioning as an intermittent driving device and the rotary solenoid 46 for driving the same in the forward direction allow the solar light receiving device 12 to move vertically or horizontally. Driving to rotate by a predetermined angle around the axis is performed intermittently, and the second claw member 52 functioning as a brake device constantly rotates with respect to the rotation of the solar light receiving device 12 around the vertical axis or the horizontal axis. Resistance is given. For this reason, electric power for maintaining the attitude of the solar light receiving device 12 by wind pressure is unnecessary, and power consumption is significantly reduced. Also, compared to the case where a speed reducer having a gear ratio of hundreds of thousands is used, there is no reduction in tracking accuracy due to a large backlash of the last gear, and a large number of gears and a rotation that rotatably supports the gears. Since a shaft is not required, there is no occurrence of shaft breakage, off-axis, wear of the bearing, etc., sufficient reliability is obtained, and the device is small and inexpensive.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the second claw member 52 functioning as the above-mentioned brake device is provided with the sunlight receiving device 1.
In the driving direction by the second first claw member 44, a smaller rotational resistance is applied as compared with the direction opposite to the driving direction, so that the driving energy by the first claw member 44 and the rotary solenoid 46 is reduced. In addition, the solar tracking device 10 becomes smaller and consumes less power.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the rotating member 42 having the saw-tooth-shaped outer teeth 40 and rotating together with the solar light receiving device 12 is reciprocated along the outer teeth 40 of the rotating member 42. A first claw engages with the outer teeth 40 in the forward direction in which the solar light receiving device 12 is rotated by a predetermined angle in the reciprocating direction, and engages with the outer teeth 40 in the backward direction so as to be relatively movable. A member 44, a rotary solenoid (electromagnetic actuator) 46 for driving the first claw member 44 in one of the reciprocating directions, and attaching the first claw member 44 to the other direction in the reciprocating direction. Since the energizing spring functions as the intermittent drive device, the intermittent drive device, that is, the solar tracking device 10 including the intermittent drive device is simple and small.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the second claw member 52 functioning as a brake device is provided so as to be able to engage with the outer peripheral teeth 40 of the rotating member 42, and the rotating member 42 is provided on the first claw member 44. Outer teeth 40 when rotated in the forward direction
Are relatively movably engaged with each other.
When the claw member 44 is rotated in the backward direction, the claw member 44 is relatively immovably engaged with the outer circumferential engagement teeth 40 to impart a large rotational resistance. Therefore, an intermittent drive device, that is, a solar tracking device including the same 10 is simple and compact.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, the same parts as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 6, the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall of the rotating member 42 fixed to the output shaft 18 are provided with sawtooth-shaped inner peripheral engaging teeth 80 and outer peripheral engaging teeth 82 whose phase is half a period. It is formed in a shifted state. A pair of a first claw member 88 and a second claw sandwiching the outer peripheral wall are provided at one end of a rotation arm 86 whose center is rotatably supported by a pin 84 fixed in position parallel to the output shaft 18. A member 90 is provided. The other end of the member 90 is connected to a mover 94 of an electromagnetic solenoid 92, and is urged by a spring 96 to a side opposite to the mover 94. According to the present embodiment, when the movable element 94 of the electromagnetic solenoid 92 is attracted (turned on), the rotating arm 86 is rotated clockwise.
The claw member 88 is engaged with the inner peripheral engagement teeth 80 to generate a thrust in the circumferential direction to rotate the solar light receiving device 12 by a predetermined angle in the direction of the arrow. When the mover 94 of the electromagnetic solenoid 92 is released (turned off), the rotating arm 86 is moved by the spring 96.
, The second claw member 90
Engages with the outer peripheral engaging teeth 82 to generate a rotational resistance (braking force) in the circumferential direction, thereby holding the solar light receiving device 12 in a constant posture. The second claw member 90 also has a smaller rotational resistance in the direction in which the rotating member 42 is driven by the ON operation of the electromagnetic solenoid 92 than in the state in which it is not driven by the electromagnetic solenoid 92. In the present embodiment, the first claw member 8 is used.
8, the electromagnetic solenoid 92 corresponds to the intermittent drive device,
The second claw member 90 corresponds to the brake device, and the same effects as in the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

