WO2018020452A1

WO2018020452A1 - Motorized support for zenith adjustment or for elevation of solar panels, antennas and the like

Info

Publication number: WO2018020452A1
Application number: PCT/IB2017/054563
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paolo Valente
Original assignee: Ediltorino S.N.C. Di Valente Mario & C.
Priority date: 2016-07-28
Filing date: 2017-07-27
Publication date: 2018-02-01
Also published as: IT201600079421A1; EP3491735A1

Abstract

A motorized support (2) for zenith or elevation adjustment of solar panels, antennas and the like comprises: a supporting structure (3), a longitudinally extended arc-shaped guide (4), which is supported by the supporting structure (3) and is constrained thereto in a slidable way, the arc-shaped guide (4) having a first and a second end regions (40a, 40b) opposite to each other and being slidable in opposite directions (A) on the supporting structure (3), a movable carriage (5), for supporting the supported device, the movable carriage (5) being constrained in a slidable way to the arc-shaped guide (4) to be displaceable in opposite directions (B) along the arc-shaped guide (4), an actuation system, controllable for causing at least sliding movements of the arc- shaped guide (4) relative to the supporting structure (6) and sliding movements of the movable carriage (5) along the arc-shaped guide (4).

Description

MOTORIZED SUPPORT FOR ZENITH ADJUSTMENT OR FOR ELEVATION OF SOLAR PANELS, ANTENNAS AND THE LIKE

DESCRIPTION

Field of invention

The present invention relates to a motorized support for adjusting the operational position of a generic supported device, particularly, but not exclusively, for installation on the roof of a building. The invention has been developed with particular reference to heliostats, i.e. systems conceived for following the path of the sun in the course of the day, with the aim of maximizing energy captation by solar panels in general. The motorized support of the invention can also be used for other similar purposes, particularly for supporting antennas employed in systems for transmission and/or reception of electromagnetic waves (e.g. radio or television signals), and possibly also for supporting antennas employed in radio astronomy systems, for detecting radio waves emitted by radio sources, or for other devices emitting and/or receiving electromagnetic waves or radiations.

Background art

As aforementioned, the main purpose of a heliostat (or solar tracker) is to maximize the efficiency of the on-board device, which may be, for example, a photovoltaic solar panel or a concentrating solar panel. The more the panel is oriented perpendicularly to the solar rays, the higher the conversion efficiency and the energy produced, the area being equal (and a smaller solar panel area is required to obtain the same power).

Heliostats are currently available which can provide the supported solar panel with one- axis and two-axis position adjustment, i.e. either azimuth adjustment or zenith (elevation) adjustment or both azimuth and zenith adjustments. In general, such heliostats employ motorized supports that may be more or less complex depending on the number and size of the supported panels.

Heliostats conceived for installation of roofs of buildings generally require the use of a substantially vertical pole, one end of which bears the drive necessary for the azimuth and/or zenith adjustments. These systems are typically rather bulky and complex, their height depending on the size of the supported panel (the larger the panel area, the longer the pole). Installation of such known systems, e.g. on pitched roofs, is generally quite uncomfortable.

Summary of the invention In light of the above, the present invention essentially aims at providing a motorized support for solar panels, antennas and the like, which has a simple, compact and economical construction, while also being easy to install and integrate on pitched roofs. Such goals are achieved, according to the present invention, through a motorized support having the features set out in the appended claims. The claims are an integral part of the technical teaching of the invention disclosed herein.

Brief description of the drawings

Further objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description provided with reference to the annexed drawings, which are supplied merely by way of non-limiting example, wherein:

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

- Figure 2 is a partial and schematic perspective view of a motorized support in accordance with some possible embodiments of the invention;

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

- Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of a movable carriage of a motorized support in accordance with some possible embodiments of the invention;

- Figure 6 is a partially exploded view of a supporting structure of a motorized support in accordance with some possible embodiments of the invention, associated with a respective sub-structure;

- Figure 7 is a partial and schematic perspective view of a motorized support in accordance with some possible embodiments of the invention;

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

- Figures 10-12 are schematic side-elevation views of a motorized support in accordance with some possible embodiments of the invention, in three different conditions; and - Figure 13 is a partial and schematic perspective view of a motorized support according to the invention, associated with a generic antenna.

