WO2013017820A2

WO2013017820A2 - Solar powered device

Info

Publication number: WO2013017820A2
Application number: PCT/GB2012/000628
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steven Phillip Corcoran
Original assignee: Corcost Limited
Priority date: 2011-07-31
Filing date: 2012-07-31
Publication date: 2013-02-07
Also published as: WO2013017820A3; GB201113194D0

Abstract

A solar powered frame comprising a trunk and at least one branch linked to the trunk and bearing at least one solar panel, the frame incorporating articulating means permitting adjustment of the position of the branch and/or solar panel relative to the trunk, and the frame incorporating at least one connector for connecting to a public facility module and means for providing collected solar energy to a power source for powering the connectors.

Description

SOLAR POWERED DEVICE

The present invention relates to a solar powered device for use on public streets and highways to provide an energy efficient means for providing the streets and highways with public facilities for example (but with limitation); lighting and/or, signage and/or, video surveillance and/or speed monitoring and/or parking monitoring and/or public transport information and/or alarm broadcasts and/or telecommunications transmitters and/or WiFi transmitters and/or electrical charging points and/or electric power sockets for festive illumination. The invention further provides that public facility modules may be selectively and interchangeably incorporated into the device.

Electrically powered street lighting, cameras, speed monitors, public transport time tables and the like are known. These devices are often permanently hard wired to a public electricity supply and draw power from the mains. They tend to be single function devices. It is known to provide individual, and typically temporary roadside monitors and signs which incorporate a battery and a solar panel which collects solar energy and uses this to charge the battery. In these prior art devices, solar panels are secured in one position and so collect solar peak energy only at times when the sun is directly targeting on the solar panel.

The present invention provides a solar powered frame into which any of a plurality of multiple public facility modules can be incorporated. The frame may conveniently be ground standing, or mounted on a wall, roof top or other fixed surface. The frame may also be mounted on a ground, wall, roof top or other fixed surface mounted base where the basis has an integral rotational means allowing the base and frame to be rotated.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a solar powered frame comprising a trunk and at least one branch linked to the trunk and bearing at least one solar panel, the frame incorporating articulating means permitting adjustment of the position of the branch and/or solar panel relative to the trunk, and the frame incorporating at least one connector for connecting the cell to a public facility module and means for providing collected solar energy to a power source for powering the connectors. The power source may comprise, without limitation, one or both of a public electrical power grid and a rechargeable cell or power storage device, such as a capacitor.

Where a cell is included, most conveniently the cell is incorporated in the trunk. Optionally, connectors may be incorporated in either or both of the trunk and branch(es).

The articulating means may comprise one or more linear actuators. In one example, the trunk may incorporate a telescopically extendible part to which the branch is connected, the telescopic part being extendible by means of a linear actuator whereby to raise the branch relative to the trunk. In addition or in an alternative, the articulating means may incorporate a linear actuator within a telescopically extendible branch whereby the radial distance from the trunk to the solar panel can be adjusted. Optionally, multiple telescopic parts may be incorporated into the trunk and/or branch, each telescopic part being position adjustable by means of a linear actuator.

In addition to the described one or more linear actuators, the articulating means may comprise one or more rotary actuators. For example, linear segments of the trunk may be connected by rotary actuators arranged to rotate segments about the trunk axis, and/or rotary actuators arranged to bend the segmented trunk at pivot points between segments. In addition or alternatively, the linkage between the branch and/or trunk may incorporate a rotary actuator configured for rotating the branch around the axis of the trunk. In addition or alternatively, the articulating means may incorporate a rotary actuator configured for rotating the branch about its own axis. In addition or alternatively, the articulating means may incorporate a rotary actuator configured for rotating the solar panel about the axis of the branch. In addition or alternatively, the articulating means may incorporate a rotary actuator configured for rotating the solar panel about an axis orthogonal to the axis of the branch.

Branches may further comprise sub branches which are optionally fixedly mounted to the branch or linked to the branch by additional articulating means. The articulating means may comprise one or more rotary actuators. For example, the linkage between the branch and sub branch may incorporate a rotary actuator configured for rotating the sub branch around the axis of the branch. In addition or alternatively, the articulating means may incorporate a rotary actuator configured for rotating the sub branch about its own axis. In addition or alternatively, the articulating means may incorporate a rotary actuator configured for rotating a solar panel about the axis of the sub branch. In addition or alternatively, the articulating means may incorporate a rotary actuator configured for rotating the solar panel about an axis orthogonal to the axis of the sub branch. In addition or in the alternative, the articulating means may comprise one or more linear actuators configured for extending the solar panel away from the branch, trunk or sub branch to which it is connected.

