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).

Claims

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.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] Four exemplary embodiments of the invention will be illustrated in the following drawings, which merely serve for explanation and should not be construed as being restrictive. The features of the invention becoming obvious from the drawings should be considered to be part of the disclosure of the invention both on their own and in any combination. The drawings show:

[0052] FIG. 1: a schematic view of a first version of the apparatus according to the invention in an intermediate position,

[0053] FIG. 2: a schematic view of the first version of the apparatus according to FIG. 1 in a retracted position,

[0054] FIG. 3: a schematic view of the first version of the apparatus according to FIG. 1 in an extended position,

[0055] FIG. 4: a schematic view of a second version of the apparatus according to the invention in a retracted position,

[0056] FIG. 5: a schematic view of the second version of the apparatus according to FIG. 4 in an extended position,

[0057] FIG. 6: a schematic view of a third version of the apparatus according to the invention in a retracted position,

[0058] FIG. 7: a schematic view of the third version of the apparatus according to FIG. 6 in an extended position,

[0059] FIG. 8: a schematic view of a fourth version of the apparatus according to the invention in a nearly extended position,

[0060] FIG. 9a: a side view of the fourth version of the apparatus according to FIG. 8 in a retracted position,

[0061] FIG. 9b: a side view of the fourth version of the apparatus according to FIG. 8 in a fully extended position,

[0062] FIG. 10a: a three-dimensional view of the fourth version of the apparatus according to FIG. 8 in a retracted position, and

[0063] FIG. 10a: a three-dimensional cutout of a bottom part of the apparatus according to FIG. 10b.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] FIGS. 1 to 3 show a first version of the apparatus according to the invention in an intermediate position (FIG. 1) with a collector module arrangement half way folded, a retracted position (FIG. 2) with the module arrangement in a folded state, and an extended position (FIG. 3) with the module arrangement in an unfolded state.

[0065] The apparatus comprises a main bar 1, a first sliding bar 2 and a second sliding bar 3, which together form a bar system of the apparatus. Further the apparatus comprises a first pulling means in form of a first closed loop 4. The closed loop 4 runs within the main bar 1 around two pulleys 5 that are located at opposing ends of the main bar 1. The sliding bars 2 and 3 are slideably supported along the bottom side of the main bar 1 by sliders 6 and 7. In the shown embodiment the slider 6 of the first sliding bar 2 is attached to a lower elongated section of the closed loop 4 and the slider 7 of the second sliding bar 3 is attached to an upper elongated section of the closed loop 4. The closed loop 4 runs clockwise around the pulleys 5 and therefore the lower section moves to the left end of the main bar 1 and the upper section moves to the right end of the main bar 1. Additionally there may be provided guiding blocks 8 on each end of the main bar 1 that slideably engage with the sliding bar 2 and 3, which assist to stabilize the sliding movement of the sliding bars along the main bar.

[0066] The sliding bars are non-moveably attached to the sliders 6 and 7 at an inner end 9. An outer end 10 of the sliding bars 2 and 3 extends over the ends of the main bar 1. Each of the sliding bars 2 and 3 contains a second pulling means in form of a second closed loop that runs around two pulleys located at the inner and outer ends of the sliding bars. In the figures the second closed loop is located on the back side of the sliding bars and therefore is not visible in the figures. The second closed loop is fixed at one point relative to main bar 1, whereby the fixed point of the loop does not move relative to the main bar 1. For example the second closed loop is fixed at the guiding blocks 8.

[0067] Each of the sliding bars 2 and 3 comprises a carriage 12, which is slideably supported along its sliding bar. The carriages 12 are attached to the second closed loop to be transported by the closed loop along the length of the sliding bars. To do so, the carriages 12 are attached to the section of the closed loop, which moves outwards of the bar system towards the outer ends of the sliding bars. Therefore the carriages 12 are moved from the inner end 9 in direction of the outer end 10 of the sliding bars 2 and 3. Advantageously the combination of the two closed loops for moving a carriage 12 allows a velocity of moving the carriages 12 relative to the main bar 1 to be twice the velocity of moving the sliding bars 2 and 3 relative to the main bar 1. The carriages 12 support a coupling means in form of a strut 13 and a roller 14, which is rotatably supported on the extending end of the strut 13.

