WO2014079965A1

WO2014079965A1 - System for orienting a device for collecting solar energy

Info

Publication number: WO2014079965A1
Application number: PCT/EP2013/074452
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frédéric NAVALLON; Pierre-Olivier PUJAT
Original assignee: Yuma Sas
Priority date: 2012-11-26
Filing date: 2013-11-22
Publication date: 2014-05-30
Also published as: FR2998656A1; CN105074349B; CN105074349A

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (101) for orienting a device (100) for collecting solar energy, including at least one element (102) for collecting solar energy, said orienting system including: a connector (122) arranged along a first axis (123), the connector being capable of engaging with the at least one element for collecting solar energy and being provided with means (128, 129) for reversibly locking the element for collecting solar energy relative to the connector, and a means (131) for rotating the connector along the first axis.

Description

ORIENTATION SYSTEM FOR CAPTURING DEVICE

SOLAR ENERGY

The present invention relates to an orientation system for a solar energy collection device.

It is known from the state of the art of solar energy collection devices comprising a set of solar energy sensor elements, cylindrical, elongated along an axis, and a means for driving said sensor elements in rotation. solar energy around their axis. The solar energy sensor elements each comprise, in a conventional manner, a duct inside which solar energy collection means are arranged, such as, for example, photovoltaic cells.

Such devices make it possible to modify an inclination of the means for collecting solar energy from each of the solar energy sensor elements, by rotation of said elements around their axis. Thus, the solar energy sensor elements can adapt to changes in the inclination of the sun's rays during a day.

Such devices are conventionally used in extreme conditions, and therefore require to meet various constraints. Such devices must for example withstand high thermal stresses, but also be protected against foreign bodies, for example sand, which could deteriorate the quality of the rotational drive of the solar energy sensor element. Such devices must also be suitable for rapid replacement of one or more elements, during a malfunction thereof.

The present invention aims to solve one or more of these technical problems.

More specifically, the subject of the invention is an orientation system for a solar energy collecting device comprising at least one solar energy sensor element, said orientation system comprising: a connector disposed along a first axis, the connector being able to cooperate with the at least one solar energy sensor element, the connector being provided with reversible blocking means of the solar energy sensor element with respect to the connector; ;

a means for driving the connector in rotation along the first axis.

Such an orientation system has the advantage of allowing easy and rapid replacement of a solar energy sensor element. It suffices, with such a system, to disable the locking means, to remove the defective element, to install the new element, then to activate the locking means.

Preferably, the connector is provided with reversible blocking means of the solar energy sensor element relative to the connector in translation along the first axis and in rotation about the first axis.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the reversible blocking means are able to activate or be activated, at the end of an assembly of the solar energy sensor element and the connector, by translation according to the first axis.

Such an embodiment is advantageous when the solar energy sensor element can hardly be moved perpendicularly to the axis of rotation of the connector.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the reversible blocking means are able to activate or to be activated, at the end of an assembly of the solar energy sensor element and the connector, by translation according to a second axis, perpendicular to the first axis.

Such an embodiment is advantageous when the solar energy sensor element can hardly be moved along the axis of rotation of the connector.

Preferably, the orientation system further comprises a hollow support member forming a closed interior volume, inside which is disposed the means for rotating the connector along the first axis and the connector. Such an orientation system, in which the rotational drive means is disposed in a closed volume, has the advantage of protecting the rotation drive of the connector against foreign bodies, for example sand, which could deteriorate the quality.

Preferably, the support element comprises a removable wall.

Such a wall has the advantage of giving access to the internal volume of the support element for, for example, performing maintenance operations.

Preferably, the removable wall is disposed substantially perpendicular to a third axis, perpendicular to the first axis, the removable wall being provided with resilient interlocking means cooperating with resilient interlocking means of walls of the support member which are adjacent thereto said means being adapted to engage one another after a translational assembly along the third axis of the removable wall and adjacent walls.

Preferably, tabs extend in the extension of the walls adjacent to the removable wall, in a direction opposite to the removable wall.

Such tabs have the advantage of allowing the elastic interlocking means of the removable wall to be disengaged from the elastic interlocking means of the walls adjacent to the removable wall, when a force tending to bring the tabs closer to one another. other is applied to the support member.

Preferably, the connector comprises a groove cooperating with an element protruding from the removable wall, the projecting element being able to block the connector, in translation along the first axis and in rotation along a fourth axis, perpendicular to the first and third axes.

