IT201600079421A1 - MOTORIZED SUPPORT FOR ZENITAL OR ELEVATING ADJUSTMENT OF SOLAR PANELS, ANTENNAS AND SIMILAR - Google Patents

Description

"Motorized support for zenith or elevation adjustment of solar panels, antennas and the like",

TEXT OF THE DESCRIPTION

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a motorized support for adjusting the operating position of a generic supported device, particularly but not exclusively for installation on the roof of a building. The invention was developed with particular reference to heliostats, ie systems designed to follow the path of the sun throughout the day, with a view to maximizing the uptake of energy by solar panels in general. The motorized support object of the invention is also susceptible of use also in similar fields, particularly for the support of antennas used in systems for the transmission and / or reception of electromagnetic waves (such as for example radio or radio and television signals) and possibly for the support of antennas used in radio astronomy systems, for the detection of radio waves emitted by radio sources, or other emitting and / or receiving devices of electromagnetic waves or radiation.

State of the art

As already mentioned, the main purpose of a heliostat (or solar tracker) is to maximize the efficiency of the device housed on board, which can be for example a photovoltaic solar panel or a concentrating solar panel. The greater the perpendicular orientation of the panel with the sun's rays, the greater the conversion efficiency and the energy produced with the same surface area (and the smaller the solar panel surface required for the same power required).

To date there are heliostats that are able to offer to the supported solar panel a mono or biaxial position adjustment, or to allow only azimuth or zenith (or elevation) adjustment, or both azimuthal and zenith. In general, these heliostats use more or less complex motorized supports, depending on the number and size of the supported panels.

The heliostats designed for Γ installation on roofs of buildings generally provide for Γ the use of a substantially vertical pole, at one end of which the necessary motorization is provided for Γ carrying out azimuth and / or zenithal adjustment. These systems are generally rather bulky and complex, with a height that is bound to the dimensions of the supported panel (the greater the panel area, the greater the length of the pole must be). Such known systems are generally inconvenient to install, for example in correspondence with pitches of roofs.

Summary and synthesis of the invention

In view of the foregoing, the present invention essentially proposes to provide a motorized support for solar panels, antennas and the like, which is simple, compact and economical, as well as easy to install and integrate on pitched roofs.

These objects are achieved, according to the present invention, by a motorized support having the characteristics indicated in the attached claims. The claims are an integral part of the technical teaching provided herein in relation to the invention.

Brief description of the drawings

Further purposes, features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the detailed description that follows, made with reference to the attached drawings, provided purely by way of non-limiting example, in which:

- Figure 1 is a partial and schematic perspective view of a motorized support according to the invention, with associated generic solar panel;

- Figure 2 is a partial and schematic perspective view of a motorized support according to possible embodiments of the invention;

- Figures 3 and 4 are schematic perspective views, from different angles, of an arched guide of a motorized support in accordance with possible embodiments of the invention;

- Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of a mobile trolley of a motorized support according to possible embodiments of the invention; - Figure 6 is a partially exploded view of a support structure of a motorized support according to possible embodiments of the invention, associated with a relative sub-structure;

- Figure 7 is a partial and schematic perspective view of a motorized support according to possible embodiments of the invention;

- Figures 8 and 9 are schematic representations aimed at exemplifying the operating principle of a motorized support in accordance with possible embodiments of the invention;

- Figures 10-12 are schematic side elevation views of a motorized support in accordance with possible embodiments of the invention, in three different conditions; And

- Figure 13 is a partial and schematic perspective view of a motorized support according to the invention, with a generic antenna associated with it.

Description of preferred embodiments of the invention

The reference to "an embodiment" within this description indicates that a particular configuration, structure, or feature described in relation to the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, phrases such as "in an embodiment", "in one or more embodiments", "in at least one embodiment" and the like, possibly present in different places of this description, do not necessarily refer to the same form of implementation, but may instead refer to different forms of implementation. In addition, particular conformations, structures or characteristics defined within this description can be combined in any suitable way in one or more embodiments, even different from those depicted. The numerical and spatial references (such as "upper", "lower", etc.) used here are only for convenience and therefore do not define the scope of protection or the scope of the forms of implementation. In the figures the same reference numbers are used to indicate similar elements or technically equivalent elements.