[0068] A collector module arrangement, as described in detail below, is held by attachment means 17 in form of a releasable connectors to each inner end 9 of the two sliding bars 2 and 3.

[0069] The main bar 1 comprises on its upper side a mounting 15, which is adapted to be hold by a lifting device, like a crane or so. Further the main bar 1 carries a drive and control unit 16, which may include for example an electric motor for driving the first closed loop 4 and remote control for operating the electric motor.

[0070] The apparatus is designed for folding and unfolding a collector module arrangement, which is composed of four collector modules arranged in a row: two inner modules 20 and two end modules 21. The inner modules 20 and end modules 21 are articulated with each other by a first side hinged part 22 between an end module 21 and an inner module 20, a middle hinged part 23 between the inner modules 20, and a second side hinged part 24 between an inner module 20 and an end module 21. The collector module arrangement is designed in a symmetric way to both sides of the middle hinged part. On a bottom side of the side hinged parts 22 and 24 supports 25 are extending downwards. In an unfolded state the module arrangement may rest on the supports 25 as will be explained in more detail below. At the end of the supports 25, at outer edges 26 of the end modules 21, and at the middle hinged part 23 bearing surfaces 27 are arranged along the width of the collector modules.

[0071] In FIG. 2 the collector module arrangement is in a folded state, in which it is easily stored away or transported to a construction site. The inner modules 20 and the end modules 21 essentially are positioned parallel to each other and the hinged parts are in a closed state. The apparatus according to the invention is in a retracted position, wherein the sliding bars 2 and 3 are stored below the main bar and the outer ends 10 of the sliding bars 2 and 3 barely extend over the ends of the main bar 1. The sliders 6 and 7 are located on their respective loop section at a middle section of the main bar 1. Therefore also the inner ends 9 of the sliding bars 2 and 3, held by the sliders 6 and 7, are located opposite to each other in a middle section of the main bar 1. The carriages 12 are located at the inner ends 9 of the sliding bars 2 and 3 close to each other.

[0072] The collector module arrangement is releasably attached to the folding apparatus in that the first side hinged part 22 is attached to the attachment means 17 of the first sliding bar 2 and the second side hinged part 24 is attached to the attachment means 17 of the second sliding bar 3. The middle hinged part 23 is not attached to the apparatus. The struts 13 on the carriages 12 extend downward and towards the end modules 21. The rollers 14 at the end of the struts 13 are engaged on the bottom side of the end modules 21 and couple the end modules 21 to the carriages 12.

[0073] In the configuration of FIG. 2 the apparatus may be grabbed at the mounting 15 and transported to a predetermined area over a surface that is to be covered by collector modules while the collector module arrangement is hanging at the apparatus. The coupling of the collector module arrangement is arranged at the centre of the bar system and therefore the configuration is stable when during movement of apparatus.

