FR3043151A1 - END-TO-END CONNECTION SYSTEM BETWEEN TWO BEAMS AND ITS APPLICATION TO LINEAR SOLAR INSTALLATIONS - Google Patents

Abstract

Connecting system (4B) end to end between two beams (23), to ensure the transmission of the rotation of a beam to the other, comprising: - two flanges (5) fixed on the ends of the beams, respectively comprising a central member (53) fixed to the beam, and a plate (50) having at least two first attachment points; - a coupling part (6) provided with a central member (63) having two opposite ends on which are respectively fixed plates (60) having at least two second attachment points; two annular intermediate pieces (7) fixed respectively between a plate and a flange, each intermediate piece comprising at least two first complementary attachment points fixed on the first fixing points of the plate and at least two complementary second fixing points fixed on the second fixing points of the plate. The present invention finds application in the field of linear solar installations comprising aligned follower support systems.

Description

The present invention relates to a butt connection system between two beams, shaped to ensure the transmission of the rotation of a beam to the other along a main axis of rotation.

It also relates to a linear solar installation comprising at least two follower support systems for solar collectors, where the connection system ensures the end-to-end connection of the respective central beams of the two follower support systems.

The present invention finds a particular application, but not limited to, the field of follower support systems, otherwise called solar trackers, of the orientable type according to a single main axis of rotation, for a rotation that makes it possible to follow the sun during from its elevation and descent from east to west. For accuracy, such a main axis of rotation extends substantially parallel to the ground on which the follower support system is anchored.

In a known manner, a follower support system may comprise a fixed anchoring structure on the ground, and a platform capable of supporting at least one solar collector, this platform being fixed on at least one horizontal central beam rotatably mounted on the fixed structure along the main axis of rotation.

Such tracking support systems are often connected in line (extending from north to south) in linear solar installations, and these linear solar installations are themselves duplicated to form a solar field that can integrate several tens, or even thousands of follower support systems.

In a linear solar installation comprising at least two side-by-side and aligned follower support systems, it is advantageous to actuate the rotation of their respective platforms and therefore of their central beams synchronously. For this purpose, it is conceivable to use a common actuator which controls the rotation of the central beam of a follower support system, and this rotation is transmitted to the central beam or the central beams of the adjacent follower support system or systems. .

However, it is difficult to transmit the rotation of one central beam to the other because of numerous offsets that may appear in the alignment of the central beams in situ on the ground, and because of the high torque that must be transmitted. may be of the order of several hundred daN.m, in particular of the order of 400 and 600 daN.m.

Indeed, due to irregularities of the ground, unevenness or slope of the ground, defects introduced during the implementation of the follower support systems, it is difficult to obtain a perfect alignment between the central beams. The offsets can be of several orders between two central beams (or between the main axes of rotation of two central beams): vertical offset, that is to say that a beam can be shifted up or down by relative to the adjacent beam; - horizontal offset, ie a beam can be shifted to the right or left with respect to the adjacent beam; angular offset, that is to say that the two beams are not strictly parallel but have between them a non-zero inclination angle; axial offset, that is to say that the distance between the two beams does not correspond to the distance initially provided, either they are too close to each other or they are too far apart one of the other.

The object of the present invention is to propose an end-to-end connection system between two beams, which ensures the transmission of the rotation from one beam to the other despite the presence of offsets in the alignment of the beams, in a reliable manner, durable and adapted to strong rotational torques to transmit. For this purpose, it proposes an end-to-end connection system between two beams, this connection system being shaped to ensure the transmission of rotation from one beam to the other along a main axis of rotation and comprising: - two flanges provided to be fixed on the ends of the beams, each flange comprising a central element designed for attachment to the beam concerned, and a fixed plate of the central element and having at least two first fixing points; - A coupling part provided with a central member having two opposite ends on which platens are respectively fixed, each plate having at least two second attachment points; two intermediate parts of generally annular shape and fixed respectively between a plate of the coupling piece and a flange, each intermediate piece comprising at least two first complementary attachment points which are fixed on the first fixing points of the flange plate concerned and at least two second attachment complementary points which are fixed on the second fixing points of the relevant plate of the coupling piece, where the first complementary attachment points and the second complementary attachment points are arranged alternately following the annular periphery of each intermediate piece.