A further optional articulating means is a lifting and/or tilting mechanism for lifting the solar panel and/or a connected public facility module away from the branch axis, for example to raise a solar panel higher to collect more sunlight, or to lower an advertising or public information display for better visibility.

Some examples of suitable articulating means conceived by the Applicant and which are suitable for incorporation into the solar powered frame of this invention are now summarised.

Novel cam based lifting devices suitable for lifting or tilting the solar panels are described in the Applicant's International Patent Publications no. s WO2005/018522 A1 entitled Raiser Seat published 3^rd March 2005 and WO2011/121262 A1 entitled Multi- Axis Manoeuvrable Platform published 6^lh October 2011. A novel gearbox technology suitable for use as a rotary actuator is described in the Applicant's International Patent Publication WO2010/092346 A1 published 19^th August 2010.

WO2005/018522 A1 describes a raiser seat for assisting a person from a sitting to a standing position comprising: a seat frame-, a seat adapted for movement relative to the seat frame between a lowered position and a raised position; and a movement mechanism for moving the seat between the lowered and the raised positions; wherein the movement mechanism comprises at least one cam and wherein the seat is supported by the at least one cam such that rotation of the at least one cam results in movement of the seat relative to the seat frame. In preferred embodiments described therein the cam comprises at least one of the following features: an integral gear; an integral shaft; an integral bearing; an integral bearing surface; an integral roller; a one roller assembly; at least one connection member; a roller carriage ; an integrated roller carriage in whole or in part; an integral roller track; an integral seal; integral sealing surfaces or sealing area; an at least one integral location and retention component; a blade; a shaft recess; a bearing recess; a protrusion recess; an externally threaded member; an internally threaded member; one hole; one roller type or plain bearing/bush; one press fit member; one threaded member; one taper edge profile; one alternative edge profile; one increased thickness section that can run the full length of the cam; and multiple blade. In the event that the cam comprises more than one blade, the integral location and retention component can be an area at either side of a main cam and/or the integral gear can have a different diameter, size, form or shape from that of other sections of the cam shaft.

The seat conveniently can comprise a guide track adapted to receive the connecting member. In one embodiment the guide track comprises a linear track located at the side of the seat in a position where the seat is supported by the at least one cam. In another embodiment, the seat can further comprise at least one thickened material section, roller, a bearing, a friction-reducing coating, or a friction reducing material, positioned along the part of the seat which is in contact with the at least one cam. If at least one roller or bearing is used, the track can be mounted on the at least one roller or bearing.

A motor is provided for rotating the cam and can be located anywhere within the raiser seat, and may be contained in a separate detachable casing. For example, it can be side-by-side, above or below the cam, or contained within the seat unit. The motor may drive the cam directly or indirectly. With an indirect drive various drive transfer components can be used, including drive couplings and meshed gears. If the motor drives the cam indirectly, the power transfer components can be chosen to allow the drive to be transferred from wherever the motor is located.

WO2011/121262 A1 describes a manoeuvrable platform comprising a planar base manoeuvrable by at least one cam operated lifting sub system positioned in relation to a back surface of the base, the or each lifting sub system comprising a cam blade arranged in a plane substantially parallel to that of the planar base section and operably connected to a cam drive in a casing, a first linear actuator operably connected to the cam drive casing and configured to provide linear displacement along a first axis, a second linear actuator operably connected to the cam drive casing and configured to provide linear displacement along a second axis and a pivoting means arranged for rotating the planar base.

Desirably there are multiple cam operated lifting subsystems arranged around the rotary actuator. In a preferred embodiment there are four subsystems arranged around the pivoting means which comprises a rotary actuator. In an option, the subsystems are arranged substantially symmetrically about the pivoting means but rion symmetrical arrangements may be used to best suit a specific end use of the platform.

A rotary actuator pivoting means may comprise any mechanism capable of imparting rotation to the platform .

In the present invention, the seat or manoeuvrable platform can be replaced with a solar panel and the lifting mechanism arranged to lift the panel relative to the branch on which it is mounted.