[0074] While transporting the collector module arrangement to the predetermined area the apparatus is activated for unfolding the module arrangement into an unfolded state as shown in FIG. 3. This is accomplished by activating the first closed loop 4 by starting the drive and control unit 16. When the first closed loop 4 starts rotating the slider 6 moves the first sliding bar 2 to the left and the slider 7 moves the second sliding bar 3 to the right as shown via the intermediate position as shown in FIG. 1 to the their end positions as shown in FIG. 3. This movement already opens the hinged parts 22, 23, and 24. By sliding the sliding bars 2 and 3 along the main bar 1 the second closed loop is rotate because it is fixed to the main bar a. The rotation of the second closed loop transports the carriages 12 from their position at the inner ends 9 to a position at the outer ends 10 of the sliding bars 2 and 3. Together with the carriages 12 the struts 13 travel outwards of the bar system and relative to the end modules 21. Thereby the rollers 14 are pulled along the back side of the end modules 21. Because the carriages 12 and the rollers 14 move faster than the module arrangement, in particular the end modules 21, the rollers 14 are pulled along the back side of the end modules 21. Thus, the side hinged parts 22 and 24 are opened and the edges 26 of the end modules 21 are lifted upwards in direction of the bar system. This movement continues until the carriages 12 are stopped at the outer end of the sliding bars 2 and 3 and the slider 6 and 7 are stopped at the ends of the main bar 1. Then the collector module arrangement is in a fully unfolded state. The opening angles of the hinged parts can be determined by the moving distance of the sliding bars and the carriages. In turn the maximum moving distance of the sliding bars and the carriages can be defined by the length of the main bar and the sliding bars. It is advantageous to choose a length of the fully extended bar system that is at least as long as the unfolded state of the module arrangement.

[0075] As can be seen in FIG. 3 the collector module arrangement is symmetrically unfolded to both sides and is ready to be positioned on the predetermined area. The bearing surfaces 27 are orientated horizontally.

[0076] Now the unfolded module arrangement can be detached from the attachment means 17 and uncoupled from the struts 13. This could be done by hand or automatically. On the ground the module arrangement can be weight down by placing for example stones on the bearing surfaces 27. The apparatus may be carried away by the lifting device and can be retracted for being prepared for unfolding a next collector module arrangement.

[0077] To remove a collector module arrangement from a collector module field the apparatus may be arranged in an extended position over with the sliding bars 2 and 3, the carriages 12 and the sliders 6 and 7 in their outer positions. Then the unfolded module arrangement can be attached to the attachment means 17 and the struts 13. By moving the first closed loop 4 in the opposite direction the sliding bars 2 and 3 and the carriages 12 are retraced to their position central to the main bar and the module arrangement is folded up.

[0078] FIGS. 4 and 5 show a second version of the apparatus according to the invention in a retracted position (FIG. 4) with the module arrangement in a folded state, and an extended position (FIG. 5) with the module arrangement in an unfolded state. Basically the second version is a variant of the first version, wherein the first pulling means comprises two main ropes 30 and 31 instead of the first closed loop. One end of the first main rope 30 is attached to the slider 6. The main rope 30 is guided around the pulley 5 on the outer edge of the main bar 1 and deflected upwards to the upper side of the main bar. Correspondingly the second main rope 31 is attached to the slider 7. The main rope 31 is guided around the pulley 5 on the opposite outer edge of the main bar 1 and deflected upwards to the upper side of the main bar. Thus the main ropes 30 and 31 can be used to slide the sliding bars 2 and 3 along the main bar 1 and also to actuate the second closed loop 11 within the sliding bars. Therefore the unfolding mechanism is equivalent to the unfolding mechanism of the first version.

[0079] The free ends of the main ropes 30 and 31 can be hooked up on a crane or the like. As soon as the crane starts lifting, first the main ropes are initiated to pull the sliders 6 and 7 with the sliding bars 2 and 3 along the main bar 1 and the collector module arrangement starts unfolding. As soon as the sliders 6 and 7 are blocked at the outer ends of the main bar 1 the main ropes 30 and 31 start carrying the collector module arrangement for transport to a predetermined place, while the collector module arrangement is already unfolded. To facilitate the coordination between the unfolding action and the lifting action of the collector module arrangement when lifting the crane a retardation unit is provided which slows down the movement of the sliders 6 and 7 along the main bar 1. Also the retardation unit may return back the sliders 6 and 7 to their initial position. Thus the unfolded collector module arrangement may be lightened from the ground before the unfolding action starts. Furthermore a safety line 32 may be installed on the main bar 1 to catch the collector module arrangement in case the main ropes fail.