Thus, the connection system according to the invention makes it possible to couple the two ends of the beams via the flanges, the coupling piece and the intermediate pieces, these different elements being secured together with, starting from one end of a first beam to the end of a second beam: the central element of a first flange is secured to this end of the first beam, this central element is integral with a plate of the same first flange, this plateau is secured to a first intermediate piece, this first intermediate piece is integral with a first plate of the coupling piece, the first plate is integral with the central member of the coupling piece, this central member is secured of a second plate of the coupling piece, this second plate is secured to a second intermediate piece, this second piece intermedia Iire is secured to the plate of a second flange, the second intermediate piece is integral with the central element of the second flange, and this central element is integral with the end of the second beam.

With this connection system, no part of the connection system is movable relative to another part, thus ensuring a homokinetic transmission of the rotation of a beam to another.

In addition, the annular shape of each intermediate piece allows it to deform between the first and second intermediate points, and thus offset shifts in the alignment of the beams.

It should be noted that, within the meaning of the invention, the characteristic that "the first complementary attachment points and the second complementary attachment points are arranged alternately following the annular periphery of each intermediate piece" means that each first point complementary fixing is flanked by two second complementary fixing points and each second complementary fixing point is flanked by two first complementary attachment points. As such, it is obvious that each intermediate piece has as many complementary first attachment points as second complementary attachment points.

Thus, each intermediate piece has branches which constitute portions of the intermediate piece each extending between a second complementary fixing point and a first complementary fixing point. For a number N (N greater than or equal to 2) of first complementary attachment points (or second complementary attachment points), each intermediate piece has 2N branches.

With the invention, in case of offset (axial or angular) in the alignment of the beams, it can be observed according to the type of shift, on the same intermediate part, the compression of some of the branches and the pulls (elongations) of some other branches. In spite of these deformations of the intermediate parts, the homokinetic transmission of the rotation of one beam to the other is always ensured, and for all that the offsets between the beams will be compensated and absorbed by these compressions and elongations of the branches of the intermediate pieces.

Furthermore, in a situation, the first axis may extend substantially horizontally and the second axis substantially vertically, or conversely the first axis may extend substantially vertically and the second axis substantially horizontally.

According to one characteristic, the plates of the flanges and the plates of the coupling piece extend substantially parallel, substantially orthogonal to the main axis of rotation.

According to one characteristic, each intermediate piece has a generally polygonal shape with branches, where each branch extends between a second complementary fixing point and a first complementary fixing point.

In a first embodiment, each plate has two first fixing points disposed on either side of the central element, each plate has two second fixing points, and each intermediate piece comprises two first complementary attachment points and two second points. complementary fasteners and has a general shape of quadrilateral with two upper branches and two lower branches.

More specifically, the upper branches constitute portions of the intermediate piece respectively extending between a second (respectively first) complementary attachment point located at the top (in situation) and the first two (second) complementary attachment points, and the lower branches constitute portions of the intermediate piece respectively extending between a second (respectively first) complementary fixing point located at the bottom and the first two (respectively second) complementary attachment points.

Thus, in the event of a shift in the alignment of the beams, it is possible to observe, depending on the type of shift, on the same intermediate piece, the compressions of the lower branches and the tractions (elongations) of the upper branches, or the pulls of the lower branches. and the compressions of the upper branches, or the pulls of a lower branch and an upper branch, and the compressions of the other lower branch and the other upper branch. Despite these deformations of the intermediate parts, the homokinetic transmission of the rotation of one beam to the other is always ensured.

According to another characteristic, for each intermediate piece, the upper branches have the same length and the lower branches have the same length.

In a particular embodiment, the length of the upper branches is shorter than the length of the lower branches, with the advantage that the upper branches do not protrude too far upwards and do not shade the solar collectors in a solar installation. linear.

It is also advantageous if the first two fixing points of each plate are aligned on a line parallel to a first axis and the two second fixing points of each plate are aligned on a line parallel to a second axis, where this second axis is substantially perpendicular to the first axis.