Referring initially to Figure 1, 1 indicates a generic device mounted on a motorized support in accordance with the invention. In the exemplified case, the device 1 is a solar panel, of a per se known concept, which can be selected from thermal solar panels, photovoltaic solar panels, concentrating solar panels, hybrid solar panels (i.e. that couple a thermal solar panel with a Solar photovoltaic). With 2 instead indicates as a whole a motorized support made in accordance with possible embodiments of the invention, visible only partially, configured to allow at least the elevation or zenith adjustment of the panel 1.

The motorized support 2 is visible as a whole in Figure 1, where the representation of the solar panel 1 has been omitted for reasons of greater clarity; for the same reason, in figure 2 (as well as in other figures) the representation of a system of flexible connecting elements, described below, has also been omitted.

The motorized support 2 comprises a support structure, indicated as a whole with 3, which supports a longitudinally extended arched guide, indicated as a whole with 4. As explained below, the guide 4 - which forms an elevation frame for the panel 1 - is constrained to the support structure 3 in a mobile way, to be sliding or translatable in opposite directions on the same structure 3, according to a single degree of freedom, as indicated by the arrow A. In general terms, the guide 4 overall has a generally arched shape , in the form of an arc of a circle extending vertically, and is mounted on the structure 3 with the relative concavity facing upwards. In the example shown, the guide 4 develops for about 100 °, but this obviously does not constitute an essential feature of the invention.

The motorized support 2 further comprises a movable carriage, indicated as a whole with 5, configured to support the panel 1. As explained below, the carriage 5 is constrained in a sliding or translatable manner on the arched guide 4 to be movable in opposite directions on the guide itself, according to a single degree of freedom, as indicated by arrow B.

The motorized support 2 also comprises an actuation system, not visible in Figure 2, which is controllable to cause at least the sliding or translation of the guide 4 on the structure 3, as well as the sliding or translation of the carriage 5 along the guide 4. As will be seen , in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the aforementioned system of flexible connecting elements - not shown here - allows to automatically obtain the displacements of the carriage 5 as a function of the displacements of the guide 4 caused by relative motor means.

In various embodiments, such as that shown in Figure 2, the structure 3 is supported by a base, indicated as a whole with 6, which is in turn supported by a load-bearing structure, for example arranged for anchoring on a roof of a building. In the example, the supporting structure comprises a metal pole 7, but the base 6, when provided, or directly the structure 3, could be mounted on a different sub-structure, for example an anchoring plate associated with the pitch of a roof. .

As explained below, in preferential embodiments, at least the support structure 3 is rotatably mounted, to rotate along a substantially vertical axis, indicated by X, in order to allow azimuth adjustment of the solar panel 1. In the non-limiting example shown, the pole 7 supports the base 6 in a fixed position, with the latter supporting the support structure 3 in a rotatable way. For this purpose, in embodiments of the type shown in Figure 2, the base 6 can be conveniently provided with motor means, in order to cause angular movements of the structure 3 around the axis X, preferably angular movements up to 360 °. The aforementioned motor means, and the relative rotatable connection between the base 6 and the structure 3, can be of the monodirectional or bidirectional type.

Figures 3 and 4 show in isolation, from different angles, an arched guide 4 made in accordance with possible embodiments of the invention.

In various embodiments, the guide 4 comprises at least a first arched guide or rail and at least one second arched guide or rail. The first rail is movably constrained to the support structure 3, by means of first moving members carried by the same structure 3, while the carriage 5 is movably constrained to the second rail, by means of second moving members carried by the same carriage 5. The term "rail" used here must be understood in its broadest sense, and as such an element capable of guiding a sliding or translation of the structure 3 or of the trolley 5, respectively.

For example, according to embodiments not shown, the guide 4 can comprise a guide body or frame configured to form the aforementioned first arched guide or rail, along the length of which a rack with which it is engaged can be defined at least a first motorized pinion, carried by the structure 3: the actuation of the aforesaid first pinion by means of relative motor means, in one direction of rotation or in the other, therefore causes the displacements of the aforesaid guide body in the two directions indicated by the arrow A of figure 2. The same guide body or frame can also be configured to define the aforementioned second guide or arched rail: a rack can also be defined along the development of the second guide or rail, with which at least a second pinion is engaged, motorized or non-motorized, carried by the mobile carriage 5: in this way, the rolling of the aforementioned second pinion along the rack, in one direction of rotation or in the Otherwise, it causes the carriage 5 to move in the two directions indicated by arrow B in figure 2.