Such a locking system of the connector relative to the support member makes it possible to ensure that the connector remains in place during an operation to replace a defective solar energy sensor element. Preferably, the support element comprises a central wall dividing the internal volume into two sub-volumes isolated from one another, one of the sub-volumes accommodating the connector and the rotating drive means.

Such a support element has the advantage of avoiding the transfer of foreign bodies from one sub-volume to another. The use of such a central wall makes it possible to increase the mechanical inertia of the support element, and to prevent it from sagging under the weight of the at least one solar energy sensor element. .

According to one embodiment of the invention, the orientation system comprises another connector disposed along an axis substantially parallel or coincident with the first axis, inside the closed volume of the support element, the other connector being able to cooperate with another solar energy sensor element of another solar energy collection device, the other connector being provided with reversible blocking means of the other solar energy sensor element with respect to the solar energy sensor. other connector.

Such an orientation system has the advantage of connecting two sets of solar energy sensor elements to each other.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the other connector is traversed right through by an opening disposed along the axis of the other connector, and the support element comprises a central wall splitting the internal volume in two. sub-volumes isolated from each other, one of the sub-volumes hosting the connector and the rotating drive means, and the other sub-volumes hosting the other connector.

Such an orientation system has the advantage of including another connector allowing, for example, the passage of electrical cables, from the other solar energy sensor element to the internal volume of the support element. Such an orientation system also has the advantage of isolating the electrical cables in the other of the sub-volumes, so that the electric cables can not interfere with the rotational drive of the connector. According to one embodiment of the invention, the means for rotating the connector is a rack arranged along a fourth axis, substantially perpendicular to the first axis, the rack cooperating with a toothed wheel integral with the connector and arranged along the first axis. .

Such an embodiment is particularly advantageous when the solar energy sensing device comprises more than one solar energy sensor element, the rack making it possible to have the same speed of rotation, as well as a synchronous rotation of the elements.

Preferably, the rack is in abutment against the support element by means of an elastic compression means.

The use of an elastic compression means between the rack and the support member has the advantage of ensuring the contact between the rack and the toothed wheel.

The invention also relates to a connector for an orientation system as previously described.

The subject of the invention is also an assembly of an orientation system as previously described and of a solar energy collecting device comprising at least one solar energy sensor element, said element being substantially cylindrical, elongated according to a first element axis, parallel or coincident with the first axis, and comprising a duct inside which is disposed at least one solar energy capture means, the at least one solar energy sensor element cooperating with the connector .

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows and on examining the figures which accompany it. These are given as an indication and in no way limitative of the invention. The figures show:

Figure 1: a schematic perspective view of a solar energy sensing device and an orientation system assembled, according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a sectional view of a solar energy sensing device and an orientation system, before assembly, according to one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 is a sectional view of a solar energy sensing device and an orientation system, before assembly, according to another embodiment of the invention than that shown in Figure 2;

Figure 3a: a perspective view of a closing means of the solar energy collection device, according to the embodiment shown in Figure 3;

- Figure 3b: a perspective view of a connector of the orientation system, according to the embodiment shown in Figure 3.

FIG. 1 shows a device 100 for collecting solar energy and an orientation system 101 assembled, according to one embodiment of the invention. Figures 2 and 3 each show, in more detail, the system 101 of orientation, before assembly with the device 100 of solar energy harvesting, according to a different embodiment of the invention. The common elements between the embodiment shown in Figure 2 and that shown in Figure 3 retain the same references.

The solar energy collection device 100 comprises at least one solar energy sensor element 102. Element 102 is cylindrical about a first axis element 103. Element 102 is preferably configured to pivot about said first axis member. Preferably, the device 100 for generating electrical energy comprises an assembly 104 of at least two identical elements 102, arranged substantially parallel to each other and aligned on the same side of a fourth connector axis 105 substantially perpendicular to the first axis element 103.

In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the solar energy capture device 100 is more particularly an electrical energy generation device comprising at least one solar radiation concentrator element 102 and generator of electrical energy. However, all embodiments of the invention developed in the following description are applicable to other types of solar energy collection device, such as for example a liquid heating device or a material drying device.

An element 102 according to the invention comprises a cylindrical conduit 106, elongate along the first axis element 103. In the example shown in Figure 1, the conduit 106 is more precisely formed of one or more materials comprising transparent glass.

