Tracking device

1. A tracking device ( 1 ) for solar modules ( 2 a ) with a series of posts ( 3 ) arranged along a longitudinal axis, wherein a crossmember ( 6 ) is pivotably mounted on each post ( 3 ), and wherein the crossmembers ( 6 ) are pivotable about a common pivot axis (S) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, characterized in that there is fastened to each crossmember ( 6 ) a toothed ring ( 7 ) of which the toothing ( 7 a ) is in engagement with a motor-driven toothed wheel ( 8 ) mounted on the respective post ( 3 ), that a positive guide means is provided which forms a safeguard against a transverse displacement of the toothed wheel ( 8 ) relative to the toothed ring ( 7 ) and/or that each toothed wheel ( 8 ) is mounted on the side of the respective post ( 3 ) and wherein the positive guide means has two guide elements ( 15 ) arranged on opposite sides of a toothed wheel ( 8 ), the said elements have protrusions extending into the area of the toothed ring ( 7 ) to form low-backlash guides for the toothed ring.

2. A tracking device according to claim 1 , characterized in that a common shaft ( 10 ) driven by a central drive ( 11 ) passes through the toothed wheels.

3. A tracking device according to claim 2 , characterized in that the shaft ( 10 ) runs next to the post ( 3 ), parallel to the longitudinal axis.

4. A tracking device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the arrangements of the toothed ring ( 7 ) and of the associated toothed wheel ( 8 ) are designed identically for all the posts ( 3 ).

5. A tracking device according to claim 1 , characterized in that each toothed ring ( 7 ) has a circular-arc shape, with the toothing ( 7 a ) being arranged on the outer circumference of the toothed ring.

6. A tracking device according to claim 5 , characterized in that the positive guide means is formed by guide segments located adjacent to side walls of the toothed ring ( 7 ), said side walls being adjacent to the outer circumference of the toothed ring, and said guide segments extending into the area of the associated toothed wheel ( 8 ) to form low-backlash guides for this toothed wheel ( 8 ).

7. A tracking device according to claim 6 , characterized in that the guide segments extend over the entire length of the toothed ring ( 7 ).

8. A tracking device according to claim 6 , characterized in that the guide segments are formed by profiles ( 13 ) that are attachable to the toothed ring ( 7 ).

9. A tracking device according to claim 8 , characterized in that the profiles ( 13 ) are designed to be L-shaped.

10. A tracking device according to claim 6 , characterized in that the guide segments are formed in one piece with the toothed ring ( 7 ).

11. A tracking device according to claim 10 , characterized in that the toothed ring ( 7 ) forms a profile ( 13 ) with the guide segment.

12. A tracking device according to claim 1 , characterized in that a fork-shaped counter-bracket ( 16 ) is mounted on each post ( 3 ), and said counter-bracket forms a guide means for the toothed ring ( 7 ).

13. A tracking device according to claim 1 , characterized in that at each post ( 3 ), at least one support roller is provided for supporting the toothed ring ( 7 ).

14. A tracking device according to claim 1 , characterized in that each toothed ring ( 7 ) consists of a plurality of toothed ring segments ( 12 ) joined together by means of a positive and non-positive fit.