WO2010/092346 A1 describes a reduced space gear box comprising a leadscrew rotatably mounted in a casing onto the thread of which is engaged a nut from which extends (at a radial space from the nut axis) a toothed rack which in turn engages the teeth of a gear which drives an output shaft. Due to the confines of the casing around the assembled leadscrew, nut, toothed rack and gear, rotation of the leadscrew results in a linear travel of the toothed rack against the gear which rotational movement is used to drive the output shaft. The gear can be arranged either to drive the shaft directly or through a series of intermediate gears. Optionally the toothed rack is carried via a low friction interface, on a shaft which is also mounted in the casing.

In the present invention, gearboxes can be arranged at joints between trunk sections, branch sections, trunk to branch joints or branch to sub branch joints to serve as a rotary actuator.

Linear actuators of the articulating means may comprise linear actuators of any of the configurations already described in the Applicant's International Patent Publication no. WO2010/092353 entitled Linear Actuator published 19^th August 2010. WO2010/092353 describes a linear actuator comprising a leadscrew rotatably mounted about its longitudinal axis and including a threaded portion; a drive rod including a threaded portion threadingly engaged with the threaded portion of the leadscrew, the drive rod having an axis generally coincident with or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the leadscrew, and mounted to permit longitudinal movement along its axis and to allow relative rotation between the leadscrew and the drive rod; a sheath provided around the drive rod; and, a gear column arranged generally coaxially with the axis of the leadscrew, the gear column including a gear through which drive can be applied to rotate the gear column, and being connected to the leadscrew such that rotation of the gear column causes rotation of the leadscrew with respect to the drive rod to cause the drive rod to extend and/or retract.

It will be appreciated that with suitable articulating means, parts of the frame can be lowered and presented for repair and maintenance, removing a need for lifting equipment to undertake such repairs and maintenance. Furthermore, with the aid of a suitable control system, the position of the solar panels can be actively adjusted to track the position of the sun and enable optimal collection of available solar energy. This optimal collection can be interwoven with the national grid / public grid and it means that only what is required to be collected is collected. Optionally energy is stored for delivery to the grid at times of peak demand. As previously described, the frame can feature a power storage means such as at least one capacitor, or at least one cell and thus any excess produced power can be channelled to the cell(s) and/or capacitor(s) for use later, whether to provide to the grid during times of peak demand or alternatively, for street lighting during hours of darkness and/or rapid electric vehicle charging.

The trunk itself may, optionally, be rotatably mounted on a fixed base allowing the trunk to be rotated about its own axis thereby to reposition branches. Alternatively, as already described, the trunk may be mounted on a base, wherein the base incorporates an integral rotation means.

Optionally enclosed in the frame, typically but not essentially in the trunk, is a chargeable power cell or capacitor charged by solar energy collected by the solar panels. The cell supplies power to at least one electrical connector accessible from the outer surface of the trunk. This may be the only source of power for the connectors or may supplement power supplied to them from the grid.

The frame may be provided with one or more public facility modules. Public facility modules may comprise (without limitation) one or more of: a display monitor for displaying advertisements or other public information, a camera for monitoring events in the surrounding environment, an audio broadcast device, a speed sensor, a power outlet for charging of electrical vehicles, a WiFi hub, a mobile telecommunications transceiver, an illumination module, a power socket from which electric vehicles or portable electrical equipment can be charged. The one or more electrical connectors are configured to connect with one or more public facility modules. Conveniently, but not essentially, all connectors and modules are of a standard form enabling any module to be connected with any connector and modules for different public facilities to be interchangeable in any connector location. Modules may, optionally, be integrated into the frame or may be removable and replaceable with respect to the frame. The frame may also use induction charging means

Optionally the frame may incorporate one or more permanent accessories, for example, but without limitation, such accessories might include; a permanent light allowing the frame to serve as part of a permanent street lighting system, or a wind turbine configured to assist the solar panels in the charging of the cell or another power storage device.

The frame can be made more energy efficient by the incorporation of mechanical energy storing devices into the articulating means, for example springs. The springs are selected and arranged to store energy.

The solar panels may optionally have an undulating surface/uneven or other non-planar surface. The solar panels may incorporate additional articulating means allowing them to be folded and optionally stored securely during hours of darkness or particularly inclement weather. The under surface of the panels may optionally be used for anchoring lights which can optionally be configured to illuminate during hours of darkness. One or more additional solar panels may be provided directly onto the trunk. Such panels may incorporate articulating means in the form of the already described cam based lifting device and/or rotary actuators and/or linear actuators which enable the panels to be lifted and/or tilted from the outer surface of the trunk.