In a second embodiment, each plate has three first fixing points, each plate has three second attachment points, and each intermediate piece comprises three complementary first attachment points and three complementary second attachment points and has a general hexagon shape with six branches, including two upper branches, two lateral branches and two lower branches.

In a particular embodiment, the branches of each hexagonal intermediate piece have substantially the same length.

Advantageously, each intermediate piece is composed of several identical annular blades clamped against each other.

In this way, the blades can deform in bending axially (that is to say parallel to the axis of rotation mainly) independently of each other, thus allowing to absorb an axial offset between the beams.

In a particular embodiment, the first fixing points are made in the form of through-holes formed in the plates of the flanges, the second fixing points are made in the form of through orifices formed in the plates of the part d coupling, and the first and second complementary fixing points are made in the form of through orifices formed in the intermediate parts, and the first and second complementary fixing points of the intermediate parts are respectively fixed on the first fixing points of the trays flanges and on the second fixing points of the plates of the coupling part by bolting by means of screws passing through the orifices concerned and nuts cooperating with said screws.

According to a possibility of the invention, wedges are interposed between the plates of the flanges and the intermediate parts, and between the plates of the coupling part and the intermediate parts.

According to another possibility of the invention, the central member of the coupling piece has an axis of symmetry substantially coinciding with the main axis of rotation, for optimal transmission of the rotation of a beam to the other.

This central member may be composed of a tubular sleeve, for example of cylindrical section.

According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, for each flange, the central element comprises a stirrup provided with a central wall and two lateral wings facing each other, said lateral wings being provided for gripping the end. of the beam concerned, and said central wall being secured to the plate.

The present invention also relates to a linear solar installation comprising at least two follower support systems for solar collectors, wherein each follower support system comprises: a fixed anchoring structure on the ground; and a platform capable of supporting at least one solar collector, said platform being fixed on a horizontal central beam rotatably mounted on the fixed structure along a principal axis of rotation; and wherein the follower support systems are aligned on the same line with their respective substantially coinciding main axes of rotation, said solar installation being remarkable in that the central beams of the at least two follower support systems are joined end to end by means of a connecting system according to the invention, the central fastening elements of the respective flanges of said connecting system being fixed on the ends of the respective central beams. The invention also relates to a use of a connection system according to the invention to join end to end the central beams of two follower support systems aligned on the same line with their respective main axes of rotation substantially merged, where each follower support system comprises: - a fixed anchoring structure on the ground; and a platform adapted to support at least one solar collector, said platform being fixed on a horizontal central beam rotatably mounted on the fixed structure along a main axis of rotation. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent on reading the following detailed description of two examples of non-limiting implementation, with reference to the appended figures in which: - Figure 1 is a perspective view from above of a linear solar installation incorporating three support systems bearing bearing photovoltaic panels, and first two connecting systems according to the invention connecting the central beams of the follower support systems, two zooms on these connecting systems being illustrated; FIG. 2 is a perspective view from below of a part of the installation of FIG. 1, centered on one of the first connection systems; FIG. 3 is a perspective view from above of a portion of the installation of FIG. 1, centered on one of the first connection systems; - Figure 4 is a view equivalent to that of Figure 3 by zooming on the first link system; FIG. 5 is a perspective and exploded view of a first connection system alone; FIG. 6 is a view similar to that of FIG. 3, illustrating in perspective from above a portion of a linear solar installation equipped with a second connection system according to the invention connecting the central beams of two support systems. follower; - Figure 7 is a view equivalent to that of Figure 6 by zooming on the second connecting system; and - Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of a second link system alone.

With reference to FIG. 1, a linear solar installation 1 according to the invention comprises several follower support systems 2 supporting solar collectors 3. In the example of FIG. 1, given in a nonlimiting manner, the solar installation 1 comprises three follower support systems 2, and the solar collectors 3 are of the photovoltaic panel type.

Each follower support system 2 is orientable along a single main axis of rotation, substantially horizontal.

Within the same solar installation 1, the follower support systems 2 are aligned on the same line with their principal axes of rotation substantially merged, the assembly and site installation ready and ready ground defects (irregularities terrain, lack of flatness, etc.).