The conduit 106 is provided at each of its ends with a means 107 for closing. The means 107 for closing the conduit 106 are substantially identical. The means 107 for closing the conduit 106 each form an end (108, 109) of an element 102.

The closure means 107 forming a first end 108 of an element 102, according to one embodiment of the invention, is shown in detail in FIG. 2. The closure means 107 forming the first end 108 of an element 102 , according to another embodiment of the invention, is shown in detail in Figure 3 and Figure 3a.

The means 107 for closing the conduit 106 are cylindrical along the first axis element 103. The means 107 for closing the conduit 106 each comprise a so-called distal portion 1 10.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the distal part 1 of the means

107 closing is a cylinder of revolution. The distal portion 1 of the closure means 107 is inserted into the conduit 106. An outer diameter of the distal portion 1 is equal to an inner diameter of the conduit 106 so as to form a seal.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the distal portion 1 of the closure means 107 is tubular along the first axis element 103. The conduit 106 is inserted inside the distal portion 1 of the closure means 107. An outer diameter of the conduit 106 is equal to an inner diameter of the distal portion 1 so as to form a tight connection.

The means 107 for closing the conduit 106 also each include a portion 1 1 1 said proximal. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the proximal portion 1 1 1 of the means 107 for closing the conduit 106 is tubular along the first axis element 103. The proximal portion 1 1 1 of each of the closure means 107 is provided with an opening 1 12, preferably threaded, disposed substantially perpendicular to the first axis element 103.

In the example shown in FIG. 3 and in FIG. 3a, the proximal portion 1 1 1 of the means 107 for closing the conduit 106 comprises a surface 1 13, which is preferably flat. The first axis element 103 is coincident or parallel with the surface 1 13. In the example, the first axis element 103 coincides with the surface 1 13. The proximal portion 1 1 1 of the means 107 for closing the conduit 106 comprises means 1 14 of elastic interlocking. In the example, the means 1 14 of elastic engagement take the form of two tongues extending from the surface 1 13, substantially parallel to one another. Preferably, the tongues 1 14 extend substantially perpendicular to the surface 1 13. The tongues 1 14 are elastically deformable. The tabs 1 14 are disposed on either side of the first axis element 103, and face each other. A free end 15 of each of the tongues 11 is cut into a single bevel. A flared end of the simple bevel of each of the tabs 1 14 forms a notch 1 16 oriented towards the surface 1 13. In the example, the simple bevel of each of the tongues 1 14 is disposed on a face of the tab 1 14, opposite to the other tab 1 14.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the proximal part 1 1 1 of the means 107 for closing the conduit 106 forms a tenon or a mortise. The tenon or the mortise is for example dovetail or T-shaped.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, a solar radiation concentrator and electric energy generator element 102 is electrically connected between a positive electrical terminal 1 17 and a negative electric terminal 1 18. According to one embodiment of the invention, an element 102 is electrically connected to the electrical terminals (1 17, 1 18) by each of its ends (108, 109). According to a variant, an element 102 is electrically connected to the electrical terminals (1 17, 1 18) by only one of its ends (108, 109). In the example, the set 104 of the elements 102 is electrically connected between the positive electric terminal 1 17 and the negative electrical terminal 1 18. In the example, a first element 102 of the assembly 104 is connected to the positive electrical terminal 1 17 at a second 109 of its ends, and a second element 102 of the assembly 104 is connected to the negative electrical terminal 1 18 at a second 109 of its ends.

The elements 102 solar radiation concentrators and electrical energy generators of the assembly 104 are connected together in series, by means of electrically conductive elements arranged at either of their ends (108, 109), or at only one of their ends (108, 109). The electrically conductive elements are, for example, electric cables.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, openings 1 181 are formed in the distal portion 1 of a closure means 107 forming the first end 108 and / or a closure means 107 forming a second end 109. an element 102. The openings 1 181 are intended to accommodate the electric cables. Preferably, only the opening in the portion 1 distal of the closure means 107 forming the second end 109 of the element 102 accommodates the electric cables.