The inventors have also recognised advantages to incorporating articulating means into street furniture, such as lampposts, which are hard wired into a mains system, for example, an articulating lamppost could be bent or lowered to enable easier replacement of illuminating parts, and/or to improve lighting levels over streets or roads in adverse weather conditions such as heavy fog.

In another aspect, therefore, the invention provides a lamppost comprising an articulated frame and an illumination device. The frame comprises multiple sections connected by one or more articulating means. The articulating means may comprise either or both of linear actuators and rotary actuators arranged in any of the combinations already described for the trunk of the solar powered frame.

Such an articulating lamppost might be provided with solar panels on the trunk and a solar charged cell in the trunk much as described for the solar powered frame above.

It is to be understood that the solar powered devices described herein might optionally be powered solely by solar energy or alternatively might in addition use mains power or other climate dependent powering means (eg wind energy) to ensure continuity of power supply when a solar cell is insufficiently charged.

Whilst specific examples of articulating means are described, it is to be appreciated that any already known linear actuators, rotary actuators or lifting mechanisms known from the prior art may be suitably incorporated into the frame of the invention without the need for inventive thought and without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims.

It will be appreciated that the articulating means of the devices of the invention may be operated individually or in groups as required. In a more complex arrangement, any of the described devices of the invention may further incorporate a programmable controller and one or more parameter monitoring devices whereby the articulating means can be controlled to respond automatically to certain changes in monitored parameters whereby to adjust the position of solar panels andVor public facility modules and/or lamps for optimum effectiveness. A controller may also control the monitoring and updating of display information and timed switching on of lights and/or cameras or other modules during periods of high demand.

Some embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a device in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 shows an example of a gearbox suitable for use as a rotary actuator articulating means in a device in accordance with the invention;

Figure 3 shows a linear actuator suitable for use as a linear actuator articulating means in a device in accordance with the invention;

Figure 4 shows a first example of a trunk configuration suitable for the trunk of a device in accordance with the invention;

Figure 5 shows a second example of a trunk configuration suitable for the trunk of a device in accordance with the invention;

Figure 6 shows a second embodiment of a device in accordance with the invention;

Figure 7 illustrates an articulated lamp post utilising the features of the trunk of the device of the present invention.

Figure 8 shows schematically the linkage arrangements of one embodiment of a device in accordance with the invention.

As can be seen in Figure 1 , a simple embodiment of a frame 1 of the invention comprises a segmented trunk bearing a branch 4 which carries a solar panel 2. The branch includes articulating means in the form of a linear actuator 3 which permits extension of the branch 4 whereby to lift the solar panel 2. The branch 4 is further linked to the trunk by a rotary actuator 5 by means of which the panel 2 can travel through an arc about the centre point of the rotary actuator 5. The segmented trunk comprises a base section 11 which terminates in another rotary actuator 10 by means of which the trunk can rotate about the axis of the actuator and so bend the trunk along its own axis. An additional rotary actuator 8 also permits bending of the trunk along its axis. It will be appreciated that by rotating actuators 8 and 10 the trunk can be folded and hence access to the solar panel 2 from a base level is rendered quite simple. To bring the height of the solar panel closer to the ground the rotary actuator 4 can also be rotated about its axis in conjunction with or separate to rotary actuators 8 and 10.

Additional linear actuators, 6 and 9 are incorporated to provide additional scope for extending the length of the trunk. The at least one linear actuator 9 is used to provide linear or non-linear separation between truck sections 12 and 7 whereas linear actuator 6 is used to provide linear or non-linear separation between trunk sections 7 and 4. One option as will be seen in subsequent figures, is that a linear actuator is located at both sides of a section 4 and/or 7 and/or 12 and when such an option is utilised, if bias is given to at least one linear actuator in at least one of the sections then at least one section will be able to be twist meaning the trunk can both twist and bend. Thus the solar panel 2 is able to travel in three degrees of freedom relative to the base section 1 of the segmented trunk and can track the sun as it travels across the sky during daylight hours.