Each follower support system 2 comprises: a fixed anchoring structure 21 on the ground; a mobile structure comprising a platform 22 for supporting the solar collectors integrating a substantially horizontal central beam 23, the beam 23 being rotatably mounted on the fixed structure 21 along the main axis of rotation, inside bearings 24 supported by the fixed structure 21.

In the example of Figures 1 and 2, the fixed structure 21 comprises posts 210 anchored to the ground and carrying, at their upper ends, the bearings 24 in which the beam 23 is rotatably mounted. In addition, the platform 22 comprises crosspieces 25 fixed to the beam 23; the photovoltaic panel or panels 3 being mounted on these crosspieces 25.

The beams 23 of two adjacent follower support systems 2 are joined end-to-end by means of a first connection system 4A in the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, or by means of a second connection system. 4B in the second embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 8.

More specifically, these beams 23 have ends facing each other, and these ends are connected by such a connecting system 4A or 4B which will ensure the transmission of the rotation of a beam 23 to the other along the axis main rotation. In the example of FIGS. 1 and 2, the beam 23 of the centrally located follower support system 2 is connected at its two ends to the respective beams 23 of the first two follower support systems 2 located on either side of the support system 2. centrally located follower support 2 by means of two respective first linkage systems 4A. The solar installation 1 further comprises an actuator (not shown) which rotates the platform 22 of one of the follower support systems 2, and this rotation is transmitted to the other follower support systems 2 via 4A or 4B linkage systems.

The remainder of the description relates to the link system, and in particular to the first link system 4A and the second link system 4B.

The constituent elements of a connection system according to the invention are described below by employing the same numerical references for the two linking systems 4A, 4B; identical or similar references designating identical or similar structural elements, members or set of members.

Each connecting system 4A, 4B comprises: two flanges 5 intended to be fixed on the ends of the beams 23, each flange 5 comprising a central element 53 designed for attachment to the beam 23 concerned, and a plate 50 secured to the beam 23; central element 53 and having N first fixing orifices 51 (whole N greater than or equal to 2); - A coupling part 6 provided with a central member 63 having two opposite ends on which are respectively fixed plates 60, each plate 60 having N second fixing holes 62; two intermediate pieces 7 of generally annular shape and fixed respectively between a plate 60 of the coupling piece 6 and the plate 50 of a flange 5, each intermediate piece 7 comprising N first complementary fixing holes 71 which are fixed by bolting on the respective first mounting holes 51 of the plate 50 of the respective flange 5 and N second complementary fixing holes 72 which are bolted to the respective second fixing holes 62 of the respective plate 60 of the coupling piece 6.

In other words, the first complementary attachment orifices 71 of an intermediate piece 7 are aligned with the first fixing orifices 51 of the plate 50 of the flange 5 in question, and screws 81 pass through these first orifices 71, 51 aligned, and cooperate with nuts 82 which clamp the intermediate piece 7 against the plate 50 of the flange 5 concerned.

Similarly, the second complementary attachment orifices 72 of an intermediate piece 7 are aligned with the second attachment orifices 62 of the plate 60 concerned of the coupling piece 6, and screws 91 pass through these second orifices 72, 52 aligned with each other. , and cooperate with nuts 92 which clamp the intermediate piece 7 against the plate 60 concerned of the coupling piece 6.

Thus, each intermediate piece 7 is fixed by N-bolting to the plate 50 on the flange 5 concerned, and is also fixed by N-bolting on the plate 60 concerned of the coupling piece 6.

The plates 50 of the flanges 5 and the plates 60 of the coupling part 6 extend substantially parallel to a vertical plane substantially orthogonal to the main axis of rotation.

In general, and as visible in FIGS. 5 and 8 for the first and second connection systems 4A, 4B, respectively, for each intermediate part 7, the first complementary fixing orifices 71 and the second complementary fixing orifices 72 are arranged in alternating by following the annular periphery of each intermediate piece 7, so that each first complementary fixing orifice 71 is flanked by two second complementary fixing orifices 72 and that each second complementary fixing orifice 72 is framed by two first complementary fixing orifices 71.

