Apparatus and method for setting up foldable collector module arrangements

Abstract

There is disclosed an Apparatus for unfolding a foldable collector module arrangement from a folded state to an unfolded state comprises a horizontal carrier ( 1, 2, 3 ), attachment means ( 17; 56 ), coupling means ( 13, 14; 60 ), and a pulling arrangement ( 4, 11; 50, 55 ). The attachment means ( 17; 56 ) releasably attaches hinged parts ( 22, 23, 24 ) of the module arrangement to the apparatus and are moveably arranged relative to the carrier. The coupling means ( 13, 14; 60 ) releasably couple collector modules ( 20, 21 ) of the collector module arrangement to the carrier. They are slideably arranged on the carrier. The pulling arrangement ( 4, 11; 50, 55 ) is attached to the attachment means ( 17; 56 ) and/or the coupling means ( 13, 14; 60 ) for moving the attachment means ( 17; 56 ) and/or the coupling means ( 13, 14; 60 ) relative to the carrier. When unfolding the collector module arrangement the pulling arrangement ( 4, 11; 50, 55 ) is activated for opening the hinged parts ( 22, 23, 24 ) of the collector module arrangement by movement of the attachment means ( 17; 56 ) and/or the coupling means ( 13, 14; 60 ).

1 . Apparatus for unfolding a foldable collector module arrangement from a folded state to an unfolded state, wherein the apparatus comprises
 a horizontal carrier,   attachment means ( 17 ;  56 ) for releasably attaching hinged parts ( 22 ,  23 ,  24 ) of the module arrangement to the apparatus, that are moveably arranged relative to the carrier,   coupling means ( 13 ,  14 ;  60 ) for releasably coupling collector modules and/or hinged parts ( 22 ,  23 ,  24 ) of the module arrangement ( 20 ,  21 ) of the collector module arrangement to the carrier, that are slideably arranged on the carrier, and   a pulling arrangement ( 4 ,  11 ;  50 ,  55 ) attached to the attachment means ( 17 ;  56 ) and/or the coupling means ( 13 ,  14 ;  60 ) for moving the attachment means ( 17 ;  56 ) and/or the coupling means ( 13 ,  14 ;  60 ) relative to the carrier, wherein   when unfolding the collector module arrangement the pulling arrangement ( 4 ,  11 ;  50 ,  55 ) is activated for opening the hinged parts ( 22 ,  23 ,  24 ) of the collector module arrangement by movement of the attachment means ( 17 ;  56 ) and/or the coupling means ( 13 ,  14 ;  60 ).   
     
     
         2 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the horizontal carrier comprises,
 a horizontal main bar ( 1 ) and   two sliding bars ( 2 ,  3 ) slidably supported on the main bar ( 1 ) such, that the sliding bars ( 2 ,  3 ) slide in opposite direction along the main bar ( 1 ) from a retracted position to an extended position protruding over the main bar ( 1 ).   
     
     
         3 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein
 the attachment means ( 17 ;  56 ) are arranged at a centre region of the main bar ( 1 ) or at an inner end ( 9 ) of each sliding bar ( 2 ;  3 ), and   coupling means ( 13 ,  14 ;  60 ) are arranged on each sliding bar ( 2 ;  3 ) for releasably coupling the collector modules ( 20 ,  21 ) to the sliding bar ( 2 ;  3 ).   
     
     
         4 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein
 the attachment means ( 17 ) are slideably arranged on the carrier,   the coupling means ( 13 ,  14 ) are arranged for coupling each end module ( 21 ) of the collector module arrangement to the carrier,   the pulling arrangement ( 4 ,  11 ) is deflected at both ends of the carrier and attached to the coupling means ( 13 ,  14 ) for sliding the attachment means ( 17 ) and the coupling means ( 13 ,  14 ) along the carrier for opening the hinged parts ( 22 ,  23 ,  24 ) of the collector module arrangement and for lifting an outer edge ( 26 ) of the end modules ( 21 ) in direction of the carrier by pulling the pulling arrangement ( 4 ,  11 ).   
     