[0080] FIGS. 6 and 7 show a third version of the apparatus according to the invention in a retracted position (FIG. 6) with the module arrangement in a folded state, and an extended position (FIG. 7) with the module arrangement in an unfolded state. The apparatus comprises a main bar 1 with telescopic side bars 40 and 41, which are in an extended position. However the main bar 1 also could be realized as one elongated horizontal carrier.

[0081] The side hinged parts 22 and 24 are attached to skids 43 that are slideably along the bottom side of the main bar 1. Each of the outer ends of the side bars 40 and 41 comprises a roller 42. The pulling arrangement includes two pulling ropes 44, each of which is attached with a first end to an edge part of an end module 21 of the module arrangement and is deflected by the roller 42 to the side of the apparatus. Thus the free end of the pulling ropes 44 can be pulled to lift the edges 26 of the end module and open the side hinged parts 22 and 24 of the module arrangement. By further pulling of the pulling ropes 44 the skids 43 start sliding along the main bar 1 and open the middle hinged part 23 of the collector module arrangement as shown in FIG. 7.

[0082] FIGS. 8 to 10 show a fourth version of the apparatus according to the invention. FIG. 8 depicts a schematic view of structure of the apparatus in a nearly extended position. FIGS. 9a and 9b depict a side view of a construction drawing of the apparatus in a retracted position with a folded collector module arrangement (FIG. 9a) and in a fully extended position with an unfolded collector module arrangement (FIG. 9b).

[0083] The apparatus comprises a main bar 1, a first sliding bar 2 and a second sliding bar 3, which together form a bar system of the apparatus. Further the apparatus comprises a first pulling means in form of a flexible elongated wire 50. The wire 50 originates from a reel 51 which is rotatably mounted on the main bar 1. The reel 51 winds up or down the wire 50 beginning from a middle region of the wire. The two ends of the wire 50 run from the reel 51 to a guiding block 52, 53 which guiding blocks are slideably arranged on the main bar 1. The guiding blocks 52, 53 guide the wire 50 downwards such that the wire ends extend from the bar system. The guiding blocks may be attached to rails within the main bar 1 so that they can slide along these rails. The guiding blocks 52, 53 may comprise several pulleys for guiding the wire 50. An electrical motor 54 runs the wire 50 such that the wire ends are vertically lifted up and down relative to the bar system. Each wire end comprises an attachment means 56 for attaching a first side hinged part 22 and a second side hinged part 24 located on the upper side of the collector module arrangement to the folding apparatus.

[0084] A second pulling means in form of a closed loop 55, which basically corresponds to the closed loop 4 of the first version of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, runs around two pulleys 5 located at outer ends of the main bar 1. The closed loop 55 may be driven by the motor 54. The guiding blocks 52, 53 are attached to the closed loop 55 such that they run in opposite directions of the main bar a, when the closed loop 55 runs around the pulleys 5.

[0085] The sliding bars 2 and 3 may partly surround or incorporate the main bar 1. The sliding bars 2 and 3 are slideably supported on sliding tracks of the main bar 1. Advantageously the sliding bars 2 and 3 are attached to the guiding blocks 52, 53 such that they can move to opposite ends of the main bar 1 when the closed loop 50 circulates. Alternatively the sliding bars 2 and 3 may be attached directly to the closed loop.

[0086] The bar system comprises extensions extending downwards from the bar system towards the collector module arrangement. First extensions 57, 58 extend downwards from an outer end 10 of the two sliding bars 2 and 3 and a second extension 59 extends downwards from the main bar 1. The second extension 59 is positioned in the centre region of the main bar 1, preferably in the middle of the main bar. The extensions may be elongated rods or plates that essentially run vertically downwards from the bar system. The length of the extensions is determined by the heights of a folded collector module arrangement. The ends of the extensions shall extend to the lower side of the folded collector module arrangement. When lifting up the folded collector module arrangement the first extensions 57, 58 enclose the arrangement from opposing sides. The second extension 59 reaches between the inner modules 20 down to the middle hinged part 23. Thus the extension also assist to stabilize and guide the collector module arrangement during the lifting process.