In the case of the first connecting system 4A, the number N is equal to 2, so that: each flange 5 has two first fixing orifices 51 arranged on either side of the central element 50, these first orifices fastening 51 being, in situation, aligned on a line L1 parallel to a first axis A1 substantially horizontal; - Each plate 60 has two second attachment holes 62 which, in situation, are aligned on a line L2 parallel to a second substantially vertical axis A2, the second axis A2 being substantially perpendicular to the first axis A1.

In a variant not shown, the first fixing orifices 51 are aligned on a line parallel to the substantially vertical second axis A2, and the second fixing orifices 62 are aligned on a line parallel to the first substantially horizontal axis A1.

For the first link system 4A, as can be seen in FIG. 5, each intermediate piece 7 has a general quadrilateral shape with four branches, including two upper branches 73 and two lower branches 74.

The complementary fixing holes 71, 72 are provided at the four corners of the quadrilateral. In other words, a second complementary fixing orifice 72 is provided at the junction between the upper branches 73, and the other second complementary fixing orifice 72 is provided at the junction between the lower branches 74. In addition, a first complementary orifice of fixing 71 is provided at the junction between an upper branch 73 and a lower branch 74, and the other first complementary attachment hole 71 is provided at the junction between the other upper branch 73 and the other lower branch 74.

The upper branches 73 have the same length and the lower branches 74 have the same length, and the length of the upper branches 73 is less than the length of the lower branches 74. Thus, the second complementary attachment orifice 72 which is provided at the junction between the upper branches 73 is located closer to the main axis of rotation than the other second complementary fixing orifice 72 which is provided at the junction between the lower branches 74. In this way, and as visible in FIG. the upper branches 73 of the intermediate pieces 7 protrude relatively little above the platform 22 and the solar collectors 3, compared to the lower branches 74 which protrude more on the underside of the platforms 22.

In the case of the second connecting system 4B, the number N is equal to 3, so that: each flange 5 has three first attachment orifices 51 arranged in a triangular conformation (and more specifically in an equilateral triangle conformation), and of which two first fixing orifices 51 are aligned on a line L1 parallel to a first substantially horizontal axis A1; each plate 60 has three second fixing orifices 62 arranged in a triangular conformation (and more specifically in an equilateral triangle conformation turned 180 ° with respect to the equilateral triangle of the flange 5 around the main axis of rotation), and of which two second fixing orifices 62 are also aligned on a line L1 'parallel to the first axis A1.

For the second connecting system 4B, as can be seen in FIG. 5, each intermediate piece 7 has the general shape of a hexagon with six branches, including two upper branches 75, two lateral branches 76 and two lower branches 77. The branches 75, 76, 77 all have substantially the same length, although distinct lengths may be envisaged. In situation, the side branches 76 extend substantially vertically.

The complementary fixing holes 71, 72 are provided at the six corners of the hexagon. In other words, a second complementary fixing orifice 72 is provided at the junction between the upper branches 75, and the two other second complementary fixing holes 72 are provided respectively at the junctions between a lower branch 77 and a lateral branch 76. Moreover, a first complementary fixing orifice 71 is provided at the junction between the lower branches 77, and the two other first complementary fixing orifices 71 are provided respectively at the junctions between an upper branch 75 and a lateral branch 76.

In general, each intermediate piece 7 is composed of several identical annular blades clamped against each other, by means of screw assemblies 81, 91 and nuts 82, 92. Thus, these blades can flex independently of one another between the fixing points on the flange 5 and on the coupling part 6 concerned.

Furthermore, shims 90 are interposed between the plates 50 of the flanges 5 and the intermediate parts 7, and between the plates 60 of the coupling part 6 and the intermediate parts 7. These shims 90 are in particular made in the form of washers. traversed by the screws 81, 91 at each point of attachment. The central member 63 of the coupling piece 6 is in the form of a tubular sleeve, in particular of cylindrical section, having an axis of symmetry substantially coincident with the main axis of rotation.

The plates 60 of the coupling piece 6 are each traversed by the central tubular member 63. Each plate 60 is fixed on the periphery of this central member 63 by means of two jaws 64 bolted around the central member 63, said plate 60 being itself bolted to these two jaws 64.