Description of some preferred embodiments of the invention

Any reference to "an embodiment" in this description will indicate that a particular configuration, structure or feature is comprised in at least one embodiment of the invention. Therefore, phrases like "in an embodiment", "in one or more embodiments", "in at least one embodiment" and other similar phrases, which may be present in different parts of this description, will not necessarily be all related to the same embodiment, but may be related to different embodiments. Furthermore, any particular conformation, structure or feature defined in this description may be combined in one or more embodiments as deemed appropriate, even differently than shown. Numerical and spatial ("upper", "lower", etc.) references are therefore used herein only for simplicity's sake, and do not limit the protection scope or extent of the various embodiments. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate similar or technically equivalent elements.

Starting with reference to Figure 1, numeral 1 designates a generic device mounted on a motorized support according to the invention. In this exemplary case, the device 1 is a solar panel, designed in a per se known manner, which can be selected among thermal solar panels, photovoltaic solar panels, concentrating solar panels, hybrid solar panels (i.e. panels combining a thermal solar panel with a photovoltaic solar panel). Numeral 2 designates as a whole a motorized support in accordance with some possible embodiments of the invention, which is only partially visible, and which is configured for allowing at least the elevation or zenith adjustment of the panel 1.

The motorized support 2 is totally visible in Figure 2, wherein the solar panel 1 is not shown for better clarity; for the same reason, Figure 2 (and other drawings) do not show a system of flexible connection elements, which will be described hereafter.

The motorized support 2 comprises a support structure, designated as a whole as 3, which supports a longitudinally extended arc-shaped guide, designated as a whole as 4. As will be explained hereinafter, the guide 4 - which forms an elevation frame for the panel 1 - is constrained to the support structure 3 in a movable manner, so that it can slide or translate in opposite directions on the same structure 3 with one degree of freedom, as indicated by arrow A. In general terms, the guide 4 has a generally overall arched shape, similar to a vertically extending arc of a circle, and is mounted on the structure 3 with its concavity facing upwards. In the illustrated example, the guide 4 develops for approx. 100°, but this is not, of course, an essential feature of the invention.

The motorized support 2 further comprises a movable carriage, designated as a whole as 5, configured for supporting the panel 1. As will be explained hereinafter, the carriage 5 is constrained in a slidable or translatable way on the arc-shaped guide 4 to be displaceable in opposite directions on the guide, with one degree of freedom, as indicated by arrow B.

The motorized support 2 further comprises an actuation system, not shown in Figure 2, controllable for causing at least sliding or translating movements of the guide 4 on the structure 3, as well as sliding or translating movements of the carriage 5 along the guide 4. As will be described below, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the above- mentioned system of flexible connection elements - not shown in this drawing - allows the carriage 5 to move automatically as a function of the movements of the guide 4, caused by respective motor means.

In various embodiments, such as the one shown in Figure 2, the structure 3 is supported by a base, designated as a whole as 6, which in turn is borne by a load-bearing structure, e.g. adapted to be fastened to a roof of a building. In this example, the load-bearing structure comprises a metal pole 7, but the base 6, if present, or directly the structure 3, may be mounted on a different sub -structure, e.g. an anchor plate associated with a pitch of a roof.

As will be explained hereinafter, in some preferred embodiments at least the supporting structure 3 is mounted rotatably for rotating about a substantially vertical axis, designated as X, to allow the azimuth adjustment of the solar panel 1. In the non-limiting example shown, the pole 7 supports the base 6 in a fixed position, the latter in turn supporting the supporting structure 3 in a rotatable manner. To this end, in embodiments like the one shown in Figure 2, the base 6 may conveniently be provided with motor means for causing angular movements of the structure 3 about the axis X, preferably angular movements up to 360°. The above-mentioned motor means, and the associated rotatable connection between the base 6 and the structure 3, may be either of a unidirectional type or of a bidirectional type.

Figures 3 and 4 show, separately and viewed from different angles, an arc-shaped guide 4 made in accordance with some possible embodiments of the invention.