It should be noted that the term "rail" used here must be understood in its broadest sense, and as such including generic tracks or guides capable of engagement with corresponding movement or guide members of the structure 3 and / or of the carriage 5.

In various embodiments, such as that exemplified in the figures, the guide 4 is essentially configured in the manner of a frame, with two opposite end regions, here comprising plates or heads indicated with 40a and 40b, between which two first rails extend arched, indicated with 41, generally parallel to each other. Each first rail 41 is constrained to respective first moving members carried by the structure 3; two of these moving members are indicated with 10 in figure 2. Preferably, the first moving members 10 are located in correspondence with opposite lateral sides of the structure 3, so as to engage with the relative first rails 41.

In various embodiments, such as that exemplified in the figures, the guide 4 comprises two second arched rails, indicated with 42, generally parallel to each other, which also extend between the two end regions 40a, 40b. To each second rail 42 are connected respective second moving members carried by the carriage 5, two of which indicated with 11 in figure 2. Preferably, the second moving members 11 are located in correspondence with opposite sides of the carriage 5, so as to engage with the relative second rails 42.

In the example shown, the guide 4 creates an elevation frame that includes both the first two rails 41 and the second rails 42, which each extend between the heads 40a, 40b. In the example, in correspondence of each longitudinal side of the guide 4 there are a rail 41 and a rail 42, with the structure 3 and the trolley 5 having, in correspondence with the opposite sides, the relative movement members 10 and 11, respectively , for engagement with both pairs of rails on both sides. The rails 41 and 42 are preferably located at different heights: in the embodiment shown, the rails 42 extend to a higher height than the rails 41, substantially parallel to them. The rails 41 and / or 42 preferably have - but not necessarily - circular cross-section and can for example be made from tubular bodies.

Figure 5 shows in isolation a possible embodiment of a mobile trolley 5, which can be configured in various ways according to the shape of the supported device, here the solar panel 1.

In various embodiments, the trolley 5 has a supporting structure 50 which includes two lateral sides 51, to which the respective moving members are associated, such as those indicated with 11. The moving members 11 can be represented - as in the exemplified case - by wheels or carrying rollers, which are rotatable according to respective generally horizontal axes.

In various preferred embodiments, the moving members of the trolley 5 comprise pairs of wheels 11 or the like on each side 51, with the two wheels 11 of each pair being at different heights, so that the relative one is engaged between them. rail 42. Preferably, these wheels or rollers 11 are shaped (for example by presenting a groove) for coupling with the relative rails 42. In the example shown, two pairs of wheels 11 are associated with each side 51.

As will be seen, in preferential embodiments, the wheels 11 are idle wheels, particularly in the presence of the aforementioned system of flexible connecting elements. In other embodiments, not shown here, motor means can be associated with the structure 50 of the trolley 5, which can be controlled to cause the rotation of one or more wheels 11 (think of the previously mentioned case, in which the moving members 11 comprise a motorized pinion meshed in a rack defined along the guide 4).

In various embodiments, the supporting structure of the trolley 50 is a substantially bridge-like structure. This also makes it possible to avoid mechanical interference with the movement of the carriage 5 on the guide 4, when - as in the examples of the figures - the support structure 3 protrudes above the guide itself. In the example shown, the supporting structure 50 has a top wall 52, which connects the two sides 51 to each other. A support 53 for the solar panel is fixed to this top wall 52, which here comprises a respective central base 53a and a series of support arms 53b extending in a radial direction from the base 53a. The base 53a defines a cavity, within which any electrical / electronic components associated with the central rear part of the solar panel (or other supported device) can be housed, or the receiver of a possible concentrator of a parabolic panel.

Figure 6 shows in isolation, through a partially exploded view, a possible embodiment of a structure 3 of a motorized support according to the invention. Figure 6 also illustrates a possible embodiment of a base 6.

In various embodiments, the structure 3 has an enclosure body formed in at least two parts, for example comprising a lower part 30 and a lid 31, which can be coupled together to define a housing space for some functional and / or functional components. control of the motorized support 2, such as an elevation or zenith adjustment servomechanism.