For each flange 5, the central element 53 consists of a stirrup comprising: - a central wall 530 on which is bolted the plate 50; and two lateral wings 531 facing each other, these lateral wings 531 being provided for bolting the end of the beam 23 concerned. The central member 63, the jaws 64 and the plates 60 of the coupling piece 6 are made of metal, in particular steel. Each intermediate piece 7 is made of metal, in particular steel; more specifically, the blades of each intermediate piece 7 are metallic. The trays 50 and the central element 53 of each flange 5 are made of metal, in particular of steel.

The remainder of the description relates to the behavior of the first link system 4A in different offset configurations in the alignment of the two beams 23.

In case of a vertical offset in the alignment of the two beams 23, and assuming that the beam 23 of the left is higher than the right beam 23, it is then observed that: - the upper branches 73 of the intermediate piece 7 of left are subjected to compression while the lower branches 74 of the intermediate piece 7 on the left are pulled, and vice versa - the upper branches 73 of the intermediate piece 7 of the right are pulled while the lower branches 74 of the intermediate piece 7 of right undergo compression.

In the case of a horizontal shift in the alignment of the two beams 23, and assuming that the left beam 23 is further forward than the right beam 23, it is then observed that: the upper and lower branches 73, 74 located on the front of the intermediate piece 7 on the left are pulled while the upper and lower branches 73, 74 located on the rear of the intermediate piece 7 on the left undergo compression, and vice versa - the upper and lower branches 73, 74 located on the front of the intermediate piece 7 of the right are compressed while the upper and lower branches 73, 74 located on the rear of the intermediate piece 7 on the right are pulled.

In case of angular offset and / or axial offset in the alignment of the two beams 23, it is also observed tensile / compressive phenomena of the upper and lower branches 73, 74 of the intermediate parts 7 of the first connecting system 4A.

With the second connection system 4B, in the event of a shift in the alignment of the two beams 23, tensile / compressive phenomena of the branches 75, 76, 77 of the intermediate parts 7 are also observed.

Thus, the intermediate parts 7 will ensure a stable and durable mounting, with a homokinetic transmission of the rotation of a beam 23 to the other, while absorbing, by deformation of the branches of the intermediate parts 7, the offsets between the beams 23 .

Of course the implementation example mentioned above is not limiting in nature and further improvements and details can be made to the connection system according to the invention without departing from the scope of the invention where Other forms for the intermediate parts may for example be made, for example with curved or curved branches.

It is also conceivable that N is greater than 3, with for example N equal to 4, resulting in: each flange has four first fixing orifices; each plate has four second fixing orifices; - Each intermediate piece 7 has a general octagonal shape with eight branches and eight complementary fixing holes arranged at the eight corners of the hexagon, namely four first complementary fixing holes alternately with four second complementary fixing holes.

Claims (16)