In the example shown in FIG. 3 and in FIG. 3a, the surface 1 13 of the proximal portion 1 1 1 of the closure means 107 forming the first end 108 comprises a female electrical plug 1 182 connected to the electric cables. According to one embodiment of the invention, the socket 1 182 is bipolar. In other words, the socket 1 182 is connected to the two electric poles. According to another embodiment of the invention, the socket 1 182 is unipolar. In other words, the socket 1 182 is connected to a single electrical pole. According to variants, the surface 1 13 of the proximal part 1 1 1 of the closure means 107 comprises a bipolar male electrical socket or unipolar, or a female electrical outlet and a male electrical outlet, the two outlets being each unipolar.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, a solar radiation concentrator and electric energy generator element 102 comprises at least one photovoltaic cell disposed inside the duct 106 in a plane substantially parallel to the first element axis 103. In the example, an element 102 comprises a set of several photovoltaic cells 1 19 arranged in the plane. In the example, the set of photovoltaic cells 19 is mounted on an elongated heat conducting element 120 along the first axis element 103 and disposed along an inner surface of the conduit 106. The heat conducting element 120 can also be configured to reflect the optical rays.

The photovoltaic cells 19 are electrically connected together in series. The set of photovoltaic cells 19 is either electrically connected between the electrically conductive elements disposed at each end (108, 109) of an element 102, or electrically connected between the electrically conductive elements arranged at only one of the ends (108, 109) of an element 102. In the case where the set of photovoltaic cells 19 is electrically connected to only one of the ends (108, 109), the heat conducting element 120 can be configured so that to conduct electricity and supply electricity to photovoltaic cells.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, a solar radiation concentrator and electric energy generator element 102 further comprises a transparent and elongated optical focusing element 121 along the first element axis 103. Preferably, the element 121 of FIG. Optical focusing is a linear Fresnel lens. The optical focusing element 121 is disposed along the inner surface of the conduit 106, opposite the set of photovoltaic cells 1 19. In the example, the optical focusing element 121 is disposed opposite the heat conducting element 120. The orientation system 101 comprises a connector 122 capable of cooperating with the first end 108 of an element 102. Preferably, the orientation system 101 comprises a connector 122 for each of the elements 102 of the assembly 104.

The connector 122 is cylindrical, elongated along a first connector axis 123. The first connector axis 123 is substantially parallel or coincides with the first element axis 103, before the connector 122 is assembled with an element 102. Preferably, the first connector axis 123 is merged with the first axis element 103, when the connector 122 cooperates with the element 102.

The connector 122 comprises a distal portion 124 adapted to cooperate the proximal portion 1 1 1 of the closure means 107 forming the first end 108 of an element 102.

In the example shown in Figure 2, the distal portion 124 of the connector 122 is adapted to cooperate with the portion 1 1 1 proximal of the closure means 107, after a translation of the element 102 according to the first axis connector 123, the element 102 being preferably arranged so that the first connector axis 123 coincides with the first element axis 103.

In the example shown in Figure 3, the distal portion 124 of the connector 122 is adapted to cooperate with the portion 1 1 1 proximal of the closure means 107, after a translation of the element 102 along a second axis connector 125, perpendicular to the first connector axis 123 and the first axis element 103. In the example, the second connector axis 125 is also perpendicular to the surface 1 13.

In the example shown in Figure 2, the distal portion 124 of the connector 122 is a cylinder of revolution. An outer diameter of the distal portion 124 of the connector 122 is equal to an inner diameter of the proximal portion 1 1 of the closure means 107 forming the first end 108 of an element 102. Thus, the distal portion 124 of the connector 122 is adapted to be inserted into the proximal portion 1 1 of the closure means 107 forming the first end 108 of an element 102, by translation of the element 102 along the first connector axis 123.