In various embodiments, the guide 4 comprises at least one first arc-shaped guide or track and at least one second arc-shaped guide or track. The first track is constrained in a movable way to the supporting structure 3 by means of first movement members borne by the structure 3, whereas the carriage 5 is constrained in a movable way to the second track by means of second movement members borne by the carriage 5. As used herein, the term "track" is to be understood in its broadest meaning, i.e. an element adapted to guide a sliding or translating motion of the structure 3 or of the track 5, respectively. For example, in accordance with some embodiments not illustrated herein, the guide 4 may comprise a guiding body or frame configured for forming said first arc-shaped guide or track, along the development of which a rack can be defined, with which at least one first motorized pinion, borne by the structure 3, is engaged: the actuation of said first pinion via associated motor means in one direction or the other will cause said guiding body to move in the two directions indicated by arrow A in Figure 2. The same guiding body or frame may also be configured for defining said second arc-shaped guide or track: also along the development of the second guide or track a rack can be defined, with which at least one motorized or non-motorized second pinion, borne by the movable carriage 5, is engaged. Thus, the rolling of said second pinion along the rack, in one direction or the other, will cause the carriage 5 to move in the two directions indicated by arrow B in Figure 2.

Note that the term "track" is used herein in its broadest meaning to include generic tracks or guides susceptible of engaging with matching driving or guiding members of the structure 3 and/or of the carriage 5.

In various embodiments, like the one exemplified in the drawings, the guide 4 is configured essentially as a frame, with two opposite end regions, inclusive of plates or heads designated as 40a e 40b, between which two first arc-shaped tracks, designated as 41, extend, which are generally parallel to each other. Each first track 41 is constrained to first movement members borne by the structure 3; two of said movement members are designated as 10 in Figure 2. Preferably, the first movement members 10 are located at opposite lateral sides of the structure 3, so as to engage with the respective first tracks 41. In various embodiments, like the one exemplified in the drawings, the guide 4 comprises two second arc-shaped tracks, designated as 42, which are generally parallel to each other, and which also extend between the two end regions 40a, 40b. Respective second movement members, borne by the carriage 5, are constrained to each second track 42, two of which are designated as 11 in Figure 2. Preferably, the second movement members 11 are located at opposite sides of the carriage 5, so as to engage with the respective second tracks 42.

In the illustrated example, the guide 4 forms an elevation frame that comprises both the two first tracks 41 and the second tracks 42, each of which extends between the heads 40a, 40b. In this example, at each longitudinal side of the guide 4 there are one track 41 and one track 42, the structure 3 and the carriage 5 having, at the opposite sides, the respective movement members 10 and 11 for respectively engaging with both pairs of tracks on both sides. The tracks 41 and 42 are preferably located at different heights: in the illustrated embodiment, the tracks 42 extend at a higher level than the tracks 41, substantially parallel thereto. The tracks 41 and/or 42 have - preferably but not necessarily - a circular cross-section and may consist, for example, of tubular bodies. Figure 5 only shows one possible embodiment of a movable carriage 5, which can be diversely configured according to the shape of the supported device, consisting of the solar panel 1 in this example.

In various embodiments, the carriage 5 has a load-bearing structure 50 that includes two lateral sides 51, with which respective movement members are associated, such as those designated as 11. The movement members 11 may be - as in the illustrated example - load-bearing wheels or rollers, which are rotatable about respective, generally horizontal, axes.

In various preferred embodiments, the movement members of the carriage 5 comprise pairs of wheels 11 or the like on each side 51, the wheels 11 of each pair being at different heights, so that the respective track 42 is engaged between them. Preferably, such wheels or rollers 11 are specifically shaped (e.g. with a groove) for coupling to the respective track(s) 42. In the illustrated example, two pairs of wheels 11 are associated with each side 51.

As will be explained below, in some preferred embodiments the wheels 11 are idle wheels, particularly in the presence of the above-mentioned system of flexible connection elements. In other embodiments, not illustrated herein, motor means may be associated with the structure 50 of the carriage 5, which can be controlled to cause the rotation of one or more wheels 11 (consider the above-mentioned case, wherein the movement members 11 comprise a motorized pinion meshing with a rack defined along the guide 4).

In various embodiments, the load-bearing structure of the carriage 50 is substantially a bridge-like structure. This also prevents any mechanical interference with the motion of the carriage 5 along the guide 4 when - as in the illustrated examples - the supporting structure 3 protrudes above the guide. In the illustrated example, the load-bearing structure 50 has a top wall 52 connecting the two sides 51. On said top wall 52, a support 53 is secured for the solar panel, said support comprising in this case a respective central base 53a and a number of supporting arms 53b extending radially from the base 53a. The base 53a defines a cavity, which can accommodate electric/electronic components associated with the rear central part of the solar panel (or any other supported device), or the receiver of a concentrator of a parabolic panel.