The part 30 has two opposite lateral sides 32, to which the respective moving members are associated, such as those indicated with 10. The moving members 10 can be represented by wheels or bearing rollers, which are rotatable according to respective generally horizontal axes, similarly to the parts 11 of the trolley 5.

Similarly to the case described above for the trolley 5, in various preferred embodiments the moving members of the structure 3 comprise pairs of wheels 10 or the like on each lateral side 32, with the two wheels 10 of each pair being at different heights, so that the relative rail 4L is engaged between them. Preferably, these wheels or rollers 10 are shaped - for example by defining a groove - for coupling with the relative rails 4L In the example shown, each side 32 are associate two pairs of wheels 10.

In various embodiments, the actuation system of the motorized support according to the invention comprises first motor means, to rotate one or more of the moving members represented here by the wheels 10, and thereby cause the arch guide 4 to slide. relative to the support structure 3: in implementations of this type the aforementioned motor means are carried by the structure 3.

In preferential embodiments, therefore, one or more of the wheels 10 are motorized wheels. For this purpose, suitable motor means are mounted inside the structure 3 (or on its part 30), such as one or more controllable electric motors to cause the rotation of one or more wheels 10. In the illustrated example, two electric motors are provided twin-shaft 33, particularly each having two drive shafts 33a (or two opposite portions of the same drive shaft) which project coaxially from each other from opposite ends of the relative casing. The shafts 33a of the same motor 33 pass through relative openings in the sides 32 of the part 30 and respective wheels 10 are associated with their external ends, possibly with associated bearings or the like.

In the example shown, since two pairs of wheels 10 are provided on each side 32, two motors 33 are provided, each of which is designed to cause the rotation of two wheels 10 belonging to two different pairs, which are located in correspondence with opposite sides of the structure 3. It will therefore be appreciated that, in various embodiments, it is sufficient for only one of the two wheels of a pair of wheels 10 to be motorized, the other being an idle wheel, possibly with associated bearing or similar. In the example, the lower 10 wheels of each pair are motorized, while the upper 10 wheels of each pair are idle. In various embodiments, at least the motorized wheels 10 have a resilient surface, or in any case such as to guarantee friction on the rails 41 suitable for transferring movement to the latter.

Obviously it is also possible to provide more than two motors 33, in order to be able to drive all the wheels 10, or even a single motor, to cause only the operation of two wheels 10 on two opposite sides. It is also possible to provide a single motor and a suitable transmission system, for example with gears, in order to cause the rotation of several wheels 10 even on the same side 32 of the structure 3.

As already mentioned, in preferential embodiments, the support structure 3 is rotatably mounted, to rotate along the substantially vertical X axis. This possibility of movement is allowed in order to carry out the azimuth adjustment of the solar panel 1. For this purpose, the actuation system of the motorized support 2 can comprise corresponding second motor means.

In various embodiments, such as that shown in the figures, the base 6 is provided for this purpose, fixedly mounted on the pole 7 or other sub-structure. Referring to the example of figure 6, the base 6 has a relative casing body 60, in which the aforementioned second motor means are housed, preferably associated with a transmission arrangement.

In the exemplified case, an electric motor 61 is provided, to whose drive shaft a worm 62 is keyed, engaged on a toothed wheel 63 mounted rotatably along the X axis. The toothed wheel 63 is keyed to an output shaft 64 , which passes through a relative opening defined in the upper wall of the casing body 60 of the base 6 (possibly with associated bearings or the like), where the upper end of this shaft 64 is integral with the lower part 30 of the support structure 3. As can be understood, in this way, the actuation of the motor 61 determines the rotation of the shaft 64 and, therefore, the rotation of the support structure 6 around the X axis, as indicated by the arrow C. The motor 61 can be unidirectional or bidirectional.