In the example shown in FIG. 3 and in FIG. 3b, the distal portion 124 of the connector 122 has a surface 126 of complementary shape with the surface 1 13 of the proximal portion 1 1 1 of the closure means 107 forming the first end. 108 of an element 102. The surface 126 of the distal portion 124 of the connector 122 is able to come into contact with the surface 1 13 of the portion 1 1 1 proximal of the closure means 107, at the end of the translation of the element 102 according to the second connector axis 125. In the example, the surface 126 of the distal portion 124 of the connector 122 comprises a male electrical plug 127, able to cooperate with the socket 1 182 electrical female means 107 closing forming the first end 108 of an element 102. The receptacles (1 182, 127) female and male are able to cooperate together at the end of the translation of the element 102 according to the second connector axis 125. According to variants, the surface 126 of the part 1 24 distal of the connector 122 comprises a female electrical socket, adapted to cooperate with the male electrical outlet, or a male electrical outlet and a socket, respectively adapted to cooperate with the female electrical outlet and the male electrical outlet of the means 107 closing forming the first end 108 of an element 102, at the end of the translation of the element 102 along the second connector axis 125.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the distal portion 124 of the connector 122 forms a mortise or tenon. The mortise or tenon forming the distal portion 124 of the connector 122 is for example in the form of a dovetail or T-shaped. The mortise or tenon of the distal portion 124 of the connector 122 is able to cooperate with the post or the mortise forming the proximal portion 1 1 of the closure means 107, after a translation of the element 102 along an axis perpendicular to the first connector axis 123 and the first axis element 103. The distal portion 124 of the connector 122 comprises means (128, 129, 130) reversibly blocking an element 102 relative to the connector 122. The reversible locking means (128, 129, 130) are able to activate or to be activated, after an assembly of an element 102 and the connector 122. In other words, the means (128, 129, 130) reversible blocking are able to activate or to be activated, when the distal portion 124 of the connector 122 cooperates with the proximal portion 1 1 1 of the closure means 107 forming the first end 108 of an element 102. The means (128, 129, 130) are considered "activated", when block the element 102 relative to the connector 122. Thus, a rotation of the connector 122 around the first connector axis 123 causes a rotation of an element 102 around the first connector axis 123, when the element 102 and the connector 122 are assembled and the reversible blocking means (128, 129, 130) are activated.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the reversible locking means (128, 129) are capable of being activated or activated, after assembly of the element 102 and the connector 122, by translation according to the first connector axis 123.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the reversible blocking means 130 are able to activate or to be activated, after assembly of the element 102 and the connector 122, by translation along the second axis connector. 125. According to this embodiment, it is not necessary to provide space at the second end 109 of the element 102 to be able to disengage the element 102 from the connector 122, as is the case when the assembly of the element 102 and the connector 122 is produced by translation of the element 102 according to the first connector axis 123.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the distal portion 124 of the connector 122 is provided with a groove 128 disposed opposite the opening 1 12 formed in the proximal portion 1 1 1 of the means 107 of FIG. closure forming the first end 108 of an element 102, when the distal portion 124 of the connector 122 is inserted into the proximal portion 1 1 1 of the means 107 of closing. The insertion of a screw 129 in the opening 1 12 formed in the portion 1 1 1 proximal of the closure means 107, cooperating with the groove 128 of the connector 122, allows to lock in translation and in rotation along the first axis connector 123, an element 102 relative to the connector 122.

In the example shown in FIG. 3 and in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the distal portion 124 of the connector 122 is provided with elastic engaging means 130 capable of cooperating with the elastic engaging means 1 14 of the part 1 1 1 proximal of the closure means 107 forming the first end 108 of an element 102. The means (1 14, 130) of elastic interlocking are able to fit into each other after a translation assembly according to the second axis connector 125, element 102 and connector 122. In the example, the elastic interlocking means 130 are openings formed through the distal portion 124 of the connector 122, from the surface 126 to a parallel surface 1301 at the surface 126. The openings 130 are able to accommodate the tongues 1 14 disposed on the surface 1 13 of the portion 1 1 1 proximal of the closure means 107 forming the first end 108 of the element 102. During the translation of the element 102 according to the second connector axis 125, the free end 15 beveled each of the tabs 1 14 comes into contact with an edge of the corresponding opening 130, then slides along said edge. The simple bevel of the free end 1 causes a deformation of the tongues January 14, as they progress in the opening 130. The tabs 1 14 deform until the notch 1 16 formed by the Flared end of simple bevel folds against surface 1301. The notch 1 16 then forms a stop blocking the element 102 in translation along the second connector axis 125. An elastic deformation of the tabs 1 14 to remove the notch 1 16 of the surface 1301 can unlock the translation of the element 102 according to the second connector axis 125, and thus to disassemble the element 102 of the connector 122. According to a variant, the connector 122 is provided with tabs and the means 107 for closing is provided with openings.

It is also clear, in view of FIGS. 3, 3a and 3b, that the means (1 14, 130) of elastic interlocking, when they are nested one inside the other, make it possible to lock in translation, according to FIG. first connector axis 123, an element 102 relative to the connector 122.

The system 101 further comprises a means 131 for rotating the connector 122 about the first connector axis 123. The means

131 rotational drive cooperates on the one hand with the connector 122, and on the other hand with an electric drive motor (not shown).