Figure 6 shows a partially exploded view of one possible embodiment of a structure 3 of a motorized support in accordance with the invention. Figure 6 also illustrates one possible embodiment of a base 6.

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

The part 30 has two opposite sides 32, with which respective movement members are associated, such as those designated as 10. The movement members 10 may be constituted by load-bearing wheels or rollers, which are rotatable about respective, generally horizontal, axes, similarly to the members 11 of the carriage 5.

Similarly to the above-described case of the carriage 5, in various preferred embodiments the movement members of the structure 3 comprise pairs of wheels 10 or the like on each lateral side 32, the two wheels 10 of each pair being at different heights, so that the respective track 41 is engaged between them. Preferably, such wheels or rollers 10 are specifically shaped (e.g. defining a groove) for coupling to the respective track(s) 41. In the illustrated example, two pairs of wheels 10 are associated with each side 32.

In various embodiments, the actuation system of the motorized support according to the invention comprises first motor means to drive in rotation one or more movement members, consisting in this case of the wheels 10, thereby causing the sliding movements of the arc-shaped guide 4 relative to the supporting structure 3; in implementations of this type, said motor means are borne by the structure 3.

In some preferred embodiments, therefore, one or more wheels 10 are motorized wheels. For this purpose, inside the structure 3 (i.e. on the part 30 thereof) suitable motor means are mounted, such as one or more electric motors controllable to cause the rotation of one or more wheels 10. In the illustrated example there are two twin-shaft electric motors 33, each one having, in particular, two drive shafts 33a (or two opposite portions of one drive shaft) coaxially projecting from opposite ends of the respective enclosure. The shafts 33 a of one motor 33 pass through respective openings in the sides 32 of the part 30, and respective wheels 10 are associated with their outer ends, possibly with associated bearings or the like.

Since in the illustrated example there are two pairs of wheels 10 on each side 32, two motors 33 are employed, each one of which drives two wheels 10 belonging to two different pairs, which are located at opposite sides of the structure 3. It will then be appreciated that, in various embodiments, only one of the two wheels of a pair of wheels 10 needs be motorized, since the other one may be an idle wheel, possibly associated with a bearing or the like. In this example, the lower wheels 10 of each pair are motorized, whereas the upper wheels 10 of each pair are idle. In various embodiments, at least the motorized wheels 10 have a resilient surface, or anyway a surface that ensures friction on the tracks 41 for transferring the motion to the latter.

Of course, it is also possible to use more than two motors 33, in order to drive all the wheels 10, or just one motor, in order to drive only two wheels 10 on two opposite sides. It is also possible to employ a single motor and a suitable transmission system, e.g. a gear- type transmission system, in order to cause the rotation of multiple wheels 10 also on one same side 32 of the structure 3.

As aforementioned, in some preferred embodiments the supporting structure 3 is mounted in a rotatable manner, so that it can turn about the substantially vertical axis X. This freedom of motion is allowed to provide azimuth adjustment of the solar panel 1. To this end, the actuation system of the motorized support 2 may comprise corresponding second motor means.

Various embodiments, such as the one shown in the drawings, comprise for this very purpose the base 6, fixedly mounted on the pole 7 or another sub-structure. With reference to the example of Figure 6, the base 6 has a respective enclosure body 60 that houses said second motor means, preferably associated with a transmission arrangement.

In the case exemplified herein, an electric motor 61 is used, to the drive shaft of which a worm screw 62 is fitted, which meshes with a toothed wheel 63 mounted rotatable about the axis X. The toothed wheel 63 is fitted to an output shaft 64, which passes through a respective opening defined in the top wall of the enclosure body 60 of the base 6 (possibly with associated bearings or the like), the upper end of said shaft 64 being integral with the lower part 30 of the supporting structure 3. In this way, as can be easily understood, the actuation of the motor 61 will cause the rotation of the shaft 64, and hence of the supporting structure 6, about the axis X, as indicated by arrow C. The motor 61 may be a unidirectional or bidirectional unit.

Other technical solutions may of course be employed in order to obtain the rotation of the structure 3 about the axis X, so as to provide azimuth adjustment of the solar panel, e.g. using a suitable motorized actuation system at the bottom end of the pole 7, as opposed to inside the base 6.