Obviously, other technical solutions are possible to obtain the rotation around the X axis of the structure 3, in order to allow the azimuth adjustment of the solar panel, for example by providing a suitable motorized drive system at the lower end of the pole 7, instead of inside the base 6.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment variant, a toothed wheel similar to that indicated by 63 in Figure 6 is directly coupled to the pole 7, which is mounted stationary, with the motor 61 which is fixed on the casing body 60 of the base 6 and with this casing body 60 which is rotatably mounted on pole 7, for example with the interposition of bearings or the like, and casing body 30-31 of structure 3 is fixed on casing body 60 of base 6. embodiment, the actuation of the motor 61 determines the displacement of the worm 62 along the circumference of the toothed wheel 63, thereby causing the rotation of the casing body 60, and therefore of the casing body 30-31, around the axis X. It will also be appreciated that in an embodiment of this type the casing bodies 30-31 and 60 can be replaced by a single casing body, without the need for a separate base 6.

In various embodiments, an electronic control card, belonging to the control system of the motorized support 2, is housed inside at least one of the structure 3 and the base 2. In the example of figure 6 such a card, schematically represented and indicated with CS, and is housed in structure 3. The CS board, of a per se known concept, can include, for example, the electrical / electronic components necessary to drive the motors 33 and the motor 61 (when this motor 61 is provided) . Such components can also comprise a pointing sensor or implement a control logic based on predetermined data, so that support 2 (ie its motors 33, 61) is operated so that the panel 1 always faces substantially perpendicularly to the sun.

As previously mentioned, in preferential embodiments of the invention the motorized support 2 comprises a system of flexible connecting elements, which allows the sliding of the carriage 5 to be automatically obtained according to the displacements of the guide 4. In this way, the same motor means which cause the displacements of the guide 4 on the structure 3 cause at the same time the sliding of the carriage 5 on the guide 4.

In various embodiments, the aforementioned system of flexible connecting elements binds the trolley 5 to the structure of 3 and is configured in such a way that:

- a sliding of the guide 4 on the structure 3 in a first direction, caused by the actuation system (or by the relative motor means 33, 33a) causes the approach of the first end region 40a of the guide 4 to the structure 3, and a simultaneous displacement of the carriage 5 towards the second end region 40b of the guide 4, while

- a sliding of the guide 4 on the structure 3 in a second direction, caused by the actuation system (or by the relative motor means 33, 33a operated in the opposite direction to the previous one), causes the second end region 40b of the guide 4 to approach the structure 3, with a simultaneous movement of the carriage 5 towards the first end region 40a of the guide 4.

A possible embodiment of the aforementioned system of flexible connecting elements is partially visible in figure 7.

The system comprises at least two flexible connecting elements 45 and 46, having a predefined length, each extending along opposite parts of the guide 4, between the structure 3 and the carriage 5. Each of the flexible connecting elements 45 and 46, which can be consisting of cables, belts or chains, it therefore has a first and a second ends which are fixed to the structure 3 and to the trolley 5, respectively.

In preferred embodiments, such as the one shown, two first flexible connecting elements 45 are provided, each extending from the structure 3 towards the end region 40a of the guide 4 and from this towards the carriage 5, and two second connecting elements hoses 46, which each extend from the structure 3 towards the end region 40b of the guide 4 and from this towards the carriage 5. It should be noted, however, that the use of only two elements 45 and 46 is also sufficient.

At each of the opposite end regions 40a and 40 b of the guide 4, respective transmission members 47 and 48 are mounted, each for a corresponding connecting element 45 and 46, respectively. In various embodiments, such as the one shown, the transmission members each include a pair of pulleys or the like, although such members could also include a single pulley, or more than two pulleys. Each connecting element 45 and 46 is coupled to a relative transmission member 47 and 48, respectively. In this way, as said, each connecting element 45 or 46 extends from the structure 3 towards the carriage 5 passing in correspondence with a respective end region of the guide 4.

Preferably, furthermore, positioning and / or transmission elements are provided along the guide 4, some of which are indicated with 49a and 49b in Figure 7, for the flexible connection elements 45 and 46, respectively. The elements 49a and 49b can comprise fixed pins, on which the elements 45 and 46, respectively, are constrained in a sliding manner, or they can comprise wheels or rollers, or possibly by small pinions (for example in the case of elements 45, 46 made of chains ).

As can be understood, with an arrangement of the type illustrated in Figure 7, the displacements in opposite directions of the guide 4 on the structure 3 determine the displacements of the carriage 5 towards the first end region 40a or towards the second end region 40b of the guide 4. The operating principle of the system is exemplified in schematic form in Figures 8 and 9, in which the representation of the positioning and / or transmission elements 49a, 49b has been omitted for reasons of greater clarity.