When an element 102 is assembled to the connector 122 and the reversible locking means (128, 129, 130) are activated, the rotation drive means 131 makes it possible to pivot the element 102 around the first connector axis 123 by via the connector 122, so as to modify an angular position of the plane formed by the photovoltaic cells 1 19, and thus to follow the change of orientation of the sun's rays operating during a day. Preferably, the first element axis 103 coincides with the first connector axis 123, so that the element 102 is rotated about the first element axis 103. The connector 122 makes it possible to connect the rotation drive means 131 to element 102.

In the examples presented in FIGS. 2 and 3, the means 131 for driving in rotation is a rack arranged along a fifth connector axis (not shown) perpendicular to the first connector axis 123. The rack 131 cooperates with a toothed wheel 132 arranged according to FIG. first connector axis 123 and installed on a so-called proximal portion 133 of the connector 122. Preferably, the fifth connector axis is parallel to the fourth connector axis 105.

The rack 131 is mounted on a rail 134, preferably aluminum. The rack 131 is for example screwed on the rail 134. The wheel

132 tooth is integral with the proximal portion 133 of the connector 122. In As illustrated, the toothed wheel 132 is first elastically engaged and then welded to the proximal portion 133 of the connector 122, so as to prevent the toothed wheel 132 from pivoting about the first connector axis 123 relative to the connector 122. Thus, , the electric motor drives in translation the rack 131 according to the fifth connector axis which, by meshing the toothed wheel 132, transmits a rotational movement along the first connector axis 123 to the connector 122. If the connector 122 is assembled to an element 102 and the reversible locking means (128, 129, 130) are activated, the connector 122 transmits the rotational movement along the first connector axis 123 to the element 102. Such an embodiment makes it possible not only to have a perfect synchronization of the rotation of the elements 102 of the assembly 104, but also to ensure the equality of rotation speeds of each of the elements 102 of the assembly 104.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the rack 131 cooperates with the toothed wheel 132 of a single connector 122. According to one variant, the rack 131 cooperates with the toothed wheel 132 of several connectors 122 simultaneously.

The system 101 further comprises a hollow support element 135 substantially elongated along the fourth connector axis 105. Preferably, all the walls (136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141) of the support element 135 form a closed interior volume 142, in particular to prevent the introduction of foreign bodies inside the support member 135. The interior volume 142 of the support element 135 accommodates the connector 122. More specifically, the interior volume 142 of the support element 135 accommodates the proximal portion 133 of the connector 122. Preferably, the interior volume 142 of the element Support 135 accommodates each of the connectors 122 connected to the first end 108 of the elements 102 of the assembly 104. The internal volume 142 of the support member 135 also accommodates the means 131 for driving in rotation. In the examples presented in FIGS. 2 and 3, the support member 135 substantially forms a parallelepiped. A volume of the walls (136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141,) of the support member 135 is smaller than the volume

142 inside. Thus, heat dissipation in the support member 135 is promoted.

Preferably, the support element 135 is made of aluminum.

Preferably, the support element 135 has a plane of symmetry disposed substantially perpendicularly to the first connector axis 123.

The support element 135 comprises a first wall 136 disposed substantially perpendicularly to the first connector axis 123. The first wall 136 has an opening 143 disposed along the first connector axis 123. The opening 143 accommodates the proximal portion 133 of the connector 122. In the examples presented in Figures 2 and 3, the opening

143 is circular. Preferably, the first wall 136 has an opening 143 for each of the connectors 122 connected to the first end 108 of the elements 102 of the assembly 104.

In the examples presented in FIGS. 2 and 3, the support element 135 further comprises a second wall 137 disposed substantially perpendicular to the first connector axis 123. The second wall 137 has an opening 144 disposed along the first connector axis 123, suitable for accommodate the proximal portion of another connector (not shown), substantially identical to the connector 122, connected to the second end of another solar radiation concentrator element and generator of electrical energy. The term "other solar radiation concentrator element and electrical energy generator" means an element identical to an element 102, disposed along an axis substantially parallel to or coincident with the first axis element 103, opposite an element 102 by relative to the fourth axis connector 105. The other element may for example be part of another set defined in the same way as the assembly 104. In the examples shown in Figures 2 and 3, the opening 144 is circular. Preferably, the second wall 137 has an opening 144 for each other connectors connected to the second end of the other solar radiation concentrator elements and electric power generator of the other set.