     
         5 . Apparatus according to  claim 2 , which further comprises
 two carriages ( 12 ), each of which slideably supported on a sliding bar ( 2 ,  3 ) such, that the carriages ( 12 ) slide in opposite direction along their sliding bar ( 2 ;  3 ) from an inner end ( 9 ) to an outer end ( 10 ) of the sliding bar ( 2 ;  3 ), wherein   the attachment means ( 17 ) is provided at an inner end ( 9 ) of each sliding bar ( 2 ;  3 ) for releasably attaching the collector module arrangement to the inner end ( 9 ) of the sliding bar ( 2 ;  3 ) at a hinged part ( 22 ,  24 ) of the module arrangement, and   the pulling arrangement comprises a first pulling means ( 4 ) for pulling the sliding bars ( 2 ,  3 ) along the main bar ( 1 ), and a second pulling means ( 11 ) for pulling the carriages ( 12 ) along their sliding bar ( 2 ;  3 ) such, that an outer edge ( 26 ) of the end module ( 21 ) is lifted in direction of the sliding bar ( 2 ;  3 ), wherein   by pulling the first pulling means ( 4 ) and the second pulling means ( 11 ), the sliding bars ( 2 ,  3 ) slide away from each other and the carriages ( 12 ) slide away from each other, whereby the foldable collector module is unfolded by opening the hinged parts ( 22 ,  23 ,  24 ) of the collector module and lifting the outer edge ( 26 ) of the end modules ( 21 ).   
     
     
         6 . Apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein the second pulling means comprises a closed loop ( 11 ) circulating around two pulleys on opposing ends of the sliding bar. 
     
     
         7 . Apparatus according to  claim 6 , wherein the closed loop ( 11 ) of the second pulling means is at one point fixed relative to the main bar ( 1 ). 
     
     
         8 . Apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein the closed loop ( 11 ) arranged at a sliding bar ( 2 ;  3 ) is driven by movement of the sliding bar ( 2 ;  3 ). 
     
     
         9 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the coupling means ( 13 ,  14 ) on each sliding bar ( 2 ;  3 ) is arranged on the carriage ( 12 ) sliding along the sliding bar ( 2 ;  3 ). 
     
     
         10 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the coupling means comprises at least one strut ( 13 ) extending from the carriage ( 12 ) with one end towards the module arrangement, wherein said strut end carries a roller ( 14 ) which engages with the end module ( 21 ) of the module arrangement on a back side of the end module ( 21 ). 
     
     
         11 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the first pulling means comprises at least one closed loop ( 4 ) circulating around two pulleys ( 5 ) on opposing ends of the main bar ( 1 ). 
     
     
         12 . Apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein each of the sliding bars ( 2 ;  3 ) is coupled to one of two loop sections of a closed loop ( 4 ) of the first pulling means that are running contrary towards each other. 
     
     
         13 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the main bar ( 1 ) comprises two pulleys ( 5 ) on opposing ends and the first pulling means comprises two main ropes ( 30 ,  31 ), each of the main ropes is attached to one of the sliding bars ( 2 ,  3 ) and deflected by a pulley ( 5 ) to the upper side of the main bar. 
     
     
         14 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein a roller is arranged on each outer end of the carrier and the pulling arrangement comprises two pulling ropes, each of which is attached with a first end to an edge part of an end module of the module arrangement and is deflected by the roller on its side, whereby a second end of the second pulling rope can be pulled to lift the edge part of the end module of the module arrangement. 
     
     
         15 . Apparatus according to  claim 14 , wherein the pulling arrangement comprises a further pulling rope attached with a first end to a middle hinged part ( 23 ) of the module arrangement, wherein the further pulling rope is deflected by a first roller arranged on a middle section of the carrier and a second roller arranged at an outer end of the carrier, whereby a second end of the further pulling rope can be pulled to lift the middle hinged part of the module arrangement. 
     
     
         16 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein
 the attachment means ( 56 ) are vertically moveable relative to the carrier and designed for being releasably attached to side hinged parts ( 22 ,  24 ) located at an upper end of the folded collector module arrangement,   the coupling means ( 60 ) are vertically fixed relative to the carrier and are designed for being releasably attached to a lower end of the end modules ( 21 ) and to a middle hinged part ( 23 ) located at a lower end of the folded collector module arrangement,   the pulling arrangement ( 50 ,  55 ) is attached to the attachment means ( 56 ) for vertical movement of the attachment means ( 56 ) relative to the carrier and relative to the coupling means ( 60 ) for opening the hinged parts ( 22 ,  23 ,  24 ) of the collector module arrangement by lowering the attachment means ( 56 ) relative to the coupling means ( 60 ).   
     