Figure 8 represents the case in which the guide 4 is in a substantially central position with respect to the structure 3, or with its two ends 40a, 40b substantially equidistant from the structure 3. In this condition the carriage 5 is substantially in correspondence with the structure 3 , above it. This position can be defined as the 0 ° elevation position, with the solar panel supported by the trolley 5 which is in the lowest possible position on the guide 4.

As can be seen, the cable 45 (or other flexible element used) extends between the structure 3 and the carriage 5 passing through the pulley 47 at the end 40a of the guide 4, while the cable 46 (or other flexible element used) extends between the structure 3 and the trolley 5 passing through the pulley 48 at the end 40b of the guide 4. In figure 8, 45a and 45b indicate the portions of the cable 45 which - in the considered elevation condition - extend between the structure 3 and the pulley 47 and between the pulley 47 and the carriage 5, respectively. Similarly, 46a and 46b indicate the portions of the cable 46 which - again with reference to the elevation condition considered - extend between the structure 3 and the pulley 48 and between the pulley 48 and the trolley 5, respectively.

Figure 9 shows the case of actuating motor means intended to cause displacement of the guide 4 relative to the structure 3. In the example, the motor means 33, 33a (figure 6) are actuated in the direction which determines the approach of the end 40b of the guide 4 towards the structure 3. The motors 33, 33a then drive the lower wheels 10, which transfer the motion to the rails 41, and therefore to the guide 4 as a whole; the guide 4 is supported and retained thanks to the engagement of the rails 41 between the various pairs of wheels 10. As can be understood, given the predetermined length of the cables 45 and 46, the movement of the guide 4 will have the effect of causing a traction of the trolley 5 to the left (referring to the figure) operated by means of the cable 45, whose section 45a will "lengthen" and whose section 45b will "shorten". On the other hand, the movement induced to the carriage 5 will cause a traction on the cable 46 tending to "lengthen" the section 46b and "shorten" the section 46a. In this phase, the wheels 11 of the trolley 5 then roll on the rails 42, with the trolley itself being supported and held on the guide 4 thanks to the engagement of the tracks 42 between the various pairs of wheels 11.

Figure 9 represents a condition in which the actuation of the motor means has determined the displacement of the guide 4 such that the carriage 5 is substantially in the vicinity of the end 40a, in a position which - purely by way of non-limiting example - can be defined as 40 ° elevation position. Obviously, the motor means can be controlled to obtain a multiplicity of intermediate positions of the trolley 5 between the position of minimum elevation and the two opposite positions of maximum elevation, as for example also exemplified in Figures 10-12, where Figures 10 and 12 represent conditions substantially corresponding to those of figure 8 (position 0 °) and figure 9 (position 40 °), while figure 11 exemplifies an intermediate position of guide 4 and trolley 5 (which can be defined - purely by way of example and not limiting - as position 25 °). By operating the motor means 33, 33a in the opposite direction to the previous one, an inverse movement to the previous one described will be obtained, i.e. with the displacement of the end 40a of the guide 4 towards the structure 3 and a simultaneous displacement of the carriage 5 towards the end 40b of the guide 4, in order to obtain positions of the guide 4 and of the carriage 4 substantially specular to those of figures 11 and 12, and therefore with positions which - purely by way of non-limiting example - can be defined -25 ° and -40 °, respectively, as well as all other intermediate positions. The control system of the motorized support according to the invention can be arranged to operate the motor means in order to obtain a continuous or discrete type of adjustment of the position of the carriage between the two opposite end regions of the guide.

It will be appreciated that, starting from the positions of Figures 8 and 10, in various positions the guide 4 extends substantially cantilevered with respect to the structure 3, with the wheels 10 which hold the rails 41 on the structure 3 and the wheels 11 which hold the trolley 5 on guide 4. With the maximum overhang condition (close to the position of figures 9 and 12, or to the mirror position to that of these figures), the solar panel will be in the condition of maximum elevation. It will also be appreciated that in the position of minimum elevation, as in figures 8 and 10, the height of the support 2 is minimal.

The aforementioned drives of the motor means 33, 33a are managed by a control system which, referring to the application exemplified so far, is configured to carry out the zenith or elevation adjustment of the solar panel, in order to maximize the collection of solar energy according to principles in themselves. known. This control system also manages the servomechanism for azimuth adjustment, when this servomechanism is provided.