In one particularly advantageous variant, a toothed wheel similar to the one designated as 63 in Figure 6 is fitted directly to the pole 7, which is mounted in a stationary manner, with the motor 61 fixed to the enclosure body 60 of the base 6 and said enclosure body 60 mounted rotatable on the pole 7, e.g. through interposition of bearings or the like, the enclosure body 30-31 of the structure 3 being fixed on the enclosure body 60 of the base 6. In such an embodiment, as can be easily understood, the actuation of the motor 61 will cause a displacement of the worm screw 62 along the circumference of the toothed wheel 63, thereby causing the rotation of the enclosure body 60, and hence of the enclosure body 30-31, about the axis X. It will also be appreciated that in such an embodiment the enclosure bodies 30-31 and 60 may be replaced with a single enclosure body, without requiring a distinct base 6.

In various embodiments, an electronic control board belonging to the control system of the motorized support 2 is housed inside at least one of the structure 3 and the base 6. In the example shown in Figure 6, such a board, represented schematically and designated as CS, is housed in the structure 3. The board CS, designed in a per se known manner, may include, for example, the electric/electronic components necessary for controlling the motors 33 and the motor 61 (when said motor 61 is present). Such components may also comprise a pointing sensor or implement a control logic based on predetermined data, so that the support 2 (i.e. its motors 33, 61) will be actuated in such a way that the panel 1 will always be directed substantially perpendicular to the sun.

As aforementioned, in some preferred embodiments of the invention the motorized support 2 comprises a system of flexible connection elements, which provides automatic sliding movements of the carriage 5 as a function of the movements of the guide 4. Thus, the same motor means causing the movements of the guide 4 on the structure 3 will at the same time cause the sliding movements of the carriage 5 on the guide 4.

In various embodiments, said system of flexible connection elements constrains the carriage 5 to the structure 3 and is configured in such a way that: - a sliding movement of the guide 4 on the structure 3 in a first direction, caused by the actuation system (i.e. by its motor means 33, 33a) produces approaching of the first end region 40a of the guide 4 to the structure 3, and a simultaneous movement of the carriage 5 towards the second end region 40b of the guide 4, and

- a sliding movement of the guide 4 on the structure 3 in a second direction, caused by the actuation system (i.e. by its motor means 33, 33a, actuated in the opposite direction) produces approaching of the second end region 40b of the guide 4 to the structure 3 and a simultaneous movement of the carriage 5 towards the first end region 40a of the guide 4.

One possible embodiment of said system of flexible connection elements is partially visible in Figure 7.

The system comprises at least two flexible connection elements 45 and 46 having a predefined length, each one extending along opposite sides of the guide 4, between the structure 3 and the carriage 5. Therefore, each one of the flexible connection elements 45 and 46, which may consist of cables, belts or chains, has a first end and a second end fixed to the structure 3 and to the carriage 5, respectively.

In some preferred embodiments, like the one illustrated herein, there are two first flexible connection elements 45, each one extending from the structure 3 towards the end region 40a of the guide 4 and from there towards the carriage 5, and two second flexible connection elements 46, each one extending from the structure 3 towards the end region 40b of the guide 4 and from there towards the carriage 5. Note that it will be sufficient to use just two elements 45 e 46.

In correspondence of each one of the opposite end regions 40a and 40b of the guide 4, respective transmission members 47 and 48 are mounted, each one for a corresponding connection element 45 and 46, respectively. In various embodiments, like the one illustrated herein, each transmission member includes a pair of pulleys or the like, though such members may as well include just one pulley or more than two pulleys. Each connection element 45 and 46 is coupled to a respective transmission member 47 and 48, respectively. Thus, as aforesaid, each connection element 45 or 46 extends from the structure 3 towards the carriage 5 by passing through a respective end region of the guide 4.

Furthermore, along the guide 4 positioning and/or transmission elements are preferably present, some of which are designated as 49a and 49b in Figure 7, for the flexible connection elements 45 and 46, respectively. The elements 49a and 49b may comprise fixed pins, on which the elements 45 and 46, respectively, are slidably constrained, or may comprise small wheels or rollers, or possibly small pinions (e.g. when the elements 45, 46 consist of chains).

As can be easily guessed, with an arrangement like the one illustrated in Figure 7 the movements of the guide 4 in opposite directions on the structure 3 determine the movements of the carriage 5 towards the first end region 40a or towards the second end region 40b of the guide 4. The principle of operation of the system is schematically exemplified in Figures 8 and 9, wherein the positioning and/or transmission elements 49a, 49b have been omitted for better clarity.