1. Connecting system (4A; 4B) end to end between two beams (23), said connecting system (4A; 4B) being shaped to ensure the transmission of the rotation of one beam (23) to another according to a main axis of rotation and comprising: - two flanges (5) intended to be fixed on the ends of the beams (23), each flange (5) comprising a central element (53) designed for attachment to the beam (23) concerned , and a plate (50) integral with the central element (53) and having at least two first attachment points (51); - a coupling part (6) provided with a central member (63) having two opposite ends on which are respectively fixed plates (60), each plate (60) having at least two second attachment points (62); - two intermediate pieces (7) of generally annular shape and respectively fixed between a plate (60) of the coupling piece (6) and a flange (5), each intermediate piece (7) comprising at least two first complementary points of fixing (71) which are fixed on the first fastening points (51) of the plate (50) of the flange (5) concerned and at least two second complementary fastening points (72) which are fixed on the second fastening points ( 62) of the respective plate (60) of the coupling piece (6), where the first complementary attachment points (71) and the second complementary fixing points (72) are arranged alternately following the annular periphery of each intermediate piece (7). 2. Connecting system (4A; 4B) according to claim 1, wherein the plates (50) of the flanges (5) and the plates (60) of the coupling piece (6) extend substantially parallel, so substantially orthogonal to the main axis of rotation. 3. Connecting system (4A; 4B) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each intermediate piece (7) has a generally polygonal shape with branches (73, 74; 75, 76, 77), where each branch (73 , 74, 75, 76, 77) extends between a second complementary attachment point (72) and a first complementary attachment point (71). 4. Connecting system (4A) according to claim 3, wherein each plate (50) has two first attachment points (51) arranged on either side of the central element (53), each plate (60). has two second attachment points (62), and each intermediate piece (7) comprises two complementary first fastening points (71) and two complementary second fastening points (72) and has a general quadrilateral shape with two upper limbs (73). ) and two lower branches (74). 5. Connecting system (4A) according to claim 4, wherein for each intermediate piece (7), the upper branches (73) have the same length and the lower branches (74) have the same length. 6. Connecting system (4A) according to claim 5, wherein for each intermediate piece (7), the length of the upper branches (73) is less than the length of the lower branches (74). 7. Linkage system (4A) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the first two attachment points (51) of each plate (50) are aligned on a line parallel to a first axis (A1) and the two second fixing points (62) of each plate (60) are aligned on a line parallel to a second axis (A2), said second axis (A2) being substantially perpendicular to said first axis (A1). 8. A linkage system (4B) according to claim 3, wherein each plate (50) has three first attachment points (51), each plate (60) has three second attachment points (62), and each intermediate piece ( 7) comprises three first complementary fastening points (71) and three second complementary fastening points (72) and has a generally hexagonal shape with six branches, including two upper branches (75), two lateral branches (76) and two lower branches (77). 9. Connecting system (4B) according to claim 8, wherein the legs (75, 76, 77) of each intermediate piece (7) have substantially the same length. 10. Connecting system (4A; 4B) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each intermediate piece (7) is composed of several identical annular blades clamped against each other. 11. Connecting system (4A; 4B) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first attachment points (51) are formed in the form of through holes formed in the plates (50) of the flanges (5). the second fixing points (62) are in the form of through-orifices formed in the plates (60) of the coupling piece (6), and the first and second complementary attachment points (71, 72) are made in the form of through holes in the intermediate pieces (7), and the first and second complementary fixing points (71, 72) of the intermediate pieces (7) are respectively fixed to the first fastening points (51) of the plates of the flanges (5) and on the second fixing points (62) of the plates (60) of the coupling piece (6) by bolting by means of screws (81, 91) passing through the relevant orifices and nuts ( 82, 92) cooperating with said screws (81,91). 12. Connecting system (4A; 4B) according to any preceding claim, wherein wedges (90) are interposed between the plates (50) of the flanges (5) and the intermediate pieces (7), and between the platens (60) of the coupling piece (6) and the intermediate pieces (7). 13. Connecting system (4A; 4B) according to any preceding claim, wherein the central member (63) of the coupling piece (6) has an axis of symmetry substantially coincides with the main axis of rotation. A connecting system (4A; 4B) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein for each flange (5) the central element (53) comprises a yoke having a central wall (530) and a two lateral wings (531) vis-à-vis, said lateral wings (531) being provided to grip the end of the beam (23) concerned, and said central wall (530) being secured to the plate. 15. A linear solar installation (1) comprising at least two follower support systems (2) for solar collectors (3), wherein each follower support system (2) comprises: - a fixed structure (21) for anchoring on the ground ; and a platform (22) capable of supporting at least one solar collector (3), said platform (22) being fixed on a horizontal central beam (23) rotatably mounted on the fixed structure (21) along a principal axis of rotation ; and wherein the follower support systems (2) are aligned on the same line with their respective principal axes of rotation substantially coinciding, said solar installation being characterized in that the central beams (23) of the at least two follower support systems (2 ) are joined end to end by means of a connecting system (4A; 4B) according to any one of the preceding claims, the central elements (53) for fixing the respective flanges (5) of said connecting system (4A; 4B) being fixed on the ends of the respective central beams (23). 16. Use of a connecting system (4A; 4B) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 for joining end to end the beams (23) central of two support systems follower (2) aligned on the same line with their respective substantially coinciding main axes of rotation, wherein each follower support system (2) comprises: - a fixed anchoring structure (21) on the ground; and a platform (22) capable of supporting at least one solar collector (3), said platform (22) being fixed on a horizontal central beam (23) rotatably mounted on the fixed structure (21) along a principal axis of rotation .