In the examples presented in FIGS. 2 and 3, the support element 135 also comprises a central wall 145, substantially perpendicular to the first connector axis 123 and disposed between the first wall 136 and the second wall 137. Preferably, the central wall 145 is substantially disposed along the plane of symmetry of the support member 135. The central wall 145 makes it possible, on the one hand, to form a stop to the translation of the connector 122 along the first connector axis 123, and on the other hand to increase the mechanical inertia of the support element 135 to prevent the 135 support member collapses under the weight of the elements 102 of the assembly 104.

The central wall 145 splits the inner volume 142 of the support member 135 into two sub-volumes (146, 147) insulated from each other. One of the sub-volumes 146 accommodates the proximal portion 133 of the connector 122 and the means 131 for rotating, and the other of the sub-volumes 147 is adapted to receive the proximal portion of the other connector. The central wall 145 is particularly useful when one or more openings (143, 144) of the first or second wall (136, 37) do not receive a connector. The central wall 145 makes it possible to isolate one of the sub-volumes (146, 147) of foreign bodies, such as for example sand, which would have been introduced into the other of the sub-volumes (147, 146) by the openings (143, 144) not receiving a connector.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the connector 122 and the other connector are traversed right through by an opening 148 arranged along the first connector axis 123, communicating respectively with the opening 1 181 formed in the part 1 1. 1 distal of the closure means 107 forming the first end 108 of an element 102 and the distal portion of the closure means forming the second end of another element. Preferably, the opening of the other connector accommodates the cables electrical output from another element through the opening in the distal portion of the closure means forming the second end of the other element. Thus, the sub-volume 147, housing the proximal portion of the other connector, also accommodates the electrical cables leaving the opening in the proximal portion of the other connector, so that the electrical cables are not likely to interfere. the rotation drive of the connector 122.

The support element 135 comprises a third removable wall 138 disposed substantially perpendicular to a third connector axis 149, substantially perpendicular to the fourth and first connector pins (105, 123). The first and second walls (136, 137) of the support member 135 are adjacent the removable third wall 138.

In the examples presented in FIGS. 2 and 3, the third removable wall 138 and the first wall 136 are provided with resilient interlocking means (150, 151) cooperating with each other, and the third removable wall 138 and the second wall 137 are provided with means (152, 153) resilient interlocking cooperating with each other. The means (150, 151, 152, 153) are able to fit one into the other at the end of a translation assembly along the third connector axis 149, the third removable wall 138 and the first and second walls ( 136, 137).

In the examples presented in FIGS. 2 and 3, tabs (154, 155) extend from a fourth wall 139, substantially parallel to the third removable wall 138, in the extension of the first and second walls (136, 137). ). The application of a force tending to bring the tabs (154, 155) closer to each other makes it possible to disengage the elastic engagement means (150, 152) of the removable third wall 138 from the means ( 151, 153) resilient interlocking of the first and second walls (136, 137) respectively, to remove the third removable wall 138.

In the examples presented in FIGS. 2 and 3, the rack 131 bears against the third removable wall 138 via a means 156 of elastic compression. More specifically, the rail 134 on which the rack 131 is mounted is in abutment against the third wall 138 removable via a means 156 of elastic compression. The rail 134 makes it possible to add inertia to the rack 131. The third removable wall 138 compresses the elastic compression means 156 in the direction of the rail 134, so as to ensure the contact between the rack 131 and the toothed wheel 132.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the third removable wall 138 is furthermore provided with a first projecting element 157 cooperating with a groove 158 formed in a so-called median portion 159 of the connector 122. The first salient element 157 is able to locking the connector 122 in translation along the first connector axis 123 and in rotation along the fourth connector axis 105. In the example, the first protruding element 157 extends substantially parallel to the third connector axis 149, towards the connector 122.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the median portion 159 of the connector 122 is able to form, with the portion 1 distal of the closure means 107 forming the first end 108 of an element 102, the groove 158, when the connector 122 and element 102 are assembled.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the groove 158 of each of the connectors 122 connected to elements 102 of the assembly 104 or formed by each of the connectors 122 and elements 102 cooperates with a first separate salient element 157. According to one variant, the groove 158 of several of the connectors 122 connected to elements 102 of the assembly 104 co-operates with the same first element 157 projecting.