Figure 8 presents the case wherein the guide 4 is in a substantially central position relative to the structure 3, i.e. with its two ends 40a, 40b substantially equidistant from the structure 3. In such a condition, the carriage 5 is located substantially over the structure

3. This position can be defined as the 0° elevation position, with the solar panel supported by the carriage 5 in the lowest possible position on the guide 4.

As can be seen, the cable 45 (or other flexible element employed) extends between the structure 3 and the carriage 5, passing through the pulley 47 at the end 40a of the guide

4, whereas the cable 46 (or other flexible element employed) extends between the structure 3 and the carriage 5, passing through the pulley 48 at the end 40b of the guide 4. In Figure 8, 45a and 45b designate the sections of the cable 45 that - in the elevation condition being considered - extend between the structure 3 and the pulley 47 and between the pulley 47 and the carriage 5, respectively. Likewise, 46a and 46b designate the sections of the cable 46 that - still with reference to the elevation condition being considered - extend between the structure 3 and the pulley 48 and between the pulley 48 and the carriage 5, respectively.

Figure 9 presents the case of actuation of the motor means intended to produce a displacement of the guide 4 relative to the structure 3. In this example, the motor means 33, 33a (Figure 6) are actuated in the direction that causes the end 40b of the guide 4 to move towards the structure 3. The motors 33, 33a drive the lower wheels 10, which transfer the motion to the tracks 41, and hence to the guide 4 as a whole; the guide 4 is supported and held by the tracks 41 engaged between the different pairs of wheels 10. As can be easily guessed, since the cables 45 and 46 have a predetermined length, the movement of the guide 4 will produce the effect of pulling the carriage 5 to the left (with reference to the drawing) by means of the cable 45, the section 45a of which will "lengthen" and the section 45b of which will "shorten". On the other side, the movement induced in the carriage 5 will pull the cable 46, tending to "lengthen" the section 46b and "shorten" the section 46a. At this stage, the wheels 11 of the carriage 5 will roll over the tracks 42, with the carriage itself being supported and held on the guide 4 because of the engagement of the tracks 42 between the different pairs of wheels 11.

Figure 9 presents a condition wherein the actuation of the motor means has determined a displacement of the guide 4, such that the carriage 5 has come to be substantially proximal to the end 40a, in a position that can be defined - merely by way of non-limiting example - as +40° elevation position. Of course, the motor means can be controlled to obtain a plurality of intermediate positions of the carriage 5 between the minimum elevation position and the two opposite maximum elevation positions, as also exemplified in Figures 10-12, wherein Figures 10 and 12 present conditions essentially corresponding to those of Figure 8 (0° position) and Figure 9 (+40° position), and Figure 11 exemplifies an intermediate position of the guide 4 and carriage 5 (which can be defined - merely by way of non-limiting example - as +25° position). By actuating the motor means 33, 33a in the opposite direction, an inverse displacement will be obtained, i.e. the end 40a of the guide 4 will move towards the structure 3, while the carriage 5 will move towards the end 40b of the guide 4, so as to obtain positions of the guide 4 and carriage 5 substantially specular to those shown in Figures 11 and 12, i.e. positions that can be defined - merely by way of non-limiting example - as -25° and -40°, respectively, as well as all other intermediate positions. The control system of the motorized support according to the invention may be arranged to actuate the motor means in order to attain a continuous or discrete adjustment of the position of the carriage between the two opposite end regions of the guide.