     
         17 . Apparatus according to  claim 16 , wherein the carrier comprises extensions ( 57 ,  58 ,  59 ) extending downwards from the carrier towards the collector module arrangement and wherein the coupling means ( 60 ) are arranged on end regions of the extensions ( 57 ,  58 ,  59 ). 
     
     
         18 . Apparatus according to  claim 17 , wherein first extensions ( 57 ,  58 ) extend downwards from an outer end ( 10 ) of two sliding bars ( 2 ,  3 ) of the carrier and a second extension ( 59 ) extends downwards from a main bar ( 1 ) of the carrier. 
     
     
         19 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the pulling arrangement comprises a first pulling means in form of flexible elongated means ( 50 ) guided by two guiding blocks ( 52 ,  53 ) arranged on the carrier, wherein ends of the first pulling means are coupled to the attachment means ( 56 ). 
     
     
         20 . Apparatus according to  claim 19 , wherein the pulling arrangement further comprises a second pulling means ( 55 ) for pulling the guiding blocks ( 52 ,  53 ) to opposite ends along the carrier. 
     
     
         21 . Apparatus according to  claim 20 , wherein the second pulling means comprises a closed loop ( 55 ) circulating around two pulleys ( 5 ) on opposing ends of the main bar ( 1 ). 
     
     
         22 . Method for setting up a foldable collector module arrangement which comprises four collector modules ( 20 ,  21 ) coupled in a row by two side hinged parts ( 22 ,  24 ) and a middle hinged part ( 23 ) between adjacent modules such that in a folded state the modules are arranged essentially parallel to each other and in an unfolded state the modules are arranged in a zig-zag or flat form, the method includes unfolding the foldable collector module arrangement from a folded state to an unfolded state using an apparatus according to  claim 1 , by using the following steps:
 releasably attaching a first side hinged part ( 22 ) of the module arrangement at a first attachment means ( 17 ,  56 ) and a second side hinged part ( 24 ) of the module arrangement at a second attachment means ( 17 ,  56 ),   releasably coupling a first end module ( 21 ) next to the first side hinged part ( 22 ) to a first coupling means ( 13 ,  14 ;  60 ′) and coupling a second end module ( 21 ) next to the second side hinged part ( 24 ) to a second coupling means ( 13 ,  14 ,  60 ′), and optionally coupling a middle hinged part ( 23 ) to a third coupling means ( 60 ″),   activating the pulling arrangement ( 4 ,  11 ;  50 ,  55 ) for moving the attachment means ( 17 ,  56 ) and/or the coupling means ( 13 ,  14 ,  60 ) relative to the carrier for opening the hinged parts ( 22 ,  23 ,  24 ),   releasing the attachment means ( 17 ;  56 ) and the coupling means ( 13 ,  14 ;  60 ) from the collector module arrangement, when the collector module arrangement has reached its unfolded state.   
     
     
         23 . Method for setting up a foldable collector module arrangement by using an apparatus according to  claim 1 , by using the following steps:
 releasably attaching a first side hinged part ( 22 ) of the module arrangement at an inner end ( 9 ) of a first sliding bar ( 2 ) and a second side hinged part ( 24 ) of the module arrangement at an inner end ( 9 ) of a second sliding bar ( 3 ),   releasably coupling a first end module ( 21 ) next to the first side hinged part ( 22 ) to a carriage ( 12 ) of the first sliding bar ( 2 ) and coupling a second end module ( 21 ) next to the second side hinged part ( 24 ) to a carriage ( 12 ) of the second sliding bar ( 3 ) by the coupling means ( 13 ,  14 ),   pulling the first pulling means ( 4 ) for pulling the sliding bars ( 2 ,  3 ) along the main bar ( 1 ) and for opening the hinge parts ( 22 ,  23 ,  24 ),   pulling the second pulling means ( 11 ) for pulling the carriages ( 12 ) along the sliding bars ( 2 ,  3 ) and for lifting the end modules ( 21 ), and   releasing the attachment means ( 17 ) for attaching the first and the second side hinged parts ( 22 ,  24 ) and releasing the coupling means ( 13 ,  14 ) for coupling the first and the second end module ( 21 ) to the carriage ( 12 ).   
     