In the examples presented in FIGS. 2 and 3, the third removable wall 138 is further provided with a second projecting element 160 capable of cooperating with a groove formed in the median part of another connector or formed by the middle part of another connector and the distal portion of the closure means of the other element assembled to the other connector. The second salient element 160 is able to block in translating and rotating the other connector according to the first connector axis 123. In the examples, the second salient element 160 is substantially identical to the first salient element 157.

The orientation system 101 allows an easy and quick replacement of an element 102. Such a replacement operation firstly requires deactivating the reversible locking means (128, 129, 130) and then displacing the element 102. in translation along the first connector axis 123 or the second connector axis 125, according to the embodiment of the invention chosen, so as to disengage the element 102 from the connector 122. The element 102 can then be repaired and reconnected to the connector 122 or simply replaced by a new element 102. The element 102 is then positioned so that the first axis element 103 is coincident or parallel with the first connector axis 123. Then, the element 102 is displaced in translation along the first axis connector 123 or the second axis connector 125, so as to come to fit the connector 122. Finally, the means (128, 129, 130) of reversible blocking are activated, so as to ensure the tra nsmission of the rotational movement along the first connector axis 123, from the rack 131 to the element 102.

Claims

1. - An orientation system (101) for a solar energy sensing device (100) comprising at least one solar energy sensing element (102), said steering system comprising:

- A connector (122) disposed along a first axis (123), the connector being adapted to cooperate with the at least one solar energy sensor element, the connector being provided with means (128, 129, 130) reversible blocking the solar energy sensor element relative to the connector in translation along the first axis and in rotation around the first axis;

- means (131) for rotating the connector along the first axis.

2. - System according to claim 1, wherein the reversible locking means (128, 129) are able to activate or be activated, after an assembly of the element (102) solar energy sensor. and the connector (122), by translation along the first axis (123).

3. - System according to claim 1, wherein the reversible blocking means (130) are able to activate or be activated, after assembly of the element (102) solar energy sensor and the connector (122), by translation along a second axis (125), perpendicular to the first axis (123).

4. - System according to one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a member (135) of hollow support forming a volume (142) closed interior, inside which is disposed the means (131) for driving in rotation of the connector (122) along the first axis (123) and the connector.

5. - System according to claim 4, wherein the element (135) support comprises a wall (138) removable.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the removable wall (138) is disposed substantially perpendicular to a third axis (149), perpendicular to the first axis (123), the removable wall being provided with means (150, 152) of resilient interlocking cooperating with resilient interlocking means (151, 153) of walls (136, 137) of the support member adjacent thereto, said means being adapted to engage each other at the end of an assembly by translation along the third axis (149), the removable wall and adjacent walls.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein tabs (154, 155) extend in the extension of the walls (136, 137) adjacent to the wall (138) removable, in a direction opposite to the removable wall.

8. - System according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the connector (122) has a groove (158) cooperating with an element

(157) protruding from the wall (138) removable, the projecting element being able to lock the connector, in translation along the first axis (123) and in rotation along a fourth axis (105), perpendicular to the first and third axes (123, 149).

9. - System according to one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the support member (135) comprises a wall (145) central separating the volume (142) inside two isolated sub-volumes (146, 147) l one of the other, one of the sub-volumes hosting the connector (122) and the means (131) for rotating drive.

10. - System according to one of claims 4 to 9, comprising another connector disposed along an axis substantially parallel to or coincident with the first axis (123), inside the volume (142) closed of the element (135). ), the other connector being adapted to cooperate with another solar energy sensor element of another solar energy collection device, the other connector being provided with reversible blocking means of the other solar energy sensor element relative to the other connector.

1 1 .- System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the means (131) for rotating the connector is a rack arranged along a fourth axis (105), substantially perpendicular to the first axis (123), the rack cooperating with a toothed wheel (132) integral with the connector (122) and arranged along the first axis.

12.- System according to claim 1 1, wherein the rack (131) bears against the support member (135) via means (156) elastic compression.

13. - Connector (122) for orientation system (101) according to one of claims 1 to 12.

14. - An assembly comprising an orientation system (101) according to one of claims 1 to 12 and a device (100) for collecting solar energy comprising at least one element (102) solar energy sensor, said element (102) being substantially cylindrical, elongated along a first axis element (103), parallel to or coincident with the first axis (123), and comprising a duct (106) inside which is disposed at least one sensing means (1 19) solar energy, the at least one element (102) solar energy sensor cooperating with the connector (122).