It will be appreciated that, starting from the position shown in Figures 8 and 10, in various positions the guide 4 extends substantially in a cantilever fashion relative to the structure 3, with the wheels 10 holding the tracks 41 on the structure 3 and the wheels 1 1 holding the carriage 5 on the guide 4. In the condition of maximum projection (close to the position shown in Figures 9 and 12, or to the position specular to that shown in such Figures), the solar panel will be in the condition of maximum elevation. It will also be appreciated that in the position of minimum elevation, as shown in Figures 8 and 10, the overall height of the support 2 is minimal. The above-mentioned actuations of the motor means 33, 33a are handled by a control system that, with reference to the application exemplified so far, is configured for providing zenith or elevation adjustment of the solar panel, for the purpose of maximizing the captation of solar energy in accordance with per se known principles. Said control system also provides for controlling the azimuth adjustment servomechanism, if present. The invention has been described herein with reference to the use thereof in a heliostat system, i.e. with the motorized support 2 - in particular, its carriage 5 - supporting a solar panel 1. However, as aforesaid, the same support can be used for other similar applications, e.g. systems for transmission and/or reception of electromagnetic waves or radiations. In such a case, as exemplified in Figure 13, the movable carriage 5 can be exploited for supporting an antenna, designated as , e.g. for reception of satellite television signals (the shape of the antenna is also suitable for exemplifying the case wherein the support of the invention is used for supporting a concentrating solar panel). The control system that controls the operation of the motor means (33, 33 a, and possibly 61) of the support 2 falls outside the scope of the present invention and can be implemented in accordance with per se known techniques, such as the one typically employed in control systems for heliostats (e.g. based on the use of photo-resistors or similar sensor means in order to follow the motion of the sun during the day, or based on previously stored astronomic data), or in control systems for the orientation of antennas. The materials used for making the various parts of the motorized support 2 may be those considered to be most cost-effective depending on the application, e.g. selected among metallic materials, metal alloys, polymeric materials, composite materials, or combinations thereof.

The enclosure bodies of the part(s) intended to contain electric components (such as the structure 3 and/or the base 6) will preferably be provided with suitable sealing means of per se known types, such as gaskets or the like, so as to avoid infiltration of external agents (e.g. rain-water).

The above description has clearly pointed out the features of the present invention as well as the advantages thereof, which mainly consist of the fact that the motorized support described herein has a simple, economical and compact construction and can be easily installed also on pitched roofs of buildings and other fixed or mobile structures (e.g. vehicles or boats). The outer dimensions of the supported device, in fact, do not affect the height of the sub-structure that bears the motorized support. To this end, it will be sufficient to install on the roof or other structure a fixed anchor pole (like the one designated as 7), even a short one, or another simple, short sub-structure, e.g. a plate. Furthermore, in the preferred embodiments the use of the described system of flexible connection elements allows exploiting the same motor means required for moving the arc-shaped guide also for obtaining the simultaneous motion of the movable carriage, resulting in a lower cost of the solution, in order to provide the elevation or zenith adjustment. The support according to the invention may also be fitted, in a simple manner, with motor means for the azimuth position adjustment.

It will be apparent to the man skilled in the art that the motorized support described herein by way of example may be subject to many variations, without however departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

As aforementioned, in some possible variant embodiments the motorized support of the invention may include, instead of the system of flexible elements, motor means for causing the movements of the carriage 5 on the guide 4 in opposite directions. Such motor means may be directly borne by the carriage 5, in which case the carriage itself may be equipped with a power source of its own (preferably rechargeable), or suitable electric conductors may be provided for transferring to the carriage the power voltage required by its motor means.

In some possible variant embodiments, a single flexible element, e.g. a cable, a belt or a chain, has two opposite ends connected to the structure 3 , the same single flexible element passing through and being anchored to the carriage 5, so as to define two opposite flexible connection elements, such as those designated as 45, 46, used for connecting the carriage to the structure 3. Likewise, said single flexible element may have its ends connected to the carriage, passing through and being fixed in an intermediate region to the structure 3. Of course, said single flexible element may also form a closed loop: in this case, instead of two opposite ends, two intermediate regions thereof will be constrained to the structure 3 and to the carriage 5, respectively.

Claims

1. A motorized support for zenith adjustment of a supported device (1; ) selected from among solar panels, antennas, emitters and/or receivers of electromagnetic waves, the motorized support (2) comprising:

a supporting structure (3),

a longitudinally extended arc-shaped guide (4), which is supported by the supporting structure (3) and is constrained thereto in a slidable way, the arc-shaped guide (4) having a first and a second end regions (40a, 40b) opposite to each other and being slidable in opposite directions (A) on the supporting structure (3),

a movable carriage (5), for supporting the supported device (1; ), the movable carriage (5) being constrained in a slidable way on the arc-shaped guide (4) to be displaceable in opposite directions (B) along it,

an actuation system (33, 33a, 61-63, CS), controllable for causing at least sliding movements of the arc-shaped guide (4) on the supporting structure (3) and sliding movements of the movable carriage (5) along the arc-shaped guide (4).