The invention has been described with reference to the use in a heliostat system, that is with the motorized support 2 - in particular its trolley 5 - which supports a solar panel 1, but as said the same support can be used in similar fields, for example in systems for the transmission and / or reception of electromagnetic waves or radiations: in this case, as exemplified in figure 13, the mobile trolley 5 can be used to support an antenna indicated with Γ, for example for the reception of satellite television signals (the form shown for the antenna Γ is also suitable for exemplifying the case in which the support according to the invention supports a concentrating solar panel).

The realization of the control system that supervises the operation of the motor means (33, 33a and possibly 61) of the support 2 is independent of the purposes of the present invention and can be carried out according to a known technique, such as that usually used in control systems for heliostats. (for example based on the use of photo-resistors or similar sensor means to follow the movement of the sun throughout the day, or on pre-stored astronomical data), or in control systems for the orientation of antennas.

The materials for making the various parts of the motorized support 2 may be those deemed most convenient depending on the application, chosen for example from metal materials, metal alloys, polymeric or composite materials and their combinations.

The casing bodies of the part or parts intended to contain electrical components (such as the structure 3 and / or the base 6) will preferably be provided with suitable sealing means of a per se known type, such as gaskets and the like, in order to prevent the infiltration of external agents (such as rainwater).

From the above description the characteristics of the present invention are clear, as well as its advantages, mainly represented by the fact that the motorized support described is simple, economical and compact, as well as easy to install even on pitched roofs of buildings and others. fixed or mobile structures (e.g. vehicles or boats). In fact, the size of the supported device does not affect the height dimensions of the sub-structure that holds the motorized support. For this purpose, the installation on the roof or other structure of a simple fixed anchor pole (such as the one indicated with 7), even of modest height, or another simple sub-structure of reduced height, such as for example a plate. Furthermore, in preferred embodiments, the use of the described system of flexible connecting elements allows to exploit the same motor means necessary for the movement of the arch guide also to obtain the simultaneous movement of the mobile carriage, to the advantage of the economy of the solution, in order to allow adjustment of elevation or zenith. The support according to the invention can also be equipped, in a simple way, with known means for carrying out the azimuth position adjustment.

It is clear that numerous variants are possible for the person skilled in the art to the motorized support described as an example, without thereby departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

As already indicated, in possible variants of implementation, instead of the system of flexible connecting elements, the motorized support according to the invention can be provided with motor means to cause the displacements in opposite directions of the carriage 5 on the guide 4. Said motor means they can be brought directly from the trolley 5, in which case the trolley itself can be equipped with its own source of electrical energy (preferably rechargeable), or suitable electrical conductors will be provided for the transport on the trolley of the electrical voltage necessary to power its vehicles engines.

In possible variants of implementation, a single flexible element, such as for example a cable, a belt or a chain, has two opposite ends connected to the structure 3, with the same single flexible element which is mounted through the carriage 5 and anchored thereon, so as to define two opposite flexible connecting elements, of the type of those indicated with 45, 46, used to connect the trolley itself to the structure 3. Similarly, the aforementioned single flexible element could have its two ends connected to the trolley and be mounted through and fixed in one of its intermediate zones to the structure 3. Obviously the aforementioned single flexible element could also be a closed loop and therefore, instead of having two opposite ends, it would be bound in two of its intermediate zones to the structure 3 and to the trolley 5, respectively.

Claims (13)