Figure 2 illustrates a prior art gearbox described in the Applicant's own prior published International Patent Publication WO2010/092346 A1 published 19^th August 2010. The reduced space gearbox 13 comprises a leadscrew 16 rotatably mounted in a casing 18 by means of bearings 15 and 19. On the thread of the leadscrew 16 is engaged a nut 17 from which extends (at a radial distance from the nut axis) a toothed rack 22 which in turn engages the teeth 26 of a gear 25 which drives an output shaft 24. Due to the confines of the casing 18 around the assembled leadscrew 16, nut 17, toothed rack 22 and gear 25, rotation of the leadscrew 16 results in a linear travel of the toothed rack 22 against the gear 25 which rotational movement is used to drive the output shaft 24. Rotation of the leadscrew is achieved through motor 14. The gear can be arranged either to drive the shaft 24 directly or through a series of intermediate gears. Optionally the toothed rack 22 is carried via a low friction interface, on a shaft which is also mounted in the casing 18. In the figure shown, the shaft 24 carries a second, larger diameter gear 27, bearing teeth 28 and with optional radial sprung elements 29. The teeth 28 mesh with teeth 32 of another gear 30 mounted on shaft 31. The teeth 30 in turn mesh with yet another gear 33 mounted on shaft 37. In the example shown, a compression spring 35 connects between the casing and a radially outward position on the gear 32 by means of connectors 36 and 34. It will be appreciated that the direction of rotation of the motor will determine the direction of rotation of each of the gears, and each gear will drive the adjacent meshed gear in an opposite direction of rotation to its own and as such the rotation of the motor 14 will determine the rotation of the output shaft 37. Anticlockwise rotation of gear 25 will drive gear 32 clockwise and in turn gear 33 anticlockwise. This anti-clockwise rotation of gear 25 loads the sprung elements 29 and consequent anti-clockwise of gear 33 compresses the spring 35. The spring 35 and sprung elements 29 therefore store energy for driving both gears in a clockwise direction when a direction of rotation is to be reversed. It will be appreciated that the manner of operation of the sprung elements can change depending on the required output from the gearbox and in this guise is intent to assist with the movement of the lamppost in an energy efficient manner.

For example, if the lamppost was bent towards the base 11 from figure 1 , then the spring elements as described above would store energy, taking advantage of the lampposts weight as each section generally moves towards the base 11. When the lamppost returns to its regular an generally upright position, the amount of power required to bend the lamppost back is reduced as the energy stored in the sprung elements is released.

Figure 3 shows a prior art linear actuator already described in the Applicant's own prior published International Patent Application no. WO2010/092353 entitled Linear Actuator published 19^th August 2010. The linear actuator 38 comprises a (eadscrew 47 rotatably mounted about its longitudinal axis and including a threaded portion; a drive rod 45 including a threaded portion threading!y engaged with the threaded portion of the leadscrew 47, the drive rod 45 having an axis generally coincident with or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the leadscrew 47, and mounted to permit longitudinal movement along its axis and to allow relative rotation between the leadscrew 47 and the drive rod 45, a sheath 42 provided around the drive rod; and, a gear column 43 arranged generally coaxially with the axis of the leadscrew 47, the gear column 43 including a gear 40 through which drive can be applied to rotate the gear column 43, and being connected to the leadscrew 47 such that rotation of the gear column 43 causes rotation of the leadscrew with respect to the drive rod 45 to cause the drive rod to extend and/or retract. The drive typically exits the casing as can be seen by the section 39 and the unit as shown is driven by a motor 41 which is fitted with a gear 40 such that rotation of the motor 41 rotates the gear 40 and subsequently rotates the drive column and therefore moves the drive rod 45 longitudinally along the axis of the leadscrew 47. To prevent rotation of the drive rod, the drive rod 45 is generally fitted with protrusions 44 which engage in channels in the sheath 42, therefore as the drive rod is extending its ability to rotate is inhibited by the engagement of the protrusions 44 with the sheath 42.

Figure 4 shows the internal operating mechanisms of a trunk 49 of a frame in accordance with the present invention. The trunk comprises three trunk sections 50, 51 , 52. Section 52 comprises an arm incorporating at least one linear actuator for extending . the arm, the arm terminating in a bracket which is fixedly mounted to the rotary driven output shaft of a gearbox in section 51 , the casing of which extends substantially radially from the output shaft and forms trunk section 51 which incorporates at least one second linear actuator. As in section 52, the arm terminates in a bracket which connects to the rotary driven output shaft of another gearbox the casing of which extends substantially radially from the output shaft to form trunk section 50 which incorporates at least one additional linear actuator. Thus, the trunk section can be telescopically extended by adjustment of any of the linear actuators and can be bent at any of the joints between the bracket of a linear actuator and shaft of a gear box. Typically in practice, each segment is enclosed in a sheath which defines the external surface of each trunk section.

Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the internal operating mechanisms of a trunk 53 of a frame in accordance with the present invention comprising three sections 54, 55 and 56. The sections substantially correspond to sections 50, 51 and 52 in Figure 4. The arrangement differs in that a second, mirror image chain of segments comprising gearbox and linear actuators is arranged in parallel, the two chains being connected by a common rotary driven output shaft shared by the aligned gearboxes. This embodiment provides for all the same articulations as the embodiment of Figure 4 but in addition, by adjusting the mirroring linear actuators at different speeds or to different degrees, the trunk 53 can be bent in a third dimension. Typically in practice, each segment is enclosed in a sheath which defines the external surface of each trunk section- Figure 6 shows another alternative embodiment of a solar powered frame in accordance with the invention. As can be seen the frame comprises a segmented trunk 1 incorporating articulating means (not shown) to which a branch which can be exactly the same as the trunk 49 as discussed in Figure 4 or a the branch can be exactly the same as the trunk 53 as discussed in Figure 5. At the branch's distal end, the branch carries a solar panel 58 which can be tilted and rotated by articulating means 57. The dotted lines show an optional second branch extending in a different radial direction from the trunk and carrying an optional second solar panel o other means such as a speed camera and or advertising 59.

Figure 7 shows a lamp post 69, arranged on a base 70. The lamppost comprises an elongate segmented trunk section and an angled arm rotatably mounted to the top of the trunk and carrying a lamp at its most distal end. The segmented trunk section incorporates the articulating means already described for the solar powered frame, the lamppost differs as it shows a base that can incorporate a rotary actuator to rotate the lamppost or solar powered frame.

A schematic of one embodiment of a solar powered frame in accordance with the invention is shown in Figure 8. The powered frame illustrated in Figure 8 features at least one lamp 81 and at least one wind turbine 82. As can be seen the device is made up of a series of linkages where each linkage 83, 83a and 83b along a main trunk section can feature at least one linear actuator such that the extension and retraction of the linear actuator will increase or reduce the overall length of the main trunk section. In addition, as described below, there may be at least one rotary actuator.

The device shown features at least one pivot point, two are illustrated; pivot points 84 and 85. The pivot points can be gearboxes and/or rotary actuators of any known configuration and optionally contain at least one sprung element and/or spring to allow them to store energy. Typically the energy is stored when the lamp 81 is lowered and in such circumstances the trunk can rotate about the axis of the point 84 and/or 85 and effectively lower the at least lamp 81 and/or wind turbine 82 towards the ground such that repairs and maintenance such as bulb replacement and the like can be carried out with ease. In this lowering process the frame's weight can be effectively stored in the spring and or sprung elements associated with the pivot points such that in the return rotation the frame portion above the pivot point can be lifted with minimal mechanical electrical energy input.

The solar powered frame as shown includes a base section 86 of the trunk on which the other aspects are located, the base section 86 is able to feature (without limitation) electrical charging points for such things as electric cars/motorbikes/scooters/bikes and/or mobile phones and the like. It will be appreciated that these can be wire and wireless charging stations and/or supply power to nearby and/or incorporate wireless induction charging. Other public facility modules incorporated into the base might include a display; a payment acceptance means which could be a mechanical element such as a slot, an electronic swipe element such as a card reader, or a contact or contactless element that can interface with cards or mobile phone apps to allow a user to pay for such things as charging or parking. The base may also include wireless networking capabilities.

As already described, the capability can optionally be modular and removable such that if the needs increase then the unit can be added to or taken from the base and if new technology is available, the new technology can be easily installed into the base.

The base optionally also feature a display device (which may be in addition to or form part of modules already described), that allows promotional and other advertising and public information to be displayed. In addition or as an alternative to a display screen, the base might feature illuminated 3D models of advertised products for example (but without limitation) over sized fake illuminated sweet packets or shampoo bottles and the like. It will be appreciated that such modules can be located at any point on the frame and need not be provided exclusively on the base, or indeed even on trunk section.

The frame as shown features one or more solar pane) bearing branches that can be connected to the trunk at an convenient point. A convenient point is represented in the Figure as point 81 1. This point can incorporate be a multiple axis joint and/or gearbox or other rotary actuator device that will allow the branch at least one axis of movement. The branch is constructed akin to the trunk, and can itself incorporate one or more gearboxes and/or rotary actuators and/or linear actuators and have all the same features and functions as the trunk. In Figure, a branch has two rotary actuators 87 and 89 and these can have all the same functions and features as the rotary actuators 84 and 85. Rotary actuators 84 and 85 and 87 and 89 or any other rotary actuator incorporated into the frame is optionally configured to self locking in at least one of its range of positions.

