The invention relates to an articulated assembly (1) comprising at least
two panels (4-7) which are positioned close to a solar generator. The
aforementioned panels are articulated in pairs such they can pivot
between a stacked configuration, in which the panels are stacked on top
of one another, and an unstacked or deployed position, in which the
panels are disposed essentially in one plane, said panels being
interconnected by means of a hinge. According to the invention, the hinge
element is formed by at least one Carpentier coupling (11) which performs
the following two functions: (i) in the stacked configuration and during
deployment, the coupling generates a permanent driving torque which moves
the panels into the unstacked configuration; and (ii), in the unstacked
configuration, the coupling provides a mechanical restraint for the
panels.