2. The motorized support according to Claim 1, wherein the movable carriage (5) is constrained to the supporting structure (3) by means of a system of flexible connection elements (45-49) which is prearranged in such a way that:

- a sliding movement of the arc-shaped guide (4) on the supporting structure (3) in a first direction, caused by the actuation system (33, 33a, 61-63, CS), produces approaching of the first end region (40a) of the arc-shaped guide (4) to the supporting structure (3) and a simultaneous sliding movement of the movable carriage (5) on the arc-shaped guide (4) towards the second end region (40b) of the arc-shaped guide (4), and

- a sliding movement of the arc-shaped guide (4) on the supporting structure (3) in a second direction, caused by the actuation system (33, 33a, 61-63, CS), produces approaching of the second end region (40b) of the arc-shaped guide (4) to the supporting structure (3) and a simultaneous sliding movement of the movable carriage (5) on the arc-shaped guide (4) towards the first end region (40a) of the arc-shaped guide (4).

3. The motorized support according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the arc-shaped guide (4) comprises:

- at least one first arc-shaped track (41), which is constrained in a movable way to the supporting structure (3) by means of first movement members (10) borne by the supporting structure (3), and

- at least one second arc-shaped track (42), to which the movable carriage (5) is constrained in a movable way by means of second movement members (1 1) borne by the movable carriage (5).

4. The motorized support according to Claim 3, wherein the at least one first track comprises two first tracks (41) generally opposite and parallel to each other, each first track (41) being constrained to respective first movement members (10), in particular at opposite sides of the supporting structure (3).

5. The motorized support according to Claim 3 or Claim 4, wherein the at least one second track comprises two second tracks (42) generally opposite and parallel to each other, respective second movement members (11) being constrained to each second track (42), in particular at opposite sides of the movable carriage (5).

6. The motorized support according to any one of Claims 3-5, wherein the first movement members comprise wheels (10) which are rotatable about respective generally horizontal axes, preferably at least two wheels (10) which are at different heights and between which a corresponding first track (41) is engaged.

7. The motorized support according to any one of Claims 3-6, wherein the second movement members comprise wheels (11) which are rotatable about respective generally horizontal axes, preferably at least two wheels (11) which are at different heights and between which a corresponding second track (42) is engaged.

8. The motorized support according to any one of Claims 3-7, wherein the actuation system (33, 33a, 61-63, CS) comprises motor means (33, 33a) to drive in rotation at least one of said first movement members (10), thereby causing a sliding movement of the arc- shaped guide (4) relative to the supporting structure (3), the motor means (33) being borne by the supporting structure (3).

9. The motorized support according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the supporting structure (3) is mounted rotatably for rotating about a substantially vertical axis (X), for azimuth adjustment of the supported device (1; ), the actuation system (33, 33a, 61-63, CS) comprising motor means (61-63) for causing angular movements of the supporting structure (3) about said axis (X).

10. The motorized support according to Claim 2, wherein the system of flexible connection elements (45-49) comprises: - at least one first and one second flexible connection elements (45, 46) having a predefined length, such as cables, belts or chains, each flexible connection element (45, 46) having a first end and a second end fixed to the supporting structure (3) and to the movable carriage (5), respectively,

- at least one first and one second transmission members (47, 48) at the first and second end regions (40a, 40b) of the arc-shaped guide (4), respectively, the first flexible connection element (45) being coupled to the first transmission member (47) and the second flexible connection element (46) being coupled to the second transmission member (48),

- first and second positioning and/or transmission elements (49a, 49b) along the arc- shaped guide (4), for the first and the second flexible connection elements (45, 46), respectively,

in such a way that sliding movements in opposite directions (A) of the arc-shaped guide (4) on the supporting structure (3), caused by the actuation system (33, 33a, 61-63, CS), produce the sliding movements of the movable carriage (5) towards the first end region (40a) or the second end region (40b) of the arc-shaped guide (4), respectively.

11. The motorized support according to any one of Claims 3-9, wherein the actuation system (33, 33a, 61-63, CS) comprises motor means for causing sliding movements in opposite directions of the movable carriage (5) on the arc-shaped guide (4).

12. A heliostat system, comprising a motorized support (2) according to any one of Claims 1-11, wherein the movable carriage (5) supports a solar panel (1), such as a thermal solar panel, a photovoltaic solar panel, a concentrating solar panel, a hybrid solar panel.

13. A system for transmission and/or reception of electromagnetic waves or radiations, comprising a motorized support (2) according to any one of Claims 1-1 1, wherein the movable carriage (5) supports an antenna ( ) or a different device for transmission and/or reception of electromagnetic waves or radiations.