The branch shown can rotate and lower the at least one solar panel 88 and/or 810 towards the ground and in doing so charges a spring / sprung element respective to each rotary gearbox and/or rotary actuator 87 and 89. Therefore when the solar panels 88, 810 are raised, energy stored in the sprung elements will allow them to be lifted with little, if any mechanical input.

As described herein above, the solar panels can be configured to rotate independently of the branch on which they are carried, and can be provided with cam and/or linkage based lifting devices which enable them to be move virtually any direction required and as such allow them to track the movement of sun. (t will be appreciated that such a cam and/or linkage based lifting device can be located underneath the solar panels where the solar panel can move relative to the profile of at least one cam/linkage. For the avoidance of doubt, the linkage can be as described in any of the above Figures relative to a trunk or a branch which includes Figures 4 and 5. Independently of the panel adjustment, the branch can be configured to reposition the panel the panel to track the sun, at least one rotary actuator can be able to operate in a different plane or axis to at least one other and the solar panel itself with the cams and/or linkage can be mounted on at least one gearbox and or rotary actuator. -

It will also be appreciated that the solar panel can have an undulating surface and or an uneven and or profiled surface. The solar panels can also fold up on an evening or on a night and thus protect them from any potential vandalism and/or in bad weather to protect against weather damage. Furthermore the panels themselves on the back of the panel could include lights such that on an evening or at night the lights under the panel could be activated. The lamppost itself can also feature at least one cam and/or linear actuator and/or linkage as can the lamppost main section and both can feature at least one solar panel with relation to the at least one cam and/or linkage and/or linear actuator and thus many solar panels can be located about the lamp post main stem or main post referenced linkages 3 and 5 as well as the limb and each can track the sun.

The lamppost can also feature inbuilt cameras which can be surveillance cameras or other such cameras such as speed cameras and these can be on limbs or not and the limbs can be as described above.

Claims

. A solar powered frame comprising a trunk and at least one branch linked to the trunk and bearing at least one solar panel, the frame incorporating articulating means permitting adjustment of the position of the branch and/or solar panel relative to the trunk, and the frame incorporating at least one connector for connecting to a public facility module and means for providing collected solar energy to a power source for powering the connectors.

2. A solar powered frame as claimed in claim 1 wherein the power source comprises a public electrical power grid.

3. A solar powered frame as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the power source comprises a rechargeable cell.

4. A solar powered frame as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the power source comprises a power storage device such as a capacitor.

5. A solar powered frame as claimed in claim 3 or 4 wherein the power source is incorporated in the trunk.

6. A solar powered frame as claimed in any preceding claim wherein one or more of the connectors are incorporated in the trunk.

7. A solar powered frame as claimed in any preceding claim wherein one or more of the connectors are incorporated in a branch.

8. A solar powered frame as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the articulating means comprise one or more linear actuators.

9. A solar powered frame as claimed in claim 8 wherein the trunk incorporates a telescopically extendible part to which the branch is connected, the telescopic part being extendible by means of a linear actuator whereby to raise the branch relative to the trunk.

10. A solar powered frame as claimed in claim 8 or 9 wherein the articulating means incorporates a linear actuator within a telescopically extendible branch whereby the radial distance from the trunk to the solar panel can be adjusted.

1 1. A solar powered frame as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the articulating means comprises one or more rotary actuators.

12. A solar powered frame as claimed in claim 11 wherein linear segments of the trunk are connected by rotary actuators arranged to rotate segments about the trunk axis.

13. A solar powered frame as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12 wherein linear segments of the trunk are connected by rotary actuators arranged to bend the segmented trunk at pivot points between segments.

14. A solar powered frame as claimed in any of claims 11 to 13 the linkage between the branch and trunk incorporates a rotary actuator configured for rotating the branch around the axis of the trunk.

15. A solar powered frame as claimed in any of claims 1 to 14 wherein the articulating means incorporates a rotary actuator configured for rotating the branch about its own axis.

16. A solar powered frame as claimed in any of claims 11 to 15 wherein the articulating means incorporates a rotary actuator configured for rotating the solar panel about the axis of the branch.

17. A solar powered frame as claimed in any of claims 11 to 16 wherein the articulating means incorporates a rotary actuator configured for rotating the solar panel about an axis orthogonal to the axis of the branch.

18. A solar powered frame as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the branches further comprise sub branches.

19. A solar powered frame as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the articulating means comprises a lifting and/or tilting mechanism for lifting the solar panel and/or a connected public facility module away from the branch axis.