     
         24 . Method according to  claim 22 , wherein the apparatus with the attached collector module arrangement is lifted up by a crane, which actuates the pulling arrangement, when lifting up the collector module arrangement, such that the module arrangement is unfolded in a hanging position. 
     
     
         25 . Method according to  claim 23 , wherein by pulling the carriages ( 12 ) along the sliding bars ( 2 ,  3 ), rollers ( 14 ) of the coupling means which engage on a back side of the end modules ( 21 ) roll along the back side when the carriages ( 12 ) slide along the sliding bars ( 2 ,  3 ) and thereby lift the edge part ( 26 ) of the end module ( 27 ). 
     
     
         26 . Method for setting up a foldable collector module arrangement according to  claim 22  by using an apparatus according to  claim 16 , by using the following steps:
 lifting up the collector module arrangement attached to the attachment means ( 56 ) by vertically lifting the first and the second side hinged part ( 22 ,  24 ) by the pulling arrangement ( 50 ) until the collector module arrangement is positioned for coupling with the coupling means ( 60 ) of the apparatus, 
 releasably coupling the coupling means ( 60 ) to a lower end of the end modules ( 21 ) and to a middle hinged part ( 23 ) located at a lower end of the folded collector module arrangement, 
 lowering the first and the second side hinged part ( 22 ,  24 ) by the pulling arrangement ( 50 ), wherein the coupling means ( 60 ) remain vertically fixed, whereby the coupling means ( 60 ′) slide outwards along the carrier and the collector module arrangement unfolds due to the own weight of the collector module arrangement, and 
 releasing the attachment means ( 56 ) for attaching the first and the second side hinged parts ( 22 ,  24 ) and releasing the coupling means ( 60 ) for coupling the collector module arrangement. 
 
     
     
         27 . Method according to  claim 26 , wherein the coupling means ( 60 ) comprise a snap fit ( 61 ) at the end regions of extensions ( 57 ,  58 ,  59 ) of the carrier, which automatically snaps into the lower end of the end modules ( 21 ) and into the middle hinged part ( 23 ) located at the lower end of the folded collector module arrangement, when they pass the snap fits. 
     
     
         28 . Method according to  claim 26 , wherein the guiding blocks ( 52 ,  53 ) are moved to opposite ends of the main bar ( 1 ) by the second pulling means ( 55 ) such that their position remains vertical above the position of the first and the second side hinged part ( 22 ,  24 ) while unfolding the collector module arrangement. 
     
     
         29 . Method according to  claim 26 , wherein the sliding bars ( 2 ;  3 ) are moved outwards relative to the main bar ( 1 ) by lowering the first and the second side hinged part ( 22 ,  24 ) by the pulling arrangement ( 50 ), whereby the end modules ( 21 ) push their respective coupling means ( 60 ′) on the sliding bars ( 2 ;  3 ) outwards in opposite direction. 
     
     
         30 . Method according to  claim 26 , wherein the sliding bars ( 2 ;  3 ) are coupled to the closed loop ( 55 ) of the pulling arrangement and moved to opposite ends of the main bar ( 1 ) by activating the closed loop. 
     
     
         31 . Method for setting up a foldable collector module arrangement which comprises four collector modules coupled in a row by two side hinged parts and a middle hinged part between adjacent modules such that in a folded state the modules are arranged essentially parallel to each other and in an unfolded state the modules are arranged in a zig-zag form, the method includes unfolding the foldable collector module arrangement from a folded state to an unfolded state using an apparatus according to  claim 14 , by using the following steps:
 releasably attaching side hinged parts to skids running along the carrier,   releasably coupling an edge part of a first end module of the module arrangement to an end of a first pulling rope   releasably coupling an edge part of a second end module of the module arrangement to an end of a second pulling rope   pulling the first and the second pulling means for sliding the skids to outer ends of the carrier and for lifting the edge part of the end modules of the module arrangement, and   releasing the attachment means and the coupling means.