CLAIMS 1. A motorized support for the zenith adjustment of a supported device (1; Γ) selected from solar panels, antennas, emitters and / or receivers of electromagnetic waves, the motorized support (2) comprising: a support structure (3), a longitudinally extended arc guide (4), which is supported by the support structure (3) and is constrained to it in a sliding manner, the arch guide (4) having a first and a second end region (40a, 40b) opposite each other and sliding in opposite directions (A) on the support structure (3), a movable carriage (5), to support the supported device (1; Γ), the movable carriage (5) being slidably constrained on the arched guide (4) to be movable in opposite directions (B) along it, an actuation system (33, 33a, 61-63, CS), controllable to cause at least sliding of the arch guide (4) on the support structure (3) and sliding of the mobile carriage (5) along the arch guide (4 ). The motorized support of claim 1, wherein the mobile trolley (5) is constrained to the support structure (3) by means of a system of flexible connecting elements (45-49) which is arranged in such a way that: - a sliding of the arch guide (4) on the support structure (3) in a first direction, caused by the actuation system (33, 33a, 61-63, CS), causes the first end region (40a) of the arch guide (4) to the support structure (3) and a simultaneous sliding of the mobile carriage (5) on the arch guide (4) towards the second end region (40b) of the arch guide (4), and - one sliding of the arch guide (4) on the support structure (3) in a second direction, caused by the actuation system (33, 33a, 61-63, CS), determines the approach of the second end region (40b) of the arch guide (4) to the support structure (3) and a simultaneous sliding of the mobile carriage (5) on the arch guide (4) towards the first end region (40a) of the arch guide (4). The motorized support according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the arch guide (4) comprises: - at least a first arched rail (41), which is movably constrained to the support structure (3) by means of first moving members (10) carried by the support structure (3), and - at least a second arched rail (42), to which the mobile carriage (5) is movably constrained by means of second movement members (11) carried by the mobile carriage (5). The motorized support according to claim 3, wherein Γ at least one first rail comprises two first rails (41) generally opposite and parallel to each other, each first rail (41) being constrained to respective first moving members (10), particularly at opposite sides of the support structure (3). The motorized support according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein Γ at least one second rail comprises two second rails (42) generally opposite and parallel to each other, respective second moving members being connected to each second rail (42) ( 11), particularly at opposite sides of the movable carriage (5). The motorized support according to any one of claims 3-5, wherein the first moving members comprise wheels (10) which are rotatable according to respective generally horizontal axes, preferably at least two wheels (10) which are at different heights and between the which a corresponding first rail (41) is engaged. The motorized support according to any one of claims 3-6, wherein the second moving members comprise wheels (11) which are rotatable according to respective generally horizontal axes, preferably at least two wheels (11) which are at different heights and between the which a corresponding second rail (42) is engaged. The motorized support according to any one of claims 3-7, wherein the actuation system (33, 33a, 61-63, CS) comprises motor means (33, 33a) to rotate at least one said first movement member (10) and thereby cause a sliding of the arched guide (4) relative to the support structure (3), the motor means (33) being carried by the support structure (3). The motorized support according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure (3) is rotatably mounted to rotate according to a substantially vertical axis (X), for the azimuth adjustment of the supported device (1; Γ), the system actuation means (33, 33a, 61-63, CS) comprising motor means (61-63) for causing angular movements of the support structure (3) around said axis (X). The motorized support according to claim 2, wherein the system of flexible connecting elements (45-49) comprises - at least a first and a second flexible connecting element (45, 46) having predefined length, such as cables or belts or chains, each flexible connecting element (45, 46) having a first end and a second end fixed to the support structure (3) and the mobile trolley (5), respectively, - at least a first and a second transmission member (47, 48) in correspondence with the first and second end regions (40a, 40b) of the arch guide (4), respectively, the first flexible connecting element (45) being coupled to the first transmission member (47) and the second flexible connecting element (46) being coupled to the second transmission member (48), - first and second positioning and / or return elements (49a, 49b) along the arch guide (4), for the first and second flexible connecting element (45, 46), respectively, in such a way that sliding in opposite directions (A) of the arch guide (4) on the support structure (3), caused by the actuation system (33, 33a, 61-63, CS), determines the sliding of the mobile carriage (5) towards the first end region (40a) or the second end region (40b) of the arc guide (4), respectively. The motorized support according to any one of claims 3-9, wherein the actuation system (33, 33a, 61-63, CS) comprises motor means for causing sliding in opposite directions of the movable carriage (5) on the arch guide (4). A heliostat system, comprising a motorized support (2) according to any one of claims 1-11, the mobile trolley (5) of which supports a solar panel (1), such as a thermal solar panel, a photovoltaic solar panel, a concentrating solar panel, a hybrid solar panel. A system for the transmission and / or reception of electromagnetic waves or radiation, comprising a motorized support (2) according to any one of claims 1-11, the mobile carriage (5) of which supports an antenna (U) or a other device for the transmission and / or reception of electromagnetic waves or radiation.