[0087] At their end regions the extensions 57, 58 and 59 comprise coupling means 60 for coupling the collector module arrangement to the folding apparatus. The coupling means 60 are vertically fixed relative to the bar system at a position and height on the extensions such that they can couple to a bottom end of the collector module arrangement. The coupling means 60 releasably attach to the lower end of the end modules 21. The coupling means 60 releasably attaches the middle hinged part 23 located at a lower side of the collector module arrangement. The coupling means are shown in more detail in FIGS. 10a and 10b.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 9a in the beginning the apparatus is in a retracted position, wherein the sliding bars 2 and 3 are positioned with their inner ends 9 in the centre region of the main bar 1. In this position the guiding blocks 52, 53 are positioned close to each other roughly at a distance that corresponds to the distance of the side hinged parts 22 and 24 of the folded collector module arrangement. The attachment means 56 are attached to the upper side hinged parts 22 and 24. The ends of the first pulling means in form of the wire 50 are fully pulled upwards such that the first extensions 57, 58 enclose the collector module arrangement and the second extensions 59 extends down to the middle hinged part 23. In this position the coupling means 60 couple to the lower end of the collector module arrangement as described above.

[0089] In FIG. 9b the apparatus is in a fully extended position and the collector module arrangement is fully unfolded. For unfolding the collector module arrangement the attachment means 56 holding the first and the second side hinged parts 22, 24 are lowered by reeling off the wire 50. The coupling means 60 remain vertically fixed relative to the bar system. The own weight of the collector module arrangement is sufficient to open the side hinged parts. The ends of the end modules 21 and the middle hinged part 23 stay on the same vertical level. Thus, the opening of the side hinged parts results in the opening of the middle hinged part 23. Simultaneously the sliding bars 2 and 3 slide outwards to opposite ends of the main bar 1, whereby the horizontal distance between the extensions 57 and 58 is enlarged. Further the guiding blocks 52, 53 move to opposite ends of the main bar 1 driven by the closed loop 55 such that their position remains vertical above the position of the first and the second side hinged part 22, 24.

[0090] In the fully unfolded state the collector module arrangement is position on a desired spot as described for the previous versions of the apparatus and the attachment means 56 for attaching the first and the second side hinged parts 22 and 24 and the coupling means 60 are released. The sliding bars 2 and 3 can be retracted to the starting position by the closed loop 55. Also the ends of the wire 50 are wound up on the reel 51 to get ready for unfolding a next collector module arrangement.

[0091] FIG. 10a shows an overview of the folded collector module arrangement pulled up to the bar system from a bottom view. As can be seen the extension 57 reaches down to the bottom side of the collector module arrangement and the coupling means 60 engages with the end region of the end module 21. FIG. 10b shows a detail A of FIG. 10a enlarging the area of the coupling means 60. The coupling means 60 comprise a snap fit in form of an elastic abutment 61 at the end regions of extensions 57, 58, 59. The abutments 61, for example in form of plates, are elastically deflected, for example by the up-lifting of the collector module arrangement. The abutments 61 automatically snap behind edges 26 of the lower end of the end modules 21 and of the middle hinged part 23 when they pass the abutments 61 and give some free space for the abutments to relax from their deflected state. The abutments 61 snap behind the edge 26 of the end module 21. The abutment 61 snaps behind edges 29 in the range of the middle hinged part 23. In this position the folded collector module arrangement can safely be transported to a desired spot. The collector module arrangement can be unfolded above the desired spot or may be unfolded while being transported by a crane or the like to the desired spot. The apparatus may for example comprise a mounting 15 as described before to be picked up by a crane or the like.

[0092] As mentioned before for the first or second version of the apparatus the pulling arrangement may be activated by a remote control.

[0093] Apart from the description of the fourth version of the apparatus as given above same reference numbers of previous versions of the apparatus are used for elements of the same function in the present version, like for example the supports 25 and the bearing surface 27.