20. A solar powered frame as claimed in claim 19 wherein the lifting and/or tilting mechanism comprises a cam operated lifting device.

21. A solar powered frame as claimed in any of claims 8 to 20 wherein the linear actuator comprises; a leadscrew rotatably mounted about its longitudinal axis and including a threaded portion; a drive rod including a threaded portion threadingly engaged with the threaded portion of the leadscrew, the drive rod having an axis generally coincident with or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the leadscrew, and mounted to permit longitudinal movement along its axis and to allow relative rotation between the leadscrew and the drive rod; a sheath provided around the drive rod; and, a gear column arranged generally coaxially with the axis of the leadscrew, the gear column including a gear through which drive can be applied to rotate the gear column, and being connected to the leadscrew such that rotation of the gear column causes rotation of the leadscrew with respect to the drive rod to cause the drive rod to extend and/or retract.

22. A solar powered frame as claimed in any of claims 11 to 21 wherein the rotary actuator comprises a reduced space gear box comprising a leadscrew rotatably mounted in a casing onto the thread of which is engaged a nut from which extends (at a radial distance from the nut axis) a toothed rack which in turn engages the teeth of a gear fixedly mounted on a shaft, whereby when the leadscrew rotates, the toothed rack is driven linearly along its axis and in turn travels about the circumference of the fixedly mounted gear thereby to rotate the entire casing about the output shaft.

23. A solar powered frame as claimed in any of claims 20 to 22 wherein the cam operated lifting device comprises at least one cam supporting the solar panel and/or a connected public facility module the cam and cam drive arranged such that rotation of the at least one cam results in movement of the solar panel and/or a connected public facility module relative to the frame.

24. A solar powered frame panel as claimed in claim 23 wherein the solar panel and/or a connected public facility module comprising a planar base manoeuvrable by at least one cam operated lifting sub system positioned in relation to a back surface of the base, the or each lifting sub system comprising a cam blade arranged in a plane substantially parallel to that of the planar base section and operably connected to a cam drive in a casing, a first linear actuator operably connected to the cam drive casing and configured to provide linear displacement along a first axis, a second linear actuator operably connected to the cam drive casing and configured to provide linear displacement along a second axis and a pivoting means arranged for rotating the planar base.

25. A solar powered frame as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the trunk itself is rotatably mounted on a fixed base allowing the trunk to be rotated about its own axis thereby to reposition branches.

26. A solar powered frame as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the frame is provided with one or more public facility modules configured for connection to the connectors.

27. A solar powered frame as claimed in claim 26 wherein the public facility modules are selected from one or more of. a display monitor for displaying advertisements or other public information, a camera for monitoring events in the surrounding environment, an audio broadcast device, a speed sensor, a power outlet for charging of electrical vehicles, a WiFi hub, a mobile telecommunications transceiver, an illumination module, a power socket from which electric vehicles or portable electrical equipment can be charged; a coin operated payment collection module; a card reading payment collection module, an illuminated and/or animated model; n illuminating device.

28. A solar powered frame as claimed in claim 26 or 27 wherein all connectors and modules are of a standard form enabling any module to be connected with any connector and modules for different public facilities to be interchangeable in any connector location.

29. A solar powered frame as claimed in any of claims 26 to 28 wherein one or more modules are integrated into the frame.

30. A solar powered frame as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the frame incorporates one or more permanent accessories selected from; a permanent light allowing the frame to serve as part of a permanent street lighting system; a wind turbine configured to assist the solar panels in the charging of the cell; another power storage device.

31. A solar powered frame as claimed in any preceding claim wherein one or more of the articulating means incorporates a mechanical energy storing device.

32. A solar powered frame as claimed in claim 31 wherein the mechanical energy storing device comprises a compression spring or other sprung element which is charged during one direction of articulation and releases its energy during an opposite direction of articulation.

33. A solar powered frame as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the solar panels have an undulating surface/uneven or other non-planar surface.

34. A solar powered frame as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the solar panels incorporate additional articulating means allowing them to be folded for secure storage during hours of darkness or particularly inclement weather.

35. A solar powered frame as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the under surface of the panels is used for anchoring an illumination device.

36. A solar powered frame as claimed in any preceding claim wherein one or more additional solar panels are provided directly onto the trunk.

37. A lamppost comprising an articulated frame and an illumination device, the frame comprises multiple sections connected by one or more articulating means and the articulating means comprising either or both of linear actuators and rotary actuators.