In FIG. 7, a center portion of a rotating arm 100 is rotatably supported on an output shaft 18 rotatably supporting a rotating member 42 having outer peripheral engaging teeth 40. A first claw member 102 is rotatably provided at one end of the first claw member 102.
104 for urging the spring toward the outer peripheral engagement teeth 40
Is provided, so that the first claw member 102 always contacts the outer peripheral engagement teeth 40. A longitudinal notch 106 is formed in the other end of the rotating arm 100 in the longitudinal direction, and the longitudinal notch 106 is provided in the rotary solenoid 4.
The engaging pin 110 fixed to the tip of the rotating arm 108 fixed to the output shaft 48 of No. 6 is engaged. A second pawl member 114 is rotatably provided on the fixed position member 112 so as to be able to engage with the outer peripheral engaging teeth 40, and the second pawl member 114 is connected to the outer peripheral engaging teeth 40 by a spring 116. The second claw member 114 is constantly slid on the outer peripheral engagement teeth 40 by being urged to the side.

Thus, when the rotary arm is rotated clockwise (forward) by the rotary solenoid, the first arm provided at one end of the rotary arm is provided.
The claw member 102 is engaged with the outer peripheral engagement teeth 40 so as to be relatively immovable, the rotating member 42 is rotated, and the solar light receiving device 12 is rotated by a predetermined angle. When the rotating arm 108 is rotated clockwise by the backward movement of the rotary solenoid 46, the second claw member 114 engages with the outer peripheral engaging teeth 40 so as not to be relatively movable, and a large rotational resistance (restriction) in the circumferential direction. Power) to maintain the solar light receiving device 12 in a constant posture. The second claw member 114 also relatively movably engages with the outer peripheral engagement teeth 40 in the rotation direction in which the rotation member 42 is rotationally driven by the ON operation of the rotary solenoid 46,
Rotational resistance is reduced as compared to the opposite rotation direction. In this embodiment, the first claw member 102, the rotary solenoid 4
6 corresponds to the intermittent driving device, and the second claw member 114
Correspond to the brake device, and the same effects as in the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

In FIG. 8, a second claw member 122 is attached to the outer peripheral engaging teeth 40 by a fixed pin 120 fixed in position parallel to the output shaft 18 rotatably supporting a rotating member 42 having outer peripheral engaging teeth 40. The electromagnetic solenoid 1 rotatably supported so as to be engaged and fixed to the position fixing member 124.
A first claw member 130 is serially connected to the 26 movable elements 128. The first claw member 130 and the second claw member 122 are located with the rotating member 42 interposed therebetween, and a spring 134 is stretched between them so that the first claw member 130 and the Second claw member 1
22 is urged toward the outer peripheral engagement teeth 40.

As a result, when the movable member 128 is attracted by the electromagnetic solenoid 126 and the first claw member 130 is moved forward, the first claw member 130 is moved outwardly.
And the rotation member 42 is rotated, and the sunlight receiving device 12 is rotated by a predetermined angle. When the first claw member 130 is returned by the backward movement of the electromagnetic solenoid 126, the second claw member 122 is engaged with the outer peripheral engagement teeth 40 so as not to be relatively movable, and generates a large rotational resistance (braking force) in the circumferential direction. Thus, the solar light receiving device 12 is held in a constant posture. The second claw member 122 is also used for the rotating member 42.
Is rotationally driven by the ON operation of the electromagnetic solenoid 126, and is relatively movably engaged with the outer peripheral engaging teeth 40, so that the rotational resistance is reduced as compared with the reverse rotational direction. In the present embodiment, the first claw member 130 and the electromagnetic solenoid 126 correspond to the intermittent drive device, and the second claw member 122 corresponds to the brake device, and the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained. .

