Solar collector

A solar collector comprising:

• a frame rotationally coupled to a base;
• a reflective panel assembly configured for reflecting sunlight to a focal point;
• a collector assembly pivotally coupled to the frame, and having a receiver positioned adjacent the focal point for receiving the reflected sunlight;
• a four-bar linkage assembly for supporting the panel assembly and the collector assembly during movement between a generally flat collapsed position and a partially extended position, the four-bar linkage comprising:
• a fixed link formed by the frame between a pin and a first transverse axle,
• a pair of driven links pivotally connecting a second transverse axle to the first transverse axle,
• an output link formed along the panel assembly between the second transverse axle and a brace, the output link configured for translating as the driven links pivot, and
• an idler link formed by a support shaft pivotally coupled to the pin and engaging the brace, the idler link pivoting about the pin as the output link translates;
• and
• a slider-crank mechanism comprising:
• a strut pivotally connected to the panel assembly, the strut being received by a strut bushing pivotally connected to the brace such that the panel assembly may pivot independently of the collector assembly, while the strut slides within the bushing;
• and
• an end stop formed at a distal end of the strut, such that the end stop contacts the strut bushing at the end of the limited travel and provides a reaction force capable of supporting the collector assembly for pivoting with the panel assembly, whereby further pivoting of the panel assembly disengages the four-bar linkage by decoupling the support shaft from the brace.

A solar collector comprising:

• a base;
• a frame coupled to the base for rotating about a vertical axis;
• a reflective panel assembly supported by the frame and pivotal about a first horizontal axis relative to the frame and configured for reflecting sunlight to a common focal point, the panel assembly comprising:
• a central panel, and
• a pair of outer panels each pivotally coupled to opposing lateral edges of the central panel and configured for folding over the central panel;
• a collector assembly mounted relative to the frame and pivotal about a second horizontal axis parallel to the first horizontal axis and configured for collecting solar energy, the collector assembly comprising:
• a receiver positioned adjacent the focal point and configured for extracting energy from the reflected sunlight, and
• at least one member for supporting the receiver and for facilitating energy communication through the receiver;
• a pitch actuator mounted to the frame for pivoting the reflective panel assembly and the collector assembly about the first horizontal axis;
• a transverse axle oriented at the first horizontal axis, the axle having a tube and a pair of axlerods coupled to one another, the axlerods extending coaxially from opposing ends of the tube, each axlerod having an outer diameter smaller than that of the tube, thereby forming a shoulder;
• at least one panel bracket extending transversely from the shoulder for supporting the panel assembly;
• and
• a sector gear extending transversely from an intermediate portion of the tube, the sector gear configured for engaging the pitch actuator.