While the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the present invention can be embodied in still another embodiment.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the solar light receiving device 12 is supported so as to be rotatable around the vertical axis and the horizontal axis. May be rotatably supported.
In such a case, one driving device may be used to drive the solar light receiving device 12 so as to maintain the solar light receiving device 12 facing the sun.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the outer peripheral teeth 40 for driving the rotary member 42 are formed. However, a one-way clutch may be provided instead.
In such a case, for example, the first arm
The claw member 104 may not be provided. In addition, a torque limiter including a clutch or a strain gauge is provided between the vertical axis driving device 14 and the U-shaped arm 20 or between the horizontal axis 22 and the horizontal axis driving device moving device 16 to receive sunlight in a strong wind. The load or torque received by the device 12 is controlled by the vertical drive 14 or the horizontal drive 16
It may not be transmitted to the drive mechanism inside. In addition, a return drive mechanism for rotating the solar light receiving device 12 to the initial position by rotating in the reverse direction from sunset to sunrise may be additionally provided.

Although not specifically exemplified, the present invention
Various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration example of a sunlight tracking device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of the solar light receiving device of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating light intensity characteristics that can receive light with respect to an incident angle of the solar light receiving device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mechanism of a brake device and an intermittent drive device used for a vertical axis drive device or a horizontal axis drive device for tracking sunlight of the sunlight receiving device in the embodiment of FIG. 1; .

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a drive control circuit provided in the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mechanism of a brake device and an intermittent drive device used for tracking the sunlight of the sunlight receiving device according to another embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram corresponding to FIG. is there.

7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mechanism of a brake device and an intermittent drive device used for tracking the sunlight of the sunlight receiving device according to another embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram corresponding to FIG. is there.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mechanism of a brake device and an intermittent drive device used for tracking the sunlight of the sunlight receiving device according to another embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 4; is there.

[Explanation of symbols]

10: sunlight tracking device 12: sunlight receiving device 14: vertical axis driving device (driving device) 16: horizontal axis driving device (driving device) 40: outer peripheral teeth 42: rotating member 44: first claw member 44 (intermittent driving) Device) 46: Rotary solenoid (electromagnetic actuator, intermittent drive device) 52: Second claw member (brake device) 54: Spring

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Masao Hiramatsu 1-5 Tendo Nitta, Inayama-shi, Aichi Pref.

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A solar light receiving device, wherein the solar light receiving device is rotatably supported around at least one axis, and the solar light receiving device is maintained in a posture facing the sun.
A driving device that rotationally drives the solar light receiving device about at least one axis, wherein the driving device constantly rotates the solar light receiving device with respect to rotation about the one axis. A sunlight tracking device comprising: a braking device for providing a rotational resistance; and an intermittent driving device for intermittently driving the solar light receiving device to rotate around the one axis by a predetermined angle. 2. The sun according to claim 1, wherein the braking device provides a smaller rotational resistance in a driving direction of the intermittent driving device of the solar light receiving device than in a direction opposite to the driving direction. Optical tracking device. 3. The intermittent drive device includes a rotating member having outer peripheral engaging teeth and rotating together with the solar light receiving device, and a reciprocating operation along the outer peripheral teeth of the rotating member. A first claw member which engages with the outer teeth in a forward direction in which the solar light receiving device is rotated by a predetermined angle and which is relatively movably engaged with the outer teeth in a backward direction; And a spring for urging the first claw member in the other direction of the reciprocating direction. 3. The sun tracking apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an electromagnetic actuator for driving the first claw member in the reciprocating direction. apparatus. 4. The brake device is provided so as to be engageable with the outer teeth of the rotating member, and is relatively movable with the outer teeth when the rotating member is rotated in the forward direction of the first claw member. And a second pawl member engaged with the outer teeth so as to be relatively immovable when the rotating member is rotated in the backward direction of the first pawl member. Solar tracking device.